The Alfond Inn
"So, can you tell us a little bit about this hotel? What stands out as you arrive?The terracotta roof and Mediterranean-style architecture of the Alfond Inn is quintessentially Florida, and the airy, light-filled lobby showcases a rotating collection from the Alfond Collection of Contemporary Art at Rollins College. The most striking piece is a circular stained glass window by Boston artist Daniel Maher that represents the four seasons through lush greens and vibrant reds and blues. What's the story behind this hotel?Owned by Rollins College, the hotel was partially funded by a grant from the Harold Alfond Foundation and its profits are used to endow a scholarship fund at the school. The hotel is on the former site of the Langford Inn, which hosted high-profile guests including Eleanor Roosevelt, June Carter Cash, and Nancy and Ronald Reagan, who celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary here. What are the rooms themselves like?The furnishings don’t quite jive with the hotel’s chic, upscale decor, but guest rooms are comfortable and clean with pops of lime green and peacock blue. Bathrooms are modern and spacious, and many rooms have walk-in showers. Got it. Once we're settled in, are there any good dining options on the hotel grounds?Hamilton’s Kitchen serves brunch every day; the restaurant does modern takes on classic American and Southern dishes. Swing by the lounge in the evening for wagyu beef sliders and cheesy truffle fries. How's the service?Members of the concierge team wear the gold-crossed keys of Les Clef d’Or, an elite group of professional hotel concierges. Tours of The Alfond Inn’s contemporary art collection, guided by a representative from the Cornell Fine Arts Museum at Rollins College, take place on Sundays at 1 p.m. What should we check out in the surrounding area?The Alfond Inn is a short walk to Winter Park’s stylish shops and museums, yet comfortably away from the noise of the main drag. Anything else we should know before planning a visit?The Alfond Inn is pet-friendly—Fido will receive his own welcome basket at check-in—and offers multiple packages with special perks for canines. Choose between a photo session with a local pet photographer or the VIP—Very Important Pup, naturally—which includes a Thundershirt to help your furry friend get through Florida’s sudden rain storms. So why would you recommend this hotel?This is the ideal location for a grown-up detour from Orlando’s tourist hub." - Valerie Marino
