Orlando hotelier Harris Rosen dies

ORLANDO, Florida – Legendary Orlando, Florida, hotelier Harris Rosen has died at age 85. He is survived by three children.

The philanthropic founder of Rosen Hotels & Resorts was famous for supporting the local community with his name attached to numerous buildings in the area. Most of Rosen’s legacy is tied to the assistance he provided to the region’s children through his Rosen Gives Back initiatives and The Harris Rosen Foundation.

Company Vice President Frank Santos released a statement: “On behalf of the Rosen family, it is with profound sadness that I announce the passing of Harris Rosen, who left us this morning at the age of 85, surrounded by family and loved ones. Harris was an angel to so many here on earth, and now he takes his place among the angels in heaven.

“A beloved father, grandfather, and a pillar of our community, his boundless generosity and love touched countless lives through his unwavering commitment to helping underserved communities, promoting education, advancing the fight against cancer, and supporting health and wellness initiatives. The family will hold a private Celebration of Life and kindly asks for privacy during this difficult time. Thank you.”

Born and raised in New York, Rosen graduated from Cornell University after studying hotel management. He served in the United States Army, stationed in Germany and South Korea, before finding work at the Waldorf Astoria and the Hilton Hotel Corp.

He joined the Walt Disney Co. as director of Hotel Planning, where he helped design the Contemporary Resort, the Polynesian Village Resort and Wilderness Lodge.

Rosen left Disney in 1974 to purchase the Quality Inn on Orlando’s famed International Drive with a $20,000 down payment. He renovated the building to create a 728-rooms and an office where he worked for 50 years.

In the years to come, Rosen acquired and built seven more hotels, his latest the 1,500-room Rosen Shingle Creek, which earned a four-diamond rating by AAA.

He donated 20 acres of land near Rosen Shingle Creek to the University of Central Florida, along with $10 million, to develop the Rosen College of Hospitality Management, which has millions in a scholarship endowment funded by Rosen. The school was just ranked best in the nation for the fifth consecutive year for its hospitality management and tourism program.

American Hotel & Lodging Association President & CEO Rosanna Maietta released a statement, as well: “Harris Rosen was an inspirational figure and a shining example of the passion and drive that hoteliers need to succeed. His love for the industry made him the largest independent hotelier in Florida, but he showed us the true meaning of hospitality through his philanthropic work… Harris left an indelible mark on this industry and its people that will be felt for generations. We will miss him.”