The Alfond Inn

Magical doesn't even begin to cover my stay and The Alfond Inn. Walking in to the beautiful, naturally lit atrium of the lobby is enough to take your breath away. Priceless artwork hangs in the most inconspicuous places making every corner a surprise. From the decor, the food, the atmosphere all the way to the crafted cocktails, fluffy pillows and impeccable service, The Alfond Inn is the perfect hideaway in Winter Park, Florida. 

Believe it or not this is not my first stay here st The Alfond Inn, except it wasn't called the Alfond back then, it was called The Langford. Now, my parents had this friend we called Aunt Joanie, and every birthday she would pack us up and take us to the world famous (at least in our world) Leopard Room. This room was floor to ceiling leopard print everything, from wall paper and curtains to carpet and bedding this room was decked out. We would put in our cat ears and wear all black and stay up all night playing Beauty School Drop Out. 

The Langford, had fallen on rough times and was closed in 2000, the remainder of the hotel burned down leaving the land up for grabs. And what better way to give back to your alma mater than to build a hotel for its visitors. That is exactly what the Alfonds did. The Alfond family donated not only the funds to build the hotel but a business plan and goals for the future of the hotel and what it stands for. 

The Alfond Inn drips with intellect. This 5,000 sq. ft. hotel has a rotating collection of art from the Harold Alfond Contemporary Fine Arts Museum. Neon signs, photography, a video montage, and stunning paintings line the hallways, sitting areas, lobby and restaurant. Behind each turn there is a different piece of art waiting to be discovered. Each piece is catalogued in a book for purchase in the lobby telling the history and meaning of each work of art. 

This collection is rotating which makes this all the more fun. Just because you will see glimpses of these art pieces in my photographs doesn't mean you will see these same pieces during your visit. Wander the halls and find your favorite one and enjoy the magic in knowing you were one of the lucky guests who got to experience this work of art.  

The Alfond Inn can be a destination for tourists or businessmen and women on a quick layover, families visiting their children at Rollins College or for a weekend get away.

There are dozens of sitting areas throughout the lobby. Nestled in a corner or out in the open next to the fire place you will feel like you are sitting in your own living room.  

Every afternoon at 5pm there is cocktail hour with delicious finger foods in the bar area for the guests.  

Fire pits line the outside patio for you to put your feet up and enjoy your glass of wine while watching the sun set.  

A rooftop pool with a dazzling view of Winter Park and a state of the art gym with floor to ceiling windows so you feel like you're actually running outside with out the blazing heat of the Florida sun.  

We were met at the door and immediately whisked away on the grand tour of this beautiful hotel. Once we settled in our room with its natural light, soft robes, and heavenly beds we took a dip in the pool and dressed up for dinner on the brick streets of historic Winter Park. 

I was amazed at all there is to do in downtown Winter Park. Restaurants with out door seating right in the walk way is something out of a European city; store fronts and coffee shops are open a little bit later then my sleepy hometown and a beautiful park with lighted trees sits right in the middle of the town. All of this is within walking distance of the hotel.  

We ended the night out by the fire pits underneath market lights with craft cocktails. It was a perfect evening indeed.  

Now, I'm somewhat of a pillow conesour and it took two alarms and the promise of mimosas at brunch to get me to leave that bed. I could have stayed there all day long. But brunch was calling.  

This hotel was a fairytale. I wish I could have moved in but I'm not sure if they would allow that. The next time you are traveling to Orlando make sure you book your room at The Alfond Inn.