Hilton expands in Romania with new Hampton by Hilton in Iasi

The former Europa Hotel in the Romanian city of Iasi will re-brand under Hampton by Hilton, after undergoing a full renovation. The 15-storey building owned by Romanian firm Inproiect will feature 123 rooms, whose opening is scheduled later this year, Hilton has announced. “As the largest of the Balkan countries, Romania offers scope for the expansion of our brands, and we are forging ahead with a number of exciting projects across the country, including a DoubleTree by Hilton in Sighisoara which is due to open later this year. Romania’s economy shows signs of continued improvement, and the new Hampton by Hilton Iasi will provide a further stimulus to the city’s thriving business and tourism industries,” said Patrick Fitzgibbon, senior vice president, development, Europe & Africa, Hilton Worldwide. Located in downtown Iasi, the hotel is within a five minute walk from the Palace of Culture and the newly opened Palas compound, which hosts offices, retail, restaurants and bars. The Hampton by Hilton brand is already present in Romania, following the opening of Hampton by Hilton Cluj-Napoca in 2013. Other Hilton Worldwide properties in Romania include the 100-year-old Athenee Palace Hilton Bucharest Hotel, and DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bucharest – Unirii Square, Doubletree by Hilton Oradea and Hilton Sibiu. The Europa Hotel in Iasi, controlled by local businessman Gheorghe Ionescu, was closed down in 2013, after registering losses of around EUR 1 million. editor@romania-insider.com