Our Stay at Marriott’s Grande Vista Orlando
Studio Villa Review
Updated: February 1, 2026
We recently spent a couple of nights at Marriott’s Grande Vista in Orlando, and I wanted to share a real look at what the experience was like. Lisa and I stayed in a Studio Villa from January 15–17, 2026, and overall, it was one of the prettiest Marriott properties we’ve visited in Orlando.
The resort itself is beautiful. The landscaping is well-maintained, the check-in was quick, and the whole place just has that relaxed, upscale-but-not-overdone feel. We booked directly through Marriott at $220 per night, plus a $30 nightly parking fee. It’s not cheap, but we felt like the amenities and atmosphere made it worth it.
The “Concierge Desk Pitch”
Now, if you’ve ever stayed at a Marriott Vacation Club property before, you probably know what’s coming: the “concierge desk” pitch. After checking in, we were directed over to get our parking pass, and right there, they offered us a $200 Visa gift card in exchange for attending a “90-minute” presentation. Let’s be real, those are never 90 minutes, and the pressure is always high. We declined, but more on that later.
This review will walk through what we liked, what we experienced firsthand, and what to expect if you’re considering a stay. From the pools and restaurants to the rooms and firepits, this was a solid resort that we’d gladly return to.
Our Studio Villa – Clean, Comfortable, and a Nice Surprise
We stayed in Room 9246, which was a Studio Villa. We usually get something a little larger, but we only had a couple of days, and we were going to Universal, so we decided a Studio should fit the bill. Sometimes studios can feel a little cramped, but this one was really well laid out. It had everything we needed for a short stay: a king-sized bed that was surprisingly comfortable, a small fridge, microwave, coffee maker, and even a set of dishes, silverware, and glasses. There was a little counter and sink area too, which made it easy to prep coffee and breakfast in the mornings.
One of our favorite things about the room was the balcony. It had two chairs and a small table, and it overlooked a peaceful little lake surrounded by flowers and trees. Sitting out there in the morning with a cup of coffee was the perfect way to start the day.
The room was clean and felt freshly updated. We did have an adjoining door to the neighboring room, and we could hear their TV a bit in the evenings. This was not a dealbreaker, but just something to keep in mind. Luckily, it never went too late.
All in all, the room had a cozy feel and was more than enough for the two of us. It felt like a quiet retreat at the end of the day.
Pools, Firepits, and Outdoor Spaces That Really Stand Out
We have stayed at many resorts, and honestly, the pools at Marriott’s Grande Vista were among the prettiest we’ve seen. There were two main pool areas. Both are very different, but both are really well done.
One had a splash zone for kids with sprinklers, a zero-entry area, and space for little ones to play safely. If you’re traveling with kids, this is a great spot to hang out without worrying about deeper water. The other pool area had a massive screen that played sports and movies. What surprised me most was that you could actually see the screen perfectly, even in the middle of the day. Super clear and bright.
Both pool areas had plenty of seating, towel service at the entrance, and poolside bars. There were also lots of shaded spots, which we always appreciate in the Florida sun. Oh, and I almost forgot to mention the adults-only pool.
In the evening, we loved sitting by the firepits. There were two at the sandy beach area that really set the mood. At night, guests were out chatting, kids were winding down, and everything just felt calm and friendly. It was
There was also a raised bridge over the water connecting different sides of the resort, which made for a scenic walk. The landscaping around was well done, with palm trees, flowers, and paths that made you want to explore.
Book your stay at the Marriott’s Grande Vista in Orlando
Breakfast at The Grill – Peaceful Start to the Day
One of the mornings, we headed over to The Grill, which is located in the Golf Pro Shop, right next to the golf course. We sat outside and had a great view of people chipping and putting on the greens while we ate. There was something really peaceful about sipping hot coffee and watching golfers go through their routines.
We ordered biscuits and gravy, eggs, and potatoes, and everything came out hot and well-seasoned. The coffee was really good, not just your typical hotel coffee, and our waitress was friendly and attentive without being overbearing.
It’s not a massive restaurant, but the setting is what made it so enjoyable. Between the view, the food, and the calm atmosphere, it was the perfect way to ease into the day. If you’re staying here, I’d definitely recommend grabbing breakfast at least once, especially if the weather’s nice enough to sit outside.
More Food & Drink Options at Grande Vista
There are several other places on the property where you can grab a meal or snack without leaving the resort. These casual dining spots are perfect for everything from breakfast coffee runs to quick lunches by the pool:
The Grande Cove Restaurant & Mist Pool Bar
This family‑friendly food court spot serves up salads, sandwiches, ice cream, and even customizable pizza from Pizza Cucina. It’s great if you’re looking for more variety (or want something quick and easy after pool time).
Brewcoast Coffee Co.
For your morning caffeine fix, Brewcoast Coffee Co. has you covered with freshly brewed coffee, specialty drinks, breakfast sandwiches, parfaits, and fresh fruit — perfect before a big park day or relaxed pool morning.
Copa Loca Bar & Grill
Right by the pool, Copa Loca Bar & Grill is a great casual stop for burgers, sandwiches, drinks, and light fare. With outdoor seating overlooking the pool area, it’s the perfect place to take a break without straying far from the fun.
Close to Everything, But Peaceful
One of the things Lisa and I appreciated most about Marriott’s Grande Vista is how peaceful the resort felt, even though it’s right in the middle of everything. You’re tucked just far enough away from the hustle of I‑Drive and the theme park traffic to relax, but still close enough to get to the excitement.
We were visiting Universal Orlando on this trip, and it was just a quick 12‑minute drive from the resort. Disney Springs was about 20 minutes in the other direction, and even with traffic, getting to and from the parks was not bad on most days. We didn’t use any shuttle services since this resort doesn’t offer them, but honestly, it worked out just fine.
The location also worked out well for grabbing food outside the resort. We ended up eating at several restaurants at Universal’s CityWalk during our stay, but if you’re not planning to venture that far, there are plenty of dining options within a short drive.
So if you’re looking for a quiet place to stay that doesn’t feel chaotic, but still keeps you within easy reach of Universal, Disney, and everything else in Orlando, this resort hits the sweet spot.
Final Thoughts + Tips for Your Stay at Marriott’s Grande Vista
- Skip the timeshare pitch unless you’re truly interested. They offer incentives, but you’ll need to commit to being pressured after a presentation.
- Bring a sound machine or earplugs if you’re in a Studio Villa. The adjoining room setup means you might hear some TV noise, as we did. By the way, if you didn’t already know, you can get a free background noise app on your Android or iPhone for free.
- Don’t miss the pools. Even if you’re there without kids, the pools at this resort are some of the nicest we’ve seen in Orlando. The splash area and giant screen are a huge bonus.
- Have coffee on the balcony. Seriously. Watching the sunrise over the lake with a hot cup in hand was one of our favorite moments.
- Take the walking paths. Whether you’re heading to the sports courts, pools, or just out for a stroll, the scenery around the property really adds to the experience.