Process for the preparation of a catalyst comprising the steps of: (a) combining solid acid particles with a binder to form a catalyst precursor; (b) calcining the catalyst precursor at a temperature in the range of about 400 to about 575° C.; (c) impregnating the calcined catalyst precursor with a solution of a Group VIII noble metal and Nh4+ ions, and (d) calcining the impregnated particles at a catalyst temperature in the range of about 400 to about 575° C. The use of two calcination steps in the above temperature ranges results in alkylation catalysts with improved performance.