Orlando Crowne Plaza Receives One Palm Certification

The "Green" Light Florida Green Lodging Program

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. April 22, 2009

APRIL 22, 2009 - The 14-story, 227 room Crowne Plaza Orlando Downtown has received its One Palm Certification from the Florida Green Lodging Program. As part of this certification, the hotel implemented programs, practices and best management practices aimed at protecting and conserving Florida's natural resources and the environment, while educating staff and guests about the importance of conservation.

"We have implemented strict, environmentally sound practices and trained our entire staff so we can operate as a 'green' hotel," said Jerry Barnes, hotel general manager. "This is no small feat and doesn't happen overnight, but in this day and age it's important to many of our guests, and it's important to us to know that we are making the effort to help conserve the environment. We are extremely pleased to have received this distinction."

The One Palm Certification is the first of Three Palms certification and entails the initial conversion to a "Green" status lodging option. To achieve this level of designation, the hotel had to complete the core activities that represent a minimum set of best management practices in areas of communication, water conservation, energy efficiency, waste reduction and clear air, as well as activate a multi-disciplinary "Green Team" and operate in compliance with all applicable environmental laws and regulations - a process which takes months. Upon completion of the core activities, a team of assessors from The Florida Department of Environmental Protection performed a detailed walk-through assuring the property and the staff had met the requirements of the Florida Green Lodging Program.

Since converting to the Crowne Plaza brand of hotels less than a year ago, the hotel has repositioned itself in the downtown Orlando market as the small to mid-sized meeting expert and features a lot more than new signage. Additional team members were hired to expand the sales department and a comprehensive meetings program was put into action to ensure a seamless planning process and exceptional meeting experience. An additional 1,500 square feet of meeting space will soon be added to expand the meeting space to 6,500 square feet, ideal for small groups or corporate meetings, board meetings and other business functions and special events.

In addition, the hotel has also engaged the Crowne Plaza Sleep Advantage program, which encompasses the entire sleep experience, from training staff on how to create and maintain a restful environment to providing innovative products and services. Additional new amenities include a business center, newly-expanded fitness room, complimentary coffee bar and USA Today in the lobby M-F and a new menu featuring steaks, seafood, pasta and more at the District Five Restaurant and Lounge

Crowne Plaza Orlando Downtown is located just off of I-4 at 304 West Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL 32801. For more information or to make a reservation visit: www.CrownePlazaOrlandoDowntown.com.