Orlando is a city in central Florida and is home to dozens of theme parks, including Walt Disney World and Universal Studios. Many families head to Orlando for all things Disney, and unlike others, I go to Orlando to relax at the Ritz Carlton Grande Lakes. This family-friendly luxury resort is surrounded by natural beauty near theme parks and attractions.
IN THIS POST
OVERVIEW
At the Ritz-Carlton Grande Lakes, you can test your skills on our championship-level golf course or relax in our spa with herbal treatments. In addition, the resort offers extraordinary culinary experiences, including farm-to-table cuisine. Or, spend the day relaxing by the lazy river. Families, the Ritz Kids® program provides a variety of supervised activities for children ages 4-12.
BOOKING
Marriott’s Ritz-Carlton Grande Lakes is a Category 6 property, requiring about 60,000 points per night. Cash room rates can easily approach $1,000 per night. Depending on the time of your stay, you can get a room for as low as $800 a night.
I recommend planning and using the flexible date option on the Marriott website to get the best deal. However, if you have enough points to cover your stay, this is a perfect place to redeem your points.
There is a $40 daily resort fee, and I’ll go more in-depth below.
WHAT I LOVED
Everything. Honestly, there is so much to love about this property. I visit this hotel to stay here throughout my vacation, except for leaving to go out to dinner. Otherwise, I feel like I am out of the country. In addition to feeling like I was in paradise, I enjoyed:
- The friendly service. From the moment you step out of your vehicle, you immediately feel welcomed! The staff went above and beyond.
- All rooms have a balcony- a significant plus for me!
- Lounging out at the poolside cabana. Keep in mind that there are three pools: the resort pool, the private spa lap pool, and the lazy river pool neighboring the JW Marriott.
- The Ritz Kids program is outstanding. There are a variety of supervised activities that my son loved. It’s complimentary for families (up to 3 kids per family, age 4-12)
- Food! The food is fantastic
- I loved that the resort fee included so many things (see more about the amenities HERE)
THE ROOMS
There is a total of 582 luxury guest rooms and suites. The room sizes start at 470 square feet, and suites are 750 square feet. I always opt for a lakefront view when I have stayed at this property. A lakefront gives you beautiful views of the resort, pool, lake, and golf course. Plus, you get to see the Disney fireworks at a distance.
The Ritz Carlton Grande Lakes went under renovations, so their rooms are updated and extremely spacious. Keep in mind that my son and I traveled here, and it was more than enough room for him to play with his toys in the room without us feeling like we were on top of each other. Suites are also available, as well as residential suites.
FOOD & DRINKS
Guests at the Ritz-Carlton Grande Lakes can indulge in innovative and global culinary adventures from fine dining to the brasserie. There is a total of 11 exceptional dining establishments.
Highball & Harvest offers a variety of creative Southern dishes and handcrafted cocktails featuring seasonal fruits. They are open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Highball and Harvest is one of my favorite restraints here.
Bleu is their poolside bar and restaurant. Enjoy fresh seafood, salads, and frozen drinks.
At the Ritz Carlton Grande Lakes, there are plenty of restraints to select from; hence when I mentioned earlier, I come to this property with the intention of not leaving until it’s time to check out. Looking for a snack or cup of coffee, check out First Drop. This cafe has fresh juices, handcrafted milkshakes, and small bites. Perfect for breakfast or lunch. Their fresh baked cookies and chocolate croissants are delicious!
AMENITIES
While there is so much to see and do in Orlando, there is just enough to see and do here at the Ritz Carlton Grande Lakes.
There is a 40,000 square foot spa with a salon, 24-hour state-of-the-art fitness center, 18 hole Greg Normal designed golf course, Grande Lakes Sports experiences, family attractions, and more!
As mentioned, there is a $40 daily resort fee, and you will be shocked to learn all that’s included:
- Enhanced High-Speed Internet
- Mountain Bike Rental at Grande Lakes Sports (two bikes, 1 hr/day)
- Shuttle Transportation to SeaWorld®, Walt Disney World® and Universal® Orlando
- Use of the fitness center for two guests + 1 fitness class per day
- Two Pool Floats
- Two Pool Floats at the JW Marriott® Lazy River Pool
- Orlando International Airport - 10 miles
- Walt Disney World - 9.8 miles
- Universal Studios - 8.8 miles
- ICON Park - 5 miles
- Sea World - 2 miles
- LEGOLAND - 33.2 miles
FINAL THOUGHTS
Providing top-of-the-line service, a stylish vibe, family-friendly staff and amenities, and fun activities for your whole group, the Ritz-Carlton Grande Lakes is a great getaway destination in Orlando, Florida.
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