Local Hospitality Veteran Joins Sales Team At Sheraton Orlando North

"Raquel's expertise in the sports and social markets, combined with her extensive involvement with North Orlando community and business groups, will prove invaluable as we build the area's premier hotel and conference facility." says Peter Valenzuela, general manager, Sheraton Orlando North. "We're delighted to have her on board as part of our growing team."

Before joining the new Sheraton, Raquel served as sports and social manager at the Homewood Suites by Hilton Hotels, Lake Mary, Fla. She was responsible for sales to the sports and social markets, including weddings; family reunions; bar mitzvahs; sweet sixteen parties, and la quinceañera, the sweet 15 party symbolizing the beginning of womanhood in Latin communities worldwide. While she was with Homewood Suites, group sales and overall occupancy rose. The hotel achieved a leadership position in revenue per available room in this upscale, suburban Orlando market.

Prior to Homewood Suites, Raquel was sales manager with Courtyard by Marriott/Orlando Maitland, Fla., joining the hotel when it opened in 1998. During her five years there, the property achieved occupancy rates above the industry average, ranging from high 70 - low 80 percent. Raquel was responsible for group sales at the 112-room hotel. She worked closely with community, religious and sports organizations, including Seminole Community College, churches and country clubs. Her initiatives contributed to successful fundraisers at the hotel as well for Children's Miracle Network and Arnold Palmer Hospital.

"Sheraton presents an opportunity to build North Orlando's leading full-service conference hotel," Raquel explains. "The property will have vast meeting space and exceptional amenities -- full-service spa, high-end restaurant, bar, lounge, cool pool with water features, game room and much more. I'm pleased to be part of this dynamic hotel from the ground up."

A 20-year North Orlando resident, Raquel graduated from Evans High School. The Maitland resident has a long history of involvement in community and professional associations, with memberships in: the Maitland Chamber of Commerce, Maitland Historical Society, Hospitality Sales Marketing Association International, National Business Travel Association, Seminole County's Tourism Development Council and Orlando Team Sports. Raquel is the proud mother of two school-age boys, who are active in school and community sports. In her free time, Raquel enjoys time with family and friends, including Sunday dinners with her parents, who also live in Maitland.

The Sheraton Orlando North is a 390-room conference hotel located in the heart of the bustling Maitland, Fla., business corridor. The property, scheduled to open in the summer of 2006, is close to Downtown Orlando and the Orlando International Airport. It also is convenient to major Orlando theme parks, golf courses, shopping, restaurants and entertainment. At 296,000 square feet, the new Sheraton will house 15,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, a 2,000-square-foot spa, 24-hour business center, state-of-the-art gym, restaurants, bar, concierge lounge, game room and outdoor swimming pool with dramatic water features. For information, call 407-660-9000.

About the Owners: AMC Delancey and Paramount Hotel Group

The new Sheraton Hotel in Maitland Center is owned in partnership with AMC Delancey Group, Inc., and Paramount Hotel Group, LLC. The partners have an impressive track record. Their joint venture acquisitions include the award-winning Radisson Hotel Jacksonville Butler Boulevard and the new Radisson Hotel, Largo, Maryland/Washington DC.

Paramount Hotel Group, founded in 1999, is a premier hotel management and development company. As an independent operator, the Fairfield, New Jersey-based company has successfully managed hotels under every major brand, including Marriott, Hilton, Radisson, Sheraton, Crown Plaza, Holiday Inn, Ramada and Howard Johnson. For information, visit www.paramounthotelgroup.com.

Philadelphia-based AMC Delancey Group, Inc., is a leading real estate investment and development firm that co-invests with a growing number of real estate operating partners throughout the U.S. The company's current investment programs include hotel, office, retail, multi-family, condominium, mixed-use, and land development. More information is available at www.amcdelancey.com.


Logos, product and company names mentioned are the property of their respective owners.

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