Are you searching for the perfect blend of waterfront charm, Southern hospitality, and modern comfort for your next New Bern getaway? Look no further than the Double Tree by Hilton New Bern Riverfront—where exceptional service meets breathtaking views in historic coastal Carolina.
Discover why savvy travelers consistently choose this premier hotel for both business and leisure visits to one of North Carolina’s most charming destinations.
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Introduction: The Waterfront Gem of New Bern
Nestled along the picturesque convergence of the Neuse and Trent Rivers, DoubleTree by Hilton New Bern stands as an iconic landmark in this historic colonial town. From the moment you’re greeted with their signature warm chocolate chip cookie to your final farewell, this riverside retreat offers an authentic taste of Southern hospitality combined with the world-class standards you expect from the Hilton brand.
This waterfront hotel doesn’t just offer a place to stay—it provides a gateway to experiencing New Bern’s rich 300-year history, thriving arts scene, and natural beauty while enjoying premium accommodations that cater to every need. Whether you’re visiting for business, celebrating a special occasion, or simply exploring eastern North Carolina’s coastal charms, the DoubleTree creates the perfect foundation for memorable experiences.
Exceptional Accommodations with Riverside Perspective
The hotel features 171 thoughtfully appointed guest rooms and suites, many showcasing spectacular river views through floor-to-ceiling windows. Each room combines classic comfort with modern necessities, including plush Sweet Dreams® beds, 42-inch HDTVs, ergonomic workstations, and complimentary high-speed internet access.
Upgrade to a river-view suite to enhance your stay with expanded living areas and private balconies where you can savor morning coffee while watching boats glide along the waterway. These premium accommodations offer the perfect setting for romantic getaways or creating a productive remote work environment with inspiring views.
Amenities Designed for Both Productivity and Relaxation
Business travelers appreciate the hotel’s comprehensive services, including a 24-hour business center, over 10,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, and dedicated event planning staff. The riverfront location creates an inspiring backdrop for corporate retreats, with natural light flooding meeting rooms that accommodate groups from 10 to 300 attendees.
For those seeking relaxation, the seasonal outdoor swimming pool provides refreshing respite during warmer months, while the 24/7 fitness center features modern equipment for maintaining workout routines while traveling. The hotel’s attention to wellness extends to soundproof rooms and premium bedding that ensure restful sleep after busy days exploring New Bern.
Riverside Dining: Christoph’s on the Water
The hotel’s signature restaurant, Christoph’s on the Water, offers a dining experience that rivals the views. This waterfront establishment specializes in fresh, locally-sourced ingredients transformed into both traditional Carolina coastal cuisine and contemporary fare. The extensive menu caters to diverse palates, from seafood enthusiasts to those seeking vegetarian options.
Many guests start their evenings with handcrafted cocktails on the outdoor patio, watching spectacular sunsets paint the rivers with golden hues. The Sunday Brunch has become legendary among locals and visitors alike, featuring an impressive spread of Southern favorites and breakfast classics that consistently earns five-star reviews.
Prime Location: The Perfect New Bern Headquarters
Location remains one of the DoubleTree’s strongest advantages. Situated just two blocks from New Bern’s charming downtown historic district, guests enjoy easy walking access to over 30 restaurants, boutique shops, and attractions like Tryon Palace and the Birthplace of Pepsi. This strategic position eliminates transportation hassles while allowing visitors to fully immerse in New Bern’s distinct atmosphere.
The hotel also serves as an ideal base for exploring broader coastal Carolina attractions. Within a 30-minute drive, visitors can reach beaches, golf courses, and nature preserves. The nearby Coastal Carolina Regional Airport, just 3 miles away, offers convenient connections for travelers from across the country.
Guest Experiences: What Visitors Value Most
Recent guest reviews consistently highlight several aspects of the DoubleTree experience:
“The riverfront views from our room were absolutely breathtaking at sunrise—worth waking up early for!” notes a frequent visitor who returns annually.
Business travelers particularly appreciate the attentive service, with one corporate event planner commenting, “The staff anticipated our needs before we even expressed them, making our conference run seamlessly.”
Families consistently mention the hotel’s ability to accommodate multiple generations, with activities and dining options suitable for everyone from grandparents to young children. The proximity to educational attractions like the North Carolina History Center makes the hotel especially popular for family learning vacations.
Seasonal Experiences Throughout the Year
The DoubleTree excels at creating seasonal offerings that showcase New Bern’s year-round appeal:
Spring: Package deals coincide with the popular New Bern Home & Garden Tour and Azalea Festival, often including special dining experiences featuring seasonal ingredients.
Summer: The hotel partners with local waterfront recreation companies, offering guests exclusive rates on boat tours, kayaking adventures, and fishing excursions.
Fall: Autumn brings special harvest-themed menus at Christoph’s, featuring the bounty of eastern North Carolina farms and waters during the region’s most comfortable weather season.
Winter: Holiday decorations transform the hotel into a festive retreat, with special New Year’s Eve packages including celebratory dinners and champagne toasts with river views.
People Also Ask
Is DoubleTree by Hilton luxury?
DoubleTree by Hilton is an upscale hotel brand rather than a luxury tier. It offers premium accommodations with distinctive amenities like the signature warm chocolate chip cookie, but positions itself between Hilton’s midscale and luxury offerings. This upscale classification provides excellent value with many luxury-adjacent features without the premium pricing of true luxury brands.
What’s the difference between Hilton and DoubleTree by Hilton?
While both are under the Hilton portfolio, DoubleTree by Hilton focuses on providing a more casual and approachable atmosphere compared to Hilton Hotels & Resorts. Hilton flagship properties typically feature more formal service, more extensive facilities, and higher price points. DoubleTree distinguishes itself with its warm cookie welcome, comfortable accommodations, and a more relaxed yet still upscale experience.
How to get free breakfast at Hilton DoubleTree?
As a Hilton Honors Gold member, you automatically receive complimentary continental breakfast at DoubleTree properties. This benefit is also available to Diamond tier members. Alternatively, you can book special packages that include breakfast, use promotional codes, or sometimes find deals through third-party booking sites that offer breakfast-inclusive rates.
How many stars is the DoubleTree Hilton?
DoubleTree by Hilton hotels are typically rated as 4-star properties in most global markets, though specific locations may receive 5-star ratings depending on their facilities, service levels, and local rating criteria. The New Bern location specifically is rated as a 4-star hotel, offering upscale accommodations and amenities consistent with this classification.
What is DoubleTree known for?
DoubleTree by Hilton is globally known for its signature warm chocolate chip cookie presented to guests at check-in. Beyond this sweet welcome tradition, the brand is recognized for its comfortable beds, upscale yet approachable atmosphere, “CARE” service culture, and consistent quality across its 600+ properties worldwide while still allowing each hotel to maintain local character.
What is the highest tier at Hilton?
Diamond status is the highest publicly available tier in the Hilton Honors loyalty program, requiring 60 nights, 30 stays, or 120,000 base points annually to achieve. Above this is the invitation-only Diamond VIP status, reserved for Hilton’s most valuable customers with substantial stay history or extraordinary spending patterns.
Is Marriott or Hilton better?
Both Marriott and Hilton offer exceptional hotel experiences with extensive global portfolios. Marriott generally has more properties worldwide (8,000+ vs. Hilton’s 7,000+), while Hilton’s rewards program is often considered more accessible with better mid-tier benefits. Your preference may depend on specific destination coverage, loyalty program value for your travel patterns, and which brand’s service style better matches your expectations.
How old is DoubleTree by Hilton?
DoubleTree by Hilton was established in 1969 when the first DoubleTree hotel opened in Scottsdale, Arizona. The brand was acquired by Hilton in 1999, and has been operating under the “DoubleTree by Hilton” name for over 20 years. This makes the brand over 50 years old, with significant expansion occurring in the past two decades under Hilton’s ownership.
What is the Hilton DoubleTree customer promise?
DoubleTree by Hilton’s customer promise centers around their CARE philosophy: Create A Rewarding Experience. This promise encompasses providing warm, welcoming service from the signature cookie at check-in through the entire guest journey. The brand commits to comfortable accommodations, responsive service, and resolving any issues promptly to ensure guest satisfaction.
Does DoubleTree give you free cookies?
Yes, DoubleTree by Hilton provides their signature warm chocolate chip cookies to all guests at check-in free of charge. This tradition began in 1986 and has become the brand’s most recognizable feature, with over 30 million cookies given to guests annually. Returning guests can also typically request additional cookies during their stay as a courtesy.
What does continental breakfast mean?
Continental breakfast typically consists of lighter fare including pastries, breads, cereals, yogurt, fresh fruit, juices, and coffee/tea. Unlike a full American or English breakfast, it generally doesn’t include hot cooked items like eggs, bacon, or breakfast meats. At DoubleTree properties, the complimentary continental breakfast for eligible Hilton Honors members follows this format, though some locations may enhance offerings.
How to get a free breakfast at Hilton?
Free breakfast at Hilton properties, including DoubleTree, is available through multiple channels: achieving Gold or Diamond status in the Hilton Honors loyalty program, booking special breakfast-inclusive packages, using the Hilton Honors American Express card benefits at select brands, booking through certain travel agencies with breakfast benefits, or taking advantage of promotional offers throughout the year.
What kind of cookies do DoubleTree cookies have?
DoubleTree’s signature cookies are chocolate chip walnut cookies made with Nestle Toll House semi-sweet chocolate chips and chopped walnuts. The recipe (which was publicly released in 2020) includes rolled oats, cinnamon, and a hint of lemon juice, creating a chewy, sweet treat with a distinctive flavor profile that has become the brand’s hallmark.
What are the different levels of Hilton?
Hilton Honors loyalty program features four membership tiers: Member (entry level), Silver (10 nights/4 stays/25,000 base points), Gold (40 nights/20 stays/75,000 base points), and Diamond (60 nights/30 stays/120,000 base points). Each tier offers progressively better benefits, with Gold and Diamond providing the most valuable perks including room upgrades, breakfast benefits, and enhanced point earning.
Is Hilton 5 star or 7 star?
Hilton hotels typically range from 3-star to 5-star properties, depending on the specific brand and location. The flagship Hilton Hotels & Resorts and Conrad properties are often 5-star rated, while DoubleTree generally receives 4-star classifications. The “7-star” rating isn’t an official classification in most hotel rating systems, though it’s informally used to describe ultra-luxury properties that exceed traditional 5-star standards.
Conclusion: Your Ideal New Bern Destination
The DoubleTree by Hilton New Bern Riverfront transcends typical hotel experiences by combining premium accommodations with authentic local character. Business travelers discover productive environments enhanced by inspiring views and attentive service. Families create lasting memories through comfortable accommodations and easy access to educational attractions. Couples find romantic settings for celebrating special occasions against waterfront backdrops.
By choosing the DoubleTree, you’re not just selecting a hotel—you’re embracing a comprehensive New Bern experience where riverside luxury meets Southern hospitality. From that first warm cookie to your final riverfront sunset, every moment is designed to exceed expectations and create connections to this charming coastal Carolina gem.
For your next visit to New Bern—whether for business, celebration, or exploration—let the DoubleTree create the perfect foundation for experiences you’ll cherish long after checkout.
