Caribe Royale: All-Suites Resort & Convention Center.

Association meeting planners demand special attributes in the sites they select, and the largest independently owned meetings resort in Orlando, Florida--the Caribe Royale All-Suites Resort & Convention Center--continues to enhance its facilities with that in mind.

To complement the 2003 expansion of its Grand Caribe Convention Center, the Caribe Royale is renovating all its 1,218 one-bedroom suites in 2004. The suite renovations have been labeled the final jewel in the resort's master plan to broaden its appeal to the meetings market.

"The Caribe Royale is a full-service meetings property, but we operate with a casual, resort feeling. That's a great combination for meeting planners and attendees." says Kit McClelland, director of sales and marketing. "Every suite is getting a totally fresh look, with new carpets, draperies, bedspreads, and other appointments, all in keeping with the resort's relaxed, but upscale Caribbean feel," she says.

Expanded meeting facilities

The Caribe Royale's convention center expansion (finished in September 2003) more than doubled its meeting space. Its original 65,000 square feet grew to more than 150,000 square feet of flexible meeting space.

The new 40,000-square-foot Grand Sierra Ballroom gives the Caribe Royale great flexibility. It can seat 4,400 people theater-style or 3,300 for banquets. It joins two other ballrooms--the Caribbean at 26,000 square feet and the Martinique at 6,400 square feet. The Caribbean Ballroom accommodates 2,800 people theater-style or 2,160 for banquets. The combination of these spaces gives meeting planners many options.

Also new are 20 breakout rooms of 1,000 square feet each; these can be configured into spaces of up to 4,000 square feet. In all, the property has 51 breakout meeting rooms and three executive boardrooms. A pre-function space of approximately 25,000 square feet serves the ballroom and meeting area.

In addition to complete catering and convention services, the Caribe Royale's business services include concierge, a business center, in-house audiovisual services, videoconferencing, T-1 lines, and wireless high-speed Internet access in the convention center.

Enhanced dining choices

Guests enjoy a variety of dining choices at the Caribe Royale. The newest is The Venetian Room, a 92-seat restaurant serving dinner only. In just two years, it has built a reputation for fine dining in elegant surroundings, confirmed by its recent AAA Four Diamond rating.

"Memorable dining is valued for business entertainment and important occasions. The Venetian Room truly is a special place," says hotel executive chefVincent Posada.

Morocco-born Khalid Benghallem guides The Venetian Room's continental menu. Chef Benghallem trained in Europe and North Africa and worked at restaurants in France, Corsica, and Morocco before coming to the United States.

A more casual atmosphere is nearby at the newly renovated Tropicale, which serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Its menu selections reinforce the resort's Florida and Caribbean feeling. Also at the resort are Cafe Largo, a market-style eatery; Calypso's, for drinks and grilled selections poolside; and the Parrot Isle Lounge.

Suites for everyone

Every Caribe Royale suite features a separate living room, wet bar, refrigerator or mini-bar, microwave, and two televisions. The suites are in three towers that surround a 250,000-gallon pool with waterfalls and a 75-foot-long slide. A complimentary fitness center and exercise room are available.

In addition, the Caribe Royale has 120 two-bedroom villas in four buildings. The villa complex has its own pool. Each villa has one master king bed; two queen beds, two bathrooms (whirlpool tub in the master bedroom), living room, full kitchen, dining area, three televisions, washer and dryer, and a screened lanai or balcony. All suites and villas have high-speed Internet access and dual-line telephones with voice mail and dataports.

The villas add a special touch to the Caribe Royale because they are ideal for small meetings of up to 16 people involved in training programs, educational sessions, product introductions, hospitalities, and similar activities. They offer the relaxed atmosphere of a residence while having the full resort immediately at hand.

Location, location, location 

The Caribe Royale is just 12 miles from the Orlando International Airport in Orlando's Lake Buena Vista area. It is five minutes from the four Walt Disney theme parks. Complimentary scheduled shuttle service is offered to the Disney parks. Golf is available (off-site with course affiliation) and shopping is nearby at the Orlando Premium Outlet.

"With the facilities we have on property and the attractions nearby, we can deliver what any group needs," McClelland says.

Contact

Kit McClelland, Director of Sales & Marketing

Phone: [phone]

E-mail: [e-mail]

Web site: www.cariberoyale.com