Wonderful hotel, A must stay!!

I am extremely impressed by the Ritz Grande Lakes! I've stayed in hotels all over the world and this is one, if not THE best of all. I cannot understand how anyone who has any common sense could give this hotel a bad review like the one listed. This person obviously has never stayed in a first class hotel by the statements he/she made. Its been my experience the people who are "new" to first class luxury are the biggest complainers/whiners, and those of us who are used to upper end accomodations and service know first class service when we experience it. And the Ritz Carlton Grande Lakes is FIRST CLASS, ALL THE WAY! ps. I would advise the person who wrote the bad review to return to the Days Inn, where they obviously belong.

The spa rocks!!!

The Ritz Spa in Orlando is wonderful. From the moment I walked in the spa I was greeted by Amy. Amy informed me of the treatment I was going to have and then escorted me to the second floor of the spa to begin my experience. Iris, showed me around the ladies spa and offered me fresh fruit and tea. My treatment began with Greg, picking me up from the 2nd floor and taking me up to the 3rd floor of the spa. Greg was my therapist. I was on cloud nine!! After the treatment I enjoyed the sauna and steam room. On my way out of the spa, Amy remembered my name and took care of my bill. The hotel was wonderful as well, but it was the spa that was spectatular!!

Highly Recommend

We knew we were in for a treat when we drove up and saw how exquisite the Ritz entrance is. The golf course is fabulous. The Ritz provides you with a "fore caddy" or "concierge caddy" who introduces you to each hole, telling you where to hit and what trouble lies ahead. Can't help your swing but if you have a friendly caddy like we did, it can make your day. Hole #11 has a fairway split by a large oak tree ? you have to see it to believe it. The concierge level is the only way to stay at this gorgeous hotel. Every food spread they put out for breakfast, lunch and dinner made you realize you did not need to go out to eat anywhere else. We almost cancelled out dinner plans at Normans (the Ritz's premiere restaurant), but we found room in our bellies even after eating crab claws, scallop salad, 10 different cheeses, bean and beef cilantro dip, tuna tartar, seaweed salad and two very strong Grey Goose Cosmopolitans - Thanks Dane! The staff is fabulous also! Great trip and we will be back - Highly recommended!"

Great Club Floor

Place is great alternative to staying in parks, plenty of dining, great pools, excellent golf course. The best part of the hotel is the club floor, probably the best ritz club floor in the world, and we have stayed on plenty of them.

Area has lots of room with enough tables for everyone to eat at as well as some outside overlooking lake and golf course. Food presentations are awesome, lunch was unreal and desserts change each night. Definetly worth the extra charges saved on bfast and snacks and drinks.

Nothing quite like the Ritz

Wow, I think that sums up the property, the service and the atmosphere.

My wife and two year old daughter just stayed there for 5 nights and it was nothing short of incredible. When we arrived in the mid- afternoon, we were greeted by name by at least 5 employees, from the valet (valet parking only @ $14.00 per day) to the bellhop, the concierge, and the manager. We were lead to our room and given a small tour by th bellhop to make us aware of all the features like using the room safe and calling the valet, highspeed internet (@$10.00 per day) etc. The room was immaculate, huge bathroom- two sinks, separate shower and bath, ample towels , Ritz robes and slippers. We had a huge TV but no DVD player. The room also didn't come with a coffee maker which we needed to make formula for our two year old so that was brought up moments after we requested it. We had house keeping twice a day, once to clean, then to turn down the comforter and leave a chocolate treat. The room size itslef was above your average hotel room with a modest balcony overlooking the golf course and swimming pools. The room was also fully stocked with a honor bar and snacks which were of course over priced like $8.00 for gummy bears $6.00 for fiji water etc, but hey it is the ritz. We had breakfast in bed two days in a row and it was exqusite. We also ate at the Normans restaurant which was good, I would say very very good but not quite yet the best, our bill was $180 including a 20% tip so eat there only if it is special. The staff was very courteous and did what ever you wanted them to do, like e-mail my reservations confirmation to my blackberry. Now to the parks,it took me at the most 15 mins to get to any park from the hotel. What is great about the location of the ritz is that it is secluded enough to not feel like you are near disney yet close to enough to see the glow of the fire works from your balcony. The property is exclusive to say the least, almost in a zipcode of its own.Overall, this is the only place to stay if you want true luxry at at an off disney resort, the jw marriott next door is a little more casual but for the finest it has got to be the ritz.

Bring plenty of change for tips, I often ran out since I would have my rental car brought out by the valet like 6 times a day, i wish there was a flat fee that included gratuity so i wouldnt have to worry. I cant imagine going to disney again and staying anywhere else. It was too cold to check out the heated pool and didnt have time for the spa, but there will always be next time. Save your money any indulge at the ritz.

Fabulous brand new resort

Stayed for 2 days for a meeting. The rooms were very well equipped with luxerious beds and spacious bathrooms. The pool area was beautiful with a nice lakeside view, The Marriott is next door but is quite a distance away. The food was excellent and the health club was one of the the nicest I've seen at a hotel.

Exquisite!!

I was shocked to see an unfavorable rating on this site. I stayed for a week and have never felt more pampered. The staff were incredibly helpful, they went out of their way to anticipate your needs, the place was spotless. If you stay here and don't like it, you are one hell of a snob and should learn to appreciate real quality instead of looking down your nose for all the little bad things in life.This place is fabulous!!

Fabulous!

Stay on a club floor for food and drinks all day long!! Great idea for adults looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of Disney.

BEAUTIFUL LOBBY area with nice lounge and live music at night. Hotel is clean. Service is great. The fish dinner at the "Vine" restaurant was delicious- one of the best dinners that I've had. Great outdoor pool on beautiful golf course grounds- open air lunch place with live steal-drum music. Spa and workout area is enormous with all up to date equipment. Go now while the rates are still low! This place is a gem.

Bravo, to the Newest Ritz-Carlton!

We have been here a week and have enjoyed our stay at this beautiful and elegant new Ritz so much. We had a room with a spectacular view of the pool, golf course and the evening fireworks from the parks. As for food, breakfast is great, but dinner can improve. Service with a smile seems to be the motto here. We felt the service was great considering they have been opened for only one month. The staff from doormen to servers and receptionists have reflected the excellent training they've had. We have stayed at Ritz hotels in Kapalua, San Francisco, Las Vegas and this new Ritz baby at Orlando Grande Lakes compares favorably and will no doubt receive its six diamond rating soon!

Too much for too little

Had a special rate of $189 from being a guest at their other properties.

Resort not well marked on the roadway

Only offer valet service with an extra $14 charge.

Called valet twice from room to and give them 15 mins. notice to have car ready. Both times we had to wait for them to get the car.

When I checked in the reception staff said "we've been waiting for you" while the thought was nice it made me feel like I was late. Might be better to say "glad you are here."

Room very standard although it had a balcony that looked out over the grass lawn and the spa pool.

Hot water was not hot and pressure was low.

Although they had only been open a week, glasses were dirty and the soap dish was coated with soap scum.

At the spa they kept repeating how busy they were. We felt like they didn't want us to book any appointments. They charge extra for exercise classes. For the normal room rate that they will charging, classes should be included.

No turn down service was provided.

I will be sending the hotel manager a letter to offer suggestions.