Harris Rosen, Founder of Rosen Hotels, Dies at 85

Harris Rosen, founder of Orlando–based Rosen Hotels & Resorts, died Monday at 85.

Rosen was known as much for his philanthropy – such as the Rosen Gives Back initiatives and The Harris Rosen Foundation – as for his leadership role in hospitality.

“A beloved father, grandfather, and a pillar of our community, his boundless generosity and love touched countless lives through his unwavering commitment to helping underserved communities, promoting education, advancing the fight against cancer, and supporting health and wellness initiatives,” said company Vice President Frank Santos in a written statement.

Social media posts from meeting planner clients remember him as kind, friendly and a true gentleman.

“I had the good fortune of having breakfast with him and the sales team,” said one planner. “He was humble, fun, a philanthropist (he adopted an entire neighborhood), loved and cared for his employees, and operated his business with no debt.”

“I remember doing a site visit at Rosen Shingle Creek and he came along for the entire site visit and made it so personable and fun,” said another.

Rosen was born in New York City. He often spoke of the day he met Marilyn Monroe in the elevator of the Waldorf Astoria, where his father worked, as the start of his hospitality career.

“I thought if I could meet all of these incredible people in an elevator, this really was a business that I might enjoy,” he has said.

After working at Disney, he decided to purchase a Quality Inn motel on International Drive, and that was the start of his hotel empire. Today, Rosen Hotels and Resorts includes 7 properties, with more than 6,600 rooms, and employs 4,500 people.

Making education accessible to all was Rosen’s passion. His foundation provides free tuition, boarding and books so that high school graduates living in Tangelo Park and Parramore are able to go to any Florida college of their choice. The foundation also administers the UCF Hospitality School Scholarships, the Rosen Hotels & Resorts Dependent Scholarship program and others.

The Rosen family will hold a private Celebration of Life at a future date, according to the statement.