HILTON ORLANDO BONNET CREEK OPENS CELEBRATING "FIRST LADIES OF ORLANDO"
ORLANDO, Fla., October 2, 2009 - Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek opens its doors for the first time, honoring special guests at the hotel's ribbon-cutting ceremony on October 1. The "first ladies of Orlando," a group of Central Florida women, were recognized by Hilton for being pioneers and leaders in the community.
The guest of honor and first guest of the new hotel is Lalita Booth, a Harvard graduate student, recent University of Central Florida graduate and inspirational individual who has overcome incredible odds. Ms. Booth was one of only 65 college students recognized last year by the H. Truman Scholarship Foundation outstanding college student leaders devoted to public service.
Additional "first ladies of Orlando" include:
- Dr. Rita Bornstein - First Female President, Rollins College
- The Honorable Mayor Linda Chapin - First Mayor of Orange County
- Chief Val Demings - First Female Police Chief, City of Orlando
- Deborah German - M.D. First Dean, UCF College of Medicine
- Senator Paula Hawkins - First Female U.S. Senator from Florida
- The Honorable Mayor Glenda Hood First Female Mayor of Orlando
- The Honorable Lt. Governor Toni Jennings
- First Female Lt. Governor and First Female President of the Florida Senate
- Dr. E. Ann McGee - First Female President, Seminole Community College
- Joan Ruffier - First Female Chair, State University System Board of Regents and First Female President of the University of Florida Foundation
"We are so honored to have Lalita Booth join us for this special day," said Tracy Walker. "What she has overcome, like many in our community is inspiring and humbling."
Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek will offer 1,000 rooms and suites and 122,000 square feet of meeting space. The hotel is part of Bonnet Creek - a 482-acre complex surrounded on three sides by Walt Disney World® Resort - that will also be home to the Waldorf Astoria® Orlando. The hotel will also offer a two-acre lagoon-style pool and six restaurants and lounges, including La Luce®, a signature eatery created by famed Napa Valley Chef Donna Scala.
"I am absolutely delighted to host Ms. Booth and these other women who have done tremendous good for Orlando and the surrounding communities," stated Peter Kacheris, managing director of Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek and Waldorf Astoria Orlando. "It is our pleasure to honor these l women on a day that is also very special to the Hilton family."
- Bonnet Creek -
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 is inspired by the elegance and grandeur of its legendary New York namesake. Comprised of 497 deluxe rooms and suites, the hotel will feature signature Waldorf Astoria food and beverage establishments such as Peacock Alley® and Bull & Bear Steakhouse®, 28,000 square feet of exclusive flexible meeting space and a variety of pre-function areas. The hotel'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 hotel 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 drinks 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 (445-8667) or book online at www.hilton.com
About Hilton Hotels
Hilton Hotels is the stylish, forward-thinking global leader of hospitality that welcomes guests in more countries than any other full-service hotel brand. The Hilton brand currently includes more than 500 hotels and resorts in 76 countries, and plans to serve travelers in 80 countries by 2011. By offering innovative products, services and amenities, Hilton enables travelers to be at their best 24/7, whether traveling for business or leisure. Start your journey at www.hilton.com.
About Hilton Worldwide
Hilton Worldwide is the leading global hospitality company, spanning the lodging sector from luxurious full-service hotels and resorts to extended-stay suites and mid-priced hotels. For 90 years, Hilton Worldwide has been offering business and leisure travelers the finest in accommodations, service, amenities and value. The company is dedicated to continuing its tradition of providing exceptional guest experiences across its global brands. Our brands are comprised of more than 3,300 hotels in 77 countries and include Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Hilton, Doubletree, Embassy Suites Hotels, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Inn & Suites, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Home2 Suites by Hilton and Hilton Grand Vacations. The company also manages the world-class guest reward program Hilton HHonors®.
For more information about the company, please visit www.hiltonworldwide.com.
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