Legendary hospitality

If you’ve driven by the Hilton Akron Fairlawn on West Market Street across from Summit Mall lately, you may have noticed something:

The signage is different.

This month marks the first anniversary of the hotel’s name change to DoubleTree by Hilton. Under the new flag, this legendary hotel continues to be the iconic place to stay in Greater Akron. 

The term “legendary” isn’t hyperbole. Not only have its guests included many celebrities and a U.S. president, it is also the longest continually owned and operated Hilton franchise in the world—thanks to the leadership of RDA Hotel Management Company headed by hotelier and philanthropist Rennick Andreoli.

Why the Name Change?

For more than 50 years, this Hilton hotel has accommodated countless PGA champions, various sports figures, local and U.S. dignitaries, corporate boards, wedding guests and visitors from around the world—along with hosting a half-century of fundraising events in their stylish Grand Ballroom, raising millions of dollars to support the region’s nonprofits.

So why change the name?

Some 15 years ago, RDA acquired the rights to the DoubleTree by Hilton brand, and Rennick Andreoli had the vision to hold on to those rights in anticipation of significant changes in Hilton’s positioning strategy. Sure enough, when Hilton began shifting its brand focus to 500-room urban hotels, Rennick played his hand, changing the name to DoubleTree by Hilton. It was a brilliant strategy because the hotel could remain part of the Hilton family, allowing guests to continue accumulating and using their Hilton Honors award points.

What’s Different About DoubleTree by Hilton?

The new DoubleTree by Hilton is the same beautiful hotel it has always been, offering the same award-winning service—with one delicious exception.

“The only difference guests experience is that they now receive a warm DoubleTree chocolate chip cookie,” Rennick says. “The world loves our cookies. Presenting them at check-in expresses the warm hospitality DoubleTree by Hilton is known for.”

Rennick says the new flag is also more casual. “DoubleTree is a more approachable brand,” he explains. “For many people, the name ‘Hilton’ suggests an expensive, high-end downtown hotel. In fact, many companies don’t even allow their traveling employees to stay at a Hilton because it feels extravagant. That’s what I mean when I say the DoubleTree brand is more approachable.”

The brand may be more casual, but the hotel’s experience remains unchanged—from the beautiful lobby, ballroom, and guestrooms and suites to the indoor and outdoor pools, veranda, and fitness center. But beyond the physical facilities, it’s this hotel’s people who create such a special experience.

“We have so many phenomenal longtime staff members,” says Corporate Director of Marketing Kimberly Hurray. “Some have 30, 40 and even 50-plus years of tenure. That speaks to our leadership. There is nothing Mr. Andreoli would ask us to do that he hasn’t already done himself.”