GF Management Completes $13 million Renovation of Embassy Suites Orlando - Lake Buena Vista Resort
ORLANDO - December 4, 2014 - After an extensive three-month $13 million renovation, the Embassy Suites Orlando - Lake Buena Vista Resort officially reopened its doors on Sunday, November 23, 2014. Located just minutes from downtown Orlando, the Embassy Suites Orlando - Lake Buena Vista Resort, a Walt Disney World Good Neighbor® Hotel, features Caribbean-style lodging suited for business and leisure travelers alike. The 334-suite resort is owned and managed by an operating affiliate of GF Management, one of the nation's leading hospitality management and ownership companies based in Center City Philadelphia, Pa. The company acquired the hotel in January 2014.
"We knew immediately that this acquisition would be a defining one for our company," said Ken Kochenour, founder of GF Management. "Undertaking such a significant transaction and earning the resort designation from Embassy Suites through the strategic capital investment further shows the level of commitment made by GF Management."
GF Management now owns and/or manages 17 hotels and resorts within the Hilton Worldwide portfolio, consisting of nearly 3,000 guest rooms and suites.
The New Embassy Suites Orlando-Lake Buena Vista Resort
Embassy Suites Orlando-Lake Buena Vista Resort features a fully redesigned open atrium that offers sophisticated Bahamian-style decor with individual pod stations serving as the front desk, water features, a pavilion, separate lounge seating, and a new evening Manager's Reception bar. There is also a new Starbucks® coffee bar and full atrium guest seating.
"The public spaces in any Embassy Suites are critical to the guest experience, as it is one of the true pillars of the brand," said John Rogers, Global Head, Embassy Suites Hotels. "GF Management has kept the brand's integrity intact throughout this extensive renovation. They were able to transform an older hotel with a very open atrium space into an intimate and welcoming atmosphere for guests, all with a relaxed and sophisticated tropical feel, that fits perfectly in Orlando."
Embassy Suites Orlando - Lake Buena Vista Resort boasts 334 fully redesigned guestroom suites, including all new soft goods, carpeting, bedroom drapes, as well as shutters, furniture, fixtures and lighting. Each suite features two televisions with premium channels - a 37-inch flat screen in the bedroom and a 47-inch flat screen in the living room, as well as a kitchenette and wet bar.
Meeting and social event attendees will marvel at the 10,000 square feet of updated event space with new carpeting, lighting, fixtures and updated event and audio-visual equipment.
The exterior of the resort has been enhanced to compliment the sophisticated Bahamian concept behind the renovation and features updated tropical landscaping, new outdoor bar seating, two fire pits, and cabanas and hammocks on the pool deck. The outdoor lounge has been updated to offer poolside seating with shaded umbrellas, as well as a cigar lounge and fire pit.
Family Amenities
Families and children will love Orlando's newest resort. Located just minutes from the magic of Walt Disney World®, children will enjoy the resort's new kids' splash pool and playground, as well as activities such as ping pong, a putt-putt green, beach volleyball, basketball court, with a fishing dock and fully stock fishing pond. They will also love watching movies poolside on select evenings at dusk at the property's very own "Dive-in Theater."
Parents can be at ease with scheduled transportation to all Walt Disney World® Theme Parks from the Embassy Suites Lake Buena Vista Resort. Parents and families alike can indulge at one of the resort's onsite restaurants, or take advantage of the nearby world-class shopping and outlets.
Signature Embassy Suites Service and Amenities
The Embassy Suites Orlando - Lake Buena Vista Resort is committed to an advanced approach to products, amenities and service. The resort is dedicated to the Embassy Suites brand standard of anticipating travelers' needs and delivering what matters most, and aims to ensure each guests' stay is pleasant and rewarding. Designed to be a luxurious home away from home, the Embassy Suites Orlando - Lake Buena Vista Resort offers everything guests need for a complete and worry-free stay. Guests can start the day with a complimentary, made-to-order breakfast. The resort also offers laundry and dry-cleaning service.
To help unwind, all guests will be given access to two spa treatment rooms and an outside cabana dedicated to spa services. Fitness-minded guests will find plenty to help them stay in shape, including a fully equipped fitness center, with areas to enjoy a friendly game of tennis, volleyball, or basketball. The resort also boasts both a heated indoor and outdoor pool, in addition to a whirlpool and sauna.
From its gorgeous atrium filled with natural light, palm trees and waterfalls, to its spacious two-room suites, this Embassy Suites Resort provides a relaxing retreat in a tropical paradise. Whether guests are planning a family vacation, a wedding, or business trip, the recently renovated Embassy Suites Orlando - Lake Buena Vista Resort is the perfect venue. For questions or concerns, please visit www.embassysuiteslbv.com or contact the Resort's General Manager at (407) 239-1144 or [email protected].
About GF Management
GF Management is an award-winning, full-service hospitality ownership, management and advisory company founded in 1988 and based in Center City Philadelphia. With more than 120 hospitality assets under management, including hotels, resorts, conference centers, catering facilities, waterparks, casinos and golf courses in 33 states, GF Management specializes in third-party management, asset management and advisory services for a variety of individual, private, institutional and financial clients. Many of GF's core hospitality assets within the portfolio are owned by its principals and therein provide the strength and balance of ownership and management. The Company is currently seeking to expand its portfolio of full-service ownership and management assignments through long-term contracts and joint-venture investment opportunities. For more information about GF Management call 215-972-2222 or visit www.GFHotels.com.
About Embassy Suites Hotels
Embassy Suites Hotels, one of Hilton Worldwide's twelve market-leading brands, is dedicated to delivering what matters most to travelers. The full service, upscale brand offers every guest a two-room suite, free cooked-to-order breakfast and a nightly two-hour reception with complimentary drinks* and snacks. Both leisure and business travelers looking for a relaxed, yet sophisticated, experience will feel right at home with brand-standard amenities like inviting atriums and complimentary 24-hour business and fitness centers. Embassy Suites Hotels has more than 215 hotels with more than 35 in the pipeline. For more information, visit www.embassysuites.com.
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a global leading lodging company based in Bethesda,Maryland, USA, with more than 4,200 properties in 80 countries and territories. Marriott International reported revenues of nearly $14 billion in fiscal year 2014. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 19 brands, including: The Ritz-Carlton®, BVlgari®, EDITION®, JW Marriott®, Autograph Collection® Hotels, Renaissance® Hotels, Marriott Hotels®, Delta Hotels and Resorts®, Marriott Executive Apartments®, Marriott Vacation Club®, Gaylord Hotels®, AC Hotels by Marriott®, Courtyard®, Residence Inn®, SpringHill Suites®, Fairfield Inn & Suites®, TownePlace Suites®, Protea Hotels® and MoxyHotels®. Marriott has been consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business ethics. The company also manages the award-winning guest loyalty program, Marriott Rewards® and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® program, which together surpass 50 million members. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at 
