Gaylord Palms Reveals $158 Million Hotel Expansion

Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center in Kissimmee, FL, has revealed what is said to be the largest expansion in the hotel's history. Costing $158 million, the project adds more than 100,000 square feet of meeting space and 306 guestrooms in the new Gulf Coast Tower. As a result of the expansion, which began in 2019 and opened in summer 2021, Gaylord Palms now has more than 500,000 square feet of meeting space and 1,718 guestrooms.

For conventions, weddings and other outdoor group events, guests should look to book the new Mangrove Lawn. Named for the high-rooted trees and plants that thrive in Florida’s coastal intertidal areas, the multi-purpose tract has 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. 

Good to know: The lawn is just steps away from the resort’s Cypress Springs Water Park, for guests to add some water-based fun into their itinerary.

Indoors, the new Coastal Ballroom has more than 30,000 square feet of space. It 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 giant windows offering natural light and providing views of the central Florida landscape.

The Coastal Ballroom also has color-changing LED lighting that can be programmed for any gathering or meeting theme. Lights in adjacent meeting rooms are designed to be equally flexible, and they can create a variety of looks. 

Pre-functions also take centerstage in the expansion project, notably via the outdoor Escambia Terrace that overlooks the resort’s event lawn and new Crystal River Rapids action river. A neighboring pre-function space provides a view of the surrounding area and fireworks on display at the nearby Walt Disney World Resort.

More than 300 new guestrooms have tiled entryways, marble counters and custom closets. The living areas are bright and spacious, while bathrooms have floor-to-ceiling mirrored barn doors, stone vanities and backlit mirrors. Nice touch: Each room is equipped with plenty of USB charging ports for mobile devices and electronics. A glass bridge provides direct access from the rooms to the ballrooms, so meeting-goers can quickly get back to their event action.

For more information about group events at Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center, meeting planners can call 407-586-0000 and press “3” to speak with a sales or event manager or visit www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/mcogp-gaylord-palms-resort-and-convention-center.

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