Rosen Hotels Celebrates 50 Years
In 1974, Harris Rosen, the president of Rosen Hotels & Resorts, invested his last $20,000 to purchase his first hotel. Having gained experience at Disney and launching several properties in the Orlando market, he decided it was time to pursue his own business.
“If I was going to be happy and fulfilled, I had to consider being in business for myself,” Rosen shared.
Harris Rosen
That decision, made 50 years ago, has grown his portfolio to seven Orlando hotels. Beyond expanding his business, Rosen has made significant contributions to two underserved communities in Central Florida—Tangelo Park and Parramore. He has established and funded two preschool programs that provide full college or vocational scholarships to students upon high school graduation.
Meeting professionals are well-acquainted with Rosen’s three conference hotels, known for their extensive meeting spaces, exceptional service, award-winning restaurants, and top-tier amenities, all without resort fees.
“We always try to do the right thing,” Rosen said. “This principle has guided me throughout my 50 years as president of Rosen Hotels & Resorts. It’s a belief I hold in both life and business.”
In 1991, Rosen entered the meetings market with the opening of what is now Rosen Plaza, designed specifically to meet the needs of meeting planners and convention attendees. This hotel offers 800 rooms, 60,000 square feet of meeting space, seven restaurants, and is connected to the Orange County Convention Center’s (OCCC) West Building via the Gary Sain Memorial Skybridge.
Rosen Centre followed in 1995, featuring 1,334 guest rooms, 160,000 square feet of meeting space, nine dining options, and a newly refreshed look in its VIP suites. This hotel is also directly connected to the OCCC.
Opened in 2006, Rosen Shingle Creek is considered the crown jewel of Rosen’s properties and has been named a top 20 U.S. Meeting Hotel by CVENT. The hotel includes 1,501 rooms and suites, an exclusive VIP lounge with personalized concierge service, and serene balcony views. The world-class Shingle Creek Golf Course now features a reimagined Shingle Creek Golf Academy for those looking to improve their game.
Rosen Shingle Creek
“Service is at the core of Rosen Hotels & Resorts,” said Rosen. “I wouldn’t be where I am today without the dedication of our associates, who work tirelessly to care for our guests daily.” Among the 4,000-plus associates, 250 have over 25 years of service, reflecting the family-like environment and loyalty within Rosen’s team.
This family atmosphere extends to meeting professionals as well.
“At the conclusion of site inspections, meeting planners often say, ‘You can feel the atmosphere is one of family,’ and I think that’s unique and starts at the top,” said Phil Caronia, general manager of Rosen Centre.
“Mr. Rosen’s forward-thinking vision, attention to trends, and commitment to guest service is truly rare in our industry,” said Todd Frappier, chief sales and marketing officer at Rosen Hotels & Resorts. “He also encourages us to think outside the box when collaborating with meeting planners to make their events special.”
Rosen Hotels & Resorts proudly celebrates 50 years of unparalleled expertise and unmatched service in the heart of Orlando. With three extraordinary convention hotels offering a combined 740,000 square feet of meeting and event space and a total of 3,635 guest rooms and suites, Rosen Hotels & Resorts ensures that every event or meeting is a guaranteed success.
