Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes
International Drive
COST: $$$$
The relative isolation of this property on 500 acres of undeveloped, well-tended land about two miles east of SeaWorld results in a pleasing quiet otherwise unknown in these parts. A businesslike hotel with a surfeit of Italianate pink marble, the Ritz has 584 rooms spread through a U-shaped tower. Large California-meets-Italy rooms have king-size beds, chaises, and balconies; bathrooms have separate bathtubs and showers and Bulgari toiletries. Outside, there’s a pretty pool lined with spouting statues, a 40,000-square-foot spa, a Greg Norman–designed golf course, and an elaborate free-form swimming pool.
Tip: The in-house restaurant, Norman’s, is excellent but expensive, and valet parking makes running out for food annoying; plan accordingly.
Room to Book: North-facing rooms have a panoramic view of SeaWorld, I-Drive, and downtown.
As Featured In...
From Food & Wine, Jan 2004
“Two new colossi, a 584-room Ritz-Carlton and a 1,000-room JW Marriott face off across 500 acres of lakes and gardens....” MORE>>
From Travel + Leisure, Oct 2003
“At the new Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grand Lakes, a citrus steward mixes individually designed fruit concoctions....” MORE>>
From the T+L 500
Hotel tower on a tropical 500-acre complex with a Greg Norman-designed golf course, 15 minutes from theme parks.
- Stats:
- 584 rooms; 3 restaurants; 2 bars.
- Competitive Edge:
- Orlando's most luxurious and diverse resort (with an excellent spa and an official Orvis fly-fishing school).
- Rooms to Book:
- West-facing Lake Views overlook the pool and golf course.
- Don't Miss:
- Dinner at Primo's—much of its produce comes from the on-site garden.
lastArticle = 1/2004 and lastAward = 01/2008
