My husband, John, and I had the pleasure of celebrating our 20th wedding anniversary and New Year’s Eve at The Ritz-Carlton Grande Lakes, Orlando, and our experience was extraordinary from beginning to end.
Our stay was thoughtfully coordinated by Oliva and Mollie, who ensured every detail was flawless. They arranged a beautiful room overlooking the pool, offering a perfect vantage point for the spectacular New Year’s Eve fireworks. The welcome amenities—wine, artisanal cheeses, cured meats, fresh fruit, and a stunning floral arrangement—were both generous and beautifully presented, setting the tone for a truly memorable stay.
Upon arrival, we were warmly welcomed by Moises at the front desk and his colleagues. Moises exemplified the Ritz-Carlton standard of hospitality—engaging, attentive, and genuinely interested in our journey, our plans, and what brought us to the property. He took the time to answer our questions thoroughly and ensured we felt completely confident and cared for throughout our stay.
Mike, our bellman, escorted our luggage to the room and made certain we were comfortably settled before departing. He later went above and beyond by assisting my husband with having his shoes shined—one of many thoughtful touches that elevated the experience.
The housekeeping team was exceptional, consistently providing fresh towels, water, and coffee, and maintaining our room with impeccable care and attention.
In-room dining was handled by Richard, who exceeded every expectation. Given our dietary restrictions, ordering late-night dining can be challenging; however, Richard navigated this effortlessly. Not only did we enjoy an abundant and beautifully prepared meal, but he also surprised us with a bottle of champagne and a spa gift bag on New Year’s Eve — an unforgettable gesture.
Throughout our stay, we felt as though we were the only guests on property. The individualized, intentional service delivered by every Ritz-Carlton lady and gentleman was remarkable and deeply appreciated.
The hotel itself was exquisitely decorated for the New Year’s celebration, and we thoroughly enjoyed the outdoor holiday market, ice skating rink, live DJ, and festive atmosphere. The fitness center was also exceptional, featuring state-of-the-art equipment that we were delighted to use.
As our stay came to a close, Roberto assisted us with our luggage and engaged us in a warm, genuine conversation that reflected true care for both our experience and us personally. Gabby at the front desk ensured our departure was met with a gracious farewell, and Jordan, the valet, brought our car promptly and even returned to retrieve water for us despite a very busy valet line. Once again, we were made to feel like the only guests, even at departure.
Being addressed by name, met with eye contact, and surrounded by thoughtful personal touches made this stay truly exceptional. John and I have stayed at several Ritz-Carlton properties, including Grande Lakes in the past, yet this visit stands out as one of our absolute favorites. A very special Thank You to Maddie and Janice, who made this entire trip possible.
Our sincere, heartfelt gratitude goes out to all of the ladies and gentlemen of The Ritz-Carlton Grande Lakes for making our anniversary and New Year’s celebration so meaningful. Your dedication, professionalism, and kindness were felt in every moment and will be remembered and cherished. We will see you again very soon!
