This is my first written review of this hotel that I have stayed multiple times. We live only 1.5 hrs away and we stay quite often during the year for getaways. We went for the July 4th weekend for the 3rd year in a row. Never again.

I will mention that the hotel and its property along with the Ritz is gorgeous. Parking prices are high as like any other resort. Food is good at the restaurants yet expensive. Citron had a limited menu for the weekend or you could get the buffet which was good.

The problem we had with this stay is the amount of people at the pool that were not guests. At 0930 in the morning the place was packed with families/children. I am confident in saying that a good amount were not paying guests. Chairs were reserved by towels or personal belongings. The pool was closed twice during the stay for broken glass in the river and a child soiling in the pool. There was no visible security. Anyone and everyone stolled through the gates. We have been there before when you had to have a room key for entry. The pool and lazy river were so crowded by obnoxious children as well as drunk adults.

I have always been loyal to Marriotts and we love this hotel. Very disappointed at the lack of control/security at the pool. Will return, not anytime soon and certainly not for holiday weekends.

My family of five stayed here in June 2006 (if I remember the month right). We enjoyed our stay here because the kids LOVED the pool (lazy river). It meanders through the entire resort. We stayed in a large room that overlooked the pool. Pool staff and lifeguards were nice and helpful. Timeshare salesmen were persistent in the lobby but we just kept saying 'no thank you'. The resort is not convenient to the theme parks of Orlando. It is quite far. We had to take a taxi to Universal and Disney which is about $50 each way. But the pool was great. We stayed in the resort as much as we can and the kids didn't seem to mind not visiting the theme parks everyday.

Stayed July 4 - 7th... I could have written the last review and can concur with everything that was said about the lack of security and the free-loaders who came onto the property each day for a free vacation!! I am Marriott elite member and have stayed throughout the Marriott chain including plenty of other Orlando properties and have never seen another hotel that has allowed so many non-hotel guests to come onto the property to utilize the facilities while the paying guests are left without services. This was our 3rd time at this hotel and will be our LAST! There are plenty of other hotels in the area that cater to their paying guests much better than this hotel, the complaints fell on deaf ears, they just do not seem to care... Don't get me wrong the hotel is still spectacular and the rooms are nice, beds great, etc... But my business travel and especially my vacation time is too valuable to be wasted fighting thru the non-paying crowds... What a shame !!!

Just returned for our first of many to come visits to JW Marriott Grand Lakes. We won't go again on Holiday Weekend, but considering the amount of people we had a good time. Sunday the 6th was much less crowded. We loved going along the Lazy River without so many people. We are considering taking the grand kids for a few days. This shares a property with the Ritz Carlton and the guests from both Hotels can use the Lazy River Pool. The breakfast was excellent. Many choices. Take the breakfast package, as it is 23.95 per person. Parking is 14 per day. I think this is unfair as you are already paying considerable to stay. All and all will definitely be back. For the 4th Weekend they had extended activities for the children. Great Fireworks too!