I’ve been visiting, touring and booking The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes for clients for years, but after Honey and I recently spent a long weekend here ourselves, I came home loving this resort more than ever.
Orlando obviously does theme parks exceptionally well, but The Ritz-Carlton Orlando is a wonderful reminder that there is so much more to this destination.
Set on 500 acres at Grande Lakes, The Ritz-Carlton feels worlds away from the bustle of the theme parks, yet you’re still close enough to enjoy them when you want to. The resort shares the expansive Grande Lakes property with the JW Marriott next door, giving guests access to an enormous collection of pools, restaurants, recreation and activities without ever getting in the car.
And with the resort’s multi-million-dollar redesign now complete, the entire property feels fresh, sophisticated and very much like a destination unto itself.
PERFECT WEEKEND ITINERARY HERE
Rooms & Suites
The rooms and suites were inspired by Florida living, with a light, residential feel that is elegant without feeling overly formal. Rooms have private balconies and marble bathrooms with dual vanities, with views ranging from the gardens and pool to the golf course and lake.
On our most recent stay, Honey and I were in an Executive Suite, and it was fabulous. At approximately 960 square feet, these suites have either a king or two queen beds, a spacious separate living room, marble bathroom and balcony overlooking the lake. We had SO much room to spread out, and the separate living area made it feel much more like a little home for the weekend. And that balcony!
Bright and serene, guest rooms offer spacious layouts with balconies, work areas, marble bathrooms with dual vanities and views of the garden, pool, golf course or lake. On top of that, the rooms are all pristine and newly renovated!
The Royal Suite is another spectacular space, and the Ladies and Gentlemen of The Ritz-Carlton can add all sorts of special touches to make a stay here truly extraordinary.
The Ritz-Carlton Club Level
If you want to elevate the experience even further, The Ritz-Carlton Club Level is essentially a hotel within the hotel. Club guests have access to the private 14th-floor Club Lounge, dedicated concierge service and five daily food and beverage presentations, including breakfast, lunch, afternoon snacks, hors d’oeuvres and cordials.
And the benefits here extend well beyond the lounge. Current Club benefits include exclusive pool seating and experiences, preferred golf tee times with complimentary rentals for two players, complimentary half-day Ritz Kids access each day plus one Kids Night Out per stay for two children per room, a photography benefit and even a Saturday wine tasting with the Knife & Spoon sommelier.
For the right family, those extras can add significant value to the cost of upgrading.
Food presentations throughout the day are absolutely scrumptious.
And the views from the sweeping verandah are unsurpassed.
Club guests receive so many additional perks, including:
- Harry Josh hairdryers and styling tools
- Complimentary shoeshine and pressing of up to two garments per day
- Dyson Airwrap for use during stay
- Technogym equipment to workout in your room
- Billie Razors
- Electric toothbrushes
- Complimentary sessions in Ritz Kids
Pools, Lazy River & Water Slides
One of the things I think families sometimes overlook when considering The Ritz-Carlton is just how much pool time there is to be had here. The Ritz has its own beautiful heated family pool, where Honey and I spent the better part of Friday floating, reading and enjoying lunch from Bleu Pool Bar.
Guests of The Ritz-Carlton also have access to the neighboring JW Marriott’s waterpark, which includes a lazy river, water slides, heated pools and whirlpool. So you can choose your own adventure. Spend the day relaxing beside the Ritz pool or head next door when the kids want slides and a lazy river.
The Ritz-Carlton Spa
Y’all. This spa. The Ritz-Carlton Spa is 40,000 square feet of absolute heaven, and after multiple visits over the years, it remains one of my favorite spas anywhere.
I’ve had consistently exceptional massages here, including another wonderful one during our recent stay. There are extensive treatment offerings plus separate men’s and women’s relaxation areas, steam and sauna facilities and an adults-only outdoor heated lap pool.
And do not leave without lunch at Vitale. Their blue crab salad is one of those things I order every single time I visit because I simply cannot bring myself to get anything else.
Things to Do at Grande Lakes
You could easily spend several days here without ever thinking about a theme park.
The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club is home to an 18-hole, par-72 Greg Norman-designed course and hosts the annual PNC Championship.
Grande Lakes offers an extensive schedule of recreation, and on this trip Honey and I finally tried the two-hour guided Eco-Tour. The experience explores Shingle Creek by kayak or canoe and gives you an opportunity to see a completely different side of Central Florida.
You’ll also find Ritz Kids, fitness facilities and a whole host of seasonal activities across Grande Lakes. Ritz Kids programming is built around land, water, environmental responsibility and culture, so there is plenty here for families even when they aren’t heading to the parks.
And this is one of those resorts where I wouldn’t overschedule. Pool. Spa. One fun activity. A fabulous dinner. Repeat.
Dining at The Ritz-Carlton Orlando
You could eat very, very well here without leaving the property. There are 13 dining outlets across the Ritz experience, ranging from poolside lunch to fine dining.
Highball & Harvest
Highball & Harvest is the Ritz’s Southern-inspired restaurant and where we enjoyed breakfast each morning as well as dinner on our arrival night. The restaurant incorporates ingredients from local farms and the resort’s own garden, and I love that it manages to feel casual enough for breakfast in resort clothes but still special enough for dinner and cocktails.
And on our second morning, they greeted us by name. Ladies and gentlemen serving ladies and gentlemen. That’s The Ritz-Carlton difference.
Knife & Spoon
Knife & Spoon is the resort’s signature steak and seafood restaurant from Chef John Tesar. It is currently MICHELIN recommended and has also earned Four Stars from Forbes Travel Guide and a Wine Spectator Award.
Honey and I had dinner here on Friday evening, and it was our date-night dinner of the weekend.
The Lobby Lounge
The Lobby Lounge is one of my favorite spots to stop for a cocktail or light bite. It overlooks the gardens, lakes and golf course and has that casually elegant Ritz atmosphere that makes you want to settle in and stay awhile.
Bleu Pool Bar
Bleu serves lunch right at the Ritz pool, with burgers, seafood, salads and drinks. We had lunch from our lounge chairs on Friday because once I am happily ensconced beside a pool with my book, it takes quite a bit to convince me to leave.
Vitale
Located at the spa, Vitale is perfect for a light lunch before or after a treatment. As previously discussed, get the blue crab salad. Trust me. :-)
Dining at the JW Marriott
One of the benefits of staying at Grande Lakes is that you also have all of the JW Marriott dining within walking distance. On Saturday evening we walked next door for dinner at Primo, then enjoyed a sunset stroll back to the Ritz.
Having so many restaurants within the Grande Lakes complex is another reason I don’t think you need to leave once you arrive.
Ritz Carlton Residences
For families and larger groups wanting significantly more space and privacy, this property has an extraordinary option.
The Ritz-Carlton offers three- and four-bedroom, two-story private residences with full kitchens, private pools, garages and outdoor summer kitchens. They also include Ritz-Carlton services like private check-in and check-out, butler service, daily housekeeping, nightly turndown and access to resort amenities.
These would be incredible for a multigenerational family vacation, extended family gathering or group of friends who want all the space and privacy of a vacation home without giving up Ritz-Carlton service.
What About the Theme Parks?
I feel like this is a good place to pause and say that if you DO want theme parks, The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes is the perfect luxury home base for Universal Orlando.
I love Universal’s Premier Resorts for the benefits they offer, but when it comes to the actual hotel experience, they simply cannot hold a candle to this one. If luxury accommodations, exceptional service, fabulous dining and a true resort experience are priorities for your vacation, this is where I’d stay.
The resort also offers scheduled transportation to Universal Orlando, Walt Disney World, SeaWorld and other area theme parks.
For the right trip, I would happily combine park days with resort days here. In fact, I think that is one of the best ways to do it.
Here’s the view of Epic Universe fireworks from our suite!
Who Is The Ritz-Carlton Orlando For?
After staying here as a couple and experiencing the property extensively over the years, I think one of its greatest strengths is how many different kinds of vacations it can accommodate.
It is fabulous for couples wanting an easy luxury weekend away. I’d send girlfriends here for a spa weekend in a heartbeat. Families have pools, waterslides, a lazy river and Ritz Kids. Golfers have an incredible course when it reopens. Foodies could build an entire weekend around the restaurants.
And for families doing Universal who want their hotel to feel like part of the vacation rather than simply somewhere to sleep between park days, this is one of my favorite options in Orlando.
Planning a Ritz-Carlton Orlando Getaway
This is exactly the kind of resort where firsthand experience makes a difference. Having now stayed at, toured and booked The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes, I can help you think through not just where to stay, but how to make the most of your time here.
- Firsthand experience and expertise to help determine whether The Ritz-Carlton is right for your trip, whether you’re planning a couples’ getaway, family vacation, girls’ weekend, spa escape or a luxurious home base for an Orlando theme park vacation
- Guidance on choosing the right room, suite, Club Level accommodation or Residence based on your group, budget and plans
- Personalized recommendations for length of stay, dining, spa treatments, pool time, golf, activities and how much to plan versus leaving plenty of time to simply enjoy the resort
- Help incorporating The Ritz-Carlton into a larger Orlando vacation, including Disney or Universal, or planning it as an easy stand-alone luxury getaway
- Assistance with transportation, dining, activities and all the little details that bring the trip together
And, when you book your stay with me, you’ll also enjoy these additional benefits:
- Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
- Daily breakfast for two at Highball & Harvest
- $100 resort credit to enjoy during your stay
- Early check-in and late check-out, subject to availability
The best part? You can enjoy all of these benefits while also having me in your corner to make sure you’re booking the right accommodations and creating the right kind of Ritz-Carlton Orlando experience for your particular getaway.
After our weekend here, I came home thinking the same thing I tell clients all the time: Orlando can be whatever kind of vacation you want it to be.
And sometimes, the very best version includes a robe, a fabulous spa, a beautiful pool and absolutely no alarm set for the morning.
Let’s Travel & My Services
As a Premier Level Advisor with Glass Slipper Concierge, I am recognized for providing the highest level of customer service, experience, and knowledge in the industry. I use my personal connections and firsthand expertise to craft bespoke vacations for the most discerning clients. On top of that, travel is expensive and I know how to get the best value for your time and money. Most aspects of planning a family vacation look different and now, more than ever, it is crucial to have the most current, up to date information based on personal experience to plan your vacation!
I offer concierge travel planning for Walt Disney World® Resort, Disney Cruise Line, Disneyland® Resort, Disneyland Paris, Adventures by Disney®, Aulani, National Geographic Expeditions, Universal Orlando, Royal Caribbean and other delightful destinations around the globe! Let’s go there!
