The Peabody Orlando celebrated its 25th anniversary yesterday, according to the hotel, which honored its history with a special ceremony that included a duck march led by the hotel's first guest, Central Florida Partnership President and CEO Jacob Stuart.
Following the commemorative duck march, Orange County Convention Center Executive Director Tom Ackert read a proclamation recognizing Nov. 1, 2011, as "The Peabody Orlando Day," then appointed Marty Belz, president and chairman of the Peabody Hotel Group, as "Duck Master General" of the Orange County Convention Center. Finally, celebrations continued as 29 day-one associates were recognized during a special luncheon.
"Today marks another great milestone for the Peabody Hotel Group," Belz said. "As the second hotel to break ground, The Peabody Orlando is now the largest in our portfolio, making it a significant part of our history. We are grateful to the Central Florida community, valued meeting planners and industry leaders for your continued support over the past 25 years."
The Peabody Orlando opened on Nov. 1, 1986, and has since grown to become the largest non-gaming Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star, AAA Four Diamond hotel in the United States. A leader in Central Florida's meeting and convention industry, it recently completed a $450 million expansion and renovation; all told, the hotel — which connects to the Orange County Convention Center via two covered walkways — now offers 1,641 guest rooms, 300,000 square feet of meeting space, a 22,000-square-foot spa and fitness center, three pools, and 10 dining and entertainment options.
"When the hotel first opened 25 years ago, it was the only hotel neighboring the first phase of the Orange County Convention Center," said Alan Villaverde, president, operations and managing director, The Peabody Orlando. "Today, this bustling entertainment district is home to more than 300 hotels, restaurants and attractions, making it one of the most desirable locations for meetings and convention goers, and we are proud of the role that our property has played in making this happen."
In honor of its 25th anniversary, The Peabody Orlando and its associates have pledged to provide more than 25,000 hours of community service to Central Florida organizations. Hotel associates will kick off their community service efforts at Second Harvest Food Bank this month, followed by volunteer events for Toys for Tots and Clean the World, among others.