BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. - December 18, 2008 - Peter Kacheris has been named managing director for The Waldorf=Astoria Orlando and the Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek according to Ted Ratcliff, senior vice president, North Eastern Americas for Hilton Hotels Corporation. A 30-year veteran of the hospitality industry, Kacheris joins the Hilton family having most recently served as complex general manger of the 2,265-room Swan and Dolphin Resort in Orlando, Florida. 

�Peter brings an unrivaled management background to this landmark project,� said Ted Ratcliff. �His knowledge and relationships in Central Florida are important assets as we introduce one of our company�s most anticipated resort destinations.� 

In his new position, Kacheris will be responsible for the final phase of construction as well as the opening and daily operations of the 497-room Waldorf=Astoria Orlando (the first new-build Waldorf=Astoria outside of NYC) and the 1,000-room Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek. Surrounded on three sides by Walt Disney World® Resort, the Bonnet Creek development is scheduled to open October 1, 2009. 

Kacheris began his career in 1978 with Marriott Hotels & Resorts. Based in Illinois, he held positions in operations, sales and marketing at various properties before being promoted to cluster general manager for the JW Marriott Lenox in Atlanta. In 2006, he was tapped as hotel manager for the Orlando World Center Marriott in Orlando and soon named general manager of the JW Marriott Grand Lakes Hotel in Orlando. 

Throughout his career, Kacheris has received accolades in the hospitality industry, including 2008 �Hotelier of the Year� by the Central Florida Hotel and Lodging Associations. He has also served as president of the organization and on the board of directors for the Orlando Convention and Visitors Bureau. 

- Bonnet Creek - 
Bonnet Creek encompasses both The Waldorf=Astoria Orlando and the Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek, as well as an 18-hole Rees Jones-designed championship golf course. The Waldorf=Astoria Orlando, will emulate the elegance and grandeur of the legendary landmark. Comprised of 497 deluxe rooms and suites, the resort will feature 28,000 square feet of exclusive flexible meeting space, a 4,000-square-foot fitness center, pre-function areas and Butler Service upon request. The resort�s outdoor facilities boast a formal signature pool, encircled by chic private cabanas, complimented by lush tropical landscaping and poolside butlers. 

Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek will transcend the resort experience with 1,000 elegantly appointed rooms and suites, 122,000 square feet of meeting space and a variety of pre-function areas. The resort�s outdoor venues include Bonnet Creek Island, a private island surrounded by a lagoon on three sides, providing a backdrop for cocktails or storybook weddings under the stars. 

Both properties will share 150,000 square feet of meeting space and a Rees Jones-designed championship golf course. Indulge in a customized spa program at the Waldorf=Astoria Spa by Guerlain® and experience private wine dinners at exclusive Waldorf signature restaurants, including the renowned Bull & Bear Steakhouse®, Oscar�s® and Peacock Alley®. Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek boasts six restaurants and bars, including La Luce® by famed Napa Valley restaurateur Donna Scala. 

For more information on the Waldorf=Astoria Orlando, please call (407) 597-5500 or visit www.waldorfastoriaorlando.com. For more information on the Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek, please call (407) 597-3600 or www.hiltonbonnetcreek.com. 

Hilton Hotels Corporation
Lisa Cole
305-796-8383
[email protected]
http://www.hiltonworldwide.com