Anyone stay at the JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes on Marriott Points?

[Stevegriswold]

Hi,

I have been trying to book the JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes for a long time, but it seems that the reservations always want double marriott rewards points or $50, $100, $150 extra in cash for each night plus the marriott points.

Has anyone stayed here, is it nice?
Did you manage to get a room just with the normal amount of Marriott Points?
Did you have to book over a year in advance to book on points?

Thanks,
Steve

 

[iloveokw]

We stayed one night before checking into Old Key West at the JW Marriott - but paid cash - yes it is a very nice hotel (seemed geared to conventions) but daughter and husband thought pool wasn't so great. If I were to stay with Marriott points I would use one of the hotels in the Marriott village.

 

[iwannago!!]

bump, because I am just as interested in the feedback.

We have a week booked over Spring Break on points, and we had to pay an extra $50/night too! I had hoped that the lazy river at the pool would make it worth the $$, but now I am worried!

I did hear that it isn't near much, which could be a good thing. I know that the Ritz is next door, so you are at their mercy as far as restaurant choices go.

 

[MinnieGi]

We have stayed there but not on Marriott points. My DH actually had a convention he was attending and the kids and I tagged along. Wow, it was excellent!! Very pretty, nice staff, and a GREAT pool!!! I was surprised to see an above poster say they did not think much of the pool????? Its actually several pools all connected together with a lazy river. There is also a zero entry area and a kiddie pool and playground area. The kids and I loved the pool, but we also love lazy rivers. They also have a kids activity room that was a lifesaver during a hurricane that we weathered while there. The staff had crafts, games and movies for the kids to watch while the hurricane blasted the area.

It took about 20 minutes to get to WDW. I took the kids to the parks everyday while DH was busy with his conference. He did join us for a few nights though at WDW. SeaWorld is only 2 minutes away though!

Oh and they have a Starbucks right in the hotel!!!! The kids and I would eat breakfast in the cafe and then I'd get a Starbucks to go as we headed out to the parks. I'd still be finishing up as we entered the parks and I can't tell you how many people asked me where I got it!!!!!

Great hotel, we keep hoping DH has another convention here someday!!

 

[mkmommy]

How big is the lazy river? I am thinking of staying there for one night after the cruise instead of staying at OKW

Thank you

 

[TheresaNY]

The Lazy River Pool is surprisingly large. It takes a few minutes to wander around the loop. It has a zero entry area as well as several areas off the pool to play. I think they also have SCUBA lessons in the pool in the morning. They sell floats there but we brought our own and they even offered to blow them up for us ! On some afternoons they had live music next to the pool. There are also outdoor ping pong tables, tether ball, and HUGH lawn chess set. I have some great shots but don't know how to post them. There is also some great restaurants too. There is Citron's which has the absolute BEST and largest Hamburger I have ever had !! Seriously ! It was delicious. There was also a great buffet there as well. There are also lots of places near by to eat if you have a car. It is only a mile or two from a shopping center area and fast food. It is behind SeaWorld. The resort is beautiful and worth staying at especially if you can get it for rewards points (as we did). It got cheaper the closer it came to our date.

 

[CarolA]

I have stayed here, but not on points.

That said this is a TRUE Deluxe, not the "Disney" deluxe. Beautiful hotel, beautiful grounds, excellent service etc.

If I am spending big bucks for a hotel in Orlando it's going to be here NOT Disney. (I am tired of being ripped off for so so room quality, basic service etc....)

Pool areas for both hotels are combined (i.e., you can use either one) and were VERY niche!

 

[dfarner]

Hi,

I have been trying to book the JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes for a long time, but it seems that the reservations always want double marriott rewards points or $50, $100, $150 extra in cash for each night plus the marriott points.

Has anyone stayed here, is it nice?
Did you manage to get a room just with the normal amount of Marriott Points?
Did you have to book over a year in advance to book on points?

Thanks,
Steve

What time of year are you looking at going? I have looked into this hotel several times for my husband and there were standard point stays available, with no additional cost per night. Keep trying!