LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., May 4, 2011 -- Buena Vista Palace Resort & Spa in the Walt Disney World Resort® at Downtown Disney® in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., welcomes hospitality veteran Steve Garner as Director of Sales & Marketing, responsible for overseeing group business, marketing and sales efforts for the 1,014-room property managed by LXR Luxury Resorts & Hotels. Garner joins a sales and events team known for its longevity, experience and dedication to customer service.

"Our staff tenure and consistency contribute greatly to Buena Vista Palace's long-standing reputation as one of Orlando's premier conference facilities," said Greg Hauenstein, Area Managing Director for LXR Luxury Resorts & Hotels. "We are confident that Steve's leadership along with his Disney background will augment our exceptional culture of teamwork and commitment."

Garner comes to Buena Vista Palace most recently from Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, where he served as Director of Sales over the Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers and Westin Chicago River North, leading a team of 15 sales managers in strategies that focused on acquiring new group business. Prior to that, Garner was Sales Director for Walt Disney World Resort® and Disney Destinations in Florida, directing all group efforts for Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, as well as sharing responsibility in selling Disney's premium resorts, including Disney's Yacht & Beach Club Resort, Contemporary Resort and Boardwalk Resort. Garner has been in the hospitality industry for over 20 years, focusing on sales and marketing with such brands as Hyatt, Sheraton, Doubletree and Marriott. He holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Northern Illinois University.

The 27-acre Buena Vista Palace Resort & Spa in the Walt Disney World® Resort at Downtown Disney® features 1,014 recently renovated guest rooms and suites; more than 90,000 square feet of meeting and banquet space; a state-of-the-art business center; wireless Internet access throughout; seven restaurants and lounges; full onsite and offsite catering facilities; an intimate full service spa/salon with fitness center; three swimming pools; lighted tennis courts; access to the championship Disney golf courses, the Disney Institute of Continuing Education, and complimentary transportation to the Disney theme parks. The resort is a recipient of the Meetings & Conventions 2010 Gold Key Award as well as a designated Florida Green Lodging Hotel.

Buena Vista Palace Resort & Spa is part of the LXR Luxury Resorts & Hotels collection. For more information or reservations, contact 866-397-6516 or visit www.BuenaVistaPalace.com

SOURCE LXR Luxury Resorts & Hotels