Ritz Carlton a review

[MOMTOMOOTOO]

Well, our long awaited trip has come to an end but has left us with some magical memories

I had booked the Ritz Carlton last December for a trip in May of 2004 at a really fantastic price. Well our plans changed in May and when I called to modify the dates, I was told that I had booked when the price on the net was an error But the manager was quite gracious and let me modify our dates and keep the same rate.

We arrived about 8:30am on Friday the 29th not expecting our room to be ready, but were pleasntly surprised that it was. We were given a corner room overlooking the lake and it had two balconies. It was nice, pretty standard RC. The bathroom was nice and quite large. A tub, a seperate shower, a seperate commode room and two sinks.

The lounge is quite big and also had a seperate library and a wraparound balcony with tables and chairs. The breakfast offerings were plentiful and included almost everything found at a buffet with the exception of bacon, eggs and pancakes.

The pool area was nice, nothing fancy, but very comfy lounges, and nice floats. The JW Marriott shares the property and had a nice lazy river.

The lunch offerings in the lounge were phenomenal. There were all kinds of meats and cheeses, many different breads, rolls etc. Individual mesclun salads, shrimp cocktail, asparagus wrapped in steak, yogurts, all kinds of fruit mini subs for the kids, grilled cheese, the list goes on and on. Unlike any club level I have stayed at. Also an array of desserts.

The afternoon snack was tea served with scones and fresh fruit.

The evening was a paired down version of lunch, but always included a huge platter of stone crab claws, a hot chicken item and little filet mignons.

Then the desserts were served at 8:30 and were different each night, but always delicious. Including homemade candy.

The Ritz Carlton was perfect for our needs on this vacation, we were not really doing too much at the Disney Parks so the location was fine. It was a GREAT place to just lounge and we did alot of lounging

The concierge bent over backwards to make our stay as memorable as possible. We had been in touch prior and all our needs and wants were met. From organic milk, right on down the line.

We were sent a bottle of champagne and chocolate covered strawberries for our 10th anniversary, and the kids were given these HUGE stuffed animals.

The spa was fabulous and never too crowded.

Normans was one of the best restaurants we have ever been to and the Vineyard Grill serves a fabulous breakfast.

All in all, one our best family trips ever.

 

[Princess Dot]

Great review! I have been thinking about the RC for next summer, but not sure I could swing the $$$. We usually stay at the Swan/Dolphin for the govt rate (never more than $149 so far!)

How far was it to the JW Marriot to use the pool there? Which pool area did you like better? Our kids are 10,9, and 3 and I can't tell from the pics which pool area they would enjoy more. What did your kids think?

If you went to Disney, how long a drive was it? I can't seem to place where these resorts are, although I'm pretty familiar with Orlando from all our trips.

Thanks for any input!

 

[MOMTOMOOTOO]

Originally posted by Princess Dot
How far was it to the JW Marriot to use the pool there? Which pool area did you like better? Our kids are 10,9, and 3 and I can't tell from the pics which pool area they would enjoy more. What did your kids think?

If you went to Disney, how long a drive was it? I can't seem to place where these resorts are, although I'm pretty familiar with Orlando from all our trips.

Thanks for any input!

THe pool area at the JW was a leisurely 5 minute walk at most. I preferred the RC pool, only because the kids were visable at all times. With the lazy river, they could be hard to see at times if you weren't seimming the river with them. Although there was a lifeguard everywhere! My kids are 7, 5, and just turned 3. I think they probably liked the JW pool a little better, but certainly had no complaints with the other.

As far as the drive, let me see, I am no expert on Orlando driving, but there were 3 days when I was alone with the kids so I had to drive. We went directly to the Grand Floridian for some scheduled activities twice and it took probably 15 minutes from door to door. I always valet. The way I went was Palm Pkwy to to Central Florida Pkwy. There may be an easier way, but that was what I was comfortable with.

And anoither thing, we rented the surrey bikes one evening and had a nice time.
HTH

 

[Princess Dot]

Thanks for the info! I'm going to keep looking into it for the summer!

 

[spiceycat]

this is a beautiful resort from the outside...

can anyone made a lunch/dinner reservations here - or do you have to staying here?

 

[floridafam]

Sounds like you had a great time.

May I ask if the lounge/atmosphere seemed "stuffy" to you. I know some of the Ritz properties can have that feel to them. What is your opinion?

Thanks for the report.

 

[MOMTOMOOTOO]

Spiceycat- Sure anyone can dine there.

Floridafam-The lounge did not seem at all stuffy, actually the entire concierge staff were nicer to my kids than any we have ever experienced staying onsite. The only other Ritz's I have stayed at were in cities, and I know what you mean about the stuffy feeling. But not here.

Also, there is a part of the lounge that is kid free- it is in the library.

 

[floridafam]

Thanks so much for the information.

My DH about fell out of his chair when I told him about the stone crab claws. He loves them!!!

Sorry if I missed this in your report but how would you compare the RC to Disney Concierge levels?

We usually don't spend much time at the parks. I'm thinking about booking a stay at the RC.

Thanks again for the review.

 

[MOMTOMOOTOO]

Originally posted by floridafam
how would you compare the RC to Disney Concierge levels?

I am zipping up my flame retardent suit as I type But IMHO there was really no comparison. RC wins hands down. Just the little touches that were above and beyond. Now granted, I have only stayed concierge at Poly, AKL, and upgraded at checkin at WL. But the service we received both prior and during our stay was exceptional. A for instance, dh, and dd were scheduled for a dolphin swim, and I wanted to meet up with them a little later with the the two younger kids, so they sent a complimentary town car. I've never received that kind of attention on site. They knew my dh liked their pressed pot of coffee, so they sent it to the room early in the morning. Just the little things were awesome.

As far as the stone crabs, my 3 yo is now hooked

We liked it so much, we booked a kids suite for spring break and the best part of it was it was my husbands idea.LOL

 

[floridafam]

I want to call them now!

Thanks again. Have fun on Spring Break.

 

[stlrod]

Thanks for the review and please tell us more about the Spa, especially how were your daughter's Ritz Kids treatment?

 

[awatt]

Any idea how long a drive the RC is t Magic Kingdom? Website states 14 miles. That's the on e factor that makes me hesitate to book,as we'd like to spend 2 days at MK and 2 at Seaworld.

 

[CarolA]

It took me about 20 minutes to get from the RC to DTD. Ask the bellman to tell you how to go without getting on the Interstate. It think it was faster.