An 878 All Suite Family Friendly Resort to Open Fall 2016 in Orlando

The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, May 2016 … Benchmark Hospitality International, a leading U.S.-based hospitality management company, announces The Grove Resort & Spa, an expansive 878-all-suite property under construction on Lake Austin, just five minutes from Walt Disney World® in Orlando. Billed as the largest development of its kind currently underway in Orlando, The Grove Resort & Spa is scheduled to open its first phase late this fall with up to 292 two- and three-bedroom residential-style guest suites. The Grove will be part of the prestigious Benchmark Resorts & Hotels brand portfolio. Alex Cabañas, Benchmark Hospitality International’s CEO, made the announcement.

"We are thrilled to announce the addition of The Grove Resort & Spa to our signature Benchmark Resorts & Hotels portfolio," said Mr. Cabañas. "This unique and extraordinary resort will be one of the most inspiring additions to the Orlando market in decades. The Grove will offer something for every guest, whether visiting for a leisure travel experience, enjoying the legendary theme parks, attending an intimate social gathering or celebration, or participating in a productive and rewarding meeting experience." Cabañas continued with, "The Grove is another wonderful addition to Benchmark Hospitality's growing portfolio of exceptional properties we operate throughout Florida, including in destinations as spectacular as Vero Beach, Miami and Orlando."

The Grove Resort & Spa will bring a new type of hotel destination to the area with a sprawling 110-acre blueprint that incorporates a portion of Central Florida’s conservation grounds. Its world-class, family-friendly water park and amenity package will include the first surf simulator at any Orlando hotel, a winding lazy river, four swimming pools, and a variety of dining options that include full-service restaurants, bars, and a large scale grab-and-go marketplace.

Uniquely set only five minutes from Walt Disney World’s west entrance, The Grove Resort & Spa will harmoniously blend connectivity and seclusion. The hotel will offer convenient access to Orlando’s prime entertainment locales and iconic parks, including Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Luxury shopping is located nearby, with stores that include Gucci, Valentino, Bottega Veneta, and more. The Grove, however, will also be a retreat from the boisterous pace of the theme parks and other area activities with its natural marsh, wooded landscape, and waterfront setting – all hallmarks of the Florida panorama.

Despite the resort’s immediate access to some of the area’s top attractions, The Grove’s myriad of activities will establish it as a destination in itself, thoughtfully matched with accommodations ideally suited for families and groups. The resort’s generously sized two- and three-bedroom suites, ranging between 1,264 square feet and 1,544 square feet, will provide spacious living and dining areas, full kitchens, multiple bathrooms, screened balconies, and full-size washers and dryers. Dressed in hues and materials that draw inspiration from the resort’s natural surroundings, The Grove’s suites will simplify the concept of family travel with its profusion of convenience-minded, in-room amenities.

Guests will find endless opportunities for entertainment outdoors: at The Grove’s Surfari Water Park, children will splash through an interactive water structure with multiple slides; families will float down more than 725 feet of lazy river; and nearby lounge chairs and umbrellas will offer shade from the warm Florida sun. A trio of neighboring swimming pools, known as The Springs, will provide additional areas for play and relaxation, while adventurists will be challenged with a ride on The Grove’s surf simulator – a first for any Orlando hotel. For those looking to lounge, a zero-entry pool with reclining chairs will be located on the main deck, while covered cabanas can be found in a secluded area next to Lake Austin. A lakeside dock will be home to a selection of watersports, paddle boats, and fishing.

An abundance of other activities will also be available across the resort. The Grove’s Escape Spa will offer a full service menu inclusive of body and facial treatments, manicures, and pedicures. A 2,000-square-foot fitness center will house cardiovascular and strength training equipment in an environment flushed with natural light from floor to ceiling windows. Hoopla, a children’s game room, will provide indoor recreation for a variety of ages.

Dining at The Grove will include the 221-seat, indoor/outdoor restaurant, Valencia, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Longboard Bar & Grill, located at Surfari Water Park, and Springs Bar & Grill, located at The Springs Resort Pools, will both serve traditional bites such as hamburgers, chicken wings, and stone brick oven pizzas with all ingredients fresh, in-season, and locally grown. The Grove’s large-scale grab-and-go Pickings Market will present a selection of hot and cold self-serve food, gelato and ice cream, a barista bar, a deli with fresh-cut Boar’s Head meats and made-to-order sandwiches, as well as grocery-style items ideal for stocking the in-room kitchen.

The Grove Resort & Spa will welcome destination weddings, family reunions, meetings, and other social and corporate events. With 6000 square feet of flexible indoor space, and poolside, lawn, and garden alfresco venues for intimate meetings or large groups, The Grove will accommodate up to 300 people with on-site catering and audiovisual support available.

The Grove Resort & Spa is owned by a joint venture between certain affiliates of Westport Capital Partners LLC and BTI Partners, with BTI Partners as the development partner. Houston, Texas-based Benchmark Hospitality International will manage the property as a member of their signature Benchmark Resorts & Hotels portfolio. The Grove Resort & Spa is located at 15665 Grande Palisades Blvd, Orlando, Florida 34787. 1-844-901-1122. www.GroveResortOrlando.com.