The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes
Orlando, Florida
Grande Lakes
Vibe
Palazzo-inspired architecture rises above a 500-acre estate of quiet lakes and citrus groves at the headwaters of the Florida Everglades.
“Everglades headwater hideaway”
Dedicated Club Level concierges, twice-daily housekeeping, plush terry robes, and Asprey Purple Water amenities in marble bathrooms.
Hydrotherapy thermal lounges, saunas, an adults-only lap pool, and spa therapies incorporating estate-harvested honey, citrus, and herbs.
A 500-acre estate with championship golf, guided Everglades kayak tours, bass fishing, and a shared waterpark lazy river.
On a 500-acre estate along Shingle Creek, surrounded by private lakes at the Everglades headwaters.
“It sticks to the tried-and-true Ritz-Carlton formula: big opulent rooms, Mediterranean palazzo style, old-fashioned professional service, and amenities to embarrass lesser hotels.”
Rooms
Furnished private balconies look out over quiet lakes, while renovated interiors pair soothing neutral palettes with expansive marble bathrooms and soaking tubs.
“Rows of palm trees herald the entrance to the Ritz-Carlton Orlando, a towering, Italian-inspired resort...”
Wellness
Thermal lounges and dry saunas anchor the spa, where body treatments use estate-harvested honey and citrus beside an adults-only outdoor lap pool.
“Part of the Grande Lakes resort complex, the Ritz-Carlton Orlando has enough amenities to keep a family happily occupied without ever having to leave the property.”
Eat & drink
Dry-aged steaks headline at Knife and Spoon, while farm-fresh Southern plates and craft whiskey cocktails anchor casual evenings at Highball and Harvest.
The neighborhood
Quiet waterways along Shingle Creek offer kayak trails and bass fishing, keeping theme-park bustle comfortably beyond the estate gates.
The app
This is one hotel. The app has every one we rate, in your pocket, for the whole trip.
Our shorthand
What makes a hotel special, how well they pull it off, and what it feels like outside the door.
How well they pull it off
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
They did this well. You’ll notice.
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Architecture and interiors lead. There’s a creative vision at work.
The guest is conspicuously well cared for. Requests met before they’re made.
Rooted in place. Local character runs through the whole stay.
Energy and scene. Where the city goes out, whether or not it’s sleeping here.
A building with history. The story of the place is part of the stay.
Built around feeling better. Rest, sweat, soak, spa.
A hotel the city grew up with. Same rituals, same regulars.
A world of its own. No reason to leave the property.
Scene — what’s outside the door
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
A place apart: the property is the destination.