Park Plaza Hotel

Angela Robbins photo, True Moxie StudiosThe Park Plaza Hotel opened in downtown Winter Park 35 years ago and has been a member of FRLA since 2006. In this installment of Secrets of Success, Mindy Spang Livingston, Director of Business Development, tells us about this charming Park Avenue property.

How long have you been in business?
The hotel opened in 1923 as the Hamilton Hotel.  Originally, the hotel had fifty rooms.  In 1976, it was purchased by the John Spang family, remodeled and reconfigured into twenty-eight rooms of different sizes.

How did Park Plaza get its start -- what was your vision and / or motivation?
We wanted to provide service, charm and a “home away from home” to business travelers and visitors to Winter Park.

What makes your hotel unique?
It has the ambiance of a vintage hotel in the European style.  Located in the center of Winter Park close to shopping and restaurants, it is the only hotel on Park Avenue.

What are your signature amenities?
We provide a complimentary valet, continental breakfast served in rooms, balconies or in the lobby.  We also provide a running guide of the area to guests.  Something cold to drink is available for guests at any time for no charge, and the hotel provides a variety of newspapers to guests.  Our primary amenities are our location and excellent customer service.

Have you seen the tastes of your guests change over the years?
Guests are more sophisticated regarding technology and exercise.  Our running trail guide which routes guests through the idyllic neighborhoods of Winter Park is a favorite.

How has the hotel changed since it opened?
The hotel has undergone several remodels during the past forty years, but always with an eye to maintain and protect the vintage charm of days gone by.

Have you changed your employee training and / or policies over the years to accommodate for the younger generations?
No, not really.  Everyone is trained to keep up with technological advances.  However, we concentrate on the forty-year model of charm, hospitality and friendliness.

How do you keep your employees engaged and motivated?
Our employees are self-motivated.  This was determined during the screening process.

What is the most important thing you emphasize with staff about your customers?  What critical or priority areas do you emphasize in training your staff?
Service…service…service - with a smile.

What has been the greatest change in serving your guests over the years?
While many of our clients repeat their visits, weddings and Avenue visitors bring disparate groups. 

What do you think are the keys to low employee turnover, and how have you managed turnover?
We treat our employees with respect in the workplace.  The hotel is family-owned and staff are treated accordingly.  This results in little turnover.

What is the most important factor to your business longevity?
Location and all of the above.