"The Waldorf Astoria® Orlando And Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek 'Top Out'":
Landmark Anticipates October 1, 2009
May 22, 2008
ORLANDO, Fla., – Yesterday, the highly anticipated $550 million Waldorf Astoria® Orlando and Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek hosted a "Topping Out" ceremony at the site of the landmark property. Slated to open October 1, 2009, the first Waldorf Astoria outside New York City completed its final 14th floor and the 17-story Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek has attained its highest point in construction.
"We are extremely pleased that Hilton's largest development in its history remains on schedule and thank everyone here that has been able to join us in sharing this milestone," stated Ted Ratcliff, senior vice president, Hilton and Doubletree Operations – East. "I look forward to welcoming each and every one of you back to our property in October 1, 2009, when we host our first guests at The Waldorf Astoria Orlando and Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek."
As part of the event, Waldorf Astoria Executive Chef John Doherty hosted a cooking class with children from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Florida. A 24 foot Norfolk Pine was raised to the top of the resort as civic, community and business leaders looked on and toured the site. Additionally guests enjoyed cuisine prepared by Chef Doherty from recipes of The Waldorf Astoria Cookbook, which he authored.
A New Meetings Destination Destined for Greatness
Surrounded on three sides by Walt Disney World® Resort, the Waldorf Astoria Orlando and Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek development is 20 minutes from Orlando International Airport and five miles from private jet preferred Kissimmee Gateway Airport. Convenient area attractions include Cirque du Soleil, Orlando Ballet, Orlando Museum of Arts and Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre.
Guests at both properties have play privileges at Rees Jones designed championship golf course, measuring 7,205 yards, can experience private wine dinners at exclusive Waldorf signature restaurants including the Bull & Bear Steakhouse®, and indulge in a customized spa program at The Waldorf Astoria Spa by Guerlain®. Each signature amenity is complimented by the dedicated services of a multi-lingual staff as well as a talented sales, catering and culinary team who have superior knowledge of the destination and are experts in creating unparalleled off-property events.
Guests at both properties have play privileges at Rees Jones designed championship golf course, measuring 7,205 yards, can experience private wine dinners at exclusive Waldorf signature restaurants including the Bull & Bear Steakhouse®, and indulge in a customized spa program at The Waldorf Astoria Spa by Guerlain®.
Each signature amenity is complimented by the dedicated services of a multi-lingual staff as well as a talented sales, catering and culinary team who have superior knowledge of the destination and are experts in creating unparalleled off-property events.
The Waldorf Astoria Orlando
The original Waldorf Astoria has a rich history of hosting gatherings of world leaders, United Nations Ambassadors, World Economic Forum participants and a "who's who" of Fortune 500 companies to its Park Avenue board rooms, ballrooms and meeting spaces. The Waldorf Astoria Orlando, the first to be built outside of New York City, will offer that same level of service that heads-of-state and business tycoons expect.
The Waldorf Astoria Orlando offers 28,000 square feet of exclusive meeting space and pre-function areas including the 8,100-square-foot Ballroom, which will be flawlessly decorated for the most opulent galas and functions. Two Executive Boardrooms and 15 classically designed meeting rooms are also available. Outdoor locales, including a partial-island surrounded by a lagoon on three sides, take advantage of the warm Florida temperatures while serving as a scenic backdrop. For more information on the Waldorf Astoria Orlando please call 407-597-5500 or visit www.WaldorfAstoriaOrlando.com.
Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek
The Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek offers 122,000 square feet of meeting space and pre-function area and features the 36,000 square-foot Bonnet Creek Ballroom, 27,300 square-foot Junior Ballroom and a total of 42 meeting rooms. One Executive Boardroom and two designated boardrooms accommodate 12 to 24 attendees. For more information on Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek please call 407-597-3600 or visit www.HiltonBonnetCreek.com.
*Contact Michaelh@lhammond.com or 561-655-3836 for high-res images and interview opportunities.
CONTACTS:
Mike Hicks / Gina Stouffer
Lou Hammond & Associates
michaelh@lhammond.com
ginag@lhammond.com
561-655-3836
