Escape to Grande Lakes Orlando, a sprawling resort nestled near Orlando International Airport, offering unparalleled luxury and convenience. Imagine a world where championship golf courses meet shimmering pools, where exquisite dining options tantalize your taste buds, and where every detail is meticulously crafted to create an unforgettable experience. This comprehensive guide unveils the many facets of Grande Lakes Orlando, from its prime location and diverse amenities to its vibrant culinary scene and exciting recreational activities.
Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a corporate retreat, Grande Lakes promises an exceptional stay in the heart of Florida’s magic.
From its elegant architecture and lush landscaping to its world-class services and exceptional dining experiences, Grande Lakes Orlando provides a truly immersive and memorable resort experience. We’ll explore the resort’s various offerings, highlighting its unique features and catering to a range of interests and preferences. Prepare to be captivated by the beauty and luxury that await you at this exceptional destination.
Location and Accessibility of Grande Lakes Orlando
Grande Lakes Orlando enjoys a prime location, offering guests convenient access to both Orlando International Airport (MCO) and the area’s world-renowned theme parks and attractions. Its strategic positioning ensures a seamless blend of relaxation and adventure, making it an ideal destination for both leisure and business travelers.
The resort is situated just minutes from Orlando International Airport, minimizing travel time for arriving and departing guests. Its proximity to major roadways also facilitates easy access to Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld, allowing guests to effortlessly explore the many attractions Central Florida has to offer. The resort’s tranquil setting, however, provides a welcome respite from the bustling energy of the theme parks, creating a luxurious and peaceful atmosphere.
Transportation Options to Grande Lakes Orlando
Several transportation options cater to the diverse needs of guests arriving at Grande Lakes Orlando. These options provide varying levels of cost, time efficiency, and convenience, allowing visitors to choose the method best suited to their preferences and budget.
| Transportation Method | Cost | Time (from MCO) | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi/Ride-Sharing Service (Uber/Lyft) | $35-$60 (approx.) | 20-30 minutes | Convenient, readily available, door-to-door service. | Can be expensive, especially during peak hours or with surge pricing. Subject to traffic delays. |
| Rental Car | Variable (rental fee + gas) | 20-30 minutes | Flexibility to explore the area at your own pace. | Requires driving skills and parking fees may apply at the resort. Can be affected by traffic. |
| Airport Shuttle | $25-$40 (approx.) | 30-45 minutes | Affordable option, often shared transportation. | Less convenient than a private car service; may involve waiting times and stops at other hotels. Schedule dependent. |
| Hotel Transportation (if offered) | May be included in certain packages | Variable | Convenient, direct service to the resort. | Availability dependent on the hotel’s offerings and may require pre-booking. |
Hotel Amenities and Services at Grande Lakes Orlando
Grande Lakes Orlando offers a wide array of amenities and services designed to provide guests with an unparalleled luxury experience. From lavish accommodations and exquisite dining to rejuvenating spa treatments and world-class recreational facilities, the resort caters to every need, ensuring a memorable stay for leisure and business travelers alike. The resort’s commitment to exceptional service is evident in every aspect of the guest experience.
Resort Amenities and Recreation
Grande Lakes Orlando boasts an impressive selection of amenities designed to cater to a variety of interests. Guests can enjoy two championship golf courses designed by Greg Norman, providing a challenging and rewarding experience for golfers of all skill levels. The resort also features multiple swimming pools, including a relaxing adults-only pool and a lively family pool with a waterslide, providing options for all ages.
For those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation, the resort’s luxurious spa offers a comprehensive menu of treatments, including massages, facials, and body wraps. A state-of-the-art fitness center is available for guests who wish to maintain their fitness routine during their stay. Beyond these core amenities, the resort also provides convenient services such as concierge services, transportation, and childcare.
Dining Options
Grande Lakes Orlando offers a diverse culinary experience with a selection of restaurants and bars catering to various tastes and preferences. From fine dining experiences to casual poolside bites, there’s something to satisfy every palate. The resort’s restaurants feature both indoor and outdoor seating, providing guests with a range of dining atmospheres. Many restaurants specialize in specific cuisines, offering a unique and authentic culinary journey.
The resort also features bars offering a selection of cocktails, wines, and beers, providing guests with opportunities for socializing and relaxation. Room service is also available for guests preferring to dine in the comfort of their own accommodations.
Room Types and Suites
Grande Lakes Orlando offers a variety of elegantly appointed guest rooms and suites, each designed with comfort and luxury in mind. The rooms range in size and features, catering to diverse needs and preferences. Standard rooms provide a comfortable and well-equipped space for a relaxing stay, while suites offer more spacious accommodations with additional amenities and luxurious features.
Many rooms and suites feature balconies or patios, offering scenic views of the resort grounds or the surrounding area. The resort also offers specially designed rooms and suites to accommodate families or guests with accessibility needs.
Room Category Comparison
| Room Category | Approximate Price (USD) | Approximate Size (sq ft) | Included Amenities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Room | $300 – $400 | 350 – 450 | King or Two Queen Beds, High-speed internet, Flat-screen TV |
| Deluxe Room | $400 – $550 | 450 – 550 | King or Two Queen Beds, High-speed internet, Flat-screen TV, Balcony/Patio |
| Suite | $700 – $1500+ | 800 – 2000+ | Separate Living Area, King Bed, High-speed internet, Flat-screen TV, Balcony/Patio, Additional Bathroom Amenities |
Dining Experiences at Grande Lakes Orlando
Grande Lakes Orlando offers a diverse culinary landscape, catering to a wide range of tastes and preferences. From casual poolside bites to elegant fine dining, the resort provides a variety of dining options to enhance your stay. Each restaurant boasts a unique atmosphere and menu, ensuring a memorable dining experience regardless of your choice.
Restaurant Options and Cuisine Types
Grande Lakes Orlando features several distinct restaurants, each offering a unique culinary journey. These establishments cater to different tastes and preferences, ensuring there’s something for everyone. For example, one might find a more casual atmosphere at one location, ideal for a quick lunch, while another offers a sophisticated setting perfect for a romantic dinner. The variety ensures guests can experience diverse flavors and ambiances throughout their stay.
Comparison of Restaurants: Cuisine, Price, and Experience
A comparison of the restaurants reveals a spectrum of culinary styles and price points. While some restaurants focus on upscale, fine dining experiences with corresponding higher prices, others provide more casual, family-friendly options at more moderate price points. The overall dining experience is tailored to the restaurant’s concept; some emphasize a relaxed, informal atmosphere, while others prioritize a formal, refined setting.
This variety allows guests to select the dining experience that best suits their needs and preferences.
Recommendations for Different Diner Types
Choosing the right restaurant depends on your preferences and the occasion. To help navigate the choices, here are some recommendations:
- Families: Restaurants with kid-friendly menus and a relaxed atmosphere are ideal. These often offer a variety of choices, including classic dishes appealing to children.
- Couples: For a romantic dinner, consider restaurants with elegant settings, refined menus, and perhaps a focus on specific cuisines like Italian or French. A romantic ambiance, including soft lighting and intimate seating, enhances the experience.
- Business Travelers: Restaurants offering a professional yet comfortable atmosphere are suitable for business meetings or dinners. These locations might feature private dining rooms or spaces suitable for client meetings. The menu should provide options for both light and more substantial meals.
Activities and Recreation at Grande Lakes Orlando
Grande Lakes Orlando offers a wide array of recreational activities and entertainment options designed to cater to diverse interests and ages. Beyond the luxurious accommodations and exceptional dining, the resort provides a vibrant environment for relaxation, adventure, and family fun, ensuring an unforgettable stay. Guests can choose from a variety of pursuits, from challenging rounds of golf to leisurely dips in the pool, all within the beautiful setting of the resort.
Golfing at Grande Lakes Orlando
Grande Lakes Orlando boasts two championship golf courses designed by renowned architects. The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, Orlando, Grande Lakes offers a challenging yet rewarding experience for experienced golfers, while the Faldo Golf Course presents a more relaxed yet still engaging layout for players of all skill levels. Both courses provide stunning views and impeccable maintenance, enhancing the overall golfing experience.
The courses feature meticulously manicured greens, strategically placed bunkers, and water features that add to the challenge and visual appeal. Professional instruction is also available for those looking to improve their game.
Water Activities and Other Leisure Pursuits
Beyond golf, Grande Lakes Orlando offers a refreshing array of water activities. Guests can relax by the resort’s expansive pools, enjoy refreshing beverages at the poolside bar, or take a dip in the inviting waters. The resort also features a lazy river, perfect for a leisurely float and a chance to unwind. For those seeking more active pursuits, there are opportunities for kayaking or paddleboarding on the resort’s serene lakes.
Beyond water-based activities, guests can explore the beautifully landscaped grounds through leisurely walks or bike rides, taking in the Florida sunshine and lush greenery. The resort’s fitness center provides state-of-the-art equipment for those who wish to maintain their fitness routine during their stay.
Family Activities and Kids’ Clubs
Grande Lakes Orlando provides a welcoming environment for families with children. The resort features a dedicated kids’ club offering a variety of supervised activities and entertainment options for children of different age groups. These activities might include arts and crafts, games, and organized outdoor play. The resort’s spacious grounds and multiple pools provide ample opportunities for children to run, play, and explore.
Many family-friendly restaurants within the resort offer kid-friendly menus, ensuring a comfortable dining experience for the entire family. The resort’s overall atmosphere fosters a relaxed and enjoyable environment for families to create lasting memories.
Recommended Activities for a Weekend Getaway
A weekend getaway at Grande Lakes Orlando could include a round of golf at one of the championship courses, followed by a relaxing afternoon by the pool or lazy river. In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner at one of the resort’s acclaimed restaurants. The next day could involve exploring the resort’s grounds, perhaps with a bike ride or a walk, followed by some time at the kids’ club (if applicable) before concluding with a final relaxing swim.
This itinerary provides a balance of activity and relaxation, ensuring a memorable and rejuvenating weekend escape.
Events and Conferences at Grande Lakes Orlando
Grande Lakes Orlando offers a sophisticated and versatile setting for a wide array of events and conferences, catering to both corporate and social gatherings. The resort’s expansive grounds and luxurious facilities provide an unparalleled backdrop for memorable occasions, combining seamless service with state-of-the-art technology to ensure successful events of all sizes. From intimate gatherings to large-scale conferences, the resort is equipped to meet diverse needs and exceed expectations.
The resort boasts a comprehensive range of services designed to support event planning and execution. These include dedicated event planning teams providing personalized support, advanced audio-visual equipment rentals, catering services encompassing a wide variety of culinary options, and logistical support for transportation, accommodation, and other essential event elements. The resort’s commitment to detail and personalized service ensures a smooth and stress-free experience for organizers and attendees alike.
Types of Events Hosted at Grande Lakes Orlando
Grande Lakes Orlando hosts a diverse range of events, each tailored to specific requirements. These include corporate meetings and conferences, designed to facilitate productive business gatherings and team-building activities. The resort also provides an idyllic setting for weddings, offering various venues and services to create unforgettable celebrations. Furthermore, the resort caters to social gatherings, including galas, reunions, and private parties, providing elegant spaces and personalized service to make these occasions truly special.
Finally, the resort’s facilities are also suitable for product launches, exhibitions, and other special events requiring adaptable and impressive venues.
Event Spaces and Their Capacities
The resort features a variety of event spaces, each with unique characteristics and capacities to suit different event sizes and styles. The Grand Ballroom, for instance, is a magnificent space capable of accommodating large-scale conferences and galas, with a capacity exceeding 1,000 guests. This ballroom features high ceilings, elegant chandeliers, and ample space for staging, seating, and dance floors.
Smaller, more intimate venues, such as the various salons and boardrooms, are perfect for smaller meetings, workshops, or private dinners. These spaces offer a more focused and private atmosphere. Outdoor spaces, such as the expansive lawns and terraces, provide breathtaking settings for cocktail receptions, weddings, and other outdoor events, offering flexible capacities depending on the event’s layout and requirements.
The resort’s dedicated event planning team works closely with clients to select the most suitable venue based on their specific needs and preferences.
Visual Representation of Grande Lakes Orlando
Grande Lakes Orlando presents a captivating visual experience, seamlessly blending luxurious architecture with the natural beauty of its expansive grounds. The resort’s aesthetic is one of sophisticated elegance, enhanced by meticulous landscaping and thoughtful design details that create a truly memorable stay.The resort’s visual appeal stems from a harmonious interplay of architectural styles and natural elements. The overall design evokes a sense of relaxed luxury, far removed from the typical Orlando theme park aesthetic.
Architectural Design and Landscaping
The architecture of Grande Lakes Orlando incorporates elements of Mediterranean and Spanish Revival styles, evident in the low-slung buildings with terracotta roofs, stucco walls, and arched doorways and windows. The warm, earthy tones of the buildings are complemented by the lush landscaping, which features meticulously manicured lawns, vibrant flowerbeds, and towering palm trees, creating a sense of tranquil seclusion within the bustling Orlando area.
Water features, including shimmering lakes and cascading fountains, add to the visual serenity and contribute to the soothing soundscape of the resort. The careful placement of buildings allows for maximum views of the lakes and surrounding greenery, further enhancing the visual appeal. Mature trees provide shade and privacy, contributing to a sense of seclusion and tranquility.
Resort Ambiance and Atmosphere
The overall ambiance of Grande Lakes Orlando is one of sophisticated relaxation. The sensory experience is carefully curated, with the sights of meticulously maintained gardens and elegant architecture combining with the sounds of gently flowing water and the fragrance of blooming flowers. The warm, inviting color palette, dominated by earth tones and soft pastels, contributes to the feeling of calm and serenity.
The soft murmur of conversations, the gentle splashing of fountains, and the chirping of birds create a peaceful soundscape, further enhancing the relaxing atmosphere. The scent of freshly cut grass, blooming flowers, and the subtle aroma of fine dining establishments add to the overall sensory experience, creating a truly immersive and luxurious atmosphere.
Key Features and Attractions: Visual Details
The resort’s key features are visually striking. The grand entrance, for example, features a dramatic porte-cochère, setting a tone of sophisticated elegance. The expansive pools, shimmering turquoise under the Florida sun, are surrounded by comfortable lounge chairs and cabanas, inviting guests to relax and soak up the atmosphere. The luxurious guest rooms and suites boast spacious balconies or patios offering breathtaking views of the lakes and landscaping.
The use of natural materials, such as wood, stone, and stucco, creates a sense of warmth and authenticity, while the carefully chosen furnishings and artwork add a touch of refined elegance. The overall style is one of understated luxury, where comfort and sophistication are seamlessly blended. The vibrant colors of the landscaping—from the deep greens of the lawns to the bright hues of the flowers—provide a stunning contrast to the warm earth tones of the buildings.
The resort’s lighting design, subtly integrated into the architecture and landscaping, creates a magical ambiance in the evenings.
Summary
Grande Lakes Orlando transcends the typical resort experience; it’s a destination unto itself. From its convenient location and seamless accessibility to its diverse range of amenities and activities, the resort caters to every need and desire. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, or simply a luxurious escape, Grande Lakes promises an unforgettable journey. The meticulous attention to detail, the unparalleled service, and the stunning surroundings combine to create a truly remarkable and memorable stay.
Plan your escape today and discover the magic of Grande Lakes Orlando.
Questions Often Asked
What is the resort’s policy on pets?
Grande Lakes Orlando typically has pet-friendly policies, but specific details regarding allowed breeds, sizes, and fees should be confirmed directly with the resort before your visit.
Are there any nearby attractions outside the resort?
Yes, Grande Lakes is conveniently located near major Orlando attractions like Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld, making it an ideal base for exploring the area.
What types of spa treatments are available?
The resort spa offers a wide array of treatments, including massages, facials, body wraps, and other wellness services. Specific offerings and pricing are available on their website or by contacting the spa directly.
Does the resort offer airport shuttle services?
While not always directly provided by the resort, transportation options like taxis, ride-sharing services, and private car services are readily available at Orlando International Airport for transport to Grande Lakes.
What is the resort’s cancellation policy?
Cancellation policies vary depending on the booking type and time of year. It’s crucial to review the specific cancellation policy Artikeld during the booking process or contact the resort directly for details.