Beginning in April 2023, the Waldorf Astoria Orlando at Bonnet Creek near Walt Disney World Resort will undergo a comprehensive, multi-phase reimagination expected to debut in December 2023.
This property-wide redesign follows an extensive renovation of the hotel’s meeting and events spaces last year and will encompass the resort’s rooms and suites, lobby space, select culinary outlets including the award-winning restaurant Bull & Bear, Waldorf Astoria spa and 18-hole golf course. The transformation of the guest rooms and suites is being spearheaded by award-winning interior design firm, Parker Torres Design.
"We are delighted to announce our plans for the complete makeover of Waldorf Astoria Orlando," said Ryan Fitzgerald, general manager, Waldorf Astoria Orlando. "As a Waldorf Astoria hotel, our guests expect the best in luxury accommodations and world-class amenities, and we are committed to providing them with an exceptional experience that surpasses their expectations as soon as they walk through our doors."
While the top-to-bottom makeover will be completed at the end of 2023, enhancements did begin last year with the unveiling of the new Central Park Ballroom, which offers an 8,000-plus square foot ballroom, nearly 2,600 square feet of pre-function space and a planned 8,700-square foot covered outdoor patio. This addition brings Waldorf Astoria Orlando’s meetings and events offering to nearly 60,000 square feet of multi-functional meeting space — inclusive of two ballrooms, two boardrooms, 13 meeting rooms and outdoor spaces such as Signature Island, the Promenade, and the soon-to-be built Central Park Gardens.
This year’s renewal marks the biggest enhancement to the property since its opening in 2009. The transformation will be completed in phases to minimize disruptions to the guest experience.
Elements of the multi-phase reimagination of Waldorf Astoria Orlando include:
Hotel Lobby - The lobby space will be enhanced from April to June 2023, unveiling a bright and airy new look for guests, while keeping the original Waldorf Astoria brand clock as an iconic welcome. Designed with marble detailing and a natural color palette, this refreshed space will provide visitors with a warm welcome upon check-in.
Guest Rooms & Suites - For the newly reimagined guest rooms and suites, the Parker Torres Design team has taken inspiration from the flora and fauna found in the resort’s surroundings, being located in Bonnet Creek, one of Florida's most serene nature reserves. The design incorporates a soft, contemporary color palette of taupe, linen and shades of green to evoke the feeling of a deep, verdant garden. The artwork found throughout the guest rooms and suites was customized by the Parker Torres Design team in partnership with Soho Art Consulting and speaks to the organic contours, shapes and textures found in nature. Additionally, the accommodations will be refreshed with high-end furnishings and modern amenities, such as new custom millwork, wet bars and stocked mini-bars, custom guest bathroom vanities with natural stone tops, and motion-activated night lights. Guests will continue to enjoy luxurious amenities including exclusively curated Aesop toiletries, Hilton’s Connected Room Technology, in-room Nespresso coffee machine, and more.
Peacock Alley - Following the lobby’s completion, the lobby restaurant, Peacock Alley, will be transformed to complement the thoughtful enhancements made to the updated space. During this time of June through August, guests will be able to dine in Sir Harry's, which will open as The Croissant Bar for breakfast, lunch and light bites. Peacock Alley’s return will also usher back in the Royal Tea program with new menu items upon its return.
Bull & Bear - This award-winning restaurant is consistently ranked one of the top eateries in Orlando and offers a robust menu featuring steakhouse classics and trend-setting fare including Fried Chicken, Pasta Explosion, and e Chateaubriand For Two. During the renovations, the signature restaurant will be revamped into an opulent fine dining destination, incorporating modern statement light fixtures, a refreshed color palette drawing from the surrounding award-winning golf course, and the introduction of newly refined dishes. During this time, guests and locals may still enjoy the Bull & Bear experience within another location at the hotel, Oscar’s Brasserie, where they may indulge in their favorite dishes in a new temporary indoor and outdoor space.
Waldorf Spa - The Waldorf Astoria Spa offers a completely customized experience featuring signature treatments incorporating locally produced honey, and a Himalayan Salt Therapy Room. The future Waldorf Spa will be redesigned with relaxation at the forefront, inclusive of new Lemi Spa Dream tables ideal for unique couples treatments that will launch following the reimagination.
Waldorf Astoria Golf Club - In 2022, Course Architect Rees Jones Inc. developed a new Master Plan for the golf course to include renovations and improvements to each hole, inclusive of all tees being rebuilt, playing corridors widened, green surfaces expanded to their original shape and size, as well as the bunkers brought back to their dramatic windswept character. In addition, the 16th, 17th, and 18th holes will have undergone a full redesign, bringing the golf course back to its original Par 72, 7000-yard layout. All restorations are expected to be completed by January 2024.
Waldorf Marketplace - Located adjacent to Peacock Alley, this brand-new multi-functional all-day space is dedicated to the craft of coffee, handmade baked goods, prepared foods, and an expert chocolate program. Whether early morning for breakfast or late afternoon for a snack, special attention is given to merchandising and presentation.
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