Gaylord Palms Resort And Convention Center

The first time I walked into the Gaylord Palms was for a wedding photography assignment, to check out lighting, possible shots, etc. I was so amazed by the scenery IN the hotel (yes, SCENERY *in* the hotel), that after said wedding assignment I booked my own romantic night in one of the rooms for me and my hubby.

Admittedly, the place is expensive. Very expensive. It's a little out of the way, as far tourist attractions go. But it is a good value for what you pay. (for example, a room at the Peabody on I-drive costs the same and the rooms are not nearly as big or comfy). The rooms are gorgeous, with big plush beds and huge stone tiled showers. The "inner" rooms are more expensive, but I preferred the "outer" room looking out on the property.

But really, the reason anyone would come to stay/have a wedding at the Gayord Palms is the scenery! The inner atrium of the hotel is divided into different "areas" depicting different areas of Florida. I'm not talking cheesy here, I'm talking full-sized steamy mangroves, giving off the humid swamp feel, a boat plunked down in a pool, a Spanish-style "fort", waterfalls, flowers... You feel like you're outside in swamp-land/the Keys/St. Augustine, etc. But (a photographer's dream), you're inside the huge atrium of this hotel.

They also have several restaurants in the hotel, one being a buffet, and a cafe/snack bar.

I would definitely recommend it for a honeymoon or romantic getaway, over similarly priced hotels in the area.