Our Staycation at Gaylord Palms

**Disclaimer: Thank you for hosting our stay Gaylord Palms. Please note, all opinions are my own. I’ll always give my honest review on brands and products.**

When 2020 started, I made a promise to my family: that we would travel more. However, due to the coronavirus pandemic, we had to put those plans on hold. I wanted to be safe while keeping my promise to my kids.

Even though we can’t fly, I still wanted to create memories that we will always remember. So, I decided to take a leap of faith and visit the Gaylord Palms for a staycation.

So, why did I choose the Gaylord Palms? Well, we’ve visited this hotel several years ago and had a great experience! Plus, my children love their Cypress Springs Water Park, scavenger hunts, and arcade so I knew that going back would make their day. It was perfect timing because the hotel recently reopened, with protocols to keep their guests safe, and they are offering amazing summer packages.

As we arrived at Gaylord Palms, we noticed everyone was wearing masks… which was a good sign? They have countless contact, so I was able to check-in on my phone. Plus, the county makes it mandatory to wear masks. 

As we entered our hotel room, I smiled because I felt so safe and the hotel was sparkling clean. I could smell the cleaning products in our room! There’s just something about the smell of cleaning products that gives me confidence that everything is truly clean. Also, the hotel has several security guards ensuring that everyone is wearing their masks and following social distancing guidelines.

Needless to say, I was super pleased with all the health and safety measures they had in place. They offer more frequent and deeper cleaning. Employees are constantly walking around cleaning and ensure everywhere is sanitized. The hotel is utilizing the latest technologies such as thermal scanners and electrostatic sprayers to make sure they can offer a safe environment for their guests.

I loved the amazing view of the indoor atrium. I could never get tired looking at it. I mean just look at it, it’s BEAUTIFUL! Hearing the waterfalls at night was so peaceful and brought me so much joy. They also have alligator feedings during the day which is something kids love doing!

One thing that I loved about my trip to Gaylord Palms is that you don’t have to worry about housekeeping coming to your room. That’s awesome, right? All you have to do is let the front desk know what you’re out of and they bring it to your room. They have several sanitizer stations around the hotels and notices to remind you of social distancing.

There were two parts that my kids loved about the Gaylord Palms. The first is the pool and to be honest, I don’t blame them. It’s so hot in Florida so it felt fantastic to be in the nice, cool water. I noticed that the pool chairs were spaced out and numbered so you knew exactly where to go.

Masks aren’t required while you’re the pool, but I noticed that a lot of guests were still practicing social distance. They have water slides, a small section for babies/toddlers, and a larger section for older kids. My kids didn’t want to leave the pool areas. They wanted to say there all day!

At night – between 8 and 9 PM – they offered a cool light show. It was amazing – my husband even enjoyed it! There was music, dancing lights, and my kids would sit down quietly and watch it. After it finished, they would ask to watch it again and again.

This was a staycation that my family needed and will never forget. We know that we will always be safe at Gaylord Palms and we had an amazing time. I’m sure we’ll be visiting again real soon!