The city of Winter Park was originally developed in the late 1800's as a winter resort for wealthy Northerners seeking refuge from the harsh winters and a place to rest and relax.

Rollins College, the oldest college in Florida and the nation's premiere liberal arts college, was founded here in 1885.

In 1886 the Seminole Hotel opened on New Year's night. It was a grand lakeside resort with gas lights, steam heat, and a formal dining room.

Years later there was a need for a more modest hotel close to the Rollins campus. Built in 1922 by architect Peter C. Samwell, the hotel lobby is still a snapshot of vintage elegance. Originally the Hamilton Hotel, the Park Plaza Hotel became so after being purchased by the Spang family 40 years ago, and undergoing a $100,000 renovation in the late 1970's.

A photo of Park Avenue when the hotel was the Hamilton Hotel.

Today the Park Plaza Hotel is full of antiques, a 1920's charm, and a place for guests to go back in time and experience old winter park.