You’ve probably seen the Spanish Renaissance facade of The Alfond Inn while wandering down New England Avenue in Winter Park. It looks expensive. It looks like the kind of place where people drink $18 cocktails and talk about the "market." And, honestly, it is. But there’s a massive misconception about what this place actually is. Most people think it’s just another luxury boutique hotel owned by a big corporation.
It isn't.
The Alfond Inn Winter Park is actually owned by Rollins College. Every single dime of profit—we’re talking net operating income here—goes directly into a scholarship fund. It’s called the Alfond Scholars program. Essentially, when you order that second plate of shrimp and grits at Hamilton’s Kitchen, you’re helping a high-achieving student go to college for free. It’s philanthropy disguised as high-end hospitality.
Why This Place Is Actually an Art Museum (No, Really)
Most hotels buy "art" to match the curtains. They find a nice abstract print that won't offend anyone and call it a day. The Alfond Inn flipped that script. It serves as a formal extension of the Rollins Museum of Art. This isn't just decoration; it's the Alfond Collection of Contemporary Art.
You’ll be walking to the elevator and suddenly you’re staring at a piece by Carrie Mae Weems or a neon installation by Steve Locke. It’s jarring in the best way possible. The collection was started by Barbara and Ted Alfond, both Rollins alumni. They didn't want the art sitting in a basement or a quiet gallery where nobody goes. They wanted it in the "visual syllabus" of daily life.
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Currently, the collection has grown to over 500 pieces. Since the hotel only has so many walls, the curators rotate the works constantly. You can actually take a guided tour with a real museum curator on the first Wednesday of every month. They usually do a happy hour tour, so you can learn about social justice themes in 21st-century photography while holding a glass of Malbec. It’s very Winter Park.
The 2024 Expansion: What Changed?
If you haven’t been since 2023, you’ll barely recognize parts of it. They recently finished a massive expansion that basically leveled up the entire experience. They added 71 more rooms, which was a desperate need because this place stays at nearly 90% occupancy year-round.
The biggest game-changer? The Spa.
Before the expansion, the "wellness" options were a bit lean. Now, there’s a full-on multi-level spa with aromatherapy steam rooms and "experience showers" that have about six different jets hitting you at once. It’s intense. They also added a second swimming pool on a raised amenity deck. While the original rooftop pool is still great for views, the new one has these fixed cabanas that make you feel like you’re in a slim-cut Slim Aarons photograph.
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The New Lobby Cafe
There’s also a new communal cafe in the lobby wing. It’s light, airy, and has a mid-century modern vibe. It serves crepes and lattes in the morning and transitions to beer and wine at night. It’s become a bit of a "third space" for the local Winter Park crowd. You'll see students from Rollins cramming for exams next to local business owners having "quick" meetings that last three hours.
Staying at The Alfond Inn Winter Park: The Nitty Gritty
Let’s talk about the rooms. They aren't your typical "beige box" hotel rooms. Following the expansion, the new wing rooms are bold. We’re talking bright blue and yellow accent walls and tropical motif rugs over actual hardwood floors.
- Standard Rooms: Usually around 325 to 360 square feet. Plenty of room for two, but if you’re a heavy packer, it might feel snug.
- The Suites: These are the real winners. The Grand Suite is over 1,200 square feet. It has a full galley kitchen and a dining table. It’s basically a luxury apartment.
- The Details: They use Julius Meinl coffeemakers. If you know, you know. It’s a step up from the usual burnt-tasting hotel pods.
The location is arguably the best in the city. You are two blocks from Park Avenue. That means you can walk to the Morse Museum to see the world’s largest collection of Tiffany glass, or just grab a table at a sidewalk cafe. You don't need a car if you’re staying here, which is a rare thing in Central Florida.
Eating at Hamilton’s Kitchen
Hamilton’s Kitchen is the on-site restaurant, and it’s named after Hamilton Holt, a former president of Rollins. The vibe is "farm-to-table" but without the pretension that usually comes with that label.
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The menu leans heavily into Southern roots. The Shrimp and Grits is a staple—they use a grit cake and tasso ham cream that is legitimately addictive. For brunch, the Avocado Toast is topped with watermelon radish and pickled red onions. It’s very Instagram-friendly, but it actually tastes good too.
One thing to keep in mind: it gets loud. The design uses a lot of hard surfaces, so on a Friday night, the acoustics can be a bit much. If you want a quiet romantic dinner, ask for a table in the back or out on the patio if the Florida humidity isn't hitting 100%.
The Philanthropy Loophole
Here is the thing most people don't realize about the money. Since the hotel is a 501(c)(3) through the college, the profits are fueling a perpetual motion machine of education. To date, the hotel has generated millions of dollars for the Alfond Scholars.
These aren't just small grants. They are full-ride scholarships covering tuition, room, and board. Each one is worth over $240,000 over four years. When you stay here, you’re basically a micro-philanthropist. It’s a weirdly guilt-free way to enjoy a five-star hotel.
A Few Real-World Tips
- Park Avenue is a trap for your wallet: It’s beautiful, but the prices reflect the zip code. If you want a more "local" meal, head a few minutes north to the Fairbanks area.
- Do the Boat Tour: It’s a short walk from the hotel. You get to see the "backyards" of the mansions on the Chain of Lakes. It sounds touristy, but even locals do it because the architecture is stunning.
- Check the Art Map: Ask the front desk for the art guide. Each piece has a QR code. Don't just walk past the weird sculpture in the lobby; scan it. The stories behind the pieces are often better than the art itself.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Book during the week: Rates at The Alfond Inn can skyrocket on weekends due to Rollins events and weddings. Tuesday and Wednesday nights often see a significant price drop.
- Visit the Rollins Museum of Art: It’s a 10-minute walk through a beautiful campus. Your stay at the Inn gives you a natural "in" to the museum's deeper collection.
- Request the New Wing: If you want the modern, hardwood floor aesthetic, specifically ask for a room in the expansion wing (opened in 2023/2024).