Terrace Hotel, Lakeland, FL is Historic and Preferred

Both a Historic Hotel of America and a Preferred Hotel Group's Preferred Boutique

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. October 14, 2008

LAKELAND, FL, July 8, 2008. The Terrace Hotel, Lakeland, Florida's only full-service, luxury hotel, announced today that it has become only the third hotel in the world to be designated both a Historic Hotel of America (HHA) as well as a Preferred Hotel Group's Preferred Boutique.

The Terrace Hotel was selected to be an HHA hotel because of its commitment to preserving and maintaining its historic integrity, unique architecture and ambiance. As a member of Preferred Boutiques, The Terrace Hotel is recognized for celebrating distinctive travel experiences that showcase style, service and personality on an intimate scale.

These distinctions are especially significant for The Terrace Hotel, which first opened its doors to the public in 1924, because it was restored and reopened in 1998 after being vacant for over twenty years.

"It's an honor to be a member of both the Historic Hotels of America and Preferred Boutiques," said Bruce Dunbar, general manager of The Terrace Hotel. "The Terrace Hotel provides guests the best of two worlds: the luxury of a present day boutique property and the history, charm and original architecture of a historical landmark."

The History of The Terrace Hotel

When the Lakeland Terrace Hotel first opened her doors in 1924, she was hailed as one of Florida's finest new year round inns, which at the time was a rather novel concept. Prior to then, and the wide availability of air conditioning, hotels simply opened for "The Season," and closed for the summer.

Fortunately, the prosperity of the early 1920s meant that tourists by the trainload were pouring into cities in the Sunshine State, like Lakeland. The warm weather and the lucrative real estate market made the journey all the more enticing.

Seeing this influx of tourism and trade, Florida Collier Court Hotels built their comfortable hotel in the heart of downtown Lakeland, a sister to other hotels in Miami, West Palm Beach, and Tampa.

In those days, guests entered the hotel from Main Street, via a luxurious tropical garden that opened on to Massachusetts Avenue. There, guests were immediately greeted by potted palms that accentuated the majestic, high-ceilinged lobby. Huge French windows in the lounge overlooked Lake Mirror. From her ample restaurant and bar, visitors enjoyed fine meals served in a restful atmosphere. Guest rooms were simply and thoughtfully appointed with then-modern comforts and conveniences that few other hotels could match.

In 1998, The Lakeland Terrace re-opened her doors as downtown's newest hotel. FCA Group, headed by Robert Scharar, a Lakeland native, restored her charming historic exterior, completely refurbishing the hotel to luxurious modern standards. In addition to 73 spacious hotel rooms, The Terrace Hotel also offers 15 comfortable guest suites, plus elegant conference and banquet facilities. Professionally decorated, guestrooms capture the hotel's original style while indulging the needs of modern-day travelers.

As one of Florida's first year-round hotels, thanks to the invention of air-conditioning and other conveniences that few hotels could match at the time, the 73 guest rooms and 15 guest suites have attracted visitors to the Central Florida area for decades. Some of the hotel's more well-known guests have included Henry Ford, Frank Lloyd Wright and Frank Sinatra.

"When guests stay with us at The Terrace Hotel, they are immediately immersed in the richness of its history while enjoying the comforts of its boutique allure," Dunbar said. "We look forward to continuing to provide this unforgettable experience for our guests to enjoy for decades to come."

About The Terrace Hotel

As Lakeland, Florida's only full-service, luxury hotel, The Terrace Hotel has been beautifully restored, providing a glimpse into Lakeland's own history. Considered by many to be the centerpiece of downtown Lakeland's rebirth, The Terrace Hotel is home to exceptional comfort and exquisite accommodations.

The Terrace Hotel's 73 spacious guest rooms come fully equipped with luxurious, executive-level amenities. Guests residing in any one of the hotel's 15 oversized guest suites will enjoy private bedrooms, plus the added comfort of a sofa bed in the sitting room. In addition, The Terrace Hotel is home to The Terrace Grille, the hotel's five star onsite restaurant. For more information about The Terrace Hotel, please visit www.terracehotel.com.

About Historic Hotels of America

Historic Hotels of America is a program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation that was formed in 1989. Historic Hotels has identified more than 200 hotels located in the U.S.A that have faithfully maintained their historic integrity, architecture and ambiance. To be selected for this prestigious program, a hotel must be at least 50 years old, listed in or eligible for the National Register of Historic Places or recognized as having historic significance. Historic Hotels of America is aligned with Historic Hotels of Europe, a federation of 16 European hotel associations in 16 countries, and with Historic Hotels of Mexico, an association of hotels and restaurants located in buildings of historical significance including haciendas, palaces, monasteries, convents, fortresses, country estates. For more information please visit www.historichotels.org.