Hotel mogul, businessman, and philanthropist Harris Rosen’s estimated net worth was more than $100 million at the time of his demise.
Key Takeaways
- Harris Rosen passed away at 85 years old and built a hotel empire with over 6,600 rooms and 4,500 employees.
- He was the founder of the largest independently owned hotel group in Florida.
- Harris Rosen had an estimated net worth of over $100 million at the time of his demise.
From Waldorf Astoria to Hotel Mogul
Harris Rosen’s remarkable journey began at the iconic Waldorf Astoria in New York City, where a chance encounter with Marilyn Monroe sparked his passion for hospitality.
After being fired by Walt Disney World for not fitting the “company man” mold, Rosen took a bold leap, investing his last $20,000 to purchase a Quality Inn on International Drive in 1973.
In loving memory of our very own, Harris Rosen. 🤍 pic.twitter.com/8ygSpXHmud
— Rosen Hotels & Resorts (@RosenHotels) November 25, 2024
Rosen Hotels and Resorts grew to include seven properties with more than 6,600 rooms.
He established a free medical clinic and provided transportation to ensure staff well-being, demonstrating his innovative business and community care approach.
A very sad day for the community and Rosen Family 😔😢🙏 #HarrisRosen #RosenHotels pic.twitter.com/DF8Q5tGsJn
— Jessica Trepanier Azevedo (@jescat55) November 25, 2024
His most significant achievement was the Tangelo Park Program, launched in 1993.
This program provided free preschool and full college scholarships to every high school graduate in the neighborhood.
A Community Champion
Famous for his charity work, Harris Rosen helped his community and the people around him.
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer captured Rosen’s importance perfectly:
“He was so much more than the hotels. He was a philanthropist who never asked for recognition.”
Via WESH
Sad to hear of the passing of Mr. Harris Rosen. Spoke with him only a few times over the years and he was always genuine and remembered my name. He was so generous and loved this community. Rest In Peace! pic.twitter.com/RCNahCGVpG
— Egan Fire (@eganfire) November 25, 2024
Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings added,
“Harris Rosen was more than a business leader; he was a compassionate visionary who dedicated his life to improving the lives of others.”
Via WESH
He pledged $10 million to create the UCF Rosen College of Hospitality Management, which has since become the largest hospitality program in the United States, with 3,500 students enrolled.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Rosen built his first hotel during the 1973 oil crisis.
- He hitchhiked to New England to market his first hotel.
- He was passionate about swimming and often trained with Olympic gold medalist Rowdy Gaines.
