Ritz-Carlton Orlando Grande Lakes

Our guest room was quite comfortable and relaxed, with a king-sized bed, large work desk and balcony overlooking the swimming pool. The flat-screen TV had a DVD player. Bottled water was complimentary in the room, at the front desk and at valet parking; a really nice touch. The white marble bathroom was spacious with a large sunken bathtub, separate shower, Bulgari amenities and twin sinks at the raised vanity.

We stayed on Club Level, which impressed at every turn. Five food and beverage presentations throughout the day and evening meant we were never without quality munchies and a glass of wine. Staff was very personable and catered to adults and children with grace. We could take food and wine back to room, so helpful when our kids fell asleep early. Breakfast was "continental" but included scrambled and delicately herbed eggs with cheese, smoked salmon, and hot oatmeal. Lunch and dinner were basic but gourmet with salad, sandwiches (one day, a lobster-and-brie grilled cheese sandwich was on offer) and shots of soup. Dinnertime hors d'ouvres were tasty steak slices and scallops. A separate room for kids had movies and pint-sized chairs. Tables on a balcony led off the main dining room.

Grande Lakes, which includes the Ritz-Carlton and connected sister property JW Marriott, is a bit of a wonderland where recreation is concerned. Swimming pools offer something for everyone, from the quiet pool surrounded by cabanas at the Ritz-Carlton (adjacent is a kids' splash pool with a playground) to the lazy river and water sports spanning seven pools at the JW Marriott a short walk away. We bought pool floats for $5 (kiddie sized) and $7 (bigger) so we could meander around landscaping, under bridges and past the pool bar.

The Ritz Carlton Spa is, in a word, fabulous. Three levels of treatment rooms, relaxation lounges (complete with mink throws), and even a small caf? insulate you from the outside world. I had one of the best treatments I can remember, an Indian oil scalp massage and full body massage. The Ritz-Carlton posts monthly spa specials on their web site (this one was $99 from a normal rate of $190) that are such great deals, they're definitely worth checking out.

Guests can also golf at the 18-hole Greg Norman championship golf course, take fly fishing lessons, or play bocce ball. We took a two-hour eco-tour in canoes exploring the headwaters of the Florida Everglades. Our tour guide, Mike, pointed out alligators, turtles, bass in the water below and eagles flying overhead. Canoes exploring the headwaters of the Florida Everglades (even our 3-year-old could go). The peaceful and interesting tour was a great family morning--even our 3-year-old could come along.

Kids can also join the Ritz Kids program, where planned activities include feeding the fish, playing games and exploring. Ritz-Carlton is a very kid-friendly hotel; I saw plenty of princess getting ready for their day in the Magic Kingdom, and the staff doted over young lords and ladies alike.

Dining was a standout--I added a couple of new restaurants to my all-time favorites. First was dinner at JW Marriott's Primo, named just before my visit by Orlando Magazine as the best restaurant in Orlando. It was easy to see why. I toured their extensive kitchen gardens before settling in to a memorable meal that started with Jamon Iberico de Ballota (that melt-in-your-mouth cousin to prosciutto that's so rarely encountered), went on to lobster pasta, and ended with scallops. The service was outstanding to match. (See a full review of Primo.)

I didn't expect to be as impressed by dinner the second night, at Ritz-Carlton's casual Vineyard Grill, but that meal was also a standout. I almost passed up the tomato and mozzarella salad -- you see those on almost every menu now -- and so glad I didn't; there was nothing ordinary about the burrata (a heavenly mixture of fresh mozzarella and cream) and the flavorful heirloom tomatoes. The crab cake was fabulous; the decadent truffled parmesan twice-baked potato big enough to share (not that you'll want to). For my entr?e, I went with a scrumptious sea bass with mashed potatoes. Vineyard Grill serves a buffet breakfast as well as lunch, where I have it on good authority that the swordfish sandwich is the don't miss dish.