Benchmark Resorts & Hotels added the Hilton University of Florida Conference Center Gainesville into its portfolio. With another two hotels recently added in St. Pete Beach, the 248-guestroom property marks the collection’s 10th location in Florida.
The Hilton property offers more than 25,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting and event space, including a 6,860-square-foot ballroom. It can host conferences of up to 700 people and provides boardrooms that can fit 25 guests. The location includes a business center and a team of conference planners. It is also a member of IACC, formerly known as the International Association of Conference Centres.
Aside from business services, amenities include an outdoor pool and whirlpool and a 24-hour fitness center. It features two dining venues as well as in-room dining service.
The hotel is situated near Gainesville’s central business district on the University of Florida campus. It is Benchmark’s third hotel located on a major U.S. college campus. Alex Cabañas, Benchmark’s CEO, highlighted the role conference center hotels can play for a university, saying they “serve as a campus ‘guest house,’ providing an authentic, on-campus experience while sharing ideas and resources.”
Benchmark is a global hospitality company that specializes in the development, management and marketing of resorts, hotels and conference centers. The company's portfolio comprises Benchmark Resorts & Hotels, the Gemstone Collection and its Benchmark Conference Center division for a total of more 80 projects across three continents.