Marriott’s Grande Vista

The grounds of this massive resort are beautiful and impeccably maintained, with carefully manicured lawns, towering palms, and lovely fountains. Buildings positioned around the property's large lake are painted in colorful shades of salmon, brown, and white. With over 1,600 rooms, this Marriott bustles with activity, but it never feels crowded, as its multiple pools, restaurants, and other facilities are spread out across 164 acres. The lobby mixes old and new in a pleasant way, with traditional stone columns and tile floors framing contemporary rugs and furniture illuminated by lots of modern chandeliers. The high ceilings help mitigate noise, and several check-in desks limit lines at peak times. It sets a low-key atmosphere that's carried throughout the relaxed resort, where family fun is the focus. 

The Marriott Grande Vista is in a quiet setting just off a less developed section of International Drive, a main thoroughfare that runs for several miles through the heart of Orlando. There's not much in the immediate area, with no restaurants or shops within walking distance, but they can be reached in a few minutes by car. Grocery stores and pharmacies are also about three to five minutes away by car, and Interstate 4 is under a 10-minute drive. The closest major attractions include Discovery Cove (six minutes away by car), SeaWorld Orlando (six minutes), and Vineland Premium Outlets (eight minutes). Epcot Center and Universal Studios Orlando can be reached in about 15 minutes, while the Orange County Convention Center, the Magic Kingdom Park, and Orlando International Airport are about a 20-minute drive. 

Options at this resort include Standard Rooms with king-size beds and sleeper sofas, as well as one-, two-, and three-bedroom Villas. Units are clean, quiet, and spacious, and even entry-level Standard Rooms measure a generous 412 square feet (38 square meters). Villas range from a whopping 884 square feet (82 square meters) to 1,710 square feet (159 square meters). The decor varies somewhat by category, but all spaces are tastefully decorated in light earth tones and quality dark wood furniture that includes headboards, nightstands, and small oval tables with upholstered chairs -- but no work desks. It's all pleasant but also utterly nondescript and formulaic, with white walls and bedding paired with beige patterned carpets and beige upholstered sofas and ottomans. Much-needed splashes of color come from aqua bed throws, throw pillows in bright red and blue, and beachy artwork. 

Standard Rooms include kitchenettes with granite counters, sinks, mini-fridges, microwaves, coffeemakers, and utensils. Villas have larger kitchens with full-size fridges and dishwashers. They also have washer/dryer sets and oversize whirlpool tubs in the bathrooms that are separate from the walk-in showers. Bathrooms in Standard Rooms are average in size and resemble those typically seen in chain hotels, with tan granite vanities, beige tile floors, and white tile framing the shower/tub combos. All rooms also have screened patios or balconies with tables and chairs that overlook the lovely grounds. Standard amenities include flat-screen TVs, DVD players, safes, toiletries, and free Wi-Fi. Daily housekeeping requires additional fees.  

Amenities here are geared to make the 164-acre property a self-contained resort suited for longer stays. Several on-site dining options include a poolside bar and grill, sweets shop, on-site Pizza Hut Express, and a more upscale (yet still casual) restaurant at the golf club that serves a breakfast buffet, lunch, and dinner. The golf club has a nine-hole course, pro shop, and 35-acre practice facility where the Marriott Golf Academy’s pros offer lessons. 

Swimming facilities are also extensive: There's a lap pool and three other heated outdoor pools, including an expansive one with waterfalls and an adjacent splash pool for kids. Multiple whirlpools and a poolside sauna building provide a bit of tranquility, and more serenity can be found at the full-service spa that offers an array of treatments, from massages and facials to body scrubs and wraps. It also sells spa products and has a steam room.

A large fitness center on-site provides a spacious facility for working out with dozens of cardio and weight-training machines and free weights. But many guests prefer heading out to the Marriott's large lake, where paddle boats and fishing gear can be rented. The Boathouse also has ping-pong and billiards tables that are covered, and the Sandy Point Beach on the lake has sand volleyball and fire pits surrounded by chairs. A landscaped picnic area offers several gas grills and covered tables. 

The on-site Marketplace has a wide selection of frozen entrees, snacks, beer, wine, and other to-go foods. It also sells clothing and sundries. Other amenities include a guest laundry room, a game room, and an activity center for kids that features an indoor playground and spaces for supervised games and crafts. The lobby has an ATM as well as two PCs and a printer that serve as the business center. Parking and Wi-Fi are free.