The extras are so enjoyable at the Gaylord Palms in Orlando

The Gaylord Palms hotel in Orlando is a very impressive hotel. It follows in the footsteps of the Gaylord Opryland and the Gaylord Texan in its size and the atrium and has so many hidden or unexpected things you can see or do.

https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/mcogp-gaylord-palms-resort-and-convention-center/overview/

Looking ahead a month or 2, rooms are available at the Palms for between $320 and $930 per night.

The lobby:

Here is the check in area. The staff are always very pleasant and helpful at the Gaylords. They also have name badges with their city of origin, so you have the opportunity to chat with them about their home country.

This is Socio, the bar at the entrance to the hotel. A nice and long bar counter, a great time is had by all.

The atrium:

This is one view of the atrium roof. It is similar in size and shape to the Texan. The Opryland has an atrium like this but has 3 other atriums too as it is way bigger. If you get the chance to visit the Gaylord Opryland in Nashville I would highly recommend it. It is an amazing structure.

A restaurant on a boat in a hotel. That is what you like to see in a special hotel and that is what you have in one part of the Gaylord Palms. We ate there once, some seafood, quite lovely food.

This is the area leading to the restaurant on a boat. Lovely wanderings through the gardens.

Here are more views of the gardens and atrium in the center of the hotel.

Here are 2 views of the large open area that you can use for an event. While I was there a wedding breakfast was held, the day after the wedding reception had been held outdoors the previous night.

Here is a look at the outdoor area where that wedding reception was held. It is a well manicured lawn and garden area that can host a lot of people.

If you are inclined to enjoy breakfast at the hotel, this is the best place to have breakfast. It is a lovely experience under the big glass atrium.

The waterways and pools:

There is an interesting collection of creatures in the pools and rivers in the atrium. Here you have some magnificent Koi fish, and in the next picture there are alligators in the water.

They have scheduled feeding hours where you can watch the alligators fighting for the food/meat that gets given to them. Quite fascinating that there are live alligators in the middle of the atrium garden in the hotel.

Wandering through the atrium and following the river you come across quite a few pools and waterfalls and such. It is a lovely stroll and also takes you past the spa on the way to the swimming pools..

There is a hut in the gardens that features many snakes and other creatures in glass display cases. Really cool to get up close to dangerous snakes.

The pool and spa:

A large pool complex is just outside the hotel. You can see the water slides in the picture below, as well as part of the pool and the umbrellas and deck chairs.

Another view of part of the water slide complex and the tables around the main pool.

This is the quieter adult pool that is really nice. Quiet, controlled, gentle. A fine place to hang out.

This is the entrance to the Relache Spa at the Gaylord Palms. There are all sorts of treatments available. Below is the skincare store where you will be properly cared for.

The shops and restaurants:

There are many shops available for snacks, meals, mementos, clothing and necessities. And of course a variety of restaurants. Below is the ice cream shop, a jewelry and memento store, a store for necessities and the Emerald Bay market. The market is great for getting snack type food as well as good coffee.

Here is Wreckers Sports bar where you can get good bar food and watch a sporting event on one of many screens as you can see below.

This is a charcuterie plate that I had the one evening at the hotel. So good with perfectly coated baked bread, meats, pickles, different dips and spreads. A wonderful experience.

And of course the Old Hickory steakhouse, a staple of visits to the Gaylord.

Other amenities:

An atm for when you need extra cash, a pure water dispenser, the concierge desk ( where you can get assistance in planning your visits to the parks and more), and the valet parking cubicle with parking at $50 a night.

The conference center:

A fully functioning FedEx office is in the convention center for all your office needs.

This is a view of the main entrance to the convention center as well as showing the variety of seating in the hallways for hanging out between sessions.

A new section was  added to the convention center (sometime over the past 5 years) and it has expanded the available boardrooms and ball rooms you can choose from

Conclusion:

There are so many things to keep you occupied and make you happy when you stay at the Gaylord Palms. Pools, gardens, creatures, waterfalls, shops, restaurants, bars, ballrooms, alligators and so much more. Enjoy your next stay.