You could consider Orlando as a bustling household journey vacation spot, crammed with world-famous theme parks. Whereas that’s true, there’s additionally a quieter a part of Orlando, the place you may expertise nature and discover extra inexperienced areas, and opulent facilities. To expertise the most effective of each worlds, think about staying on the Grande Lakes space of Orlando, dwelling of two world-class luxurious resorts.
Each the Ritz-Carlton Orlando and the JW Marriott Orlando are situated in Grande Lakes. Whereas they’re two separate resorts, they’re related and walkable. So, you’ll be capable to benefit from the eating places at each resorts, in addition to the spa and golf membership. The JW Marriott, which continues to be very luxurious, is the extra reasonably priced possibility. Examine our expertise on the JW Marriott Orlando, and use our information to plan your personal keep.
Disclosure: I did have a complimentary lunch, eco-tour, and spa remedy on the JW Marriott Orlando a number of years in the past, however I paid for my very own in a single day keep. All opinions are my very own. This put up comprises affiliate hyperlinks and a purchase order/click on by way of considered one of these hyperlinks might lead to a fee paid to us for free of charge to you.
Assessment of the JW Marriott Orlando Resort
Entrance to Grande Lakes and the JW Marriott
The Grande Lakes space may be very spectacular, and as you drive in you’ll see how giant and expansive this space is. It feels very distant and remoted from the hustle and bustle of Orlando however continues to be shut and handy to the sights, eating places, theme parks, and retailers.
Every resort has its personal entrance and port a cochere. As we pulled as much as the JW Marriott from our cruise on the Disney Want, it was obvious that this was a wonderful and opulent resort.
We disembarked the ship fairly early and wished to have the ability to use the resort sooner than the acknowledged check-in time. A number of days earlier than our keep, we obtained an e mail asking if we had any particular requests. I requested for an early check-in, and whereas it wasn’t assured, it was granted.
Baggage help is obtainable. We didn’t want it, nevertheless. I used to be simply capable of examine in, after which we went as much as our room on our personal.
Eating Choices on the JW Marriott Orlando and Ritz-Carlton Orlando
With the 2 giant resorts, there are lots of completely different eating choices. We had been capable of check out a number of of them throughout our keep.
Whisper Creek Farm: The Kitchen
This scrumptious farm-to-table restaurant is situated proper within the foyer of the JW Marriott. We ate there for dinner, and my whole household loved the expertise. The small menu contains gadgets like flatbreads, small plates, and huge plates.
I loved the Cape Canaveral Shrimp, an creative dish that includes native seafood. My children had the mac and cheese and loved it.
Whisper Creek Farm: The Kitchen is an off-the-cuff restaurant, so you may come as you’re. It affords reservations on Open Desk. We didn’t have reservations however selected to dine early and there was nonetheless some availability.
Highball & Harvest
This lovely bistro affords breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and is situated within the adjoining Ritz-Carlton. Reservations are really helpful and can be found on Open Desk.
We ate there for lunch on our first day and would have returned if we’d stayed on the resort for an extended journey. The meals is great and there have been plenty of choices on the menu that we might have loved.
Different eating places embrace:
Knife Burger: An outside venue situated on the JW Marriott pool
Evrbar: providing appetizers and drinks
Starbucks: A full-service Starbucks situated off of the JW Marriott foyer.
Citron an American Bistro: A breakfast restaurant situated on the bottom degree of the JW Marriott. Reservations can be found on OpenTable. We didn’t eat there, nevertheless it appeared very fashionable throughout our keep.
Knife & Spoon: A steak and seafood restaurant on the Ritz-Carlton, which was not too long ago awarded a MICHELIN star.
Foyer Lounge: Positioned within the Ritz-Carlton, this lovely lounge affords cocktails, small plates, a uncooked bar, and bao buns.
Bleu: A pool bar on the Ritz-Carlton
Fairways Pub: Seize a drink or breakfast/lunch at this pub situated within the golf clubhouse. This can be a good spot for an informal meal.
Vitale Spa Café: Take pleasure in a wholesome snack or mild meal on the cafe situated on the Ritz-Carlton spa.
First Drop: Foyer cafe on the Ritz-Carlton the place you will get espresso, tea, and light-weight bites.
Primo: Italian restaurant on the JW Marriott, which was the recipient of a MICHELIN Suggestion in 2023.
Cafe Bodega: To-go meals, salads, and sandwiches off the foyer of the JW Marriott.
In-room eating is obtainable at each resorts.
Actions and Facilities on the JW Marriott
The JW Marriott Orlando incorporates a new waterpark space, known as the Grande Lakes Waterpark. That is, in my view, the spotlight of the resort when touring with children. Though it was a little bit chilly (for Florida) throughout our go to, we made positive to spend the vast majority of our time on the water park.
This space incorporates a lazy river, swimming pools, jacuzzis, the Headwaters Slide Tower with three waterslides, and many area to take a seat. Towels can be found at a hut by the doorway. Though the air temp was a little bit chilly, the water temperature was lovely throughout our go to.
A brand new VIP cabana space is situated off the aspect of the pool space. These price further and needs to be reserved upfront. A few of the cabanas have their very own little pool for soaking in entrance of them. There are additionally some extra cabanas scattered all through the water park space.
Chair service is obtainable by way of Knife Burger, the restaurant within the pool space. Or, you may select to go away your seats and sit proper on the restaurant.
There’s additionally the AquaCourse, a ropes-course model path with water spraying. It wasn’t open throughout our keep however regarded like a variety of enjoyable.
The Ritz-Carlton Spa
Searching for a calming spa remedy throughout your keep on the JW Marriott Orlando? Positioned by the adjoining Ritz-Carlton is the Ritz-Carlton spa, providing a full service of spa therapies. Reservations might be made upfront, and yow will discover the particulars on their web site.
Golf Course
If you wish to golf on trip, the Ritz-Carlton affords an 18-hole championship course. It’s a Licensed Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary and is Greg Norman designed. Classes for adults and youngsters can be found.
Nature Actions
The attractive Grande Lakes resort space is the proper location to discover nature proper in Central Florida. A number of packages are supplied, together with eco-tours by canoe or kayak, falconry, or fishing.
