The Ritz-Carlton Orlando Grande Lakes Executive Lounge
During my recent stay in Orlando, I was upgraded to the Ritz-Carlton Orlando Grande Lakes Executive Lounge. Needless to say, it turned out to be the highlight of my week.
The Executive Lounge is available to guests who book club rooms, as an upgrade paid for with points for Marriott members or cash purchase for guests who wish to splurge.
As a frequent guest of multiple Marriott properties, I can attest that executive lounges vary in service and overall quality. With that said, this one stood out not only with excellent staff service but with its food quality and variety.
In fact, not only did I spend a copious amount of time in the lounge during my stay but I regretted not spending even longer by the time I left. For those questioning what made this particular lounge stand out here’s my lounge review.
It’s all about the service
When I first entered, I was greeted by the most helpful staff I have ever encountered at a lounge. The staff members were sure to show me the room, and where to find the necessities of anything I could need.
Over the course of my stay, I came to address some of them on first name basis and they reciprocated by remembering my name and my drink preferences.
Surprise! Kids are actually welcome here
The executive lounge boasted several seating areas both indoor and outdoors. Also, there was also a separate kids area with colorful mini chairs and tables.
Best of all, they had a large flat screen TV with a DVD player to keep the little ones busy while the adults dine or chat.
Superb Views
During the day, the hotel visitors could sit and relax and look at the lake or watch other guests play golf. But come the night time they are treated to spectacular fireworks from the Disney theme parks. One of the rooms even had a telescope for those who wanted to get a closer look.
Breakfast spread 7AM-11AM
The breakfast layout was plentiful with a vast selection of different options. Eggs, bacon, sausage, bagels, and salmon along with pastries and cheeses were just a few of the items. And of course coffee, hot chocolate, teas as well as juices and sodas. I appreciated the fact that they served hard boiled eggs which are a favorite 0f mine.
Lunch spread 12PM-2PM
Light snacks 2:30PM-4PM
Come lunchtime; the spread changed over to the lunch menu that consisted of different salads and sandwiches. My favorites were a portabella mushroom sandwich and a champagne vinaigrette salad. For those who wanted to enjoy an adult drink with lunch, they had champagne, wine, and beer available.
And for patrons with a sweet tooth, there were plenty of desserts. During my visit, they served delicious apricot, tres-leche, and chocolate cakes as well as cut up fruits.
Dinner spread 5PM-8PM
Desserts 8PM-10PM
When dinnertime rolled around, the Executive Lounge menu switched to hot items like steak or chicken.
However, they also offered tasty salads to choose from as well as some phenomenal desserts. Of course, guests could also enjoy alcoholic and non-alcoholic libations with their food.
Overall Experience
As mentioned before this executive lounge had all the makings of a great lounge with excellent service, plentiful food choices, and spectacular views.
What made it even better was the fact that the tables were kept clean at all times and the food trays were replenished with high frequency. Furthermore, it was open 24 hours a day so guests could get beverages, snacks, and freshly baked cookies when they wanted them.
Bottom line, for those of you planning to stay at this property I’d strongly recommend getting executive lounge access since it will enhance your stay.