My recent stay at the Gaylord Palms Resort Orlando was a mixed experience. While check-in was problematic and the room quality didn’t match the price, the resort’s beautiful grounds, diverse dining options, and convenient amenities somewhat compensated for these shortcomings.
The check-in process at Gaylord Palms was truly forgettable. Despite being a Marriott Bonvoy Platinum member and requesting early check-in, I waited for over an hour. Initially upgraded to a suite, I was later downgraded to a standard room without explanation or compensation. Furthermore, being assigned a connecting room while traveling solo felt unsafe and unsettling.
The room at Gaylord Palms, while featuring a balcony with a pleasant view of the interior atrium, had rather basic furnishings and lacked the expected luxurious feel.
However, the Gaylord Palms Resort grounds are truly stunning. The American-inspired architecture, lush greenery, meandering waterways with fish, and various areas to explore create a relaxing and engaging atmosphere. The outdoor pool complex, with its waterslides for children and Miami-style pool for adults, is a significant plus.
The Gaylord Palms lobby is grand and showcases impressive American architecture.
Another highlight of Gaylord Palms is its dining. From the diverse breakfast buffet at Villa de Flore to the delicious options at Emerald Bay Cafe & Market and the upscale dining experience at Old Hickory Steakhouse, everything was excellent. The enormous key lime pie and self-serve frozen yogurt at Emerald Bay Cafe & Market are worth trying.
The Key Lime Pie at Gaylord Palms Orlando is impressively large.
However, service at the SandBar was quite poor, with slow and unprofessional service.
The enticing Bee dessert at Old Hickory Steakhouse within Gaylord Palms Orlando.
Gaylord Palms also offers a complimentary shuttle service to the Walt Disney World parks, a convenient perk for guests wanting to explore the Disney universe. The buses are comfortable and rarely overcrowded.
The lush atrium at Gaylord Palms Resort Orlando is filled with greenery and flowers.
In conclusion, Gaylord Palms Resort Orlando is a worthwhile option for an Orlando vacation, especially if you appreciate lush landscaping, diverse dining, and easy access to the Disney parks. However, be aware of the high room rates compared to the room quality. The outdoor pool area at Gaylord Palms Resort Orlando is surrounded by palm trees and lounge chairs.
