Our Stay at Grande Lakes Orlando (JW Marriott) — A Luxury Resort That Still Feels Family-Friendly

Some resorts are beautiful. Some are fun. And then there are the ones that somehow feel like a true escape the second you pull up — and Grande Lakes Orlando was that for us.

Tucked away on a massive stretch of lush property in Orlando, this place feels worlds away from theme park chaos (even though you’re still close enough to everything). When we arrived, it honestly felt like we had stumbled into a hidden oasis — towering palms, sparkling water features, and that peaceful, upscale atmosphere that instantly makes you breathe a little deeper.

If you’re searching for an Orlando family resort that feels relaxing for parents and exciting for kids, JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes completely delivers. This resort feels less like a hotel and more like a full vacation experience — perfect for families who want downtime, pool days, and resort fun in between theme park visits (or even as a trip on its own).

We recently stayed here as a family, and it quickly became one of our favorite family-friendly resorts in Orlando.

🌴 A Resort That Feels Like an Escape

What we loved most? It didn’t feel stuffy or overly formal — it felt welcoming, even with kids in tow.

Our mornings started slow (which never happens on vacation with kids 😅). We’d grab coffee and wander the grounds, letting Noa explore while we soaked in the views of the lakes and greenery. The property is HUGE, so even just walking around felt like an experience. There’s something about being surrounded by nature that makes everything feel calmer. It doesn’t have that crowded, overstimulating theme park hotel feel — which is a big win when traveling with kids.

It truly feels like a vacation within your vacation.

💦 The Pool & Water Fun = Kid Heaven

Ahhh… the pool scene. This isn’t just a hotel pool — it’s a whole day plan. Between the lazy river, cabana and spacious pool deck, Noa was in heaven. It felt like we could actually relax while she played, which is the ultimate vacation win for parents. We bounced between swimming, lounging, and grabbing snacks, and suddenly hours had passed.

For families, this is where the resort really shines.

The pool area is massive, with different zones that work for both high-energy play and laid-back lounging. There’s space for kids to splash, float, and swim for hours, while parents can actually relax nearby.

We loved having full resort days where we didn’t leave the property at all — just pool time, snacks, and sunshine. If you’re planning rest days between Disney or Universal park days, this is the perfect place to recharge.

🛏️ Comfortable Rooms for Families

Traveling with little ones means your room setup matters — and this resort makes it easy. Rooms are spacious, bright, and comfortable, with enough room to spread out after long days.

It’s a great option for families who want:

* A calm, quiet place to unwind

* Space for naps and early bedtimes

* A more upscale feel without losing kid-friendly convenience

After busy Orlando days, coming back here felt like a reset.

🍽️ Easy Dining Without Leaving the Resort

Another reason this works so well as an Orlando resort for families is the food options. Whether you need a quick bite between swims or a sit-down meal, you don’t have to pack everyone up and leave.

That convenience is huge with toddlers and babies — less logistics, more actual enjoyment.

🚲 More Than Just a Pool Stay

Beyond swimming, the resort offers so many ways to stay active or unwind. You’ll find outdoor spaces to explore, relaxing spots for parents, and plenty to do without ever stepping off property.

It’s ideal if your family likes to mix:

* Active mornings

* Relaxed afternoons

* Easy evenings close to your room

One of the things that surprised us most was how many little experiences are built into the resort. From outdoor spaces to explore to activities happening around the property, it never felt like we had to leave to have a great day. It’s the kind of place where you can do theme parks… or skip them entirely and still feel like you had an incredible Orlando trip.

In the evenings, everything slowed down in the best way. The lighting around the property, the warm air, and that peaceful lake backdrop made nighttime walks feel almost dreamy. It had that rare mix of luxury and comfort — elevated, but still easy with kids.

Grande Lakes ended up being one of those stays we still talk about — not just because it was beautiful, but because it felt easy. Relaxing. Memorable. The kind of resort where family time just naturally happens.

💛 Why We Recommend It as an Orlando Family Resort

What makes JW Marriott Grande Lakes stand out is the balance. It feels elevated and peaceful, but still totally welcoming for families. You don’t feel out of place with kids — but you also don’t feel like you’re staying in a chaotic kid-only hotel.

It’s a great choice if you want:

✔ A break from the theme park rush

✔ A pool-focused resort stay

✔ A comfortable home base for an Orlando trip

✔ A family trip that feels relaxing and fun

If you’re planning an Orlando trip and want a resort that helps everyone slow down, recharge, and actually enjoy the in-between moments, this one is absolutely worth considering.

Be sure to check out our videos for a full look at the property and what our stay was really like!