Wonderful stay at the Gaylord Palms
by A TripAdvisor Member
Just back from a long weekend at the Gaylord Palms. What a great place!
My husband and I are well seasoned travelers, and I must say Gaylord Palms really impressed. The staff are pleasant, helpful and very friendly, nothing is too much trouble. I think one member of staff summed it up, she said, "we love working at Gaylord Palms, we are proud of the hotel and proud to be working here". Check-in was quick and easy, our room was fairly big and the bed very comfortable. Room and bathroom were very clean and the toiletries of good quality.
Housekeeping is fast and very efficient. A small bottled water and orange juice per person arrive each day and the cost is included in the hotel $10 per day mandatory charge. Our only complaint about the room was the low lighting. There are three distinct themed areas, ST Augustine where we were, then there is Key West and the Everglades.
Plenty of good restaurants and shops, all inside the hotel. In fact it reminded me of the upscale Las Vegas hotels minus the casino. Our ceiling fan was a bit shaky and noisy when we arrived, we mentioned it to the bell hop who delivered our luggage, he said he would report it for us. In less than 5 minutes someone was there to fix it, he was such a friendly guy and told us all about the hotel and the themed areas. He also mentioned the World of Ice that is coming to the hotel in November, this is going to be a world of ice creations, decorated with Christmas lights and Santa, the temperature in the exhibit will be a chilly 9 degrees, but they are supplying parkas to keep you warm. This hotel is a MUST see and stay. The place is huge, make sure you use the correct entrances and elevators, it is easy to get lost or you could have a very long walk to your room. GP is a remarkable place to stay, somewhere you can really enjoy, you are sure to want to go back again and again. If you want to wonder, or are visiting theme parks getting onto the I4 is a breeze from the hotel. I cannot say enough good things about this place, it is certainly different, and I recommend it for the discerning traveler. We will definitely be back.
Interesting stay at Gaylord Palms.
by TripAdvisor Member benuzair
Just returned from a Labor Day weekend stay at Gaylord Palms. What a wonderful property! GP is the sister hotel to the Gaylord Opryland in Nashville; everything about these hotels are big... atriums, public areas, convention center, etc etc. GP is definately an attraction by itself. We stayed at the Emerald Bay section, with the view of the pool, convention center and Epcot's 'golf-ball'. Rooms are nicely decorated with high beds, marble floors in the bathroom, double vanity sink, and turndown service every evening. There is also a computer installed, although it wasn't working. I found out that in October they will be using those computers as interactive guest guides in the rooms; awesome idea! I have to agree with one of the reviewers that the rooms were not well sound-proofed. The water does have a funny smell and taste to it...I call it the "Florida water". Seems to me all the hotels I've stayed in FL has that similar taste/smell. I loved the themed areas of the hotel, especially during the evenings. The areas seemed too artificial during the day. There were lots of waterfalls, koi fish, and tortoises. Do check out the convention center in the evening when there are no meetings, and you will be surprised how HUGE their ballrooms are! We sneeked into a couple of the ballrooms and meeting rooms and they look very impressive. Staff were helpful and polite, especially those working in the retail outlets. There are 1000++ rooms in this hotel and sometimes one might wonder how many of those rooms are occupied. I found out that in Villa de Flora (one of GP's 3 main restaurants), there is a frame on the wall just behind the hostess' desk, and it shows how many of the rooms were occupied on that day. I would recommend GP to anyone who appreciates something more than your usual standard hotel-decor. GP is definately different than the rest. I will definately be back!
Your own private castle
by TripAdvisor Member ChicagoLondon
Just back from long weekend at the Gaylord Palms. This is a beautiful property. Right when you drive into the driveway, you feel quite welcome. Checkin was easy. Room was huge. Beds were ultra comfy. The most comfortable bed I've ever had in a hotel room.
$10 mandatory resort fee includes free Dasani bottled water and Minute Maid orange juice in the fridge. Bathroom products are very nice. The only complaint I have about the room is the low lighting. Perhaps bulbs needed to be changed?? Each room has a computer on the desk with free internet access.
Housing keeping was very good and prompt. Room service is guaranteed in 30 minutes or it's free.
Hotel is HUGE to say the least. Everything about this property is grand. Elevators to room are very fast. Hotel was sold out while we were there, however because of the magnitude of the property, we never felt it was too crowded.
There are quite a few restaurants here. There is also a 24 hour coffee house with sandwiches, muffins and salads. Ever seen a Godiva, Ben & Jerry's store and Canyon Ranch Spa in a hotel??
Literally, you have no reason to leave this place. It has everything except indoor pools. All the pools and whirlpools are outside. Other than that, it's a great place to get a way.
I strongly recommend this place.
GREAT PLACE TO STAY
by A TripAdvisor Member
My wife and I have taken many trips and stayed in all types of places, but the Gaylord Palms has to be one of the BEST! EVERYTHING about our stay was AWWESOME and MORE! What a place to relax and just enjoy the environment. We are senior citizens who have the reputation of maybe being difficult to please, etc. etc. Well, we were pleased and we also received satisfaction watching others having a great time also, including many families.
I cannot imagine people having a bad experience at this hotel. I am amazed at some of the negative comments I have read. Are you sure you were staying at the Gaylord or are you one of those arrogant, hard to please, love to complain about anything, unhappy, sour pussed, sour grapes individuals running around the world today? By all means, stay at this hotel again, relax, loosen up--you just might enjoy yourself.
If not, by all means please find yourself another place to gripe about!!!
Photos
The Gaylord Palms -- ICE!
Florida "Snowmen" -- Gaylord Palms
"ICE" at Gaylord Palms Resort
"Luminescence" at the Gaylord Palms Resort
Forum Posts
Hotel near Gaylord Palms in Orlando
by guta
Hi,
I am going to a meeting in the end of march, which will take place at this hotel. However, I would like to go to a cheaper hotel nearby (at a walking distance would be the best).
Any recommendations for nice and affordable hotels near Gaylord Palms in Orlando?
Thanks a lot!
guta
