While we have personally had the chance to stay in a few of the Ritz Carlton properties in the Washington, D.C area and California, once we stepped through the doors of the Ritz Carlton Orlando Grande Lakes, we were left in jaw dropping awe, this Ritz Carlton will give some of the top resorts in the world a run for the money.
When you drive into the Ritz Carlton Orlando Grande Lakes you will begin to see why this is one of the best choices for a get-away in Florida. The amazing resort is situated on 500 acres surrounded by lush tropical gardens, lakes and Shingle Creek, the headwaters to the Florida Everglades. The outside of the property is just as amazing as the inside. We have not seen a colorful match from inside to the outside in a long time. From the flowers lining the entranceway to the wall of the hotel is pure bliss.
Each guest will arrive under their fully attended porte cochere entrance that is just a small taste of what they can expect when they check-in in the Ritz's amazing lobby. If you are not left in awe with their amazing service, look around for the luxury cars parked in front. Everything from Maybach's to Range Rovers to Mercedes cars and trucks line the driveway and show what a proprerty such as this bring in for a stay on a daily basis.
Inside the lobby, the Ritz has created one the most comforting lobby's we have seen in a number of years. Lavish couches and sitting areas and Italian-inspired architecture is enhanced with lush floral displays. Sculptures grace the public spaces, while muted tones complement the room design. No detail seems to have been overlooked -- from elegantly matted and framed artwork to stunning mahogany side tables and mirrors, they really want to make this a resort to be remembered for months after your stay.
After checking into the hotel, the front desk staff walked us to the elevator and gave a short explanation of what we could find from the lobby to the Club Level.
The club level is well worth its price in gold as it offers a private lounge area with music, fresh flowers and candlelight alibrary with collection of CDs, books, magazines and DVDs, five daily food and beverage presentations, featuring some of the best hors d'ourves we have ever had included with the price of a room. A Club Concierge for vacation planning services also assists with outside activities off the property. Sit on the private balcony area which in the evenings offer stunning views of the lakes, golf course, and incredible sunsets. We think the sunsets are best left for your own room. Private reading room for adults are also available. Do not leave the club level room without one of their oversized chocolate chip cookies, which have their own humidor to lock in the the flavor. It's a lot of cookie.... Another welcome perk on that exclusive level is a personal concierge to tend to all requests
Standard accommodations begin with the Ritz's 480-square-foot Deluxe Guest Rooms, moving up in size and amenities to The Ritz-Carlton Suites, all 66 of the 960 square-feer rooms offer the ultimate in luxury and comfort, with two private balconies and a walk-in closet. Each room has plush terry robes and slippers, multi-line telephones with voice mail, In-room CD players, an In-room safe, network dataport and a 27" flat-screen TV. These rooms are a favorite with business traveler.
We could not believe the inside of our room. The colors of the room are calming and a great way to escape from the daily work pressures many of the business travelers at Ritz will have. We suggest stepping outside on the balcony, sitting on the chair and leaving your day behind you. Looking at the Lakes and the 18-hole golf course will easily help you leave that day behind.
Our room was decorated with light and airy colors and fabrics. The yellow, green, and cream hues were a nice complement to the blonde furniture and hand-painted headboards. Little details were not overlooked and a nice selection of magazines were available for my reading pleasure. The bathroom had a lovely décor with a marble wall, floor tiles, and vanity. Ritz-Carlton bath amenities were carefully placed on crystal and there was also a crystal ring holder. Crisp white linens were cool and relaxing, and the feather bed and comforter were all I needed to drift off to dreamland.
We have made it a point to tell all of our readerswhich hotels have the greatest of bathrooms, and the Ritz Carlton Orlando's Grande Lakes marble bathrooms with two sinks, and a separate bathtub and shower and a rubber duckie on the bathtub that we quickly named "Orlando" certianly made us want to quickly remodel own own bathroom to render this masterpiece. Each bathroom continues with the high end quality with the Bulvgari soaps, shampoos and lotions.
In the afternoon, you will want to take advantage of one of the Ritz Carlton's signauture items, their afternoon tea time... It is a great way to unwind and enjoy plenty types of tea. Whether its Earl Grey or Green Tea, their selections are endless for the perfect cup.
One thing we could not miss at this resort was their amazing spa. The 40,000-square-foot spa features 40 treatment rooms a 4,000-square-foot outdoor heated lap pool and healing waters for the exclusive use of spa guests, a co-ed relaxation conservatory, a full-service Carita salon and a 6,000-square-foot Wellness Center.
This is easily the nicest spa anywhere in Florida. If there are familes that have come to Orlando to see the Disney attractions and would like to enjoy some R&R, then you need not look any further. The spa also boasts an impressive boutique for all of the products they feature in their services and also includes products they also have everything you would need in case you forgot clothes for a great workout as well. Bring you athletic gear along, because the inside of the workout area is just as nice as some gyms that caryy a hefty monthly fee. There is enough equipmento to suit a crowded hour with ease. From circuit to free weights, tread mills and steppers, there is the right machine to keep you on that New Years resolution work-out kick.
In addition to the private spa pool area, the Ritz Carlton has one of the nicest resort pools in Florida. Its unique shape and Crown Jewel symbol in the middle again just say luxury. No pricey resort fees here, just sit back and have a drink or lunch from Bleu, the hotel's poolside bar. Great Maragritas and the crab cake sandwich is a must here.
For those who have worked up an appetite, the Ritz Carlton has two main restaurants, Norman's a AAA Four Diamond award winner and The Vineyard Grill a steakhouse located on the lower level of the restaurant. We will have a separate feature on Norman's, which is not to be missed. You will talk about their food for months to come.
If you are looking for the perfect place to have your next business meeting, the Ritz offers a business delight with over 47,000 square feet of flexible meeting space,10,000 square feet of foyer space and 52,000 square feet of outdoor function space.
If you are looking for a delightful place to have your next wedding reception, the Ritz again offers some of the best accomodations. Inside they have three ballrooms on the lobby level: The Ritz-Carlton Ballroom 15,696 square feet , the Tuscany Ballroom 13,485 square feet and the Plaza Ballroom 6,055 square feet. This meeting and ballroom space is vast like Florida itself. Lastly the Ritz offers 12 breakout meeting rooms on the lower level (468 to 2,625 square feet) divisible into 14 meeting rooms.
If you need any more reasons to enjoy yourself while in you are in Orlando, we recommend taking a evening stroll along the lake and take in the view of the Ritz Carlton and the J.W Marriott. There are plenty of benches along the dock area near the golf club house that offer a great way to unwind or a have a kiss or two under the moonlight.
If you are looking for a place that suits all categories of travelers and you have plans involve traveling to Orlando on you next vacation or business trip, we suggest that you place the Ritz Carlton Orlando Grande Lakes on your list, as it perfect for business, a wonderful weekend getaway. Parents will love the RITZ KIDS program to keep their children busy with all of their scheduled activities. Singles will love the pampering from the state-of-the-art spa, and golf enthusiasts can play 18 holes at the course designed by British Open Champion Greg Norman.
With rates as low as $199 a night in the summer and competitive rates of $300 a night in high season, the Ritz Carlton Orlando Grande Lakes allows you to live like luxury without wiping out your wallet.
For more information on booking a reservation visit the Ritz Cartlon website at www.ritzcarlton.com or contact the hotel directly at 407 206-2400
