My primary objective in chosing the Orlando Hyatt Grand Cypress was to entertain my horse-loving daughter who has become bored of travel. She didn't want to go anywhere for Spring Break, until I told her I'd found a hotel that has an equestrian center! After reading every tripadvisor review, I decided this was the hotel for us.

A short drive from the airport, and weaving through a maze of construction, puts you in a tropical paradise. We wanted to rent a convertible. But, as little as we used it, I'd opt for transfering to the resort next time, and using their shuttles. It appeared they also had town cars for hire onsite - for that quick trip to Sea World, etc.

I'd read the walk from the parking lot was long, so we used the valet service. The valets and bellmen were very helpful. On arrival, we explained that we'd need to access our luggage if our room wasn't ready (it was only noon, and my daughter needed to change into riding gear for a lesson). The bellman replied..."Oh no problem....I'll keep them right here for you until we know".

Lucky for us, our room was ready early and we stepped onto the balcony and couldn't stop staring at the beautiful pool and grounds. The bellman arrived within minutes. When is the last time your bellman not only showed you the features of the hotel...but reminded you to use sun block and explained how to get the humidity out of the room so you could dry your hair?

I did think the room was too dark. Without any overhead lighting, the entry hallway was without any illumination at all. In the evening, the lamps created a nicer ambiance than would overhead lighting, but they didn't allow for reading in bed.

We took the staff's word that it would be better to use their shuttles than take our car to the equestrian center. The shuttles were nothing short of amazing. Wonderful drivers who apologized if we waited more than 5 minutes for a ride. The vans were very clean and air conditioned. I once asked how many there were, and a driver said there were three going at the time. It seemed there must be 20! They ran between all areas of the property (hotel, equestrian center, trail rides, golf club, the villas).

Speaking of the Villas, they were too "quiet" for our tastes (we wanted to be near the lake, bikes, bigger pool, music, greater selection of eateries, etc)...but they would be a phenomonal choice for anyone looking for a more relaxing trip. The accommodations were simply unbelievable...up to 4 bedroom/4 bath. And the shuttle dropped you right at your own address/villa!

We were in awe of the equestrian center. Lessons were $100 for a private hour, which seemed high to me until I realized a massage is nearly that expensive as well. My daughter rode an hour every day, some private and some group lessons. She found a way to spend a little more of my money at the lovely tack shop. We also took a trail ride together, which was nice and relaxing.

Back at the hotel we rode a surrey bike, individual bikes, took a paddle boat onto the lake. I sat on the sugary-sand beach which we saw being raked in the morning.

We sat by a pit fire on a cool evening (too bad we arrived to late for marshmallow roasting). We watched a movie by the pool sitting on deck chairs while others swam.

It's a pity the hotel can't heat their main pool, because it was so impressive, but no one ventured into the 67 degree water. It runs through grottos, keeping the sun off, and I imagine it would be impossible to afford heating it all. There are uncrowded spas hidden in those grottos as well. The pool area was always kept very tidy. No trash, chairs in a line. The water and pool was SPARKLING clean.

The 82 degree heated smaller pool was never really too busy. The towel hut was generous with their thirsty towels. And they sold sun block, floaties, even chapstick. There was a poolside Tiki Bar that had snack foods and frozen drinks - but food service stopped at three pm. We ran into many times when we wanted to eat, but nothing convenient was open.
We do eat usually at odd times 3pm, 10pm...but there is nothing open at 10pm. And room service can take an hour, so that frustrated us a few times.

We never got to Hemingways - the only thing I planned to do but never did accomplish. I had crab cakes from room service that were "to die for". Not oily fried traditional "crab cakes". But huge scoops of lucious crab meat barely held together with a light sauce.

We only found Cascades open once when we were hungry. But it was good and the menu was interesting. I had scallops with paella rice...mmm.

Because we had trouble finding restaurants open, we ended up grabbing a lot of food at the Palm Cafe / deli. Not much in the way of selection -but very tasty for what it was. And the cashier was exceptionally nice. Nearly everyone at the hotel from start to finish were exceptional. And that is what is important to me...service over product every time! No one ever seemed "put out" to be doing their job. And many staff members were simply wonderful.

We giggled hysterically at Merlot, one of the lobby birds, as he amazes us with new phrases every time (we found him talkative only in the morning hours).

We did have a tiny problem of not getting our laundry back on the day it was promised. We found out it was delivered to another room, and that guest was kind enough to call us. It was just an error, a small thing, fortunately we didn't NEED it until the next day anyway.

Sometimes we find our room's mini bar doesn't get restocked, but ours was wonderfully taken care of. The room was well cared for by housekeeping. They never neglected to restock soaps, etc. We never had to wait long for an elevator.

We went for a relaxing vacation (since we usually do "the theme park thing") - but found ourselves exhausted anyway - because we wanted to do it all in just a few days.

We aren't golfers, but the courses looked wonderfully manicured. We didn't play tennis, but we did bike, swim, ride horses, went boating, walked trails, went sun bathing...and had a GREAT time. We WILL be back.

Tips: Poolside rooms face Disney Parks and you can hear the fireworks but they don't last long. Some have said they heard lobby noise in their rooms, but we did not (our room was 5-6 doors from the lobby area, 12th floor). Room rates that include breakfast (such as AAA) are nice, but you are limited to the Palm Cafe. The food in the Cascade buffet is not much different than the meal you can make in the Palm Cafe...but your meal coupon does not include room service, or Sunday Brunch. If your rate plan INCLUDES breakfast at no extra cost, go for it. If you're paying extra for it...why not wait and see where you'll want to eat and "play it by ear". Some rooms service items are typically expensive, others are surprisingly inexpensive. The $13/day resort fee is very reasonable to cover towels, bike and boat rental, the shuttles, etc.

If you have high expectations, you'll have them met at this resort.