Although it's the state motto, describing Florida as just The Sunshine State is like calling Katie Couric "perky". Sure, it's true, but not all the time -- and it doesn't nearly begin to describe the state's other marketable assets. There's a lot more to the state than just sunshine -- which, by the way, isn't even a 24/7 given; it does rain here. Weather aside, choosing the best of Florida is by no means simple. While millions of visitors flock to Florida to escape the bleakness of winter and being landlocked, they don't all come down just for sun, fun, and Mickey Mouse. Sure, the promise of (mostly) clear skies and 800 miles of sparkling, sandy beaches is alluring, as are the animatronics and roller coasters in Orlando and Tampa, but there's much more to the state than that. In fact, in many ways, Florida is like a beautiful, blonde beauty queen who everyone thinks is all fluff until they find out she also happens to be a Rhodes scholar. Okay, so we're not saying that Florida is brilliant, per se, but what we are saying is that there's more than meets the eye that makes this one of the country's most popular year-round vacation destinations.

Here you can choose from a colorful, often kitschy assortment of accommodations, from deluxe resorts to mom-and-pop motels. You can visit remote little towns like Apalachicola or a multicultural megalopolis like Miami. Devour fresh seafood, from amberjack to oysters -- and then work off those calories in such outdoor pursuits as bicycling, golfing, or kayaking. Despite overdevelopment in many parts of the state, Floridians have maintained thousands of acres of wilderness areas, from the little respite of Clam Pass County Park in downtown Naples to the magnificent Everglades National Park, which stretches across the state's southern tip.

Choosing the "best" of all this is a daunting task, and the selections in this section are only a rundown of some of the highlights. You'll find numerous other outstanding resorts, hotels, destinations, activities, and attractions described on the site. With an open mind and sense of adventure, you should be able to come up with some bests of your own.

Overlooking hundreds of acres of lakes and waterways, the JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes allows guests to experience Florida in all of its natural splendor. This centerpiece of the The Grande Lakes Resort redefines the Orlando experience and transports guests to a place of serenity and beauty. At the JW Marriott Orlando, supreme elegance combines with spectacular service to provide our guests with an unforgettable experience.

• Size: 998 rooms
• Location: Grande Lakes Orlando

Special Inclusions

• Value added card which includes 10 percent discount on all Grande Lakes Resort food and beverage (excluding alcohol) and retail purchases, as well as rounds of golf and all spa services. Valid July 1, 2003-January 4, 2004.
• 5th Night Free: Valid for travel July 1-September 30, 2004, in the Run Of House room category. For bookings made April 17, 2003 and forward. Travel must be completed within the specified date range.
• For stays of 3-4 nights, receive a $100 resort credit. For stays of 5 nights or more, receive a $200 resort credit. Valid for travel January 19-April 27, 2004, for bookings made January 19-March 15, 2004. Not combinable with other promotions. Credit to be applied towards incidental charges and may not be exchanged or refunded for cash equivalent. Credit is per room, per stay and must be used before checking out of resort. Incidental charges could include spa treatments, Ritz Kid's, Signature Shop or Spa Shop at The Ritz Carlton, JW Marriott Gift Shop, Golf at The Ritz Carlton Golf Club or purchases made at the pro shop, in-room dining, and food and beverage at any restaurant at Grande Lakes except for Norman's.
• For stays of 5 nights or more, guests will receive a $100 Resort Credit Value. For bookings made April 17, 2003 and forward. Valid for travel October 1, 2004-December 19, 2004. Not combinable with other promotions. Credit to be applied towards incidental charges and may not be exchanged or refunded for cash equivalent. Credit is per room, per stay and must be used before checking out of resort. Incidental charges could include spa treatments, Ritz Kid's, Signature Shop or Spa Shop at The Ritz Carlton, JW Marriott Gift Shop, Golf at The Ritz Carlton Golf Club or purchases made at the pro shop, in-room dining, and food and beverage at any restaurant at Grande Lakes except for Norman's.

Hotel Amenities

• Babysitting services - fees apply payable to hotel
• Baggage check
• Business Center
• Fitness center - free of charge
• Handicap accessible/equipped
• Hot tub/ Jacuzzi
• Laundry facilities - coin operated and valet
• Lounges/Bars - 3
• Refrigerators - fees apply payable to hotel, based on availability
• Restaurants on premises - 5
• Room service - 24 hour
• Safety deposit box
• Sauna
• Steam room

Recreation

• Activities desk/Concierge
• Gameroom/Arcade
• Golf course on premises
• Playground
• Spa facilities
• Swimming pools - 1 outdoor, 1 children's
• Tennis courts - 3 courts

Location/Transportation

• Complimentary transportation to Sea World, Discovery Cove, Universal Orlando, and Wet N' Wild.
• Distance from airport - 10 miles from Orlando International Airport
• Distance from downtown Orlando - 14 miles
• Distance from Sea World and Discovery Cove - 2 miles
• Distance from Orange County Convention Center - 3.5 miles
• Distnace from Universal Orlando - 7 miles
• Distance from Walt Disney World - 10 miles
• Self parking - fees apply payable to hotel
• Valet parking - fees apply payable to hotel

Miscellaneous Information

• Experience luxury at its finest in the 3 level, 40,000-square foot, full-service spa. Managed by Ritz-Carlton, this sanctuary will offer 40 treatment rooms, whirlpool bathing centers, saunas, 6,000-square foot fitness center, a 4,000-square foot lap pool, wellness center and 40-seat spa cafe.
• Managed by Ritz-Carlton, Greg Norman has designed 18 holes of championship golf heavily utilizing the natural landscape to create the ultimate golf experience. Guests receive preferred tee-times and a personal golf Caddie-Concierge traveling with them to help with everything from course yardage and maintenance, to food and beverage service and other ancillary resort information. The fashionable Moorish architectural style clubhouse will include a 100-seat specialty restaurant, lounge, locker and shower facilities and a golf pro shop.

Children's Programs and Activities

• JW Kids children's program