DoubleTree by Hilton Swindon: A Year of Growth and Community Spirit

2025 was a great year for DoubleTree by Hilton Swindon, full of excitement, new ideas, and a strong focus on the local community.

Thanks to the efforts of Emma and Shannen, the hotel has become more than just a place to stay. It is now a real community hub where families celebrate, businesses meet, and people from Swindon get together.

 

From packed tribute nights to impressive charity work, here’s how DoubleTree by Hilton Swindon made 2025 special.

 

Entertainment That Brings Swindon Together

This year, the hotel offered its biggest entertainment program so far. New themed afternoon teas like Princess Parties, Superhero adventures, and Frozen specials quickly became family favourites, creating fun and special memories for young guests in Swindon.

 

Adults also had plenty to enjoy. Events like a Tina Turner tribute, their first Drag Bingo, and lively 80s-themed nights proved incredibly popular, showing that Swindon wanted more great entertainment nearby.

 

Seasonal dining experiences for Mother's Day, Easter, and Father's Day welcomed both loyal regulars and first-time visitors, reinforcing the hotel's reputation as a go-to destination for special occasions.

 

A Warm Welcome for Families

Recognising the importance of family-friendly hospitality, DoubleTree Swindon made significant strides in 2025 to ensure every guest felt welcome.

 

The hotel started Kids Eat Free during Swindon half terms, giving local families an affordable way to dine out during school holidays. This simple idea helped parents enjoy time with their children without spending too much.

 

In a thoughtful move toward inclusive hospitality, the hotel introduced sensory bags for young travellers. This hotel-first initiative helps children feel comfortable and settled during their stay, demonstrating the team's commitment to accessibility and understanding.

 

The launch of the new seasonal menu in March highlighted the skills of the 14Twelve Brasserie & Bar team and encouraged Swindon locals to visit the hotel for social dining.

 

 

Celebrating Love and Special Moments

In September, the Wedding Opening Evening invited newly engaged couples to enjoy ideas, planning tips, and a celebratory drink. The relaxed setting and personal touch made it a big success, and there are already plans to make it even bigger in 2026.

 

Making a Difference: Charity at the Heart of Everything

Nothing demonstrates the hotel's community commitment more than its extraordinary charity work throughout 2025. Emma, Shannen, and the team didn't just talk about making a difference; they rolled up their sleeves and got involved.

 

The numbers speak for themselves: support for 63 local charities, over 6,500 volunteer hours donated, and £8,086 raised for causes spanning children's and adult healthcare, independent living, mental wellbeing, and more.

 

 

Highlights included:

• Down Syndrome Awareness Sock Week
• A gruelling 100-mile charity cycle
• Climbing Pen Y Fan for Jessie May children's hospice
• Regular bake sales that brought the team and community together

This wasn't about ticking boxes; it was about genuine connection and supporting important causes.

 

Building Partnerships Across Swindon

The hotel built stronger ties in the local community by forming partnerships that help both businesses and residents.

 

By becoming the Official Hotel Partner of the Swindon Wildcats, DoubleTree is now part of the town’s sports scene. The partnership with David Lloyd Swindon, including courtside branding, also made the hotel more visible to active, health-focused locals.

 

A 24-hour Instagram takeover with Great West Way showcased the hotel's unbeatable M4 location to a broader audience. At the same time, ongoing corporate partnerships welcomed regular business guests and developed new relationships throughout the year.

 

The team went to at least two networking events every month, making new connections and raising the hotel’s profile in Swindon’s business community.

 

Innovation and Recognition

2025 brought many exciting new achievements and well-earned awards:

• Launch of the Family of the Year Competition, celebrating amazing Swindon families
• Continued success with HoneyBees by Hilton, producing the hotel's own honey and even welcoming a wild swarm.
• Achieved Safe to Trade and Green Key certifications, recognising commitment to quality and sustainability
• Maintained the #1 hotel position on TripAdvisor for the entire year
• Introduced a monthly newsletter and QR code system to keep guests informed
• Continued offering Deliveroo for 14Twelve Brasserie & Bar convenience
• Delivered a hugely successful season of Christmas party nights (with 2026 planning already underway!)

 

The People Behind the Magic

Every warm welcome and memorable stay is thanks to a great team. In 2025, there were important changes and celebrations:

 

In October, Countrywide Hotels took over management of the hotel, starting an exciting new chapter.

 

The team celebrated with a joyful Team Member Appreciation Week, recognising the staff who work tirelessly to create memorable experiences for every guest.

 

The hotel also welcomed students for work experience placements and invested in its relationship with Menham Entertainment to enhance event quality.

 

The Spirit of 2025

If one word could define this year, it would be determination.

 

Even with economic uncertainty, higher costs, and challenges in the travel industry, Emma, Shannen, and the whole DoubleTree Swindon team kept moving forward with creativity, resilience, and pride. They not only kept up their standards, they improved them, showing that a hotel can be both a successful business and a real part of the community.

 

Looking Ahead to 2026

The momentum isn't stopping. Plans for 2026 include:

• Expanding awareness that DoubleTree Swindon is for everyone, not just corporate guests, but a true home-from-home for residents and visitors.
• Growing partnerships and agency relationships
• Building on the successful events calendar with even more entertainment, dining experiences, and family activities
• Strengthening charity fundraising with the STOP, START, CONTINUE approach.
• Replicating and surpassing the achievements of 2025

 

A Thank You to Swindon

2025 proved what can happen when a hotel truly embraces its community. Emma and Shannen have led with passion, ambition, and genuine love for Swindon, and the results speak volumes.

 

DoubleTree by Hilton Swindon | M4 Junction 15