Gaylord Palms review

[Tea Please]

My dh had a business trip to Orlando this past week and was staying at Gaylord Palms. At the last minute my sil and I decided to join him. This place is lovely, everything is under an amazing atrium and the the temp is a perfect 72 degrees. The resort is broken up into 3 differant sections, Key West, St Augustine and the Everglades. When we checked in we upgraded to a suite which was absolutely huge and lovely. The furnishings are a cut above and IMHO alot more impressive than many of the onsite resorts at WDW. There are 2 pools, a family pool and a more adult "south beach" type pool. They also have pool cabanas and a wonderful pool bar. The Canyon Ranch Spa is on site as well as as workout facilities. Several restaurants also. The one place we did eat was Sunset Sam's which was excellent. There is actually a ship in water where you can have cocktails. It really should be seen. We didn't do any parks and me & sil spent an entire day just walking around the resort. Lots of neat little boutiques. I really reccomend it. We have our annual May trip planned for the BWI and seriously considering changing our plans to return here. I see that there are some nice discounts to be had and this place is certainly up there as far as the deluxes are concerned.

 

[KittenLittle]

Anne, could you please describe the floorplan of your suite? Do all of the sections have suites to your knowledge? Did you request this upgrade prior to check-in?
Thanks!
Kitten Little

 

[colleen costello]

We have DVC and always add on a cash nite or two at wherever is "on sale." In June we are staying for a night at the Wilderness Lodge... couldn't resist $139. In any case, the more I hear about Gaylord Palms the more I want to stay there. As someone who has lived through many a rained-out Disney day, I think the big atrium sounds GREAT!

Does anyone out there know if there are "bargains" for this resort -- like the codes at Mousesavers for the WDW resorts?

 

[daannzzz]

I just bid on Priceline for my arrival night and got the Gaylord Palms for $94!!! I have not been before but it appears to be very nice on the website. Thanks for the review.

 

[UKDEB]

Thanks for sharing, Anne. We visited for a look around last October and ate at Sunset Sam's. This May we're planning on a return visit for the Old Hickory Steakhouse, and next January we are intending to stay for a couple of nights. I would love to upgrade to a suite! Where should I look for the best discounts?

 

[Tea Please]

KittenLittle,

The suite was a true one bedroom. It had a king in the b/r with french doors leading to the parlor with a sleeper sofa. It had a huge luxurious bathroom and wet bar.

UKDEB- I would call the hotel directly to see if hey are running any promotions. I think the convention rate was $159.00 and they charged us $120.00 to upgrade. The Steakhouse smelled wonderful. enjoy.

daannzzz-You really got a terrific bargain, I'm sure you will be pleased.

colleen- you also may want to call and check rates, the staff was very accomodating.

 

[MOMTOMOOTOO]

We also stayed there in May 01. We had gotten an awesome rate of $249.00 for 2 nites including breakfast at Villa De flora. We were staying there prior to a checking into a vacation home for 10days. Well, if the home hadn't been paid for we would have spent our entire time there..It was so nice. There are such great bargains to be had offsite in the deluxe catorgory. As much as I like to stay onsite, sometimes I cannot justify the price. FOr our trip in Nov/Dec we are splitting our stay between AKL (DH's Favorite) and the new Ritz Carlton. As much as I really wanted to stay at the Boardwalk Inn the Ritz was less than 1/2. And we thought how bad can a Ritz Carlton be?

 

[JudithM]

We stopped by Gaylord Palms the other day just to visit. WOW! I had heard lots of wonderful comments about this hotel. We enjoyed leisurely walking around under the atrium. It was well worth a quick visit.

 

[Judy from Boise]

Yipee ! I check in tomorrow for 4 nights ! And since it is a conference not on my $$

I will post a report when i get back !

 

[UKDEB]

Momtomootoo,

Where did you find that rate? I'm keen to book up for next January, although I'm not sure I can book that far out. The availability calandar on their website only goes up to September.

 

[MOMTOMOOTOO]

Originally posted by UKDEB
Where did you find that rate?

Debbie,

That was an internet rate at the time. Be sure to sign up for the mailing list. I periodically get emails with some good specials. But not nearly as good as the rate we had in May 2001.

 

[Judy from Boise]

well, I am back
I will try and cover what hasn't been, and answer any specific questions.

I stayed in a standard room in the Everglades section

Hits:

1. The balcony with 2 nice wicker chairs overlooking the everglades section and the steak restaurante

2. The room fridge with water and OJ stocked daily

3. The cute amenity tin that had a sewing kit, shoe shine cloth and cotton swabs and balls

4. The other bath amenities....seperate shampoo and conditioner, not the combined crap

5. Huge bath sheets

6. Better than avarage in room coffee, with 2 packs of reg and decaf each day

7. Food service at the pool, although $12 for a burger is a little steep !

8. Ability to review running bill on the TV

Misses:

1. Dim dim dim !!! Not a single lamp that had adaquate lighting....and this was repeated throughout the hallways

2. Balcony door did not close tightly, to cut the noise I had to jam my desk chair against the doors

3. Phone rates ! I made 3 long distance calls of 1-2 minutes each, and was billed $21.00

4. Food was more expensive than on WDW property !

5. After 12:00 each day, the shuttle to WDW went to all 4 parks, so it is a 55 minute trip to get to MK ( last park ). The same is true for return....so If you got on the shuttle in AK, it would take 55 minutes to get to MK, to then start the actual drive to the resort

 

[UKDEB]

Thanks, Judy. Would you stay again? I've been e-mailed some great rates for stays this April and May, so keeping my fingers crossed that I'll get a similar offer nearer to our departure date.

 

[Muffy]

Thanks for the review of Gaylord Palms!

 

[Judy from Boise]

I would never stay there without a rental car, this at least would give you freedom from the shuttle and the ability to access affordable food.
I would also be more likely to stay there during the summer when the controlled enviornment is especially nice. But, during the more temperate times of the year I would prefer to stay at resort that allowed me to breath fresh air and stroll around real trees and flowers.

It is a very nice resort, but it doesen't fit in with the way we like to "Do Disney".