New team leader bringing over 20 years of luxury hospitality experience from New England to 300 East New England Avenue
The Alfond Inn at Rollins, the award-winning boutique hotel in the heart of historic Winter Park, is pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Briggs as Managing Director. Briggs joins the team from within Olympia Hospitality’s network of distinguished properties.
“Michael brings more than two decades of experience in the luxury hospitality space and has been a trusted leader within Olympia Hospitality since 2016,” said Kristie Rasheed, Vice President of Operations at Olympia Hospitality. “He is deeply respected for his dedication to outstanding guest service, strong team culture, and operational excellence—qualities that align perfectly with The Alfond Inn’s mission and values.”
Before joining The Alfond Inn, Briggs served as Managing Director for Olympia Hospitality, overseeing a team of general managers across the company’s New England collection. He previously led Maine’s renowned Inn by the Sea as Managing Director, under his leadership the property earned numerous accolades, including placement on Travel + Leisure’s Top 100 Hotels in the World and the Preferred Hotels I-Prefer Members’ Choice Award.
Earlier in his career, Briggs spent ten years at Chatham Bars Inn Resort and Spa in Massachusetts, playing a key role in elevating the resort to a Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star rating across lodging, dining, and spa services—making it the only property in the state at the time to receive triple Four-Star recognition. His longstanding relationship with Preferred Hotels & Resorts uniquely positions him to lead The Alfond Inn in alignment with the brand’s high standards.
Beyond operational excellence, Briggs is also recognized for his contributions to industry and community engagement. He serves on the boards of Hospitality Maine, the New England Inns and Resorts Association, and Visit Portland—reflecting a commitment to community partnership that mirrors The Alfond Inn’s deep connection to Rollins College and Winter Park.
Celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2023, The Alfond Inn recently completed an extensive renovation, expanding its accommodations to 183 guest rooms. The hotel also unveiled The Spa at The Alfond Inn, a luxurious wellness destination open to both guests and the public. The new amenities include signature treatments, a sauna, a fitness center, a swimming pool, private cabanas, and a spacious outdoor living area.
Owned by Rollins College, a private liberal arts institution in Winter Park, The Alfond Inn stands out in the hospitality landscape through its philanthropic model—all net operating income supports student scholarships at Rollins. It is also home to The Alfond Collection of Contemporary Art, part of the Rollins Museum of Art, and is the only hotel in the country that functions as a formal extension of an art museum, with rotating exhibits curated by the museum’s experts.
ABOUT THE ALFOND INN AT ROLLINS
A member of the Preferred Hotels & Resorts L.V.X. collection, The Alfond Inn at Rollins has a AAA Four Diamond Rating and is managed by Olympia Hotel Management, an innovative leader in hospitality. Owned by Rollins College, a private coeducational liberal arts college in Winter Park, Florida, The Alfond Inn opened in August 2013 and directs net operating income to Rollins College scholarships. The 183-room boutique hotel offers The Spa at The Alfond Inn, two pools, a 6,000-square-foot Amenity Deck, a fitness center, and 12,400 square feet of flexible meeting space. The award-winning Hamilton’s Kitchen restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, while The Café offers lighter bites and beverages. The hotel is located 15 minutes from downtown Orlando and 30 minutes from Walt Disney World and Orlando International Airport. The Alfond Inn at Rollins, 300 East New England Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32789. 407-998-8090. www.thealfondinn.com