DoubleTree by Hilton has opened the DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando East – UCF Area, the closest full-service hotel to the University of Central Florida, the nation’s second largest university by enrollment. Formerly a Holiday Inn, the hotel closed its doors in December 2013 to commence an eight-month multi-million dollar renovation that includes modern updates to the hotel’s exterior, lobby and guest rooms, and the addition of the upscale Mingos Restaurant & Lounge, a popular local restaurant brand.
Just 19 miles from downtown Orlando and close to several major corporations, the 246-room, six-story hotel offers convenient access to popular attractions such as Walt Disney World Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Universal Orlando Resort. DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando East – UCF Area is owned and managed by Alena Hospitality.
“The ‘little things’ can make all the difference during a hotel stay, and the new DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando East – UCF Area offers business and leisure guests the comfort, access and attention they expect from our brand,” said John Greenleaf, global head, DoubleTree by Hilton. “We are delighted to be broadening our presence in the popular and fast-growing Orlando area, one of the world’s most popular destinations, and delivering the globally-recognized service culture for which our brand is known.”
DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando East – UCF Area – the brand’s seventh property in the Orlando metropolitan area – opens to guests with a modern and contemporary design that emphasizes lively colors, granite features and abstract art. Stylish and spacious guest rooms and suites are equipped with an ergonomic desk, Serta Perfect Sleeper beds and contemporary electronic door locks. The hotel boasts a tranquil, secluded setting just off University Boulevard and offers easy access to shopping, dining and entertainment.
At Mingos Restaurant & Lounge, led by award-winning Executive Chef Luis J. Negron, guests will enjoy a robust menu or popular steak and seafood dishes prepared with a creative flair. Marking the second location for the local restaurant, Mingos is a favorite among Orlando natives, delighting guests with locally-sourced ingredients, including fresh seafood brought in daily by local day boats. Negron joins the hotel from the original Mingos Restaurant & Lounge in downtown Orlando, where he has served as executive chef since 2013.
Guests will also enjoy a range of services and amenities, including a complimentary 24-hour fitness center, a large outdoor swimming pool and a complimentary 24-hour business center. Complimentary WiFi is also available throughout the hotel’s public spaces and guest rooms.
Offering 5,700 square feet of versatile meeting and event space, including a beautiful Grand Ballroom, seven renovated meeting rooms and the latest audio visual technology, the hotel can accommodate banquets, receptions and other corporate and social events for up to 250 people. The hotel offers the Meetings Simplified by DoubleTree by Hilton package from $31.95 per person, which includes the meeting room, basic meeting WiFi, meeting room supplies including a flipchart, markers, extension and power cord, and all day non-alcoholic beverage service.
“We look forward to inviting guests into the sophisticated, modern environment of our newly-transformed hotel and delivering the globally-recognized service culture that is ingrained in the DoubleTree by Hilton brand and culture,” said Wayne Stelling, general manager, DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando East – UCF.
A visit starts with a warm chocolate chip cookie, a simple touch that sets the tone to create a rewarding experience for a guest’s entire stay. Guests will also enjoy DoubleTree by Hilton brand exclusives, including an assortment of gourmet in-room tea and coffee choices from The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, a refreshing array of CITRON body care products by Crabtree & Evelyn and an industry-recognized service culture built around the idea of CARE, which stands for Create a Rewarding Experience for guests, team members and the community.
DoubleTree by Hilton participates in the Hilton HHonors guest loyalty program. Members will be able to earn and redeem points with their stay. Gold and Diamond members will enjoy upgrades to the exclusive Hilton HHonors floor, which includes a special Hilton HHonors lounge equipped with a 60″ HDTV and computer and printer access. Additionally, Diamond Hilton HHonors guests will enjoy complimentary continental breakfasts during stays.
DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando East – UCF Area is located at 12125 High Tech Avenue, Orlando, Florida, 32817.
