DoubleTree Hotel in Tarrytown To Celebrate 50th Anniversary

Feb. 7, 2011 - PRLog -- 1961 was a landmark year for the United States. President John F. Kennedy established the Peace Corps. Alan Shepard became the first American in space. New York Yankee Roger Maris hit a new homerun record with 61. Elvis Presley’s “Are You Lonesome Tonight?” was the number one song. And the world finally met Barbie’s boyfriend when the Ken doll was introduced.

Meanwhile in Tarrrytown, on the eve of the World’s Fair in New York City, an event of some significance also took place. That was when a new, state-of-the-art hotel along the Hudson River, about 25 miles north of Manhattan, first opened its doors. Built just in time to accommodate visitors who would be coming to the 1964-‘65 World’s Fair, the Tarrytown Hilton entered the world as the first modern, high-end hotel in the Westchester region.

Now, 50 years later— after undergoing periodic expansions and including a full renovation in 2007— the DoubleTree by Hilton- Tarrytown, as it is now known, has kicked off a year-long series of golden anniversary celebrations. The hotel is planning numerous parties, special offers, celebrations, 1961-themed overnight room packages, menus, cocktails as well as opportunities to win prizes and discounts and much more.

“We’re thrilled to be hitting this milestone in Westchester,” said Rich Friedman, the DoubleTree’s General Manager. “For those of us who are privileged to work here, there is a deep sense of pride about the tradition of excellence that has marked the history of this hotel. The opportunity to continue this legacy is something our entire staff is excited to be a part of.”

Friedman noted that the hotel’s major improvements made three years ago were designed to meet the needs of today’s increasingly diverse business population. They include Westchester’s largest ballroom (10,000 square feet that can accommodate 1,000 people); 24,000 square feet of meeting space, 17 meeting rooms and 247 guest rooms.

“We’ve been a leader in this market over the past 50 years, having hosted more than one million guests, and thousands of meetings and social occasions.  Fifty years is a significant accomplishment for any business. With our completely re-designed hotel, we are more than ready to make sure we will continue this tradition of excellence for the next 50 years in the heart of the Hudson Valley.”

In the 1960s, with the hotel serving as a jumping off point for visitors who came to the New York World’s Fair, the business landscape of Westchester started to change dramatically with the expansion of Fortune 500 companies and the Platinum mile of corporate offices along Interstate 287.

“Today, small and medium-sized firms account for the majority of businesses in Westchester and provide us with opportunities to tailor our services to this highly dynamic market,” Friedman said. “Accordingly, we’ve seen our business events grow. Additionally, there has been increased demand for weddings, confirmations, engagement parties, Bar and Bat Mitzvahs and numerous other family and social events.”

Some of the golden anniversary offers and events planned include the following:

Remember 1961 Package – To commemorate the year the hotel opened, an overnight package including dinner for two, accommodations and breakfast for two will be available throughout the year for just $196.10.
50 for 50 – Each week, the 50th guest who checks into the hotel will receive a 50% discount on room rates, food and drinks. The ‘lucky’ guest will be selected on any day of the week.
1961 Cocktail of the Month – Each month, the hotel will announce a retro cocktail that will be offered at the bar in Bistro Z, the hotel’s restaurant, for a special price.
Who’s Who at the DoubleTree – A photo exhibit of the many entertainers, news personalities, celebrities, sports figures and notable people who have stayed at the hotel over the past 50 years.
Book a Wedding, Take a Trip – 2011 wedding couples who have a wedding of 200 people or more at the hotel at the Platinum or Gold level will receive a FREE, five-night honeymoon at the British Colonial Hilton in the Bahamas.*
50 Golden Years of Weddings – The hotel will host a huge wedding reception for ALL couples who were married at the property, from 1961-2011. Food, dancing, photos and more will stir up memories of wedding days passed.
Our Gift to You – Team-building is an important part of any corporate strategy, so the DoubleTree will help its corporate guests by bringing in team-building experts to facilitate one of three activities: build a bear, build a bike, or stocking of a local food bank. The client will receive a 20% discount on the activities, and both the client and the hotel will make a donation to the charity of the client’s choice.  

Additional events and offers will be announced as the year progresses.

*For more information about Platinum or Gold Weddings, call Linda Ferone, Director of Catering, at 914-524-6436.

Set on 11 acres of landscaped grounds in the heart of the Hudson Valley, the Doubletree Hotel now offers the largest Grand Ballroom in Westchester County. With 246 guest rooms, 24,000 square feet of meeting and pre-function space, a Business Center, indoor pool, day spa, sauna, and state-of-the-art fitness center, and Bistro Z restaurant, the DoubleTree offers a country atmosphere and friendly service for both business guests and vacationers.