Nona.Media was cordially invited to experience the Rosen Hotels’ massive, multi-million dollar Christmas displays as well as each hotel’s merry entertainment that certainly makes the spirits jolly this season. We joined with a private, selected group of media outlets local to Orlando to embark on a tour through seven of the Rosen Hotels. On Friday, Nov. 30, via complimentary transportation with the City Sightseeing Orlando tour bus, we all joined together on the voyage for the Holiday Night of Lights tour.
Our first stop was the Clarion Inn Lake Buena Vista. At first step off the bus, we were greeted with decorative holiday treats from a jolly peppermint elf. As we toured the beautiful venue, we enjoyed delicious Maryland crab cakes and festive cocktails. I want to say that the most memorable part of this visit was the decorating station where treats were made available with many options to decorate, including a wall of donuts! Through the month of December, Clarion LBV and all of the hotels had many different holiday events, such as letter writing to Santa, Sparkle the Elf, face painting and balloon artists, as well as a special Santa appearance.
Our next visit was to the Rosen Inn, closest to Universal Studios. We joined the Shogun Chefs at their restaurant for a great show on the Hibachi grills, amazing sushi, and warm sake to feel merry and cheerful! The Rosen Inn was also serving a Christmas dinner buffet at their Plaza Garden Restaurant that was open to the public. All of their events were also complimentary, excluding the food and beverages.
Then we were off to Rosen Inn International, where we enjoyed the immaculately manicured courtyard with the biggest and brightest tree that they could come up with. We also met Santa here at this hotel and listened in on great stories of the owner, Mr. Rosen. Fun fact: Rosen Inn International was the first hotel of Mr. Rosen’s, and he lived there for 16 years while building his legacy of eight other hotels.
The next location was Rosen Inn Pointe Orlando, where we learned about the hotel’s many family-friendly events that were for the young and the young-at-heart. As we exited the bus, we were all so excited at the sight of snow (a snow-machine, of course) and a festive greeting from a very cheerful elf! There’s no doubt about it, Mr. Rosen and his associates cut no corners when it comes to the Christmas season. The décor of each hotel was absolutely stunning, and the best part was that they all welcomed the public to come and tour their hotels to enjoy all of the decorations just as we did.
As we arrived at the Rosen Plaza, the holiday cheer and decorations did not cease to amaze me. In the lobby, they had an elegant, gigantic tree that illuminated through the front doors. As we went on to join the event outside by the pool, we stopped in to see the nightlife entertainment of Rosen Plaza at their very own 3-NINE, a great venue of dancing, dining and poolside entertainment. On our way out to the pool, I was stunned by the magnificent ice sculptures that were on display. One of their chefs even participated in carving his reindeer ice sculpture. It was an amazing experience to see such great talent. Another one of their ice sculptures functioned as an ice-siphon to chill your beverages as they poured the mixtures into the top of the ice, and out of the bottom came the festive margaritas in your glass! We also enjoyed delicious hors d’oeuvres such as fig & manchego lollipops, lobster corndogs and baby lamb chops with Executive Chef Michael and Frosty the Snowman.
Upon arrival at the Rosen Centre, we were greeted with holly and jolly carolers, singing all of the classics. Harry’s Poolside Bar & Grill treated us to very cute and festive mini-patron margaritas, accompanied by their delicious Ropa Veija Empanadas and an amazing tartlet of Portobello mushrooms and Boursin cheese ragout. It seemed the décor was only getting bigger and better at each visit. The grand lobby here showcased their magnificent Christmas tree, a gigantic gingerbread house, and spectacular decorations at every turn.
Our final destination was the Rosen Shingle Creek. I can truly say that, at this 4-star hotel, they went above and beyond with their holiday decorations. As we strolled through their lobby, I was amazed by all of the décor everywhere that I looked, including the biggest gingerbread house that I have ever seen! Our final event of the night was to join the hotel’s charity friends at the Gatlin Ballroom, where they hosted an annual nonprofit tree event and reception. There were a total of 24 nonprofit charities that participated in this Christmas tree decorating event, and I can tell you that some of these decorators really set the bar high! All of the decorated trees were being showcased in the lobby of Rosen Shingle Creek, where you could acknowledge and learn about the mission of each of these charities. I was also excited to see their Winter Wonderland event that began Dec. 8, where locals and guests were invited to take a ride on the “Shingle Creek Express” to visit with elves, face painters, holiday karaoke, a festive photo booth, plus Santa and Mrs. Claus had a very special appearance at this event.
As our night came to an end, I was very grateful to be in attendance for this festive tour of Rosen Hotels. I absolutely recommend, as a local to Orlando, if you are looking to explore festive holiday lights and décor, these hotels that gladly welcome the public to share their holiday experiences with them.
You can learn more by visiting the Rosen Hotels & Resorts page with all their holiday events:
https://www.rosenhotels.com/holidays/.
