The one thing that was missing from the grand Ritz-Carlton at the Grande Lakes Resort was a grand lobby bar. There was a place for cocktails or a glass of wine but it wasn’t exactly a place you’d want to linger and soak in the luxuriousness of the hotel and its grounds. It was more a place to meet.

But now following a big renovation, the Ritz-Carlton has the Lobby Lounge, an appropriately resplendent space worthy of the hotel’s brand.

The space is sort of bi-level. There is a long bar counter that faces the lobby and you may choose to sit there. But a couple of steps on either side of the bar lead to a loungier area with comfy chairs and sofas. And because it’s a bit lower the sound of the lobby is blocked, so you can have quiet conversation.

Or you may choose to just sit and look at the view through the massive open windows that look out over the pool area and the greenery beyond.

The windows have huge garage-door type closures in case of inclement weather. If the weather is more clement but maybe windy, retractable screens can be put in place. But on most days, this being Florida, the windows are open, allowing for an indoor/outdoor experience. It’s very pleasant.

The Lobby Lounge was recently dedicated by Grande Lakes area general manager Jon McGavin but it will have a real christening, of sorts, on Dec. 31 when it will host the resort’s New Year’s Eve festivities. It would be a lovely place to ring in the new year and to toast it with a bit of bubbly. There will be entertainment, too. Get all the details at the Ritz-Carlton’s website.