Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention CentervsLoews Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Orlando
Both properties are rated highly by professional reviewers writing for major publications. Overall, Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center scores marginally higher than Loews Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Orlando. Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center ranks #30 in Orlando with endorsements from 8 publications including Zagat, Travel + Leisure and Star Service.
Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center
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
Loews Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Orlando
6601 Adventure Way, Orlando, FL 32819
From $0/night
- Pet Friendly
- Bar/Lounge
- Hot Tub
- Free Internet
- Room Service
- Shuttle Bus
Travel + Leisure
"Universal's newest Orlando property has 1,000 rooms centered around a tropical lagoon with a huge, snaking pool area complete with waterfalls, slides, and two white-sand beaches." Full review
The Telegraph
8.0
"Close to the theme parks but still provides a serene Caribbean-style getaway, set around a lagoon and waterfalls, with tempting dining and a unique rum bar." Full review
Gayot
"Resort amenities and theme park perks draw families to this massive property."
Oyster
Upscale
"This massive 1000-room upscale resort is set within the Universal Orlando complex and comes with an array of theme park perks, including free water taxis and early admission to some parks." Full review
Condé Nast Traveler
"The pool is the gem of this Caribbean-inspired resort, with a sand beach, water slide, fire pit, and rentable cabanas." Full review
Travel + Leisure
"The hotel offers 1,000 guest rooms including 83 suites, four scenic restaurants and lounges with water views, and resort-style pool with a white sand beach and water slide"
Orlando Travel Guide
July 6, 2021
Frommer's
"Opened in July 2016, the Modern Caribbean-inspired Sapphire Falls is clean and understated." Full review
Lonely Planet
Top Choice
"Inspired by the Caribbean, it has a tropical vibe and a melange of eras, from colonial to the 1950s. The property's water features include lovely rivers and waterfalls." Full review