FORUM Larry Beiderman Complex General Manager, Loews Sapphire Falls Resort and Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando
By Anthony Bilden
L
ast October, Larry Beiderman took on the position Complex General Manager, an expansion of his role as General Manager of Loews Royal Pacific Resort. He now also oversees the new Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, which welcomed its first guests in July with a Caribbean-themed celebration. “We are looking forward to welcoming our first groups this fall,” Beiderman says.
Q: A:
What excites you most about your new appointment?
I am most excited about the opportunity to open a new hotel whose opening is a milestone for Loews Hotels & Resorts. This is the first time in our company’s history that we have connected two Loews hotels. Loews Sapphire Falls Resort is connected to Loews Royal Pacific Resort, and combined they offer 2,000 guestrooms and 247,000 sq. ft. of meeting space. Together, they form the Loews Meeting Complex at Universal Orlando and will give planners more options than ever for their meetings at Universal Orlando Resort.
Q:
How would you distinguish the Complex’s value proposition to groups from other large meeting hotel choices in the area, such as the Swan & Dolphin or the Orlando 3000 [the Hilton Orlando and Hyatt Regency Orlando]?
A:
an additional 10,000 sq. ft. that is a combination of hardscape and lush tropical landscape. This outdoor area adjoins the 9,000-sq.-ft. Kingston Hall pre-function space, creating a perfect indoor/ outdoor event area.
Q:
What inspired the Caribbean theme? Did the developers feel the theme would complement the existing Loews properties?
A:
All of our onsite hotels at Universal Orlando Resort are built to be destinations within themselves. The hotels are located on theme park property and connected to the theme parks, so we want them to be an attraction on their own. Since the plan was to he opening of the Loews connect Loews Sapphire Falls Resort to Loews Royal Pacific Sapphire Falls Resort “is Resort, Universal Creative felt there needed to be a common a milestone for Loews thread in the themes, and the island inspiration was the most Hotels & Resorts. This compelling. On one side, we have a Caribbean-inspired is the first time in our hotel and on the other, a South company’s history that we Pacific-inspired hotel.
T
have connected two Loews hotels.”
The Loews Meeting Complex is located in the heart of one of the most exciting resort destinations in the world. Across the resort, we have opened 20 new experiences since 2010, ranging from new onsite hotels to new rides, attractions and restaurants. We are in a period of unprecedented growth and planners can leverage everything our destination offers to deliver amazing experiences for their attendees.
Q: A:
What would you highlight as the most unique meeting space(s) at the Sapphire, either indoor or outdoor? Without a doubt, our new Cayman Court will be an exciting and unique space that will offer more than 15,000 sq. ft. of spectacular outdoor space — 5,000 in a pavilion area and 14
Q:
Does your convention staff have connections with the Universal Orlando meetings and events team?
A:
Our teams in conference services at the onsite hotels and the events team at Universal Orlando Resort are working more closely together than ever before to serve our meeting planners. We bring together the hospitality excellence and award-winning food and beverage that Loews Hotels is known for and combine that with Universal, an entertainment icon. It is a powerful combination that gives planners the assets to create unforgettable meetings that cannot be found anywhere else.
Q: A:
What is your personal approach as GM to ensuring that meeting groups receive the best service? My mantra is “unconditional hospitality” and our team brings that unwavering commitment to each one of our groups. Facilities & DESTINATIONS 2016 Summer