The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes
Grand Italian-inspired resort with serious farm-to-table credentials, big-name dining (MICHELIN-recommended Knife & Spoon), and enough activities to skip the theme parks entirely if you want. Polished, formal-ish, but kid-friendly too.
The Ritz-Carlton Club Level is genuinely worth it — five daily food and beverage presentations (including alcohol) can significantly offset meal costs for families
Why It Matters
The only Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five Diamond resort in Central Florida. MICHELIN One Key recipient. Home to Knife & Spoon, a MICHELIN-recommended and Forbes Four-Star steakhouse by Chef John Tesar. Sits on 500 tropical acres including an on-site working farm (Whisper Creek Farm) whose produce feeds the restaurants. The PNC Championship golf tournament is held on-site.
Central Florida's only Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel, sitting on 500 acres with its own working farm, a 40,000 sq ft spa, a Greg Norman-designed golf course, and a new waterpark. The resort shares grounds with a JW Marriott next door — so guests can tap into both pools and the waterpark. Think: genuine resort depth, not just a fancy room with a pool.
Where You'll Stay
7 room types available
Executive Suite
Doubles the footprint to 960 sq ft with two balconies overlooking the lake and golf course. Separate bedroom (king or two queens), a proper living room, and a dedicated workspace with ergonomic chair. Good option for longer stays or anyone who wants room to breathe.
Lake View Room
Same 480 sq ft footprint as Resort View, but the view is meaningfully better: lake, golf course, and the Orlando skyline. Marble bath, balcony, king or two queens. One of the better bang-for-your-buck upgrades at check-in if available.
Lakefront Room
At 480 sq ft, these rooms open directly to balcony views of the lake and pool. The elevation matters here — the sight lines are direct and close. King or two queen beds, marble bath with double vanity and separate tub.
Luxury Residence
Two-story, 3- or 4-bedroom private residences set within the resort grounds. Private plunge pool, multi-vehicle garage, full kitchen, summer kitchen for outdoor dining. Can accommodate 10+ guests. Closest thing on the property to renting a private estate.
Presidential Suite
The top of the house at 2,400 sq ft on the 15th floor, with five balconies directly overlooking the lake, golf course, and pool. Master king bedroom, a full living room with dining table seating, a private office, and a deluxe marble bath with powder room and tub. The views are as good as it gets on the property.
King
Resort View Room
The entry-level room at 480 sq ft, which is respectable. Garden or resort views from a private balcony. Marble bath with dual vanities and separate soaking tub. Available with one king or two queens. Standard Ritz fixtures: 65-inch flatscreen, Asprey toiletries, 400-thread-count linens, plush robes.
Royal Suite
A top-tier suite with a separate master bedroom, sitting room, and guest bedroom. Refined furnishings, a full living area, and views that justify the upgrade. Exact square footage not publicly listed, but positioned above the Executive Suite and below Presidential.
The Property
Eat & Drink
7 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Greg Norman-designed course, 7,122 yards, par 72. Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary. PNC Championship host. Five tee sets. Caddie Concierge Program available. PGA instruction from Larry Rinker. Driving range, putting green, full pro shop. NOTE: Course closed April 24–October 31 for enhancements.
Chef-curated four-course dinner featuring certified Kobe beef with wine pairing at Knife & Spoon.
Drive a luxury supercar to Daytona International Speedway for an all-access VIP tour with exclusive photo opportunities and a chance to experience the circuit.
Private helicopter to NASA's Kennedy Space Center for a VIP behind-the-scenes tour with partner Galactic Medallion. Includes elevated dining and personal encounters with space pioneers.
Two poolside bocce ball courts with private cabanas alongside.
Two tennis courts and two pickleball courts. Equipment included with daily resort fee for one hour per day. Clinics and private lessons available by calling (407) 393-4900.
Hands-on falconry class on the 500-acre resort grounds. An unusual and memorable activity for adults and older children.
Guided fishing excursions on any of eleven private lakes and ponds on the grounds, including the 48-acre Shingle Lake. Can fish by boat or from the shore. The resort has an actual Director of Fishing on staff.
A two-mile mountain bike trail through the resort grounds on SCOTT and other brand-name mountain bikes. Self-guided at your own pace.
Two-hour guided kayak or canoe tour through the headwaters of the Florida Everglades along Shingle Creek. Led by trained guides on all-terrain golf carts to the launch point. Wildlife sightings include alligators, deer, and birds.
Two-hour early-morning guided tour of the 500-acre campus on all-terrain golf carts. Wildlife you might spot: whitetail deer, bobcats, alligators, and owls.
Full waterpark with three slides (The Chute — fast/single riders, 48" min; The Rapids — tube/tandem, 42" min; The Current — sensory/moderate, 40" min), a lazy river, Splash Cove kids area, AquaVenture balance/inflatable course, and PlayVenture playground. Knife Burger on-site by Chef John Tesar. Luxury cabanas available for reservation.
Professional photography sessions on the resort grounds. Booking desk on the lobby level.
Supervised children's program built around four pillars: land, water, environmental responsibility, and culture. Activities include storytelling, animal care lessons, arts and crafts, and physical activities. Club Level guests get complimentary entry for up to two children per day.
Four cabana types at the Solaire Pool: Luxury (up to 4 guests), Deluxe (up to 6), Family (up to 10), and Trellis (up to 8). Each includes a mini-fridge with non-alcoholic beverages, fresh fruit plate, chips and salsa, HDTV, Wi-Fi, and a safe. Available for overnight guests and Ritz-Carlton Club Members only. Must cancel 48 hours in advance.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Full-service Oribe hair salon within the spa building.
On-site business center with accessible entrance.
Extensive meeting and wedding facilities including ballrooms, boardrooms, intimate meeting rooms, poolside and lawn venues. Recently renovated group spaces.
Complimentary in-room and property-wide Wi-Fi. Marriott Bonvoy members booking direct receive complimentary in-room internet.
Full room service menu available around the clock.
Open 24 hours, 7 days a week. Treadmills, ellipticals, exercise bikes, rowing machines, free weights, stair climbers, and weight machines. Complimentary and fee-based group fitness classes available.
Twice-daily housekeeping and nightly turndown service standard across all room types.
Valet-only parking at $58/day. No self-parking available on the Ritz-Carlton side.
One cat or dog up to 25 lbs permitted per room. $250 non-refundable cleaning fee per stay. Service animals welcome at no charge.
Main resort pool (heated) open daily 8:00 AM–10:00 PM. Towels provided. Children's pool area included.
Exclusive outdoor lap pool reserved for spa guests. Requires spa treatment or day pass purchase. Adults 18+ only.
The Signature Shop carries apparel, footwear, and accessories with personal shopping. The Tranquility Boutique at the spa stocks Valmont, Biologique Recherche, YonKa Paris, ESPA, and GM Collin alongside swimwear and athleisure.
24-hour front desk and dedicated concierge. Club Level guests get a dedicated concierge.
Scheduled shuttle service to Disney World, Universal Orlando, SeaWorld, and other area theme parks. Included in the daily resort fee.
BUILD YOUR THE RITZ-CARLTON ORLANDO, GRANDE LAKES PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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