Everglades headwaters hideaway
Palazzo-inspired architecture rises above a 500-acre estate of quiet lakes and citrus groves at the headwaters of the Florida Everglades.
“Rows of palm trees herald the entrance to the Ritz-Carlton Orlando, a towering, Italian-inspired resort...”
Where it shines
Exceptional
Dedicated Club Level concierges, twice-daily housekeeping, plush terry robes, and Asprey Purple Water amenities in marble bathrooms.
Remarkable
A 40,000-square-foot spa offering hydrotherapy lounges, dry saunas, an adults-only lap pool, and farm-sourced body treatments.
Remarkable
A 500-acre estate with championship golf, guided Everglades kayak tours, private bass fishing, and waterpark access.
What they say
One Michelin Key
Michelin
Forbes Five-Star
Forbes Travel Guide
2026
Also in Condé Nast Traveler and AFAR.
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.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Shingle Creek winds through the surrounding nature reserve, offering kayak eco-tours and private bass fishing far removed from theme-park crowds.
The rooms
Furnished private balconies overlook the lakes and grounds, leading into light-filled interiors with expansive marble bathrooms and deep soaking tubs.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
The clover-shaped swimming pool is encircled by tall palms, radial loungers, and private cabanas along the water.
The spa and gym
Indoor hydrotherapy whirlpools sit within the spa, alongside a bright, beam-ceilinged fitness center equipped for daily workouts.
Dogs stay too.
Restaurant
Highball & Harvest
Southern recipes draw from on-site farm produce, paired with craft cocktails poured beneath exposed wooden beams.
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.
At the table
Casual dining ranges from poolside plates at Bleu and Vitale Spa Café to continuous tastings in the Club Lounge.
Good to know
Stay here
The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes
See rooms and prices on Expedia or Booking.com.
Add dates to see the price for your stay.
We may earn a commission when you book through Expedia or Booking.com. It never decides which hotels we include or how we rate them.
Orlando
More like this
JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes
“Grande Lakes waterpark wonderland”
Conrad Orlando at Evermore
“Aquatic resort haven”
Villatel Resort Orlando
“Waterpark villa resort”
The app
Like this one? There are so many more.
Swipe any city’s hotels and heart the ones you love. The app gets your taste.
Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.