Need Help Deciding! Ritz Grande Lakes vs JW Marriot Grande L

Question

Hello!

We need help deciding where to stay! We are torn between Ritz and JW Marriott Grande Lakes.

We will have a 8 month old with us! so we want to it to be baby friendly, not too crowded, plenty of places to eat (my wife is also vegetarian). Its my wifes bday to planning a trip for her!

I assume, all pools allow baby's (as long as they have swim diapers on??) which would you recommend and why? any perk of ritz over jw?

is there a separate area in ritz pool where no one from JW is allowed?

any other tips/insights?

Answer

Great question — choosing between the Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes and the JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes really depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for, especially traveling with an 8-month-old. Here’s a detailed breakdown, plus pros / trade-offs, and some tips especially for families / babies.

Shared Property / Amenities

Although these are two separate hotels, they share many of the resort amenities (grounds, water-park area, activities).
The Grande Lakes Water Park / pool complex is shared: the JW has a very large pool with a lazy river and slides, while there are also more peaceful pool areas associated with the Ritz.
Because of this shared setup, you’re not “locked in” to just the pool of the hotel you stay in — you can intermingle quite a bit, depending on the specific areas. Family-resort guides note this.

Ritz-Carlton Grande Lakes — Key Strengths (especially for a baby + relaxation)

More Tranquil, Upscale Ambience: Many guests say the Ritz pool area feels more calm and refined, which is great if you want to relax with an infant.
Ritz Kids Club: They have a Ritz Kids program (ages ~4–12) with structured activities, though note your baby won’t be using it now — but it’s a sign of very family-oriented services.
Private / Premium Pool Options: The Ritz side has cabanas and lounging options, giving you a more private retreat to rest with baby.
Service & Detail: Ritz tends to lean more luxury; guests often note very high-touch service.
Room Features: According to some travelers, Ritz rooms may have balconies with a little table/chairs, which could be nice for quiet evenings when baby is asleep.

JW Marriott Grande Lakes — Key Strengths (especially for family + fun)p>

Water Park Feel: The JW’s main pool complex is very large, with a zero-entry “cove” (great for small children), lazy river, and three water slides.
Kid-Friendly Activities: Beyond the pool, there’s a game room and other family recreation options like kayaking or eco-tours.
Dining Variety: The JW has multiple on-site dining options ranging from casual to upscale (e.g., Whisper Creek Kitchen, Primo, Citron, plus poolside grill).
For dietary preferences: Marriott’s banquet / event menus specifically note they can accommodate vegetarian options.
Resort Fee & Perks: There is a daily resort fee, but it covers a number of extras such as fitness access, shuttle service, inner tubes for the lazy river, etc.
Family Itinerary Friendly: The resort’s “Family Itineraries” highlight that you can reserve cabanas, enjoy poolside lunch, and take advantage of eco/adventure tours.

Considerations / Trade-offs

Because the resorts share amenities, staying at JW Marriott may feel more “active” and lively, while Ritz offers a quieter and slightly more refined space — so for a relaxing trip, Ritz might have an edge.
That said, if your baby is very little and you plan to spend a lot of time by the pool / water, the JW’s water-park elements may be more fun / practical.
Food costs can be high if you eat at resort restaurants; having access to both Ritz and JW dining is a plus, but it may also tempt you to splurge more. Reddit users note a broad mix of dining options but also pricey beverages and meals.
If you care about getting a “quiet spot” near the pool for lounging with baby, reserving a cabana could greatly improve your experience (both resorts have cabanas).
Check which pools are “adult-only” vs “family-friendly”: based on pre-arrival info for Ritz, their spa pool is adult-only, so you wouldn’t use that with a baby.

About Your Specific Questions

Are all pools baby-friendly (with swim diapers)? Yes, generally the family-friendly pools (especially JW / water-park spots) should be suitable, but always confirm with the pool staff on arrival. There’s no public detailed policy stating “no babies,” but proper swim diapers would be required.
For the Ritz, note that the adult-only spa pool is *not* for kids.
Is there a “Ritz-only” pool area? The Ritz has its own pool area and cabanas, but because of the shared resort concept, you will likely have access to much of the same pool complex. There’s not a completely separate water-park zone that only Ritz guests use. Family-resort guides note shared water park usage.
On the flip side, some Reddit users claim you cannot use the Ritz main pool if staying at the JW, but others say you can intermingle.
Any perk of Ritz over JW for your situation? Yes — the calm, luxury, and high-touch service potentially make the Ritz more relaxing for a baby-centered getaway; plus, the private cabana / lounge experience could feel more special for celebrating your wife’s birthday.

Other Tips / Insights for Traveling with an 8-Month-Old

Bring or request a pack-and-play / crib in your room. Confirm with the hotel in advance that this is available and set up.
Request a room with a balcony (if available) — from some guest reports, Ritz rooms often have small balconies, which could be a great spot for quiet moments.
Use the resort’s shuttle services (if offered) to help get around, especially if you’re planning on visiting other Orlando attractions — less hassle with baby + stroller.
Plan downtime: part of the appeal of Grande Lakes is its wide grounds — walking the property, doing eco tours (kayaking, bike rides), or just relaxing by the pool will make for a balanced trip.
For the birthday celebration, you could book a cabana for a special poolside lunch or evening chill, or reserve a dinner at one of the resort’s upscale restaurants (Ritz’s Norman’s or JW’s Primo) that can be more “adult” while still being baby-friendly.

My Recommendation: Given that you’re traveling with a baby and planning a relaxing, somewhat low-key but special trip, I lean toward the Ritz-Carlton. The more tranquil pool areas, luxurious service, and peaceful ambiance will likely suit you best, especially for celebrating your wife’s birthday. However, if you think you’ll use the pool complex often (slides, lazy river) and want more of a “resort water-park feel,” then the JW Marriott could be the better pick. Either way, you’ll benefit from the shared amenities, so you’ll get a lot of what both hotels offer.

Need Help Deciding! Ritz Grande Lakes vs JW Marriot Grande L

More Orlando Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions