FDD Analysis Report
DoubleTree by Hilton
Hilton Franchise Holding LLC
Key Metrics At-a-Glance
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of gross sales
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of gross sales
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N/A
Not disclosed
About This Franchise
5 min read## Executive Summary
DoubleTree by Hilton is an upscale full-service hotel brand known for its warm hospitality, symbolized by the signature warm chocolate chip cookie greeting. With 360 US locations and the backing of Hilton Worldwide, DoubleTree offers franchisees an established brand in the upper upscale segment.
## Investment Overview
| Investment Component | Amount | |---------------------|--------| | New Construction 250-room | 30,550,859 - 105,621,829 | | Total Investment Range | 30,480,000 - 122,540,000 | | Fees to Franchisor | Up to 506,375 | | Application Fee | 75,000 plus 400 per room above 250 | | Ownership Transfer Fee | 150,000 | | Royalty Fee | 5 percent of gross room revenue | | Marketing Fee | Additional percentage | | Optional eforea Spa | Up to 4,000,000 plus 25,000 fee |
Note: Investment excludes real property.
## Financial Performance
DoubleTree delivers upscale full-service performance with yearly gross sales averaging 4,803,150 dollars, estimated earnings of 720,473 to 960,630 dollars, premium ADR in upscale segment, and Hilton Honors loyalty member demand.
## Training and Support
Hilton provides comprehensive support including Initial Training at Hilton facilities, Pre-Opening Support with systems implementation, Revenue Management with pricing optimization, Marketing Support with national campaigns, eforea Spa option for wellness amenities, and Hilton Honors Integration connecting to 190 plus million members.
## Network Statistics
DoubleTree operates a significant US network with 360 US locations, 100 percent franchised with zero corporate-owned, Hilton Franchise Holding LLC franchisor, warm cookie hospitality differentiator, and DoubleTree and DoubleTree Suites brand variants.
## Competitive Analysis
Strengths include warm cookie hospitality differentiator, Hilton Honors loyalty program access, 5 percent royalty competitive for upscale, comprehensive Hilton support, and eforea spa option.
Weaknesses include very high investment threshold, full-service complexity and staffing, competition from established upscale brands, and extended payback period.
Key Competitors include Marriott Hotels and Resorts as largest full-service brand, Radisson Hotels with full-service positioning, Hyatt Regency with premium upscale, and InterContinental Hotels with IHG backing.
## Risk Factors
1. Capital Intensity: Very high investment required 2. Full-Service Complexity: Restaurants and amenities add cost 3. Staffing: Full-service requires significant employees 4. Economic Sensitivity: Upscale hotels affected by downturns 5. Payback Period: Extended timeline to recover investment
## Investment Recommendation
Target Investor Profile includes institutional hospitality investors, full-service hotel developers, and high-net-worth individuals. DoubleTree is ideal for investors seeking established upscale brand, Hilton Honors loyalty access, warm hospitality differentiation, and comprehensive Hilton support.
Suitability Score is 7.5 out of 10. DoubleTree offers solid upscale full-service investment opportunity for investors who can meet the substantial capital requirements.
Ongoing Fees
| Fee Type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Royalty | See FDD of Gross Revenue | - |
| Brand Fund | See FDD of Gross Revenue | - |
Item 19: Financial Performance Representations
No Financial Performance Representations
This franchisor does not provide Item 19 financial performance representations. Approximately 35% of franchisors choose to disclose this information.
Recommendation: Request financial information directly from existing franchisees listed in Exhibit I during your due diligence. Contact 10-15 franchisees to gather revenue and profitability data before making an investment decision.
Learn more about Item 19 disclosures →Risk Assessment
Items to Review
No notable items identified
Positive Indicators
Review FDD for positive factors
Due Diligence Recommendations
Contact 10-15 existing franchisees to gather operational and financial insights
Franchisee interviews are the most valuable source of information about day-to-day operations and realistic financial expectations.
Have a franchise attorney review the Franchise Agreement
Professional legal review can identify unfavorable terms and potential negotiation points.
Research local market conditions and competition
Understanding your specific market is essential for success, regardless of system-wide performance.
Download Complete FDD
Access the full Franchise Disclosure Document including all 23 items, exhibits, and financial statements.
Learn More About FDDs
New to franchise investing? Our educational guides will help you understand what to look for in the DoubleTree by Hilton FDD.
The Ultimate Guide to FDDs
Learn how to read and analyze Franchise Disclosure Documents
Understanding Item 7: Initial Investment
How to evaluate franchise investment costs
FDD Item 5: Initial Fees Explained
What you pay upfront to become a franchisee
Item 20: Franchisee Information
Analyze system growth and contact franchisees
About DoubleTree by Hilton Franchise
DoubleTree by Hilton is a franchise that offers entrepreneurs the opportunity to own and operate their own business within an established system. As of the 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchise continues to expand its footprint nationwide. This analysis provides prospective franchisees with key insights from the FDD to support informed investment decisions.
DoubleTree by Hilton Franchise Cost
The total initial investment required to open a DoubleTree by Hilton franchise ranges from See FDD for details. This investment includes the initial franchise fee of See FDD for details, along with expenses for real estate, equipment, inventory, training, and working capital to sustain operations during the initial period. Ongoing fees include a royalty fee of See FDD of gross sales. Prospective franchisees should review Item 7 of the FDD for a complete breakdown of estimated initial investment costs.
DoubleTree by Hilton Item 19 Financial Performance
DoubleTree by Hilton does not provide financial performance representations in Item 19 of their FDD. Approximately 35% of franchisors choose to disclose this information. Without franchisor-provided financial data, prospective franchisees should contact existing franchisees directly to gather information about revenue, expenses, and profitability. The franchisee contact list in Exhibit I provides names and contact information for current and former franchise owners.
DoubleTree by Hilton Franchise Growth and System Health
The DoubleTree by Hilton franchise system has shown stable performance based on unit count data from Item 20 of the FDD. Prospective franchisees should examine the historical data on unit openings, closings, and transfers to understand the system's trajectory and identify any concerning trends.
DoubleTree by Hilton Franchise Investment Considerations
The DoubleTree by Hilton FDD contains important disclosures that prospective franchisees should carefully review before making an investment decision. Key factors to evaluate include the franchise fee structure, ongoing royalty requirements, territory rights, termination history, and franchisor support systems. Every franchise investment carries risk, and this analysis should be combined with professional legal and financial advice. Review the complete FDD and speak with current franchisees to gain a comprehensive understanding of the opportunity.
Due Diligence Recommendations for DoubleTree by Hilton
Before investing in a DoubleTree by Hilton franchise, prospective franchisees should:
- Contact multiple existing franchisees to gather operational and financial insights
- Have a franchise attorney review the Franchise Agreement and all exhibits
- Research local market conditions and competitive landscape
- Develop a detailed business plan with realistic financial projections
- Verify all information provided by the franchisor independently
Download the DoubleTree by Hilton FDD
Access the complete DoubleTree by Hilton Franchise Disclosure Document, including all 23 Items, exhibits, franchise agreement, and audited financial statements. FreeFDDs™ provides free access to FDDs to promote franchise transparency and help prospective franchisees make informed decisions. The FDD contains critical information that should be reviewed in its entirety before making any investment decision.
Disclaimer
This analysis report is provided for informational purposes only. The data presented has been extracted from the Franchise Disclosure Document and may contain errors or omissions.
Prospective franchisees should conduct their own due diligence, review the complete FDD document, and consult with qualified legal and financial advisors before making any investment decisions.