Review JW Marriott Grande Lakes Orlando Paradise

[momcat1959]

Overview/Location
My husband and I recently spent 6 days at the JW. It was our first time in Orlando without “kids”. We decided to stay on a non-Disney property for this one. The crowds, for the third week of Oct were rather light, so staying off site was a good choice. The hotel is conveniently located and took us about 15 minutes to get to Disney . We would leave the park mid day and return in the evening. It did get a bit tedious having to “commute” and I think when we go again we will go for 8 days and split our time 4 days in the park (to visit the parks) and 4 days at the JW (to relax). One thing to note is this is a business hotel, so there were a lot of people walking around in suits. I am a business woman and it did bother me a bit since it reminded me of work and I was trying to forget work for a little bit. But it was no big deal. The hotel is beautiful and relaxing and we will definitely return.
Property
The Grand Lakes property is gorgeous. It reminds me of a “Mini Atlantis”. The lake is lovely, with fountains and wildlife (even a resident alligator). There are lots of palm trees and flowers. There are walking paths and it is very nice to stroll around the property.
Pools/Activities
The pool at the JW is one of the nicest I have experienced. It is heated and the lazy river is nice to float around. We purchased the tubes and brought them home for our pool. The property is beautifully landscaped, with plenty of shaded areas. There are lots of padded lounge chairs. Guests can also use the pool at the Ritz, it is only a short pleasant walk. At the Ritz there are cabanas for rent and also fresh fruit available at no charge. There are plenty of activities, volleyball, a large chess set, play area etc. The spa is wonderful, I had a facial and my husband a massage.
Room
Our room was very nicely appointed. I asked for a nice lake view and it did not disappoint. We were on the 12th floor, overlooking the lake and pool. We had a wonderful view of Orlando and could even see Epcot (Spaceship) Earth in the distance. We could see the fireworks from our balcony. It was really wonderful. Our room was at the end and had it’s pros and cons. It was quiet, nice view, but a long walk from the elevator. But the view was worth the walk. Turn down service was nice and we got chocolates on our pillow at night. This hotel is everything you would expect from a JW.
Hotel/Restaurants:
As noted the hotel is lovely. The lobby is marble and very impressive. Citron was great, especially for breakfast. We had breakfast included in our package and it was a great deal. We had dinner there one night and it was delicious. The pool bar had wonderful frosty drinks.
Staff
Friendly, helpful and efficient
Pictures:
http://travel.webshots.com/album/578913068AZZnAe

 

[papertraveller]

I love the JW - in fact, it may be my favourite hotel ever!

We were there over New Year's, and had a marvellous time. The weather warmed up enough that we could spend a good amount of time reading in the sun or floating around the lazy river. (Last summer, DD took part in the free scuba lessons too, and swam all the way around on the bottom.)

NYE dinner was in Citron, which was fixed price with champagne and wine included. Marvellous selection, and great entertainment too. They had an artist doing caricatures, which DD was thrilled with. Then there were drinks in the lobby for the big countdown, followed by fireworks outside. Brunch the next morning was also terrific.

The hallways are long - we always joke that we'll be in the room furthest from the elevator regardless. But no matter - we simply love our time there.

We are anxiously waiting for Marriott to continue the build-out of the Lakeshore Reserve timeshare next door, so we can get a full suite and still enjoy all of the JW's amenities.