When most people think of DoubleTree Hotels, they picture warm cookies and global stays. What many don’t realize is that it all began with the bold idea of a construction company determined to expand beyond its traditional roots. In 1969, Sam Kitchell and Executive Vice President Pete Bidstrup launched the very first DoubleTree Inn — setting off a chain reaction that redefined hospitality and helped build one of the world’s most recognized hotel brands.
Here’s how the story unfolded:
Seeing Beyond Construction
In the early 1960s, Kitchell began looking beyond building structures, identifying new opportunities in a rapidly changing America. As travel habits evolved, the company shifted into commercial real estate development, with hospitality as a key focus.
One of Kitchell’s first major moves into the sector was becoming a regional franchisee for Rodeway Inns, a fast-growing motel chain based in Phoenix. With a franchise territory covering Arizona, California, New Mexico, and West Texas, Kitchell developed and operated properties designed to meet the needs of modern business and leisure travelers.
A photo from this era shows founder Sam Kitchell breaking ground on a Rodeway project in El Paso, Texas — mule-drawn plow in hand — perfectly capturing the pioneering spirit that drove the company’s expansion into new markets.
Pioneering a New Concept in Hospitality
Success with Rodeway Inns soon sparked an even bigger ambition: to create a new kind of hotel experience — one that combined the accessibility of motels with the elevated service of hotels.
That vision led Sam to create DoubleTree Inns.
In 1969, Kitchell developed and built the very first DoubleTree Inn next to Scottsdale Fashion Square. Offering upgraded amenities, polished service, and a welcoming atmosphere, the new hotel quickly set a higher standard for regional hospitality.
Under the leadership of Sam Kitchell and Pete Bidstrup, the DoubleTree brand expanded rapidly across Arizona, California, and Washington, earning a reputation for consistently exceeding guest expectations.
By the end of the decade, Kitchell had firmly established itself not just as a construction leader but also as an innovative developer with a growing influence in the hospitality sector.
A Strategic Evolution
By 1979, DoubleTree Inns had grown to a portfolio of more than 2,300 rooms. That year, Kitchell made the strategic decision to sell its controlling interest, marking the successful conclusion of a bold venture into hospitality development.
Two decades later, DoubleTree — along with other Promus Hotel brands — was acquired by Hilton Hotels Corporation in 1999, securing its place as a major player in global hospitality.
A Lasting Legacy
Today, DoubleTree operates 692 properties with more than 155,000 rooms across five continents. The brand’s global success traces directly back to Kitchell’s spirit of innovation and entrepreneurial thinking.
As Kitchell celebrates 75 years, its early impact on the hospitality industry stands as a powerful example of the company’s enduring vision: recognizing opportunities others overlook, having the courage to act on them, and delivering lasting value through bold ideas.
From building communities to shaping industries, Kitchell’s legacy of leadership and innovation continues to drive its future.