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Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention CentervsHard Rock Hotel Orlando
Both hotels are recommended by professional travelers. On balance, Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando ranks significantly better than Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center. Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando ranks #18 in Orlando with positive reviews from 9 sources such as Afar Magazine, Zagat and Fodor's.
Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center
DK Eyewitness
Star Service
Gayot
Zagat
Frommer's
Fodor's
Travel + Leisure
Lonely Planet
Independent Travel + Leisure
6000 W. Osceola Pkwy., Kissimmee, FL 34746
From $139/night
- Bar/Lounge
- Hot Tub
- Free Internet
- Room Service
- Laundry Service
- Concierge
DK Eyewitness "Gaylord Palms has its own restaurants, recreational facilities, shops, and the Canyon Ranch Spa Club."
Star Service "This Southern-flavored convention-resort follows the blueprint of its Nashville sibling Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center, offering an upscale biospheric experience." Full review
i
You can choose between soft orange or deep blue color schemes, though all units share the same well-rounded amenity roster.
Gayot "This elaborate, decidedly Southern resort... pays tribute to distinctive regions and eras of Florida that are rich in history and charm, though often underrepresented."
Zagat "It may be centered on a convention center, but this sprawling 63-acre Marriott resort in Kissimmee also attracts leisure travelers."
Frommer's "It's a convention center in disguise, but the Gaylord Palms appeals to vacationers, too, and is not your run-of-the-mill resort." Full review
Fodor's "Built in the style of a grand turn-of-the-20th-century Florida mansion, this resort is meant to inspire awe." Full review
Travel + Leisure "The hotel has a lush atrium and rooms, two on-site pools, a Canyon Ranch spa, golf putting course, and croquet lawn." Full review
Lonely Planet Top Choice
"This is, without a doubt, the most massive hotel in Orlando, and it’s popular as a conference center... and a family resort." Full review
Independent "Fans of 1972 sci-fi classic Silent Running will be at home in this uber-cool domed environment encompassing 1,718 rooms and five acres of indoor delights that feel like the great outdoors"
Travel + Leisure "It’s near everything, but also in a world of its own, thanks to towering glass atriums with native flora and fauna and scenes made to feel like other destinations...kids go crazy for the water park"
21 Best Family Resorts in Florida, According to Locals
August 12, 2023
Hard Rock Hotel Orlando DK Eyewitness
Rough Guide Star Service Zagat Gayot
Afar Magazine
The Telegraph
Condé Nast Traveler Fodor's Travel + Leisure Show All Reviews
5800 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819
From $247/night
- Pet Friendly
- Bar/Lounge
- Hot Tub
- Free Internet
- Room Service
- Shuttle Bus
DK Eyewitness "Mission-style architecture, an impressive collection of musical memorabilia, and an underwater sound system built into the impressive pool make this the hippest of Universal’s luxury resorts."
Rough Guide "Stuffed with rock memorabilia, and with familiar tunes blaring out at poolside, this is the least tranquil of the park’s resorts – and the most popular with the younger generation."
Star Service "Overlooking Universal Studios from its privileged locale inside the park, this hotel is situated on a waterway that connects it to its equally impressive siblings." Full review
Zagat3.7
"Guests "have a blast" at this "lively", "upbeat" Orlando resort that's set in a "terrific" location within "walking distance of Universal's parks"."
Gayot "California mission-style architecture, thoughtfully chosen music programming, an on-site concert venue and authentic rock-n-roll memorabilia make this resort an attraction all by itself."
Afar Magazine "I walked into my hotel room and there on the bed was my personal invitation to rock." Full review
The Telegraph8.0
"This ultra-hip deluxe hotel is themed as a rock star’s mansion and Universal Orlando Resort treats every guest like a VIP." Full review
Condé Nast Traveler "With “thoughtfully designed” rooms and the “absolute best suites ever,” the Hard Rock Hotel will make you feel like rock and roll royalty." Full review
Fodor's "The Hard Rock is perfect for large multigeneration family trips and for smaller families looking to keep children entertained." Full review
i
Rooms have black-and-white photos of pop icons and 32-inch flat-panel TVs.
2010 Fodor's 100 Hotel Award Winner
Electricity and water are a dangerous combination, but this is a fact the Hard Rock chooses to ignore (and we're glad they do!
Travel + Leisure "Ever wondered what it feels like to live like a rock star? Find out at this upscale resort, which features 650 guest rooms, including the 2,375-square-foot Graceland suite" Full review
