SANTA BARBARA, Calif., Oct. 2, 2017 — Hilton (NYSE: HLT) and the Fess Parker family, announce the first phase of a complete renovation and rebrand of The Fess Parker, A Doubletree by Hilton Resort. Upon completion, the hotel will be known as Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort. Originally built in 1986, the property will remain managed by Hilton and jointly owned by Park Hotels & Resorts (PK-NYSE) along with Fess Parker's children who are proud to continue their 30-year partnership with Hilton.
"We are fortunate to have an operating partner in Hilton, whose properties around the globe are synonymous with the highest standards and service for their guests," said Eli and Ashley Parker, son and daughter of Fess Parker. "We are certain that our father would be proud to know that the world-class resort that he envisioned for Santa Barbara – and then proceeded to build thirty years ago – will see its potential fully maximized in its new incarnation as a Hilton Hotels & Resorts branded property."
"We are thrilled to be a part of the legacy of the Fess Parker family and this magical seaside property," said Joe Berger, area president, Americas, Hilton. "Besides the magnificent views and location, the newly renovated hotel is poised to redefine the guest experience under our flagship brand, Hilton Hotels & Resorts."
The two-pronged phases of the interior renovation is slated to begin in October 2017 with a projected 2018 completion. Phase one of the revitalization project starts with a full refurbishment of the guest rooms, lobby, Roundhouse Restaurant and Java Del Mar, the resort's grab-and-go coffee bar. The guest room renovation project will advance one building at a time, with the rest of the resort's lodging options remaining open to guests.
Phase two of the renovation will begin in January 2018 and will consist of the resort's extensive meeting space, including two ballrooms, the ballrooms' foyers, numerous meeting rooms and the public restrooms nearby.
The entire renovation is anticipated to be completed in Q2 2018 when the property will be reintroduced as Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort. While the hotel will receive a new name to match its new look, the guarantee that Fess Parker's legacy will live on will remain unchanged. The resort will continue offering the same attention to detail and dedication to providing a first-class visitor experience that has always made this Santa Barbara landmark a place where people feel right at home.
