New DoubleTree in the works for Lafayette, Ind.

Hilton Worldwide and Dora Hotel Company began construction on the new DoubleTree by Hilton Lafayette East hotel in Lafayette, Ind. The newly renovated six-story, 128-room hotel and conference center will be located on the site of the former Best Western Lafayette Executive Plaza & Conference Center and will have a full-service restaurant, indoor pool and almost 4,300 square feet of meeting space. Dora Hotel Company, based in Fishers, Ind., will operate the hotel when it opens in late 2017.

"We are thrilled to introduce the DoubleTree by Hilton brand to the Lafayette community and offer visitors a new, upscale full-service hotel," said Tim Dora, president of Dora Hotel Company. "With Interstate 65 access next door and Purdue University down the street, this is an ideal location for business and leisure guests and we look forward to 'wowing' them with our award-winning service, positive and inviting culture, and the phenomenal sleek design of our new hotel."

The hotel's interior will use a color palette and materials that pay homage to Lafayette's Purdue University, with hints of black and gold. Hotel amenities will include Wi-Fi throughout the hotel's public areas and guest rooms, a 24-hour business center, a 24-hour fitness center and indoor pool. Almost 4,300 square feet of meeting space, which includes a ballroom with three breakout meeting rooms, pre-function space and a board room, is available for social and business events. The hotel will also have a restaurant on the first floor called Made Market offering a full breakfast, lunch and dinner menu as well as a bar open to hotel guests and the general public.

"With this renovation, we expect DoubleTree by Hilton Lafayette East to be a premier destination for business and leisure travelers visiting the area," said Dianna Vaughan, SVP and global head, DoubleTree by Hilton and Curio - A Collection by Hilton. "DoubleTree by Hilton takes pride in being a 'champion of everyday niceness' - starting with our warm chocolate chip cookies. We look forward to welcoming guests with our globally-renowned service from the moment they enter the hotel and continuing throughout their stay."

"This project couldn't have happened without the support of the mayor, Tony Roswarski, and the encouragement from the director of economic development, Dennis Carson," said Tim Dora. "With the support and willingness of Centier Bank and Purdue Federal Credit Union to provide financing for the project, we have been able to create a product that will provide a first class entrance to the city of Lafayette."