The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes

At times we’re a bit ambivalent about the big corporate chain hotels, preferring to take our chances with the small and the unique. But how quickly, in a town like Orlando, we go running for the comforting consistency of the Ritz-Carlton.

For if Orlando isn’t exactly the town that Walt built, it’s his (and Disney’s) by annexation — and along with Disney World there’s Sea World and the Universal Orlando Resort. Presumably there’s also a proper city, where some kind of city business gets done; the lion’s share of travelers to Orlando, though, are there on holiday, and many of them with kids.

The Ritz-Carlton is the obvious choice for anyone wishing for an escape from the theme parks — it towers over a park of its own, the Grand Lakes resort, a vast estate strewn with orange groves, complete with a Greg Norman-designed golf course. And there’s nary a costumed mascot in sight.

As for the hotel itself, it sticks to the tried-and-true Ritz-Carlton formula: big opulent rooms, Mediterranean palazzo style, old-fashioned professional service, and amenities to embarrass lesser hotels. All rooms have balconies overlooking the resort’s parklands, but the top-floor Club Level has the best views (plus even more attentive service). The spa complex is vast, the golf facilities first-rate, the pool in the adjoining JW Marriott is enormous, and Knife and Spoon, the flagship restaurant, is helmed by the award-winning chef John Tesar. It’s just about enough to make you forget about the theme parks entirely.