R. Michael King Appointed General Manager For Waldorf Astoria® Orlando
MAY 18, 2009
ORLANDO, Fla. – R. Michael King has been named general manager for the new Waldorf Astoria Orlando, scheduled to open October 1, 2009. This 497-room resort is the first Waldorf Astoria to be built outside of New York City and will feature the first Waldorf Astoria Golf Club and the brand's first children's program called WA Kids. The Waldorf Astoria Orlando is part of Bonnet Creek, a 482-acre vacation destination surrounded on three sides by Walt Disney World® Resort that will be also be home to the 1000-room Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek.
In this role, King is responsible for all aspects of the opening and operation of the resort that will also offer 28,000 square feet of meeting space, a 24,000-sq.-ft. Waldorf Astoria Spa by Guerlain® and signature Waldorf Astoria food and beverage establishments that include Peacock Alley® and the Bull & Bear Steakhouse®.
"We will be making history with the opening of the Waldorf Astoria Orlando and I am thrilled to have such an accomplished professional at the helm," states Peter Kacheris, managing director of the Waldorf Astoria Orlando and Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek. "His background as a luxury hotelier and culinary expertise are vital as we strive to offer the highest level of service expected at the most extraordinary properties across the globe."
A 25-year industry veteran, King has spent nearly two decades with The Ritz Carlton Hotel Company in various capacities. He most recently served as opening general manager for The Ritz Carlton, Denver. Through his esteemed career, King has also served as general manager for The Ritz Carlton, Cleveland; The Ritz Carlton Huntington Hotel & Spa outside of Los Angeles; The Cloister at Sea Island, Ga.; and Nemacolin Woodlands Resort and Spa in Farmington, Penn. From 2000 to 2004, he was president of Associated Luxury Inns in Beaufort, S.C., managing operations of two historic inns, three restaurants and a resort rental division.
King is a graduate of Kennesaw State University in Georgia and is a member of Confrerie de la Chaine des Rotisseurs, Chevalier du Taslevin and American Institute of Wine & Food, among others.
Bonnet Creek, Opening October 1, 2009
Surrounded on three sides by the Walt Disney World® Resort, Bonnet Creek is a 482-acre vacation destination encompassing the Waldorf Astoria Orlando and Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek.
The Waldorf Astoria Orlando will emulate the elegance and grandeur of its legendary New York namesake. Comprised of 497 deluxe rooms and suites, the resort will feature signature Waldorf Astoria food and beverage establishments such as Peacock Alley and Bull & Bear, 28,000 square feet of exclusive flexible meeting space and a variety of pre-function areas. The resort's outdoor facilities boast a formal signature pool, encircled by chic private cabanas and complimented by lush tropical landscaping.
Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek will transcend the resort experience with 1,000 elegantly appointed rooms and suites, six distinct dining options, a two-acre lagoon-style pool, 122,000 square feet of meeting space and a variety of pre-function areas. Its outdoor venues include Bonnet Creek Island, a private retreat ideal for cocktails or storybook weddings.
Guests of both properties can take advantage of the Rees Jones-designed Waldorf Astoria Golf Club, WA Kids children's program, 24,000-sq.-ft. Waldorf Astoria Spa by Guerlain® and 4,000-sq.-ft. fitness center.
For more information on the Waldorf Astoria Orlando, please call (407) 597-5500 or visit www.WaldorfAstoriaOrlando.com. For more information on the Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek, please call (407) 597-3600 or visit www.HiltonBonnetCreek.com.
For reservations, please call a travel professional, 1-800-HILTONS (455-8667) or book online at www.Hilton.com.
*Editor's Note: High-res photo of R. Michael King is available by contacting Mike Hicks at michaelh@lhammond.com,
561-655-3836.
MEDIA WEBSITE:
CONTACTS:
Mike Hicks / Gina Stouffer
Lou Hammond & Associates
michaelh@lhammond.com
ginag@lhammond.com
561-655-3836
www.louhammond.com
