KISSIMMEE, Fla. – Drawing inspiration from architectural styles that define the Sunshine State, Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center is wrapping up the largest expansion in the hotel’s history.
The $158-million project, which began in 2019 and opened in summer 2021, includes the addition of more than 100,000 square feet of meeting space and 306 guest rooms in the new Gulf Coast Tower.
Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center now has more than 500,000 square feet of meeting space and 1,718 guest rooms.
“Groups meeting at Gaylord Palms have more options than ever before, whether it’s a large convention in one of our new ballrooms, an open-air dinner on a terrace, or an evening reception on our new lawn,” said Johann Krieger, general manager of the resort. “This expansion combines design, technology, innovative lighting and attention to detail to give meeting planners everything they need in one place. Now that groups are traveling and meeting again, we look forward to hosting them at Gaylord Palms.”
Conventions, weddings, and other groups wanting to host an outing under the sun or stars can create their own event on the new Mangrove Lawn. Named for the high-rooted trees and plants that thrive in Florida’s coastal intertidal areas, the multi-purpose tract features 10,000 square feet of artificial grass (a total of 13,000 square feet with the paved perimeter) that can be configured into multiple setups for events, networking opportunities, and receptions.
Fireplaces bookend Mangrove Lawn, providing conversation spots. The lawn is just steps away from the resort’s Cypress Springs Water Park for groups that want to mix some water-based fun into their itinerary.
Indoors, the new Coastal Ballroom, totaling more than 30,000 square feet, is complemented by an additional 30,000 square feet of breakout meeting rooms and 30,000 square feet of space for pre-function gatherings. The neighboring Citrus Ballroom offers a smaller venue with windows that help bathe the room in natural light and provide panoramic views of the central Florida landscape.
More than 300 new guest rooms feature tiled entryways, marble counters and custom closets. A glass bridge provides direct access from the rooms to the ballrooms so meeting-goers can quickly get back to their event action.
