The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande LakesvsHard Rock Hotel Orlando
Both properties are recommended by expert reviewers. Overall, The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes scores significantly higher than Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando. The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes has a TripExpert Score of 98 with endorsements from 14 reviewers like Travel + Leisure, Concierge and Gayot.
The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes Show All Reviews
4012 Central Florida Parkway, Orlando, FL 32837
From $399/night
- Pet Friendly
- Bar/Lounge
- Hot Tub
- Free Internet
- Room Service
- Shuttle Bus
Frommer's
"Debuting back in 2003, the Ritz-Carlton Orlando has fast become one of the city's best destinations for deep-pocketed travelers." Full review
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A recent addition to the Grande Lakes resort's outdoor activities is a zipline adventure, with two separate courses to choose from, each with multilevel structures, poles, cables, platforms, and unique climbing elements.
Concierge
"The lakes and nature preserve surrounding the sprawling Ritz-Carlton Grande Lakes makes the resort feel far removed from the theme parks."
Jetsetter
"Plush escape from the theme park frenzy with a serene spa, golf and haute fare in a family-friendly setting." Full review
Oyster
Luxury
"Located about 15 minutes from both Disney and Universal Studios on the beautiful (and massive) Grande Lakes resort grounds, the Ritz-Carlton is one of the best luxury hotels in Orlando." Full review
Star Service
" Around-the-clock room service, daily newspapers, complimentary shoeshine, twice-daily maid service, and a well-connected concierge round out the options." Full review
Gayot
"Located on the Grande Lakes Orlando resort, this Italianate-style hotel offers class and elegance in a city riddled with inexpensive chains catering to the theme park crowds."
Zagat
4.5
""No one does it like Ritz-Carlton does" rave fans who come to be "bathed in elegance" at this "large, convention-sized" resort in South Orlando, where "everything is top-notch"."
Forbes Travel Guide
4 Stars
"It's here that you can find expertly crafted cocktails and rub shoulders with the property's many business travelers who come to the luxury resort for conferences." Full review
Fodor's
"Exemplary service that extends from the porte-cochere entrance to the 18-hole golf course, restaurants, children's programs, and 40-room spa." Full review
Afar Magazine
"56 Club Level guest rooms that offer spectacular views of Orlando, the golf course, lakes and gardens." Full review
Hard Rock Hotel Orlando Show All Reviews
5800 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819
From $247/night
- Pet Friendly
- Bar/Lounge
- Hot Tub
- Free Internet
- Room Service
- Shuttle Bus
DK Eyewitness
"Mission-style architecture, an impressive collection of musical memorabilia, and an underwater sound system built into the impressive pool make this the hippest of Universal’s luxury resorts."
Rough Guide
"Stuffed with rock memorabilia, and with familiar tunes blaring out at poolside, this is the least tranquil of the park’s resorts – and the most popular with the younger generation."
Star Service
"Overlooking Universal Studios from its privileged locale inside the park, this hotel is situated on a waterway that connects it to its equally impressive siblings." Full review
Zagat
3.7
"Guests "have a blast" at this "lively", "upbeat" Orlando resort that's set in a "terrific" location within "walking distance of Universal's parks"."
Gayot
"California mission-style architecture, thoughtfully chosen music programming, an on-site concert venue and authentic rock-n-roll memorabilia make this resort an attraction all by itself."
Afar Magazine
"I walked into my hotel room and there on the bed was my personal invitation to rock." Full review
The Telegraph
8.0
"This ultra-hip deluxe hotel is themed as a rock star’s mansion and Universal Orlando Resort treats every guest like a VIP." Full review
Condé Nast Traveler
"With “thoughtfully designed” rooms and the “absolute best suites ever,” the Hard Rock Hotel will make you feel like rock and roll royalty." Full review
Fodor's
"The Hard Rock is perfect for large multigeneration family trips and for smaller families looking to keep children entertained." Full review
i
Rooms have black-and-white photos of pop icons and 32-inch flat-panel TVs.
2010 Fodor's 100 Hotel Award Winner
Electricity and water are a dangerous combination, but this is a fact the Hard Rock chooses to ignore (and we're glad they do!
Travel + Leisure
"Ever wondered what it feels like to live like a rock star? Find out at this upscale resort, which features 650 guest rooms, including the 2,375-square-foot Graceland suite" Full review