Florida 2015 - (Page 12)

Above (clockwise from top left): Paddleboarding in South Walton, The Devyn, The Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village, Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront The 1,218-room Caribe Royale All-Suite Hotel & Convention Center just completed a $3.5 million renovation of its main reception building that created two new lounges and completely refurbished the main lobby and public areas. The rooms and public areas in Tower III also received new carpet, ﬁxtures and wall coverings. For its 25th anniversary, the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel is getting the largest makeover in its history: a multiphase, multi-year, $125 million redesign of every guest room, inspired by the resort's water-themed architecture. The Swan's 758 rooms and the Dolphin's 1,509 rooms will include upgraded furniture, new technology and Westin's Heavenly Beds. In other news, plans are in place to expand the Hilton Orlando Convention Center Hotel's meeting space by 13,000 sf. New at the Rosen Centre, the Spa with a Purpose program allows groups of any size to donate $20 for each 50-minute service and $30 for each 80-minute service to their charity of choice. OCALA/MARION COUNTY This region of Florida, located about an hour and a half northwest of Orlando, is known for its picturesque horse farms and eclectic dining options. Soft adventure ecotourism is popular with groups, such as the glass bottom boat rides at Silver Springs State Park, which has three boats that can accommodate 25 passengers each. "I've 46 | prevue magazine 35-53_Florida.indd 46 not really seen that at any other destination. Groups can choose from 30 minute or 90 minute boat ride that takes you further down the river," says Sky Wheeler, sales and operations manager, Ocala/ Marion County Visitors and Convention Bureau. The park also has a meeting space with large windows overlooking the boathouse and springs that accommodates 85 banquet-style. The two largest meeting hotels are 196-room Hilton Ocala and 133-room Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Ocala Conference Center. The 50-room Sun Plaza Motel, a Florida landmark, is being transformed into an "upscale, retroﬁtted boutique hotel" opposite Silver Springs State Park, opening this spring. A new 70-room Comfort Suites is breaking ground early this year in Dunnellon near Rainbow Springs State Park, and is expected to take one year to complete. DAYTONA BEACH The word coming out of Daytona Beach is "new," as in an exciting new chapter in the destination's history. Much of the buzz is centered around a $400 million expansion at Daytona International Speedway that will continue throughout 2015, with expected completion next January. For groups, the raceway is enhancing the 'guest experience,' adding more than 60 new luxury trackside suites with patios, a club experience for four-day ticket holders and 11 concourse FloridaMeetings.com 1/8/15 4:35 PM http://www.FloridaMeetings.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Florida 2015

Planner’s Pick: New Orleans
Fresh Meets: Hilton
Bureau Buzz: Raleigh
Good Business: Monaco
Sea Shores: Royal Caribbean International
The Era of Personalization
CONVENTION CENTERS INNOVATE
CORPORATE RETREATS
ONLY IN FLORIDA
On Location: Barcelo Bavaro
SOUTH KOREA
DUBAI
On Location: Caesars Entertainment
On Location: Grand Geneva
On Location: Guadalajara

Florida 2015