Newcomer, The Alfond Inn, Named one of the "Best Hotels in Florida"

In Conde Nast Traveler's 2014 Readers' Choice Awards

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. October 23, 2014

October 23, 2014 - Conde Nast Traveler announced the results of its 27th annual Readers' Choice Awards with The Alfond Inn, the stylish boutique hotel in Winter Park, recognized as one of the Best Hotels in Florida.

After opening just over a year ago, the impressive ranking as #2 on the short list of winning Florida hotels is testimony to the unique business model and exceptional experience The Alfond Inn offers in a state recognized worldwide for its outstanding hospitality.

The Alfond Inn is built on leadership values in hospitality, education, philanthropy and the arts. Owned by Rollins College, one of the country's most lauded liberal arts colleges, and managed by The Olympia Companies, The Alfond Inn was funded in part with a $12.5-million grant from the Harold Alfond Foundation. Philanthropist Harold Alfond, founder of Dexter Shoe Company, had long supported the college, and two of his children and two of his grandchildren attended Rollins. The intention of the Harold Alfond Foundation was that the net operating income from The Alfond Inn would be directed to The Alfond Scholars program fund, the Rollins College premier scholarship fund.

"We are incredibly proud of this prestigious vote of confidence from the discriminating and well-traveled readers of Conde Nast Traveler," says Jesse Martinez, General Manager of The Alfond Inn. "It is a tribute to our entire team and the support we receive from the extended Rollins College, Winter Park and greater Orlando community."

Since opening in August 2013, The Alfond Inn has redefined the concept of hotel philanthropy. It has established itself as a prestigious cultural venue for The Alfond Collection of Contemporary Art for Rollins College, an extension of the Cornell Fine Art Museum's collection on display in the hotel's public areas. The hotel earned a prestigious AAA Four Diamond status just eight months after opening and has become the hub for top-level CEO association meetings in the greater Orlando area. Weddings and fundraising events have become a specialized niche in Winter Park's very social community. Hamilton's Kitchen, The Alfond Inn's restaurant under the direction of Executive Chef Marc Kusche, is a bright light in the dynamic restaurant scene in Winter Park and a popular dining destination for Greater Orlando. The Alfond Inn is managed by The Olympia Companies.

All of the net operating income from The Alfond Inn is directed to The Alfond Scholars program fund, the Rollins College premier scholarship fund, for the next 25 years or until the endowment principal reaches $50 million, whichever comes later. This fall, the first group of Alfond Scholars fund recipients were welcomed.

More than 76,600 dedicated readers cast votes for 7,721 hotels, 642 cities, 453 cruise ships, and 148 islands in The Conde Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards, in an average survey time of 16.5 minutes. The result? The 1,182 best travel experiences in the world.

The Conde Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards are the longest-running and most prestigious recognition of excellence in the travel industry and are commonly known as "the best of the best of travel." Under Editor-in-Chief Pilar Guzmán, the Readers' Choice Awards have become more selective and specific to the passions that inspire today's travelers. The Readers' Choice Awards are announced in the November issue of Conde Nast Traveler, on newsstands nationwide on October 28, 2014.

For reservations and information call 407-998-8090, or visit the website at www.thealfondinn.com

The Alfond Inn

The Alfond Inn, a Preferred Boutique Hotel, is located in Winter Park, Florida and managed by The Olympia Companies, an innovative leader in hospitality. It is located 15 minutes from downtown Orlando and 30 minutes from Walt Disney World and Orlando International Airport. The Alfond Inn, 300 East New England Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32789. 407-998-8090.