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IHG Hotels & Resorts and Flag Luxury Group Announce InterContinental Orlando

IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG), one of the world's leading hotel companies, today announced the signing of a new InterContinental Hotels & Resorts property in Orlando, Fla. Developed in partnership with owner Flag Luxury Group and Unicorp National Developments, InterContinental Orlando will welcome guests with elevated amenities and culturally rich experiences that exemplify the InterContinental brand's evolution while providing insider expertise to all the destination has to offer. The hotel is set to open in 2028.

Ali Mohammed has been appointed as Regional Vice President and General Manager at Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort

Ali Mohammed has been appointed as Regional Vice President and General Manager of Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort, effective immediately. Mohammed has spent the past 24 years with Four Seasons, gaining invaluable experience in each role, spanning the globe in a variety of instrumental positions.

Christopher Akoury has been appointed as General Manager at Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek

As the new General Manager of Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek, Chris Akoury also brings 20 years of senior experience to this pivotal role, leading the hotel team across day-to-day operations and strategic efforts to drive bookings to the property. He joins the Orlando team from AAA 4 Diamond Hilton Short Hills, New Jersey, where he held the role of General Manager for six years, demonstrating expertise in strategic planning, revenue management, and marketing campaigns. Prior to joining Hilton Bonnet Creek Complex, Akoury held progressively senior positions, including Vice President of Operations/Asset Management at Friendwell Group of Companies, General Manager of Embassy Suites Parsippany & Embassy Suites Piscataway at Hilton, and Director of Food & Beverage at Interstate Hotels & Resorts.

Chris Coles has been named Complex Managing Director at Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort and Universal Aventura Hotel

Chris Coles has been named complex managing director for Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort and Universal Aventura Hotel, two established hotels at Universal Orlando Resort. A seasoned hotelier, Chris brings a depth of hospitality experience from his general manager roles with Marriott International and most recently, Walt Disney World, where he opened two new resort concepts.

Jonathan Barisano has been appointed as Complex Managing Director at Universal Stella Nova Resort and Universal Terra Luna Resort

Jonathan Barisano has been named complex managing director for Universal Stella Nova Resort and Universal Terra Luna Resort, two new 750-room hotels that will open adjacent to Universal Epic Universe. He will lead the teams that bring to life these new hotels inspired by galaxies and diverse planetary elements. Barisano has an impressive career with Loews Hotels in Orlando and most recently, served as general manager at Universal Aventura Hotel.

Robert Rivers has been appointed as Managing Director at Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a Loews Hotel

Robert Rivers has been named managing director for Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a Loews Hotel, the destination's first-ever hotel inside a theme park. A veteran hotelier, Rivers will lead the team that brings the vision and mission to life at this 500-room hotel featuring one-of-a-kind views and a dedicated entrance into the theme park. Most recently, Rivers has served as managing director at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando and has an extensive career as general manager at hotels in Boston, Minneapolis and St. Louis.

Hotel Landy, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel, Brings News Energy to Orlando's Universal Blvd.

Hotel Landy, a Tribute Portfolio hotel, officially opens its doors today on Orlando's Universal Boulevard, just minutes away from the city's premier theme parks, Orange County Convention Center and Orlando International Airport (MCO). The lively property incorporates the distinct character and sense of connection to community consistent among Tribute Portfolio properties, while weaving in elements of movement to reflect Orlando's consistent hum of energy and to captivate its thrill-seeking guests from check in to check out. Thoughtful amenities and design features inspire perpetual activity, vivid memories and moments of rejuvenating relaxation around every corner. Formerly known as Hotel Kinetic and now part of Marriott Bonvoy's growing global family of Tribute Portfolio hotels, the revitalized concept is owned by Monarch Alternative Capital and managed by HHM Hotels under its Echelon Luxury and Lifestyle division, which focuses on curated, independent brand experiences that offer exceptional service and forward-thinking amenities. CAPTIVATING DESIGN & VIBRANT SOCIAL SPACESBrought to life by international design and architecture firm Parker Torres, Hotel Landy's interior spaces embody a sense of creativity and eclecticism. From the moment guests enter the lobby, their eyes are drawn to dynamic art on the walls, layered mesh lighting fixtures overhead and graphic floor designs that each create an illusion of subtle movement. The soaring atrium takes center stage as the property's interior focal point, serving as the heart for activity as visitors explore the many amenities available. Each of the 400 guest rooms, ranging from standard and premium double queen and king configurations to junior and presidential suites, are family- and pet-friendly. With views of nearby Universal Studios and other Orlando hallmarks, Hotel Landy's guest rooms feature geometric shapes and patterns along the walls in rich teal and orange hues to evoke kinetic art. All rooms are also outfitted with a fridge, science-focused literature for kids and custom, chemistry-themed La Bottega bathroom amenities to add touches of home. INNOVATION ON THE MENUThree distinctive dining venues conceptualized by APICII, the award-winning hospitality management and concept development group known for restaurant projects in properties such as Setai Miami Beach and Montage Los Cabos, provide a variety of food and beverage options daily. The hotel's signature restaurant, Émilie Bar & Lounge, pays homage to Émilie du Châtelet, the 18th century French mathematician whose work led to the development of roller coasters and is the basis for the modern-day rides found in Hotel Landy's neighboring parks. Hanging overhead globe lights are another playful nod to Emilie's experiments in force and velocity, while lounge seating, floor-to-ceiling windows and a central bar add to the restaurant's inviting atmosphere. Open to the public daily at 4 p.m. and offering a cocktail and dinner menu, cravings can be satisfied with Crushed Avocado, made with chermoula and served with homemade tortilla chips, Burrata accented with heirloom tomato, artichokes, croutons and basil, or a savory Prosciutto Flatbread. Dinner standouts include Roasted Brick Chicken, complemented by wild rice, delicata squash, Swiss chard and mission fig jus, and hearty Wild Mushroom Tagliatelle with Parmigiano Reggiano. A kid's menu is available to diners under 12 with classics like cheeseburgers, fries, noodles and pizza, and adult imbibers can also choose from a variety of beverage choices, including the Émilie's G&T and L'Espresso, a creative take on the espresso martini featuring dark rum, Mr. Black Coffee Liqueur, cinnamon syrup and espresso. Off the lobby, Orly's Market, inspired by French libraries like the ones frequented by Émilie du Châtelet, is the spot for fueling up before or after a day in town, proudly brewing Starbucks® coffee and offering an array of pastries, fresh fruit, oatmeal, pancakes, omelets and more. Additional dining options starting at noon include shareable snacks, ready-made sandwiches, salads, home baked goods and indulgent treats. Encouraging guests to relax and soak up the rays, poolside beverage truck Liquid Sunshine serves refreshing beer, wine and canned drink options, along with cocktails in a lush outdoor space. Frozen margaritas and signature drinks with a tropical flair elevate the vacation state of mind. In the evening, intimate lighting creates a leisurely ambiance for unwinding. AMENITIES READY FOR ACTIONThe amenities at Hotel Landy are geared toward travelers of all types, whether looking to embrace the vacation vibes, stay active or set out for a day of fun. Next to the sparkling, resort-style pool sits Landy Lawn, an open green space shaded by palm trees and ready for lively lawn games such as bocce ball or post-dinner conversation with friends. A yoga studio welcomes moments of relaxation, while a fully equipped gym with Matrix cardio equipment and free weights caters to those looking for a quick yet fulfilling workout. For those seeking to bring home the perfect vacation memento, Hotel Landy will soon be partnering with The Edit Retail to offer shoppable activations throughout the hotel, from curated boutiques with one-of-a-kind gifts, pool & theme park essentials and cheerful apparel to rotating poolside popups featuring trunk shows and seasonal necessities. Hotel Landy's perpetual energy continues with a 24/7 Kinetic Game Room, which includes retro arcade games, dueling Sudoku walls, air hockey and more. The whimsical, bright space encourages "funergetic" family competition that will have adult and younger travelers alike showing off their game skills and embracing their youthful energy. Business travelers are invited to connect with colleagues in the hotel's nearly 10,000 square feet of flexible meeting space. Two multi-purpose ballrooms, outdoor meeting space, an executive boardroom and an airy breakout room provide endless opportunity for collaboration and encourage meeting and event planners to get creative with the help of Hotel Landy's on-site event support and fully customizable catering menus.

Chip Minick has been named Associate Director of Sales at Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek

Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek has announced the appointment of Clyde "Chip" Minick as Associate Director of Sales for the 62-acre resort, which sits just five miles from Walk Disney World® Resort and offers more than 50,000 square feet of meeting and event space. Minick was promoted from his previous position as Senior Sales Manager at the award-winning resort.

10,000-room Crystal Lagoons Project Opens in Orlando Just Steps From Disney World

More than 10,000 rooms will surround the lagoon powered by Crystal Lagoons® technology , recently inaugurated in the United States. It is located just steps from Disney World and Universal Studios in the heart of Orlando, the most visited destination in the US, with 75 million tourists annually. This city offers a wide range of entertainment options but lacks a beach, an issue remedied in this great development with a crystalline lagoon of the multinational innovation company founded by the scientist Fernando Fischmann.

Alyssa Gerzanick has been appointed as Director of Hotel Operations at Conrad Orlando

Gerzanick brings over 13 years of experience in the luxury hotel space to her new role as Director of Hotel Operations at Conrad Orlando, where she will oversee the daily operations at the property. Although born in Queens, New York, Gerzanick relocated to Orlando, Florida at a young age and has deep knowledge of the Central Florida region. Inspired by her family that worked in the hospitality industry, she held several positions at both the Waldorf Astoria Orlando and Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek, from Director of Front Office to Assistant Director of Housekeeping. Gerzanick graduated from Florida State University with a Masters in Hospitality Entrepreneurship and UCF's Rosen College of Hospitality with a B.S. in Hospitality Management.

Joshua Murray has been appointed as Director of Food and Beverage at Conrad Orlando

Murray has an extensive background both personally and professionally in the food & beverage world as he grew up cherishing dinner as a time of conversation, togetherness and community. He studied culinary arts and hospitality management during his time at Johnson & Wales University. Murray leads the food & beverage team at Conrad Orlando with over 20 years of food & beverage experience in upscale restaurants, hotels and resorts including deep knowledge of the Conrad Hotels & Resorts brand. Murray served as not only Director of Food & Beverage at Conrad Washington DC, but also as Executive Chef at the property, in addition to other roles at properties like Marriott Marquis Chicago, Phoenix Renaissance Downtown and Lodge at Sonoma Renaissance. In 2021, Murray was honored as one of the Top 10 Most Influential F&B Leaders by Hotels Magazine. Murray will oversee all five dining venues at the property along with in-room dining, banquets and catering.

Stephen Ullrich has been appointed as Director of Culinary at Conrad Orlando

Hailing from Miami, Florida, Ullrich has an impressive culinary background with a B.S. in Business from Boston College and further education from the French Culinary Institute in New York City. In New York, he worked in notable establishments including Gramercy Tavern, Aldea, Gotham Bar and Grill, Colicchio and Sons, and Seasonal Restaurant & Weinbar when it earned its Michelin Star. Prior to taking on the Director of Culinary role at Conrad Orlando, Ullrich spent time as Executive Chef at top resorts such as 1 Hotel Miami Beach and Carillion Miami Wellness Resort, along with distinguished Miami restaurants such as Tigertail + Mary where he worked alongside James Beard-award winning restaurateur Michael Schwartz.

Lindsay Neeley has been appointed as Director of Spa, Wellness & Retail at Conrad Orlando

Neeley joins the Conrad Orlando team with over 20 years of experience overseeing luxury spas, most recently as Spa Director of the Waldorf Astoria Orlando. Previous positions include roles at Mansion on Forsyth Park and Bella Vita Medical Spa, and Assistant Spa Director at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Her passion for the spa industry encompasses a broad range of wellness pillars, including self-accountability, nutritional awareness, stress management, physical fitness and environment sensitivity. Seeing people changed from their spa experiences is truly fulfilling and inspiring to Neeley's work, and this holistic view is what informs the diverse, whole-body spa programming at Conrad Spa Orlando.

Aloft Lake Nona and Althea Lake Nona Events Center Set to Debut in Orlando’s Fastest-Growing and Most Innovative Community

Aloft Lake Nona announces its December opening in Lake Nona, a modern metropolis that is renowned for being home to the "World's Most Technologically Advanced Hotel" and a destination with world-class health and fitness facilities. With 205 urban-inspired guestrooms and 15 suites, a sports-themed restaurant, and the 10,000-square-foot Althea Lake Nona Events Center, Aloft Lake Nona will open as the closest hotel to the largest tennis facility in the world, the United States Tennis Association (USTA) National Campus, near the bustling Lake Nona Town Center.