When the The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes resort was built in 2003 a stunning property welcomed guests from around the world. This rare resort combines two hotels (Ritz-Carlton and JW Marriott), immense meeting/event facilities, golf course, and lakes that appeal to a wide range of guests.
As you enter the property, lavishly manicured gardens surround the drive to the front of the hotel. At the entrance, an impeccably uniformed valet person will graciously guide you to the reception desk to begin your immersion in luxury. The Italian Palazzo designed building features shining marble flooring, fine art, and indoor plants creating a bright and cheerful mood.
Total comfort
For room choices, guests can choose from 582 stunning rooms and suites. A standard king room has all the bells and whistles to satisfy most guests. A stocked mini-bar and fridge are filled with snacks and beverages for in-room sipping and munching. The marble flooring in the bathroom gleams, highlighting the bathtub and marble tiled shower. Asprey toiletries provide guests with high-quality shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and lotion a cut above ordinary hotel bath products. Pillow top beds come with extra-long down pillows, making a superb sleeping experience.
The collection of club level rooms and luxury suites will please even the most spoiled traveler. The club level is on the 14th floor and has sweeping views of the theme parks, lakes, and forest. Guests on the club level are pampered with 24-hour food and beverage selections that change throughout the day. Enjoy the nightly Disney World fireworks in the distance from the comfort of the 14th floor balcony sipping a cordial. This is true luxury at its finest.
Upscale suite choices include 60 executive suites, two presidential suites, and one very distinguished royal suite. To secure these suites, it’s best to reserve as far in advance as possible to confirm your special home-away-from-home.
Hike the lakes
The level of luxury at The Ritz-Carlton is matched in the numerous activities available to a wide range of ages and desires. Ritz Kids is a program that offers special activities and places to keep the younger guests happy. For golfers, the Greg Norman designed golf course is challenging and verdant. Practice on the driving range if your long-range game needs a tune up before hitting the 18 holes in earnest. Outdoor tennis courts are located just a short distance away between the JW Marriott and Marriott Vacation Club Lakeshore Reserve. For other outdoor workouts, the resort has plenty of safe paths to jog or walk each day taking in the lake views and wildlife.
On my visit, I hiked the lakefront paths daily and enjoyed the exotic birds that frequent the shoreline. I also spotted fish, turtles, and several comical tiny lizards darting about on my walks. Kayaks and canoes are on-site for guests to rent if you want to paddle Grande Lake. An eco-tour by kayak or canoe are offered by Grande Lakes Sports, located on the ground level. Take this hour and a half guided water tour with a naturalist guide on Shingle Creek, said to be the headwaters of the wild and wonderful Everglades. A recently added mountain bike trail awaits those who like to ride hard on a dirt track. Or fun and easy ride in a multi-person surrey bike for 20 USD plus tax.
Several pools to beat the heat
The swimming pool options include the main pool for adults and kids, the spa pool for adults only, or visit the JW Marriott’s lazy river pool for all ages. Private pool cabanas are available to rent and have a DirectTV linked 32 in/81.2 cm TV screen, seasonal fruit plate, security safe, chaise lounges, and additional chairs for up to 10 guests. The spa has 40,000 sq ft/3,716 sq m and 40 treatment rooms making it the largest of any Ritz-Carlton spa. At the spa, you’ll find the fitness center, Vitale Spa Café, a full-service salon, and a barber shop.
Meeting and special events
Special events and meetings are a big part of Grande Lakes Resort. With over 150,000 sq ft/13,935 sq m of event space The Ritz-Carlton provides all you need for a gathering of 10–1,000 attendees. Choose from numerous indoor event rooms or take the party outside in one of several stunning venues. The Grande Lakes is a spectacular location for a wedding and The Ritz-Carlton stands ready to make your special occasion as good as it gets.
Recent renovations have added a new lobby bar and a coffee shop (First Drop Espresso and Brew Bar). At the Lobby Bar, find big views towards Grande Lake and a scrumptious bar menu. For drinks, find local craft beers, wines, and colorful named cocktails that feature Florida bootleggers, ghosts, and pirates. Don’t miss out on the pastries, coffee, snacks, and outrageous milkshakes served at First Drop Coffee and the Lobby Bar. The coconut cupcake milkshake is one of the prettiest and tastiest milkshakes ever. Other restaurants of note are Highball and Harvest for farm-to-table fare, Normans for exquisite fine dining, or the outdoor restaurant (Bleu) by the swimming pool serving drinks, burgers, seafood, and salads.
Recent renovations
What makes The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes memorable is the attention to detail in their personalized service and maintenance of the property. Although recent renovations upgraded parts of The Ritz-Carlton, it seems the whole property was recently renovated such is the level of upkeep. As for the staff, Carmen Bengston at the concierge desk is a wealth of information for off-site restaurants and activities. Carmen recommended we take a day trip to Winter Park, which was a blast, and added restaurant tips that made for an excellent meal at the Ravenous Pig in Winter Park, and a Japanese restaurant called Hanamizuki that proved to be authentic and tasty.
At the Lobby Bar, the manager, Lauren, took time to chat with me, and the bartender, Milo, was charming and attentive to our needs.
Due to this level of atmosphere, luxury, and service, I highly recommend The Ritz-Carlton for your Orlando trip.
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
Create an account to