Forbes Travel Guide, the only global rating system for luxury hotels, restaurants, spas and cruise ships, announced its 2026 Star Awards. The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes earned a new Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star award and is showcased with other honorees on ForbesTravelGuide.com. The property is the first to receive this accolade in Central Florida, and ninth in the state.
The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes sits on 500 acres at the headwaters of the Florida Everglades, offering 582 rooms, a 40,000-square-foot spa, three pools, and an 18-hole Greg Norman–designed championship golf course at The Ritz-Carlton Golf & Tennis Club. Other standout offerings include gourmet dining at Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Knife & Spoon led by chef John Tesar and over 126,500 square feet of meeting space designed for any occasion. The Ritz-Carlton is a part of the larger Grande Lakes Orlando complex, which is also home to the JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes and offers the Grande Lakes Waterpark, complete with a lazy river, three waterslides and serene lagoons, and a robust lineup of outdoor activities including kayaking, ecotours, falconry, mountain biking and a fishing school. The property is conveniently located minutes from Orlando International Airport, the Orange County Convention Center, and major theme parks.
“We are honored to receive the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star award, a recognition that reflects the dedication of our staff who are consistently looking to push boundaries to create meaningful, memorable experiences for our guests,” said Jon McGavin, area general manager of Grande Lakes Orlando. “To be the only hotel in Central Florida to receive this honor is an incredible accomplishment for our team and we’re proud to be defining luxury in the Orlando area and beyond.”
Forbes Travel Guide’s highly anticipated 68th annual Star Awards list covers more than 95 countries.
“Forbes Travel Guide’s Star Award winners exemplify excellence in hospitality,” said Amanda Frasier, president of Standards & Ratings for Forbes Travel Guide. “This year’s list reflects the changing landscape of luxury with properties setting the standard for authentic experiences while offering unparalleled amenities, enhanced well-being and delivering unforgettable moments. We are thrilled to recognize their dedication to creating truly world-class travel options for today’s discerning guest.”
