Old Hickory Steakhouse-gaylord Palms Resort

Their security procedure and lack of communication about a situation in the hotel (still not sure what happened) caused mass panic and for all of my coworkers and I to believe there was an active shooter. They didn’t let us enter the hotel, so we had to stay out in the open at the pool. Once they did let us in the hotel, no one knew what the situation was and their plan was to just put us all in one room. It’s a nice resort, but that experience put a huge damper on our whole stay.

Stayed here for 2 days with 2 kids (9 &12). Pros: Lots to see indoors if you want to beat the heat Excellent lazy river that doesn’t get boring Different pool areas so you don’t feel crowded Hotel was easy to find Amazing food truck place 5 min drive from hotel Plenty of other food places off site very close by Cons: Self parking is confusing to find and not that close to the hotel Way too many pool chairs marked as “reserved” I get that they make money for these “premium” locations but they took up way too many of them and most weren’t even ever used. Having to make a line in the morning to get a wrist band to enter the pool area is annoying. Wrist bands should be given at check in like other waterpark hotels. Check in was not properly staffed. Only 3 people available to help with many standing in line. This is not the service I’d expect from a hotel of this caliber We did not eat at any of the on site restaurants but the one that has a buffet you need reservations for. There is a coffee shop that has pizza and chicken tenders you can grab and go as well as random snacks and pre made sandwiches. We did see several people ordering food delivery so that’s a plus and a decent option. If you don’t want to do the parks but want to stay somewhere fun with kids this is a great option.

The amenities at this place are great. The pool/water park is fun for kids. The common indoor places are beautiful. The rooms need to be updated and cleaned better. Our room had a slightly foul odor and there were hairpins on the carpet and trash near the bedside table. I liked the balcony from the room and the food at most of the restaurants.

For such a large property it was relatively easy to check in. I could have done it on my phone but wanted to test the physical check in process and it was reasonably speedy and with good service.The hotel itself is well kept. It is clean and generally free of repair needs and significant cosmetic flaws. I mention this because it 's not uncommon we find this when staying at large properties that are not on the newer side. They are taking care of this place.You could make staying here a destination vacation for perhaps up to two days. The water park is clean and without too much chaos (there 's always going to be a little...it 's a water park,, with at least one pool where adults tended to be a bit more relaxed. Children are still allowed in that pool but it doesn 't have a big basketball net in the middle of it so that helps.There was a small to medium sized hot tub as well that was not crowded.The next day or in the evening you can tour the attached mall of stores if you like. It 's properly nice.The room was again clean and free of disrepair.We 'd definitely stay here again.

What a delight! The indoor landscaping and water features/sea creatures speak for themselves. The rooms though! They were so perfectly clean. They have incredible views whether you look inside the atrium or outside the hotel. Staying here was essentially a gift from a friend and our family was blessed and in awe of all we saw and experienced here. The staff was always polite and immediately responsive to any need. The conference room staff, serving meals and drinks were also incredibly polite and friendly. I loved every minute hereRooms: Clean and well furnished with lots of outlets and even ceiling fans over the beds. Plentiful pillows as well.Walkability: Walk all around! So much to see!! You will be agog!Food drinks: Lots of choices. Pricey, but unique and delicious.Noteworthy details: Indoor boat! Indoor light show every night at 9. Alligators! Waterfalls! Georgious tropical trees, foliage and flowers. Simply beautiful things everywhere.