In a world where warm and inviting customer service often feels like a thing of the past, a stay at the Rosen Centre is a refreshing and memorable change of pace. With nine different dining options, endless spa treatment package choices to mix and match, live music at the pool courtyard, and so much more, you could stay here for weeks and have a different experience every day. It’s perfect for local residents for a date night, staycation, or even just a day of pampering – which you’ll want to schedule at least monthly once you’ve had a taste!
Every Rosen associate I spoke with had similar stories of waiting for a career opportunity to open up. You see, once people land a job at Rosen, they don’t leave (many have been with the company for more than 25 years). The work culture is so incredible that in order for a position to become available, a person would have to move away, be promoted, or even pass away! As a result, this huge family of service-oriented individuals is happy and joyful, making it easy to cater to Rosen guests’ every need, lending to a delightful and relaxing experience while feeling like a very important guest.
The Rosen Centre hotel is adorned with original artwork on nearly every wall of the facility, which includes 150,000 square feet of meeting and special event space. It is ideally situated on I-Drive among six theme parks and more than 30 different attractions and was founded by entrepreneur, visionary and philanthropist Mr. Harris Rosen. Comprised of the ultimate convention hotel trio – Rosen Centre, Rosen Shingle Creek, and Rosen Plaza – the debt-free hotel and resort company just celebrated its 45th year in the competitive Orlando hospitality industry in June.
Mr. Rosen, who will be celebrating his 80th birthday in September, has a most interesting history leading him to where he is today, beginning with humble roots of working with his father at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York and living in his first purchased hotel for 16 years while he worked hard, wearing many hats, to build it up during a stock market decline, and then later raising four children and creating the largest independent hotel chain in Florida.
A quick Google search will reveal his various community leadership examples, particularly in the education field. Mr. Rosen founded the award-winning Tangelo Park Program, which provides a full scholarship including tuition, room and board, and textbooks for every Tangelo Park high school student who graduates and is accepted into a Florida public or community college or to a vocational or trade school. More than 200 college degrees have been awarded since the program began 26 years ago, and the high school graduation rate is now nearly 100%!
He recently began a similar project for the downtown Orlando Parramore district, opening the Rosen Preschool at the Orange County Public Schools Academic Center for Excellence. Mr. Rosen says, “The school [in Parramore] is the first of its kind in Florida and may one day become a prototype for other communities in America to replicate.” He went on to say, “It is our hope that others will witness the extraordinary success both initiatives have achieved and will consider replicating a similar program in their own city.” Indeed.
And did I mention the Rosen College of Hospitality Management at the University of Central Florida that is rated one of the top five hospitality schools in the world? Or the fact that Rosen associates also receive free higher education at a Florida public college or university for their children after only three years of employment, and then for themselves after five years of service? Or the empowering and innovative in-house medical program? I could write a whole other article about this incredible and creative health care program, so check it out at RosenCare.com if you are curious.
It’s no wonder the associates are so happy, and the turnover rate is the lowest in the industry! I’ve never experienced such a large group of joyful, service-minded individuals in my life. Allow me to share with you my exceptional experience at the Rosen Centre.
Accommodations
My husband, daughter and I had the opportunity to stay in one of the 1,334 stylishly upgraded guestrooms. Rooms include complimentary Wi-Fi, a mini refrigerator, a coffee maker, a wall-mounted 50-inch flat screen television, and (probably my favorite) an updated and streamlined dresser-desk made of quartz and stretching almost completely across one wall of the room. It’s not only beautiful, it’s highly functional and in step with today’s technology needs. The multi-outlet connectivity bar made it easy for me to plug in my phone and laptop and left plenty of room for my husband and daughter to do the same. There are USB and electrical outlets scattered throughout the room. The color palette is refreshing and calming – the grays and blues are among my favorite colors.
If you can spring a little extra for a room on the 23rd or 24th floors, where there is a private club lounge, it’s well worth it! The lounge is filled with a large selection of newspapers and magazines, a huge flat screen TV, computer and printer, complimentary drinks, and a stunning view of the city (especially at night). The club lounge includes a continental breakfast in the morning, hors d’oeuvres from 4:30-6:30 p.m., and a beautiful display of “petit fours,” which I believe translates to mean really pretty desserts (just kidding – they’re tiny French confectionery), from 9-10 p.m. every evening. This was such a nice treat!
Everglades Restaurant
Aside from our spa experience, which I’ll share about momentarily, this was the highlight of our visit. Celebrating the South Florida wetlands, this fine-dining venue boasts fresh and local ingredients while incorporating Florida flare into otherwise traditional dishes. Surrounded by stunning artwork and sculptures depicting the protected Everglades, you can expect a rather extensive menu of gourmet steak and seafood options.
As someone who has debilitating reactions to wheat, barley and rye, I was relieved to see plenty of gluten-free choices clearly marked on the menu. Then, I was delighted (almost to tears) to receive my own plate of freshly-made, gluten-free rolls without even asking, which were brought out shortly after my husband and daughter received their bread basket. I’ve got to tell you; they were the best gluten-free rolls I’ve ever tasted!
We had the most amazing waitress I’ve ever had the pleasure of spending an evening with. The food was crazy good! Absolutely delicious! Presentation, taste, texture – all on point! I about fell out of my chair when the waitress brought over a full-sized dessert trolley! I thought they only did that in the movies! I was pleased to share a delectable (gluten-free) crème brulee with my family to finish off the night. As an added bonus, if you dine at Everglades or any of the Rosen Centre restaurants, valet parking is free.
Harry’s Poolside Bar & Grill
A Florida resort wouldn’t be complete without a lively, Caribbean-inspired, poolside restaurant! The fun – but elegant – atmosphere reaches past the indoor seating to the pool deck. It’s especially beautiful at night with the colorful lighting and the live music. The people and atmosphere here are just outstanding and a lot of fun!
Be sure to check out the Harry’s Sip & Savor Craft Beer Pairing Dinner, a Poolside Pairing Series featuring multiple craft beers by Central 28 Beer Company, on Aug. 16 beginning at 6:30 p.m. For more information and to make your reservations, visit RosenCentre.com/harryssipandsavor/ or call 407-996-3970.
The Spa at Rosen Centre
Aside from our elegant dinner at the Everglades restaurant, this was the best part of our stay! Where to begin?
This full-service spa has a private entrance (so you don’t have to go through the hotel lobby), includes complimentary valet parking, offers custom spa packages to accommodate the needs and wants of any guest, and includes a steam room and a relaxation lounge. The coolest part? When you purchase any service at The Spa, you get a pass to stay all day! After your spa treatment or massage therapy session, you not only get to hang out in the dimly-lit relaxation lounge as long as you want while in your plush spa robe, but you also have unlimited use of the pool and fitness center! There’s even a private spa entrance to and from the pool, so you get to take advantage of the peaceful bathroom, locker and shower area throughout the day (from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.)!
Ashiatsu massage, an exclusive service offered at The Spa, requires a special license. This is a deep-tissue, barefoot massage technique in which the therapist, with gravity in her favor, uses her feet and body weight to deliver the deep pressure approach. Perfect for chronic pain and back issues, this is an intense massage therapy service that releases toxins and increases lymphatic drainage with soothing full-body strokes, including full front and back body massage.
Recently, The Spa partnered with Kevin Harrington, licensed practitioner and owner of Face-Time Aesthetics, to offer their clients aesthetic injectables. Harrington, who has been a nurse for nearly 30 years, offers complimentary consultations (by appointment only) and then recommends a treatment plan. It’s such a nice option to be able to receive this service in a more relaxing atmosphere rather than a medical clinic and then take advantage of the pool and fitness center while on campus, making it a full day of pampering. The Spa at Rosen Centre is the only resource spa in Central Florida combining full-service spa and relaxation services with these aesthetic services; not to mention, Mr. Harrington is the best injection specialist in Florida and possibly the nation. Just an incredible option for local clients!
The day before my spa visit, I interviewed Jocelyn Caceres, spa director and health club manager, who has been with Rosen for almost seven years. I asked her to tell me a little bit about her staff. She shared, “We really pride ourselves with having top-notch service providers. All of our service providers are certified and licensed to do not just one area … for example, my [massage] therapists are not just therapists, they are also aestheticians, so that’s a plus that benefits them and benefits the spa. … My cosmetologists can do hair and nails, but they can also do facials and waxing.”
One of several package options is called the Spa-tacular Stay. For $279, the package includes all the amenities I already mentioned that comes with any spa service, plus a one-night deluxe accommodation, a 50-minute massage, and 25% off any additional services. I’m thinking a luxurious girls’ weekend … or a romantic “getaway” weekend … or even a weekend of quiet solitude to refresh and rejuvenate!
Locals can take advantage of the “I Love Rosen” card, which is designed specifically for Central Florida residents and gets the cardholder a 25% discount on guestrooms, spa treatments and services, golfing at Shingle Creek, and select dining options. Mention that you would like to sign up for an “I Love Rosen” card when making reservations to get your discount. You can find more information here: www.rosenhotels.com/i-love-rosen/.
My daughter and I had such a great experience here! These packages, services and day passes are offered only by appointment, which you can easily set up by calling 407-996-1248 or visiting https://spaatrosencentre.com/.
The Rosen Difference
I had the pleasure of meeting with Phil Caronia, general manager of Rosen Centre. A kind and generous man, his philosophy is this: “At Rosen Centre, we have a special place in our hearts for our fellow local residents. As a locally ‘grown’ luxury hotel, we feel that we are truly a part of the community. It’s an honor and a pleasure to host local charity galas, business luncheons, weddings and celebrations, as well as locals looking for a relaxing spa break, unique dining, or an incredible staycation. We would love to get to know more of our Lake Nona residents and hope they give us the opportunity to show them a wonderful time!”
Of course, Rosen Centre has what it takes to cater to the needs of thousands of travelers, convention attendees, and the professionals attending business meetings every day. But, the relevance to us is that they also cater to locals. This is the perfect venue for relaxation and entertainment, just minutes away from Lake Nona.
I promise you, it’s an encounter you won’t soon forget. You’ll feel like royalty and family all at once. You’ll experience firsthand what is meant by “The Rosen Difference.” You will, indeed, have a wonderful time!
The Rosen Centre is located at 9840 International Drive in Orlando, is connected to the Orange County Convention Center with a convenient covered skywalk, and is in the center of all our famous theme parks, attractions, shopping and dining. For reservations or more information, please call 407-996-9840 or visit www.RosenCentre.com.
