Gaylord Palms Resort and Spa

A few months ago, Linda and I stayed at the Gaylord Palms Resort in Orlando. To say I really like this resort is an understatement.

But first, to be perfectly open and honest — you should know Gaylord Palms pays to advertise on AllEars®.

However, I have been very careful NOT to let them know when I am staying at the resort and I pay my own way for everything. I believe in checking out my advertisers and do so whether it is a resort, transportation company or even my purple friends, the Owners Locker. If I can’t do it myself (without raising a flag), I have my own “secret shoppers” to check things out.

So when I say I really like Gaylord Palms, no one is paying me to say that and no one has asked me to endorse the hotel. I do so freely and willingly because it’s an awesome place to stay! I’d be telling you that whether they were an advertiser or not.

My first stay was back in March 2008. We arrived late one night and were leaving the next morning. So we didn’t have much time to experience the resort. However, the small bit we did experience was quite positive!

This time we arrived at the resort after a cruise. Linda and I had worked very hard during the cruise and wanted a day of “downtime” before heading home. Gaylord Palms was offering an incredible rates for AllEars® readers so I took advantage of that and booked an Atrium Balcony Room.

We checked into the hotel and everyone from the first person who greeted us at the entrance, to everyone after that exuded excellent customer service. Fortunately, our room was ready so we got our bags delivered, checked email and went off. I had a meeting at the Polynesian, so I left to grab a cab for the resort. Linda spent some real down time 🙂

LINDA WRITES: On our recent stay at Gaylord Palms, I had the opportunity to enjoy some down time having a relaxing lunch and spending time at the pool. I hadn’t been to SORA, the sushi restaurant located in the atrium. Our Japanese friends Masayo and Nozomi gave it high marks. I decided to give it a try. I was seated at one of the tables looking out to the atrium. My server was prompt, polite and offered several suggestions for lunch. I opted for the Lava Roll which consisted of, crab, avocado, cucumber topped with crab, shellfish for $15.00. The roll was tasty and just enough to satisfy my hunger at lunch.

After taking a stroll around the atrium and checking out some of the shops, I decided it was time to take a dip in the pool. Not wanting to spend time with children playing and splashing water, I opted for the adult pool which is the South Beach pool. The weather was perfect and the sky was a beautiful blue with white puffy clouds.

There were plenty of chairs and side tables to rest the cool adult beverage that might have one’s name on it. And, speaking of adult beverages, there is a pool side bar available for refreshments. The pool is quite large. Even though there were plenty of folks relaxing around the pool and quite a few in the pool, it did not feel crowded. In fact, there were times I felt as if I had the pool to myself. After spending about two hours there, I decided it was time to clean up, take a nap and get ready for dinner.

I returned late in the afternoon and just relaxed in the room. Here is the view from our balcony.

We decided to dine at The Old Hickory Steakhouse, and yummm yummmmm we were so glad we did.

First kudos to our server, Sally. She knew the menu and the wine list inside out. Her pace was excellent and we never felt rushed or that we hadn’t seen her in forever.

We totally enjoyed a bottle of Joseph Phelps Cabernet, an excellent suggestion by Sally once we shared with her our wine preferences.

For appetizers Linda had the Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes with Grainy Mustard Sauce ($15). I had the Heirloom Tomatoes minus the Vidalia Onions and with the Maytag Blue Cheese Dressing ($10)

For our main course we both enjoyed the 10 ounce Filet ($39) which was cooked perfectly! We shared two sides: Thyme Gratin of Gruyere Cauliflower ($8) and the Steamed Asparagus with Sauce Hollandaise ($8).

We didn’t think we’d have room for dessert so we sat and talked for a while. Soon, we were wanting something else LOL!

Linda ordered the Creme Brulee ($9) and I had the Fresh Berries ($7). With each had a glass of 2003 Hanna Cabernet from Sonoma California.

With the food and wine all gone and a trip to the airport in the morning, we called it a night!

The next morning we decided to have breakfast in the room. As I mentioned above, we had an atrium balcony room. No sooner had the server wheeled in our food when he mentioned dining on the balcony and opened the doors and set up everything out there. What a marvelous way to end our trip.

Gaylord Palms offers exclusive rates for AllEars® readers so be sure to check out the main Accommodations Page on the website for details!

You can also go directly to the AllEars® reservation page at the Gaylord Palms resort to check out prices and book your stay!

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