JW Marriott Orlando, Grande LakesvsHard Rock Hotel Orlando
Both JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes and Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando are rated very highly by travel writers. On balance, JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes scores slightly better than Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando. JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes scores 90 with approval from 13 publications including Zagat, DK Eyewitness and Frommer's.
JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes
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4040 Central Florida Parkway, Orlando, FL 32837
From $193/night
- Bar/Lounge
 - Hot Tub
 - Free Internet
 - Room Service
 - Shuttle Bus
 - Laundry Service
 
 "The seeming isolation of the location of this 1,064-room luxury tower... lends the property an enviable natural tranquility that nearly all other Orlando mega-hotels lack." 
 "Grand statement in Central Florida with five restaurants, a lazy river and a Greg Norman-designed golf course." Full review
 "A sister property to the neighboring Ritz Carlton with shared facilities." Full review
Upscale
 "The 998-room JW Marriott is one of the most luxurious resorts in Orlando, and not just because it shares a gorgeous golf course and spa with the adjacent Ritz-Carlton." Full review
 "Sharing with the Ritz Carlton its spectacular and meticulously kept grounds as well as a long list of amenities, this luxurious property is one of the finest around." 
 Star
 "One of Orlando’s most luxurious hotels, this elegant building with an intimate feel and superb rooms shares the 500-acre Grande Lakes Orlando." 
 "In a somewhat isolated location...15 minutes east of Walt Disney World and 10 minutes south of SeaWorld, this deluxe mega-resort is Marriott's flagship in central Florida." Full review
 "A few highlights include the Greg Norman-designed golf course and 40,000-square-foot spa with hydrotherapy and private lap pools." 
4.3
 ""When you need a bit of luxury", this "posh" Spanish colonial--style resort offers a "true oasis in Orlando", from the "courteous" staffers who greet you at the "grand entrance"." 
 "This hotel caters to a convention clientele, but it also has a European-style spa... and a lazy river–style pool complex, giving this lush resort family and leisure appeal." Full review
Hard Rock Hotel Orlando
 DK Eyewitness
 Rough Guide
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 Afar Magazine
 The Telegraph
 Condé Nast Traveler
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5800 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819
From $247/night
- Pet Friendly
 - Bar/Lounge
 - Hot Tub
 - Free Internet
 - Room Service
 - Shuttle Bus
 
 "Mission-style architecture, an impressive collection of musical memorabilia, and an underwater sound system built into the impressive pool make this the hippest of Universal’s luxury resorts." 
 "Stuffed with rock memorabilia, and with familiar tunes blaring out at poolside, this is the least tranquil of the park’s resorts – and the most popular with the younger generation." 
 "Overlooking Universal Studios from its privileged locale inside the park, this hotel is situated on a waterway that connects it to its equally impressive siblings." Full review
3.7
 "Guests "have a blast" at this "lively", "upbeat" Orlando resort that's set in a "terrific" location within "walking distance of Universal's parks"." 
 "California mission-style architecture, thoughtfully chosen music programming, an on-site concert venue and authentic rock-n-roll memorabilia make this resort an attraction all by itself." 
 "I walked into my hotel room and there on the bed was my personal invitation to rock." Full review
8.0
 "This ultra-hip deluxe hotel is themed as a rock star’s mansion and Universal Orlando Resort treats every guest like a VIP." Full review
 "With “thoughtfully designed” rooms and the “absolute best suites ever,” the Hard Rock Hotel will make you feel like rock and roll royalty." Full review
 "The Hard Rock is perfect for large multigeneration family trips and for smaller families looking to keep children entertained." Full review
 i 
Rooms have black-and-white photos of pop icons and 32-inch flat-panel TVs.
2010 Fodor's 100 Hotel Award Winner
Electricity and water are a dangerous combination, but this is a fact the Hard Rock chooses to ignore (and we're glad they do!
 "Ever wondered what it feels like to live like a rock star? Find out at this upscale resort, which features 650 guest rooms, including the 2,375-square-foot Graceland suite" Full review