Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center Unveils $50 Million Renovation

• 
  SAVE
• 
  SHARE
• 
  TEXT SIZE
• 
  PRINT
• 
  COMMENT
• 
  PDF

. May 18, 2012

May 18, 2012 - With a $50 million renovation to be completed this spring, Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center is taking the meeting and group experience to new levels with the addition of one-of-a-kind venues, unique networking environments, makeovers for guest rooms and dazzling new experiences for meeting attendees.

And according to Johann Krieger, the resort's senior vice president and general manager, the design of the new space is based upon the input of the resort's many meeting planners.

“Our meeting planners spoke and we listened. The changes and additions are based on the recommendations from our clients who know that we share best practices and that we understand the importance of ROI. A creative partnering approach not only works to meet the objectives of a meeting, it also works with the planning team to maximize the effective use of space.”

Quick facts
The renovations are in addition to Gaylord Palms' 400,000 square feet of flexible convention, exhibition and pre-function meeting space.

The backdrop for great meetings is the resort's signature architectural feature, the soaring 4.5-acre glass-enclosed atrium with a variety of themed environments that depict such popular Florida destinations as Key West, St. Augustine and the Florida Everglades. There is no such thing as an ordinary meeting here. And it goes beyond the details. A dedicated team works to make sure meeting planners are guaranteed creative and imaginative meetings that are unforgettable.

And the award-winning service. Gaylord's renowned conference coordinators, “Teal Coats” (for their easily identifiable teal-colored jackets) are assigned specifically to each event. They are always accessible and ready to assure a successful meeting.

What's new for meetings and groups

Take it out on the Coquina Lawn
Theater in the park? Dining under the stars? The sky is the limit with 10,000-square-feet of expansive outdoor space includes networking and entertainment areas. Lush conversation areas and dramatic lighting turn this area into a private venue for up to 1,000 people reception-style. The area can also be tented to provide sheltered environment regardless of weather conditions. Three fire pits provide the perfect ambiance for networking for smaller groups.

Two levels of entertainment at Wreckers Sports Bar (literally!) For networking events and private parties, this relaxed, Key West-inspired setting takes group events to a whole new level! Two-levels feature a bar with an entrance on each level, plus a dance floor and entertainment area. A deck overlooks the tropical, adult-only South Beach style swimming pool below while an oversized two-story, 37-foot, two-story sports screen, ensures a good vantage point for the day's sports highlights. More than 50 televisions, ranging from 32" - 60" show top programming and special events. A personalized "ticker-tape" LED display is perfect for customized group messages and personalized sponsorship opportunities. Other features: Flexible seating for up to approximately 400 people, a VIP skybox, lounge, terrace and patio seating.

Oh, so sophisticated South Beach Pool
Ultra chic and modern, this exclusive adult-only swimming pool features a sophisticated South Beach design lined with tropical palms. Imagine fully stocked private cabanas, white couches, oversized chairs, and an acrylic stage over the pool that allows entertainers to perform and guests to literally dance on water. Special lighting, sculptures and fountains set the mood, which can be anything imaginable! Reception capacity is up to 680 people and the configuration allows for two separate outdoor function areas.

New executive chef orchestrates out-of-the-ordinary culinary events
Executive Chef Peter Daledda has recently joined the resort following a stint as executive sous chef at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City. His focus is on developing the synergy between the resort's banquet team, culinary professionals and food and beverage outlets. With more than 30 years of culinary experience, he brings a passion to the job that will enhance the resort's high-quality level of banquet service.

New meeting planner offices with all of the conveniences
Two new state-of-the-art offices, just steps from the resort's ballrooms, provide conference seating for up to 18 people. In addition: plasma television with cable and capability to connect to a computer, office seating with sofa and lounge chairs, lockable storage cabinets for overnight storage, counter space with built-in refrigerator and microwave and a private balcony with a magnificent view of the outdoor recreation and pool area.

Makeover for guest rooms & suites
Stylish, contemporary and comfortable, all 1,406 guestrooms have been renovated to include updated amenities. Flat screen televisions, furniture, bed linens and towels, lounge chairs and ergonomic upholstered desk chairs. Comfortable spaces in guest suites easily become networking environments following the day's meetings. Wi-fi is available in all rooms.

Golf and train like a pro at Celebration
Golf events or preferred tee times are just five minutes away at Celebration Golf Club, an official golf course partner of Gaylord Palms Resort. Play the final course co-designed by the renowned masters of golf course architecture, Robert Trent Jones Senior and Junior. Groups and meeting attendees may also take advantage of the Golf Academy at Celebration, one of only three Ping nFlight Centers in the nation that provides participants with the same software and fitting experience that touring pros receive from Ping.

Come early and stay late
Take advantage of an opportunity for a little vacation time before or after your meeting. Families will enjoy the new Everglades-inspired Cypress Springs Family Fun Water Park with amenities including a multi-level Tree House with four waterslides, gurgling springs, an oversized water tipping bucket, an outdoor movie theater for animated adventures and live DreamWorks shows. Poolside cabanas are also available.

Pre/post meeting pampering
At the recently renovated Relâche Spa & Salon, guests treat themselves to the popular Intraceutical Oxygen Facial treatments used to make celebrities such as Madonna and Eva Longoria look flawless and red carpet perfect. The top to bottom makeover also includes “Best of Florida” spa treatments in a setting that reflects tropical Florida. And the spa's new 4,000-square-foot Relâche Fitness Center is outfitted with Life Fitness cardio and strength training equipment and offers a schedule of fitness classes. Gaylord palms Resort is located five minutes from the gates of Walt Disney World at 6000 W. Osceola Parkway, Kissimmee, FL 34746. For group information: 407-586-0350. For more information visit www.gaylordpalms/meetings.

About Gaylord Hotels®
Gaylord Hotels® is a collection of four upscale resorts that afford endless opportunities for leisure travelers and conventioneers. The hotel company's hallmark -- “everything in one place” -- provides vacationers with diverse dining options, quality spa and fitness center services, top-notch entertainment, on-site shopping and endless activities -- all within each resort. Gaylord Hotels is a pioneer in the hotel and convention industry with properties in the nation's most desirable destinations. Gaylord Hotels include Gaylord Opryland® in Nashville, Tenn.; Gaylord Palms® in Kissimmee, Fla. near Orlando; and Gaylord Texan® on Lake Grapevine near Dallas, Texas, and Gaylord National® on the Potomac in National Harbor, Md. Gaylord Hotels is owned and operated by Gaylord Entertainment (NYSE: GET), a leading hospitality and entertainment company based in Nashville, Tenn. For more information, please visit: www.gaylordhotels.com. Ja.newsreleases2012.group.03072012