The Gaylord Palms Resort Orlando is where you’re supposed to be everyone this time if you want family and all the space that a resort can guarantee for a safe experience.
This beautiful resort offers completely luxurious amenities while adhering to strict COVID-19 protocols so that guests can really let relax with full peace of mind.
As one of the great Marriott Hotels, guests can enjoy the benefits of earning and redeeming their Bonvoy Rewards at top world-class accommodations just a stone’s throw from Walt Disney World.
The Gaylord Palms Resort Orlando Property
It’s the Gaylord Palms Resort; it’s the ultimate destination for every state of Florida through its daringly themed areas imitating Key West, St. Augustine, the Everglades, and Emerald Bay. But it is the grand atrium that makes this property quite different; it is such a large terrarium that one can have an outdoor tropical feeling while being climate-controlled.
Towering palm trees shoot up to the glass ceiling; gardens are lushly inviting; the crowning glory is a remarkably accurate replica of St. Augustine’s Castillo de San Marcos fort, complete with its surrounding moat, where colorful koi fish swim. Due to the incredible expanse of the atrium, visitors can wander and lose themselves without becoming too near to another visitor.
COVID-19 Safety measures
The resort has implemented an impressive array of safety protocols to protect guests during the pandemic. Throughout the property, prominent signage reminds visitors to wear face coverings, with strict mask compliance observed.
Elevator capacity is limited to either four people maximum or one traveling party, with floor markers indicating proper spacing. Following Marriott’s comprehensive “Commitment to Clean” practices, the resort utilizes enhanced cleaning technology, hospital-grade disinfectants, and dedicated staff members who sanitize high-touch surfaces continuously throughout each day.
From public spaces to individual guest rooms, the attention to cleanliness is evident everywhere, with hand sanitizing stations positioned strategically at entrances, elevator banks, check-in areas, and throughout meeting spaces.
Additional safety measures include contactless check-in options, social distancing protocols in all common areas, and modified service procedures that minimize unnecessary contact while maintaining the resort’s legendary hospitality standards.
Gaylord Palms Resort Rooms
The resort boasts over 1,300 beautifully appointed accommodations offering a variety of views including the spectacular atrium, landscaped lawns, refreshing pools, or Florida vistas beyond the property.
The generously sized 410-square-foot standard rooms provide ample space for families to move around comfortably, with thoughtful layouts that maximize functionality.
The highlight of many accommodations is the private balcony overlooking the lush tropical atrium, allowing guests to enjoy morning coffee or evening relaxation while gazing at the indoor paradise below – all while remaining in climate-controlled comfort regardless of Florida’s sometimes unpredictable weather.
An environmentally conscious touch that guests appreciate is the use of full-size, wall-mounted shampoo, conditioner, and body wash dispensers in the bathrooms, eliminating wasteful small plastic bottles while reducing the need for frequent housekeeping visits – a welcome feature during these health-conscious times.
Amenities
The Gaylord Palms Resort offers an impressive selection of amenities designed to enhance guest comfort and convenience during their stay.
Standard in-room features include mini-refrigerators perfect for storing personal beverages and snacks, while the property’s sundries shop ensures any forgotten essentials are readily available.
Though some additional gift shops may appear closed during lower occupancy periods, staff members will gladly open them upon request to accommodate shopping needs. Throughout public spaces, touchless hand sanitizing stations provide peace of mind, while digital room keys and contactless check-in options minimize unnecessary physical interactions.
The resort has thoughtfully modified its amenity offerings to balance guest expectations with current safety needs, resulting in an experience that feels both luxurious and appropriately cautious. Additional convenient touches include multiple dining venues, expansive pool areas, and beautifully maintained garden spaces for relaxation and exploration.
Notes on added costs
Prospective visitors should factor several additional expenses into their budget planning when considering a stay at this premium resort. Daily parking fees amount to $26 for self-parking or $38 for the valet option, providing secure vehicle accommodation throughout your visit.
Additionally, the standard resort fee of $30 per day covers access to numerous amenities including the water park facilities, fitness center access, and wireless internet service throughout the property.
While these costs add to the overall investment, many guests find the comprehensive experience justifies the premium pricing, particularly given the resort’s extensive grounds and attractions that eliminate the need for additional entertainment expenditures.
For those with uncertain travel plans, the flexible cancellation policy allows changes without penalty up to 24 hours before scheduled arrival, providing valuable peace of mind during these unpredictable times.
Dining
The culinary experience at Gaylord Palms is truly exceptional, with several dining venues currently operating under enhanced safety protocols. Moor restaurant offers sophisticated open-air atrium dining that feels like eating outdoors while enjoying climate-controlled comfort, while the poolside SandBar provides casual fare perfect for a relaxing day in the sun.
Evening cocktails can be enjoyed at Socio lounge, morning coffee cravings are satisfied at The Cocoa Bean featuring Starbucks products, and sports enthusiasts appreciate the generous portions at Wreckers sports bar.
Weekend visitors should not miss the outstanding breakfast buffet at Moor, where server-attended stations protected by plexiglass barriers offer extraordinarily fresh pastries, perfectly cooked pancakes, and an array of morning favorites without the safety concerns typically associated with self-service options.
Recent reopenings include the elegant Old Hickory Steakhouse, while Villa de Flora has undergone extensive renovations to incorporate attended buffet options that maintain safety without sacrificing quality or selection.
Pool and Water Park
The resort’s expansive aquatic attractions provide refreshing entertainment while implementing thoughtful safety measures. Cypress Springs Water Park features exhilarating twisty slides, heart-pounding speed slides, and a massive interactive splash pad playground that delights younger guests.
The main pool area is spacious enough to accommodate appropriate distancing between parties, and the formerly adults-only South Beach pool has been opened to families specifically to encourage greater spacing among guests.
Morning visits typically offer the least crowded experience, with the main pool opening at 8 AM and water park attractions beginning operation at 10 AM. During stormy weather, a large display screen at the pool area provides real-time weather updates, allowing guests to plan accordingly.
For those seeking additional privacy and dedicated service, premium pool seating and cabana rentals offer reserved spaces with comfortable furnishings and enhanced amenities, creating personal oases within the larger aquatic environment.
Events at Gaylord Palms Resort Orlando
Throughout the year, the resort hosts spectacular seasonal celebrations and themed weekends that transform the already impressive property into truly magical experiences. Special events like Goblins and Giggles offer family-friendly entertainment with festive decorations and activities throughout the resort.
Each evening, guests are treated to breathtaking light shows projected throughout the massive atrium, creating stunning visual displays visible from private room balconies – a perfect end-of-day experience that doesn’t require gathering in crowded spaces.
The entertainment continues with live music performances echoing through the atrium, engaging stage shows, and character dance parties designed especially for younger visitors.
All of these special experiences are thoughtfully executed with appropriate safety measures in place, allowing guests to enjoy memorable entertainment while maintaining comfortable distance from other parties, truly demonstrating how exceptional hospitality can adapt to challenging circumstances without sacrificing the joy of travel.
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Travelers interested in exploring additional options for safe, family-friendly accommodations during the pandemic will appreciate our comprehensive reviews of other Marriott properties implementing similar robust protocols while offering opportunities to earn and utilize valuable Bonvoy Rewards points.
For those planning extended Florida vacations, our detailed guides covering Disney World’s phased reopening procedures provide crucial information about modified park experiences and enhanced safety measures at nearby attractions.
Health-conscious travelers seeking staycation alternatives will find valuable insights in our coverage of premium resorts throughout the Orlando and Kissimmee areas, with special attention to properties featuring spacious accommodations, diverse dining options, and self-contained entertainment venues that minimize the need for external excursions. Each review thoroughly evaluates cleaning protocols, social distancing enforcement, mask requirements, and overall guest experiences to help readers make informed travel decisions during these unprecedented times.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Gaylord Palms Resort enforcing mask requirements?
Yes, the resort requires masks in all indoor public areas with signage throughout the property reminding guests of this policy. All staff members consistently wear masks properly covering nose and mouth. While most guests comply, some visitors have been observed not wearing masks or wearing them incorrectly in certain areas.
Are the pools and water park safe to use during COVID-19?
The resort has implemented several safety measures for aquatic areas including expanded pool access (opening the formerly adults-only South Beach pool to all guests), regular cleaning of high-touch surfaces, and loudspeaker announcements reminding guests to maintain physical distance. Morning hours (pool opens at 8 AM, water park at 10 AM) typically offer the least crowded experience. For additional safety and privacy, premium pool seating or cabana rentals are recommended.
Is housekeeping service available during COVID-19?
To minimize unnecessary contact, the resort has temporarily suspended regular housekeeping service during guests’ stays. However, staff will promptly deliver any requested items (extra towels, blankets, toiletries) to your room. Many guests appreciate this reduced-contact approach as an additional safety measure.
How are dining venues handling safety concerns?
All restaurants operate with enhanced safety protocols including server-attended buffets with plexiglass barriers, physically distanced tables, and mask requirements when not actively eating or drinking. Moor restaurant offers open-air atrium dining that provides an outdoor feel while remaining climate-controlled, and weekend breakfast buffets feature staff serving all food items rather than self-service options.
Are any special activities or amenities unavailable due to COVID-19?
Most resort amenities remain available with modified operations, including the arcade (with dedicated staff sanitizing equipment after each use), pools, water park, and dining venues. Evening entertainment continues with atrium light shows viewable from room balconies, live music performances, and character appearances with appropriate distancing. The resort has thoughtfully adapted its offerings to maintain the guest experience while prioritizing safety.
Conclusion
Our weekend at the Gaylord Palms was exactly what our family needed – a careful first step back into traveling during these strange times. While masks and sanitizer have become travel essentials and some spontaneity is lost to planning, the joy of seeing my kids splash in the pool and my husband actually relax was worth it.
The resort staff clearly worked hard to keep things clean and safe without constantly reminding us why. If you’re ready to dip your toes back into travel but still feeling cautious, this beautiful bubble of a resort with its indoor paradise and Florida sunshine might be just the gentle re-entry you’re looking for too.
