In 1974, Harris Rosen, president of Rosen Hotels & Resorts, purchased his first hotel with his last $20,000. After working at Disney, getting several properties up and running in the Orlando market, he was ready to move on.
“If I was going to be happy and fulfilled, I had to consider being in business for myself,” Rosen said.
That decision 50 years ago has not only expanded his portfolio to include seven Orlando hotels, but by going out on his own, Rosen has been able to help two underserved communities in Central Florida—Tangelo Park and Parramore. Rosen has built and funded two preschool programs that in turn also provide full college or vocational scholarships to the students once they graduate high school.
Meeting professionals are well aware of Rosen’s three conference hotels for their vast meeting space, impeccable service, award-winning restaurants and top-notch amenities, all without a resort fee.
“We always try to do the right thing,” Rosen said. “That is the principle which has guided me every step of the way during my 50 years as president of Rosen Hotels & Resorts. It is a belief I subscribe to in life as well as in business.”
In 1991, Rosen first entered the meetings market with a hotel designed specifically to exceed the needs of meeting planners and convention attendees with the opening of what is now Rosen Plaza. The hotel has 800 rooms, 60,000 square feet of meeting space, seven restaurants and is connected to the world-class Orange County Convention Center’s (OCCC) West Building via the Gary Sain Memorial Skybridge.
Rosen Centre followed in 1995 with 1,334 guest rooms, 160,000 square feet of meeting space and nine dining options and has recently unveiled a fresh new look in its VIP suites. The hotel is also directly connected to the OCCC.
Rosen Shingle Creek, which opened in 2006, is considered the crown jewel of Rosen’s properties and has been named a top 20 U.S. Meeting Hotel by CVENT. The 1,501-room and suite hotel include 69 Executive Suite Parlors, 37 Grand Suite Parlors, 56 Petite King Suites and three Presidential Suites. The exclusive VIP lounge is an intimate oasis featuring personalized concierge service and serene balcony views.
The world-class Shingle Creek Golf Course now has a reimagined Shingle Creek Golf Academy for everyone looking to shave strokes off their game.
Service is at the core of Rosen Hotels & Resorts with Rosen saying, “I would not be where I am today if it were not for the many associates who work so hard and who are absolutely committed to so diligently caring for our guests on a daily basis.” Of the 4,000-plus associates, 250 have more than 25 years of service, a testament to the family-like environment and loyalty of Rosen’s team members.
The family atmosphere is felt by meeting professionals, as well.
“At the conclusion of site inspections the meeting planner will say, ‘You could feel the atmosphere is one of family,’ and I think that’s really unique, and it starts at the top,” said Phil Caronia, general manager of Rosen Centre.
“Mr. Rosen’s forward-thinking vision, staying on top of trends and commitment to guest service is truly a rarity in our industry," said Todd Frappier, chief sales and marketing officer at Rosen Hotels & Resorts. "Plus, he encourages us to think outside the box when we are brainstorming with meeting planners to make their event special.”
Rosen Hotels & Resorts is proud to celebrate 50 years of unequaled expertise and unrivaled service located in the heart of Orlando. Three awe-inspiring convention hotels offer a combined 740,000 square feet of meeting and event space and a total of 3,635 guest rooms and suites all built with one goal: to ensure that no matter the event or meeting, its success is virtually guaranteed.
For more information contact:
Todd Frappier, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer, Rosen Hotels & Resorts, Convention Hotels
(407) 996-4890
tfrappier@rosenhotels.com
www.rosenhotels.com/meeting
Sponsored by Visit Orlando
