The year-long, $134-million renovation project at the 65-acre resort and convention center included remodeling of more than 1,400 guest rooms, ballrooms, meeting rooms, two restaurants, entrance lobby and check-in areas.
Gaylord Palms unveils New Lobby, 1,400 New Guest Rooms, Restaurants and Ballrooms after $134-Million Renovation
Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center just completed an extensive renovation, a $134-million project that culminated in the unveiling of a new lobby, remodeled restaurants, renovations to two major event ballrooms, and more than 1,400 of the resort’s 1,718 guest rooms.
The project began in phases starting in March 2024, with all areas complete and open to guests in Jan. 2025.
Designed to elevate the overall guest experience, these enhancements and upgrades include
both subtle and sweeping changes to the look and feel of the hotel from the moment the guest enters the resort.
The remodeling and renovation were designed to pay homage to the elegant Mediterranean Revival style that flourished throughout the Sunshine State in the 1920s and defined Florida architecture for many years to come.
Here's a look at the areas that received makeovers during the year-long renovation and
remodeling project:
A Welcoming New Entrance Lobby
Upon entering Gaylord Palms Resort, guests are greeted by a gleaming new lobby, a 22,000-
square-foot space featuring marble flooring, grand chandeliers, new check-in areas and airy openness that provides added space and preview of the resort’s indoor garden atrium. Custom artwork can be found in the heart of the lobby, with a trio of murals that capture the essence of the Florida landscape and create a seamless blend of artistry and nature.
To create the open layout, designers removed several lobby walls to provide more natural light to
the area while adding upgraded elements including white oak wood beams, Venetian plaster and gold-accented millwork. Marble and stone floors and archways add natural beauty to the space, which also houses a new Celebrity Services VIP check-in area.
The lobby also features intricate metal screens that allow areas to remain separated and provide
visual continuity with the lobby bar and passages that lead to other sections of the resort. Natural light cascades through these screens, allowing the Florida sunshine to naturally illuminate the entire space.
The lobby’s color palette is a spectrum of greens, golds, reds and earth tones, celebrating not
only Mediterranean Revival architecture, but also complementing the resort’s plant life and wildlife inside the atrium. New check-in desks are highlighted by handmade Moroccan tile, while a shimmering centerpiece dome is adorned by an elaborate golden chandelier.
Additional lobby accent lighting is provided by alabaster sconces that line the main corridor. The
resort’s tour and transportation lobby was also completely renovated for guests arriving by motorcoach.
“Our new lobby was meticulously designed to increase functionality while transforming it into a
space that immerses our guests in an elegant and inviting environment from the moment they enter our resort,” said Ross Barker, general manager of Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center. “Visual artistry, light and nature all combine to create this beautiful space, while the overall layout helps expedite the check-in and arrival experience for our guests.”
Shaken, Stirred and Stunning
A jewel in the lobby renovation was the remodeling of Socio, the resort’s Cuban-inspired bar and
lounge, which tripled in size to provide a luxurious lounge setting that now can accommodate more than 100 guests. Located adjacent to the check-in desks, Socio – which means "close friend" – is the perfect spot for friends, colleagues and groups to gather to relax or discuss the day's business. Guests can enjoy bespoke beverages and sharable plates inside the bar and lounge, or soak in the resort’s natural beauty from special seating that immerses them in the resort’s atrium environment.
Socio’s new colors, fixtures and layout further connect to the lobby, with complementing décor
including sleek wood paneling, elegant marble surfaces, gold accents and bright tile borders around the bar. The new restaurant and lounge provide both leisure and convention guests an intimate gathering spot inside the expansive lobby while maintaining its sophisticated charm, handcrafted cocktails and distinctive cuisine. Socio is complemented by the neighboring coffee bar, The Cocoa Bean Coffee House, a reinvented quick service location that also includes a new seating area.
Where Moments Become Memories: Ballrooms Updated
Building on the resort’s 2021 expansion that added more than 100,000 square feet of new
meeting and event space, Gaylord Palms continued its emphasis on elevating the experience for groups, conventions and events with a $15.7 million renovation of the Osceola Ballroom and Sun Ballroom.
Representing more than 77,000 square feet of space, these ballrooms now feature new chandeliers, updated carpet and modern fixtures to match the recently added 30,000-square-foot Coastal Ballroom.
Soak in the Sunshine State in Newly Renovated Guest Rooms
More than 1,400 guest rooms and premium suites were redesigned and renovated during the
year-long project. Inspired by Florida’s rich landscape and designed for convenience and comfort, these rooms feature an ocean of colors from the Sunshine State. In 2021, more than 300 new rooms and suites were constructed in the largest expansion in the hotel’s history.
New artwork adorns the walls of the renovated rooms, while marble entryways provide a touch of
sophistication as soon as the guest opens the door. Inside, extended headboards behind each bed
feature panels of aqua hues, while new carpeting evokes colors of the sea – featuring deep-sea blue and green, along with hints of sandy beige and sunrise yellow.
The new design eliminated large dressers topped by televisions and instead features 65-inch,
wall-mounted smart televisions, hung above lounging couches and additional storage drawers.
Guest rooms include marble nightstands and lamps as well as marble basins and tiling in each
bathroom area. Also added in the renovated rooms: plenty of charging ports for the growing number of electronics carried by leisure and business travelers. The rooms were also redesigned with extra closet space and auto-illuminating closet bars.
Similarly, the resort’s Executive Suites and Deluxe Suites were also remodeled, providing more
luxury and space for guests who want the comfort of separate living areas and more room to stretch out during their visit.
With a total of 1,718 guest rooms at Gaylord Palms, guests can choose a Florida view featuring a
wide-angle view of the 65-acre resort’s natural surroundings, a water park view that showcases 3-acre Cypress Springs Water Park, or an upgraded atrium view that includes a balcony overlooking the 4.5-acre atrium.
A Cut Above: Old Hickory Steakhouse, Reinvented
The resort’s signature fine dining experience, Old Hickory Steakhouse, also underwent a
complete, $7.25-milion renovation. The new Old Hickory Steakhouse restaurant features an upscale theme inside the beautiful surroundings of the Everglades Atrium, along with an expanded bar and lounge area, all-new seating, chandeliers, wall décor and furnishings.
The restaurant’s wine selection and signature items are featured in new display areas, including a
large, double-sided wine wall, and separate displays for the restaurant’s famous dry-aged steaks and artisan cheeses. Shortly after the restaurant’s grand reopening, Wine Spectator magazine awarded Old Hickory Steakhouse a “Best of Award of Excellence,” ranking the restaurant’s wine list among the top 1,500 in the world.
A new show kitchen highlights the talented chefs as they prepare meals, and a private dining
room has been redesigned as the perfect spot for groups and events.
For more information on Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center, click here.
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