Marriott's Grande Vista Orlando
- Charles I. Guarria
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
Marriott's Grande Vista in Orlando has a lot going for it, and a few things that can go better.
On the plus side, this Marriott resort is not only a part of Marriott Bonvoy but is classified as a Marriott Vacation Club. Both distinctions push the resort into the upper-upscale four-star level.
That's sorta why I stayed there. That, and EDC was in town, meaning all my favorite Orlando Hotels were either sold out or charging close to twice as much.
Like near every Marriott Bonvoy hotel, the landscaping at Marriott's Grande Vista is noticeably beautiful. That's apparent from the moment you enter the property.
Similarly, Marriott Bonvoy staff are always helpful and polite. That touch of warmth is felt from the gate guard, who, after checking ID, will say "welcome home" to the front desk personnel who go out of their way to explain the layout of this 164-acre time resort.
A layout, which, by the way, is easy to navigate, as most of the resort's activity is in the Village Center.
The rooms are as clean as the landscaping is meticulous. I booked a guest room. At 412 square feet, the room was above the average hotel room size. It easily fit a comfortable king-sized bed and a sofa that matches the bed in comfort. The screened-in balcony facing the golf course was a pleasure. There is a full kitchen complete with everything needed to cook for yourself, and wine glasses!
On the downside, the room was old and tired-looking. It is in need of renovation. The walls are paper thin, and there were noticeable rug pulls in the carpeting. These are not the things a four-star hotel-vacation club is made of.
Sticking with the downer stuff, the 8 a.m. open for The Grill at Grande Vista is not great for an early riser. Checking the other breakfast dining options, the Brewcoast Coffee Co. opens at 7 a.m., while The Marketplace opens at 8 a.m. (Warning: Brewcoast has long lines. I did not stop by to see if they move people through quickly.)
The food at The Grill at Grande Vista is fantastic.
For breakfast, I enjoyed the taste and presentation of the layered parfait. It is served in tiers of yogurt, almonds, berries, and granola, repeating the layering, outstanding.
My lunch selection was the Berry Field Salad, with an asparagus side. I added chicken for protein and again was wowed by the outstanding taste and presentation. The berry salad is a combination of mixed greens, blueberries, strawberries, sliced almonds, and a raspberry vinaigrette.
The outdoor dining is a fun experience at The Grill at Grande Vista. I tip my cap to the great service and easy-going manner of the waitstaff.
On the evening of my stay, I went to the Grande Cove Restaurant and Mist Pool Bar. Ordered a Chinese Chicken Salad (chicken with lettuce, red cabbage, and crispy noodles), skipping the noodles. It is another eatery on the premises. I would never order it again.
Yes, it's a timeshare, no, you don't have to be a vacation club member to rent the rooms. Though they will ask, more than once, if you'd like to sit in on a timeshare talk. I did not and was not bothered by them asking.
The resort is marked by a lot of good, but a little not so good, dragging it down from the upper-upscale, four-star rating it is supposed to be to upscale, three and a half stars.
I'm not suggesting that you shouldn't stay there. What I'm saying is, well, I'll use it as a last resort (pun intended) when all my Orlando favorites are booked or priced artificially high.
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Photo Credit: Marriott's Grande Vista, Me
See ya soon!
~30~
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