KUD International Developed Waldorf=Astoria to Open

The Bonnet Creek Resort adjacent to Walt Disney World, featuring a 500-room Waldorf=Astoria, a 1,000-room Hilton Hotel and a Rees Jones signature golf course, celebrates its grand opening November 12.

The 428-acre project, developed by KUD International LLC, headquartered in Long Beach, Calif., also features a 249,000-square-foot conference center and a 25,000-square-foot Guerlain spa.

Key elements of the Manhattan Waldorf=Astoria were recreated in the new hotel at the Bonnet Creek Resort, including Sir Harry’s, the Bull and Bear, Peacock Alley, Oscar’s and the famous lobby clock.

The new 1.8 million square foot hotel complex also features amenities such as the Guerlain Spa, a 40,000-square-foot formal pool area, a 1.8 acre family water recreation area and a myriad of meeting and conference options — including formal Board Rooms — all overlooking the Waldorf=Astoria Golf Course and Clubhouse.

The KUD project team included Smallwood, Reynolds, Stewart and Stewart as the project architect, SFA Design as the interior designer for the Waldorf=Astoria and Duncan Miller Design as interior designer for the Hilton Hotel. The Hunt Construction Group was the Construction Manager for the hotels.

The development is owned by a consortium that includes GEM Realty Capital, and Bonnet Creek Ventures. Financing was provided by a team of lenders led by Calyon Bank New York.