The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes

Hotel description

At times we’re a bit ambivalent about the big corporate chain hotels, preferring to take our chances with the small and the unique. But how quickly, in a town like Orlando, we go running for the comforting consistency of the Ritz-Carlton.

For if Orlando isn’t exactly the town that Walt built, it’s his (and Disney’s) by annexation — and along with Disney World there’s Sea World and the Universal Orlando Resort. Presumably there’s also a proper city, where some kind of city business gets done; the lion’s share of travelers to Orlando, though, are there on holiday, and many of them with kids.

The Ritz-Carlton is the obvious choice for anyone wishing for an escape from the theme parks — it towers over a park of its own, the Grand Lakes resort, a vast estate strewn with orange groves, complete with a Greg Norman-designed golf course. And there’s nary a costumed mascot in sight.

As for the hotel itself, 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. All rooms have balconies overlooking the resort’s parklands, but the top-floor Club Level has the best views (plus even more attentive service). The spa complex is vast, the golf facilities first-rate, the pool in the adjoining JW Marriott is enormous, and Norman’s restaurant (named for James Beard winner Norman Van Aken, not for Greg the golf pro) is worth every one of its AAA diamonds. It’s just about enough to make you forget about the theme parks entirely.