Two friends and I stayed at the Ritz Carlton Grande Lakes for one night. We had 2 adjoining deluxe garden rooms. The rooms were spacious, clean, and beautifully decorated. The service was outstanding. We would definitely return. The hotel is located less than 5 minutes from Seaworld and Discovery Cove.

I almost feel like rating this one as "terrible." The property itself would seem to have a lot to offer: beautiful rooms, expert grounds, lots of amenities and facilities. But we were here as part of a convention, and I have had better experiences at two-star properties. The simplest directions are often gotten wrong, the food is marginal, complaints are virtually ignored, and for the amount of money they charge, you expect more attentive service. If you can get this place for under $200 a night, then consider it, but if you're looking for a "grand Florida experience" you'll be disappointed. For these prices you can stay at a Disney resort and they'll make sure you're pampered.

Pros: Area is smack in the middle of everything going on in Orlando. Clean-not "conventiony" (Ritz Only). Decor and bedding to die for. Great family packages. Buffet knocked the socks off my football playing lineman. He loved it. Kids loved just walking around. Soothing yet not boring. Lovely gathering area downstairs. Nice place to have a great glass of wine and play cards with your family. Arriving-leaving. The process of getting you back and forth from your car makes you feel so special. Ask about the lemonaide. At the Buffet find the sticky buns....they are the best. Wines by the glass are good too. Nice selection. My son loved the weight room/work out area. Private TV's at each running machine. The pool although not huge,was lovely. My daughter loved it.

Cons: They need a seven layer simple chocolate cake. Nothing fancy just cake and frosting with vanilla ice cream plus Mrs. Fields recipe for the chocolate chip recipe. Desert disappointed a tiny bit. Not enough to bother the kids that much. They loved it!!!!

That's it-we travel all-over this was great-don't pay for Lake View-any view would be fine-maybe try to be at least 6th floor. Don't stay at JW-messy hotel. My kids noticed-so it had to be very messy. They are not neat kids. Honestly, if they cleaned it up and kept it clean it would be a beautiful hotel. This was during a week day so no reason to not be up on things.

Sorry I hate to put hotels down-but come one get your act together. Clean up those napkins in the hallways and everywhere.

We arrived at the Ritz around 1:30 am on 7-19-07. Needless to say our flight was delayed and we were exhausted - mom, dad, 2 kids. The front desk staff was so gracious and helpful and escorted us to our room. We booked the family escape package and the suite we were given was beautiful and very large. The package also included breakfast for all of us.

The beds are comfy and and the layout of the suite was exceptional. There was the kids' room with a full bath, the living area with a half bath and wet bar area, then the master bedroom with a king bed and an oversized bathroom that included a bath, separate LARGE shower and makeup/vanity area. Amenities were top of the line.

7/19 was my husband's birthday and we are Ritz loyalists. They sent up a bottle of superb champagne with a beautifully decorated plate of cookies and chocolates. What a wonderful touch! The kids also received one of the kids' bags with cameras, wrist bands (for the free unlimited ice cream!) and a few other goodies.

The Ritz pool is great for relaxation, but the Marriott pool is more fun for kids with the lazy river and tubes. We enjoyed both pools and highly recommend them!

The spa at Grand Lakes is nicely done as well. We did not have any services, but used the gym every day. It is a fair size with Precor equipment and free weights. There are plenty of cold towels and drinking water and headphones available.

We ate at the Vineyard Grille for breakfast each day and were greeted with enthusiasm and smiles by all. We were fortunate enough to have our same waitress almost every day of our stay which was a plus as she remembered all our preferences. The buffet chef was phenomenal and quite personable. The food was good, not outstanding. But, remember we only had breakfast there!

The hotel itself is gorgeous and connects to the Marriott through the convention area. We had a truly wonderful stay and each employee we encountered was friendly, courteous and seemed to genuinely want to make our day better and brighter.