When It Comes to Love, Men and Women Are Equal Opportunity Forgetters; Doubletree Hotels Provides Couples with the Perfect Way to Remember Romance Year-Round

BEVERLY HILLS, CA -- Feb. 1, 2005 -- There are certain dates we’re simply supposed to remember - Valentine’s Day, birthdays, anniversaries - yet a surprising number of Americans forget them anyway. While one in three men (31 percent) say they have forgotten Valentine’s Day, one in three women (30 percent) forget the special day they said “I do,” according to the second annual “Romance in America” Survey conducted on behalf of Doubletree(R) Hotels (NYSE:HLT).


Nearly half of all Americans surveyed (45 percent) have forgotten Valentine’s Day, a birthday or an anniversary at least once in that order. Couples can’t use the little ones as an excuse either. Couples without children at home are just as likely to forget these dates (75 percent of survey respondents) as parents facing diapers, homework and school lunches (79 percent of survey respondents).

Americans today are looking for more than the traditional gifts as an expression of romance. As a matter of fact, a majority of those surveyed felt that a romantic getaway is the best Valentine’s Day gift (42 percent). One in four men (25 percent) say getting tickets to an event is the best gift, while one in four women (25 percent) dream of flowers for Valentine’s Day.

“There are certain dates we’re simply supposed to remember and, as if it isn’t challenging enough, we don’t even agree on how to celebrate special occasions,” said Dianna Vaughan, vice president of brand marketing for Doubletree. “When, or if, we do remember, there’s huge pressure to be creative - and often at a moment’s notice.”

With the first of several romantic holidays rapidly approaching, Doubletree Hotels comes to the rescue of forgetful couples with an easy, convenient and fun way to remember romance with their Sweet Romance Getaway(TM) package. Available at more than 150 relaxing hotels and resorts throughout the U.S., Canada and Latin America, couples who book a Doubletree Sweet Romance Getaway receive deluxe accommodations for two; early check-in and late check-out (upon request, based on availability); a bottle of sparkling wine(1) or sparkling cider delivered to room upon arrival and breakfast served in-room or at the hotel restaurant. Guests who extend their trips beyond one night can also purchase one lunch or dinner entree and get a second of equal or lesser value free on additional night stays.(2)

One of the unique ways the Doubletree Sweet Romance Getaway takes the extra step out of planning quality time together is through a unique Sweet Romance Selections menu, provided to guests upon check-in. The menu, which is developed with recommendations by employees at each Doubletree hotel, is an easy-to-read resource that provides couples with a local guide to romantic hot spots and activities in the area.

Doubletree also has taken some extra steps to remind today’s couples of reasons to celebrate romance on their Sweet Romance Getaway website at www.doubletree.com/romance. From this romance resource, couples can rediscover 10 top occasions to celebrate romance, 10 easy ways to show you care about the one you love as well as 10 romantic Doubletree destinations to enjoy a Sweet Romance Getaway across North America. Throughout the month of February, visitors to the website also can enter to win one of 10 romantic two-night Sweet Romance Getaways to any Doubletree hotel in the U.S. or Canada.(3)

For those road warriors who might be away on Valentine’s Day or another romantic occasion, the year-round Doubletree Sweet Romance Getaway makes it possible for couples to plan that special time together when it fits their schedules.

“With the daily demands of a busy lifestyle, it’s challenging to remember and celebrate the special occasions near to your - or your significant other’s - heart. Our Doubletree team members care enough to make sure that the memories from a Doubletree Sweet Romance Getaway will last long after the chocolates and flowers have disappeared,” added Vaughan.

Doubletree Sweet Romance Getaway rates are per room, per night for standard room accommodations and amenities are upon request, based on availability. Participating hotels, rates and dates of availability may vary and are subject to change. This offer cannot be combined with any other promotional offer, award or meeting/group stay. Travel agent commission will be applied to paid nights of stay only. Please mention booking code ROM when booking your Sweet Romance Getaway reservation.

To make a romance reservation anytime throughout the year, couples can visit our Sweet Romance Getaway website at www.doubletree.com/romance, contact their local travel professional or call 1-800-222-TREE in the U.S. or Canada.

About the Romance in America Survey

Kelton Research (an independent research firm) conducted the second-annual Romance in America Survey on behalf of Doubletree Hotels between January 21-24, 2005 using Random Digit Dialing of both listed and unlisted telephone numbers. One thousand individuals were interviewed. Quotas are set on completed interviews by four variables: age, sex, geographic region and race, to ensure reliable and accurate representation of the total U.S. population, 18 years of age and older.

About Doubletree Hotels

With a growing collection of contemporary, upscale accommodations in more than 150 gateway cities, metropolitan areas and vacation destinations throughout the U.S., Canada and Latin America, Doubletree Hotels, Guest Suites, Resorts and Clubs are distinctively designed properties that provide true comfort to today’s business and leisure travelers. From the millions of delighted hotel guests who are welcomed with the brand’s legendary, warm chocolate chip cookies at check-in to the advantages of the award-winning Hilton HHonors(R) guest reward program, each Doubletree guest receives a satisfying stay wherever their travels take them. For further information or make reservations for any Doubletree hotel, visit our consumer website at www.doubletree.com or call l-800-222-TREE in the U.S. and Canada.

(1) -- Subject to state and local laws. Must be of legal drinking age.

(2) -- At Doubletree Club locations, extra nights include breakfast each morning in place of the lunch or dinner offer.

(3) -- No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. Entrants must be 18 years of age or older. Sweepstakes starts January 31, 2005 and ends February 28, 2005. Go to www.doubletree.com/romance for complete Official Rules.

Contact Information

Thomas Wingham

Media Contact

Doubletree Brand Communications

Contact via E-mail