1. News and Renovations

 

Gaylord Hotels is constantly looking to add value to the experiences offered to their guests. Some of our most recent updates include:

• The Gaylord Palms Resort's $50 million renovation was completed this spring, and includes a 10,000-sqaure-foot outdoor space named the Coquina Lawn, two levels of entertainment at the new Wreckers Sports Bar, the new ultra chic and modern South Beach Pool, and the new Cypress Springs Family Fun Water Park. Guest rooms and suites have also gotten a makeover, offering a new, stylish, contemporary and comfortable space for guests.
• At the Gaylord Texan Resort, the new Paradise Springs pool playground is an exclusive amenity for Gaylord Texan Resort guests, and features a 6,000-square-foot family lagoon with a walk-in beach, a 27-foot-tall waterslide, a 600-foot winding lazy river and more.

2. Christmas at Gaylord Hotels

 

At Gaylord Hotels, we take Christmas seriously, helping our guests to create Christmas memories that will last a lifetime. The four Gaylord Hotels resorts bring together hundreds of tons of snow, millions of pounds of ice, and nearly 8 million Christmas lights to create winter wonderlands in National Harbor, Md.; Nashville, Tenn.; Kissimmee, Fla. and Grapevine, Texas.

 

Every year, each Gaylord Hotel resort welcomes a team of ice carvers from Harbin, China (the ice-carving capital of the world) to create ICE! wonderlands from nearly 2 million pounds of ice. The properties also create SNOW! experiences, where kids even in Kissimmee, Fla. can have snowball fights and make snow angels.

 

Additionally, each property creates a menu of locally-themed Christmas experiences for guests to enjoy. For example, the Gaylord Opryland Resort puts on a production of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular each year, starring the world-famous Radio City Rockettes®; creates a Holly Jolly Town Square, offering visitors a step back in time to a nostalgic 1950s town square; and Christmas cruises aboard the beautiful General Jackson Showboat. At the Gaylord Palms Resort, the Emerald Bay Plaza is host to a bevy of live stage shows like Family Traditions, Christmas Wonders, and Luminescence. The famous Majestic Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony is complete with carolers, lights, and a 54-foot tall Majestic Christmas tree, which towers over the St. Augustine atrium.

 

The Lone Star Christmas at the Gaylord Texan Resort features photo opps with Santa; a 50-foot Christmas tree lighting ceremony; spectacular Christmas decoration, including 2,300 feet of garland, 10,000 Christmas ornaments, 20 seven-foot ornaments strung from the top of its glass atrium roof, 5,600 wreaths and 1.2 million Christmas lights; magical train sets winding through 1,000 feet of track; a life-size gingerbread house made from 5,000 square feet of gingerbread; and Santa's workshop, including a cookie conveyor belt and control station. During Christmas on the Potomac at the Gaylord National Resort, guests will find an ice skating rink; Potomac Express train rides, a winter-themed miniature train for kids; the Brightest Star Fountain Show, a heartwarming narration of the classic Christmas story; choreographed water that "dances" to traditional holiday music, and more.

3. The DreamWorks Experience at Gaylord Hotels

 

Last spring, Gaylord Hotels announced their partnership with DreamWorks Animation, yielding signature offerings for Gaylord Hotels guests.  These one-of-a-kind experiences, the first of their kind in resort settings, create memories for families across the country. Merry Madagascar and Shrek the Halls-themed ICE! came to Gaylord Hotels this Christmas, and now, special DreamWorks Birthday Celebrations are available. With the addition of the Summer Fun with Shrek & Friends packages this summer - the excitement hasn't stopped.

 

Summer Fun with Shrek & Friends will include activities like Junior Dragon Training at the Gaylord Opryland and Gaylord Texan Resorts, Splash 'N' Screen Movies and resort pool parties, ShrekFeasts, as well as parades and fireworks at select hotels.

4. Meetings

 

Gaylord Hotels' four resorts located in National Harbor, Md. (just outside of the Nation's Capital); Nashville, Tenn.; Kissimmee, Fla. (just outside of Orlando); and Grapevine, Texas (on the outskirts of Dallas), provide some of the most unique and efficient meeting spaces in the country. Each of the hotels offers amenities not found anywhere else, including expansive, climate-controlled, glass-covered atriums, Rel'che Spa, and numerous on-site restaurants at each location.

 

Additionally, the award-winning service at Gaylord Hotels takes Gaylord meetings to an entirely new level. Gaylord's renowned conference coordinators, "Teal Coats" (known by their easily identifiable teal-colored jackets), are assigned specifically to each event.  They are always accessible and ready to ensure a successful meeting. At select properties, the Teal Coats are also using technology to simplify the meeting process. At Gaylord Opryland Resort, for instance, Teal Coats use iPads to check in large groups and keep all conference paperwork in order.

 

At the Gaylord Palms Resort, the new $50 million renovations have added Wreckers Sports Bar and the outdoor space of the Coquina Lawn and the South Beach Pool to the already expansive 400,000-square-feet of flexible convention, exhibition and pre-function space. The Palms has also introduced two new meeting planner offices, just steps from the resort's ballrooms, providing conference seating for up to 18 people. Additional features include plasma television with cable and capability to connect to a computer, optional office seating with sofas and lounge chairs, lockable storage cabinets for overnight storage, counter space with a built-in refrigerator and microwave, and a private balcony with a magnificent view of the outdoor recreation and pool area.

 

Gaylord National Resort offers 470,000 square feet of meeting space that can be used for groups both large and small. In fact, 80% of Gaylord National's business comes from groups with fewer than 200 room nights. With a convenient location, just 15 minutes from Reagan National Airport and 45 minutes from both Baltimore-Washington International Airport and Dulles, Gaylord National offers convenient access to the Washington, D.C.-metro area restaurants and nightlife, while also providing the option to stay on-property and enjoy the benefits of a resort with five restaurants as well as private dining.

 

Just a 10-minute drive from the Nashville International Airport, Gaylord Opryland Resort offers 600,000 square feet of flexible convention, exhibition and pre-function meeting space. From intimate boardroom settings, to exhibit halls and ballrooms, Gaylord Opryland has the perfect space to accommodate any meeting needs. Moreover, attendees can check out the distinctive dining, shopping and golfing available both on-site and nearby.

 

Gaylord Texan Resort's 400,000 square feet of flexible convention, meeting, exhibition and pre-function space brings meeting attendees a sophistication and functionality that is unmatched. Though attendees will find no reason to leave the grounds of the Texan with the expansive pools, exceptional dining options, and shopping, Dallas and Fort Worth golf courses are just a short drive away.

 

5. World-Class Chefs/Restaurants

 

Gaylord Hotels offers world-class dining to guests at their numerous on-site restaurants.

 

At the Gaylord Palms Resort, the new Executive Chef, Peter Daledda, orchestrates out-of-the-ordinary culinary events. Chef Daledda recently joined the resort following a stint as executive sous chef at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City. His focus is on developing the synergy between the resort's banquet team, culinary professionals and food and beverage outlets. With more than 30 years of culinary experience, he brings a passion to the job that will enhance the resort's high-quality level of banquet service.

 

Gaylord National Resort's restaurant offerings channel big-city dining trends as well as the ingredients of the Eastern seaboard. From the ultra-sleek, Pose Ultra Lounge, to the Gaylord Hotels signature restaurant, Old Hickory Steakhouse, the Gaylord National Resort has dining options that will satisfy every guest's palate.

 

In Nashville, Tennessee's Gaylord Opryland Resort you'll find more than southern fried chicken and barbecue. Dining options range from Findley's Irish Pub, to the Southern Italian cuisine found at Ravello and the Authentic Mexican cuisine of Solario. On the contrary, at the Gaylord Texan Resort located just outside Dallas, Texas, the focus is local. The Texan Station is a sports-lover's dream with two bars and a 52-foot television screen; the Riverwalk Cantina offers authentic Tex-Mex fare; and the Glass Cactus offers the largest selection of tequila in the state of Texas. At the Gaylord Hotel signature restaurant, Old Hickory Steakhouse, James Beard-nominated chef, Joanne Bondy, holds court, delivering delectable dishes to guests.

6. Romantic Travel

 

The Gaylord Hotels resorts provide the perfect settings for romantic getaways. The sprawling atriums create intimate spaces throughout each hotel, offering privacy for life's special moments; and room and suite options offer luxurious accommodations for romantic aspirations.

 

Additionally, each property's Rel'che Spa offers both in-spa and in-room experiences for couples; and the numerous restaurants at each hotel, as well as shopping and attractions, provide an infinite number of opportunities to create memories.

 

The hotels each offer unique packages to capture the romance in their respective locations. From "Remember Romance" to "Unforgettable Anniversary," Gaylord Hotels knows how to help couples create lasting memories.

7. Family

 

In addition to the many family activities that include interactions with the DreamWorks Animation characters, Gaylord Hotels resorts offer a variety of activities perfect to create those family vacation memories.

 

At the Gaylord Texan Resort, Paradise Springs, which was introduced last spring, is a western-themed 10-acre resort pool and lazy river complex. Features include a 600-foot-long winding lazy river, a pool with 1,200 seats including chaise lounges, beach chairs, family-style rounds, and private cabanas. The 6,000-square-foot family lagoon features a 27-foot-tall winding waterslide, two horseshoe-shaped hot pools, and a dedicated toddler pool. Outdoor adventure elements include a game pavilion offering bocce ball, croquet, tossers, shuffleboard, and a large campfire pit. When the family gets hungry, Paradise Springs features a full-service Pool Bar & Grill, quick-order concession stand, and poolside menus.

 

The recent renovation at the Gaylord Palms has resulted in the new Cypress Springs Family Fun Water Park, featuring a multi-level Everglades-inspired tree house with four twisting waterslides, group sprays and gurgling springs, a family lagoon and more!

 

At Gaylord Opryland, the whole family will enjoy a Delta Riverboat Tour. A scenic river expedition that winds through a 4.5-acre indoor garden, while guides offer unique facts about the Delta's plants and fish and answer almost any question about the hotel.

 

Options are endless at the Gaylord National Resort, just steps from the educational fun in our Nation's capital - from the Potomac Playzone to the majestic fountain light show and the Olympic-sized pool. Guests can even jump aboard the water taxi from Gaylord National and explore the shops of Old Town Alexandria, Va. or visit Mount Vernon to go back in time to our first president's stomping grounds.

8. Green

 

Since bringing in Andy Mims, vice president of sustainability, in 2010, Gaylord Hotels has made a commitment to reducing its carbon footprint, and in doing so, has actually saved the Company more than $2.5 million. Through Andy's work, Gaylord Entertainment Co. has reduced its energy consumption by 9.5 percent and carbon emissions by approximately 16,500 tons versus its 2009 baseline. These results mark steady progress against the Company's goal of reducing energy emissions by 20 percent by 2015.

 

This success did not come without hard work. Since his instatement in 2010, Andy has created Gaylord's Sustainability Department - which focuses on efforts ranging from environmental initiatives to social responsibility. In its first year, the department focused on energy and emissions, determining that the Company's goals needed to focus on an energy reduction goal based on square footage rather than occupancy due to the size of Gaylord properties.

 

Instituting Green Teams at each of the properties is the key to success. The Green Teams are made up of representatives from every functional area across the hotel. All members are volunteers that meet at least once a month to give progress reports on specific initiatives and goals and to discuss new ideas.

9. Extraordinary Environments

 

Gaylord Hotels are resorts offering unique experiences to leisure and business travelers. With the capabilities to host an extensive array of meetings, the capacities to entertain every member of the family, and the leisure activities to occupy the couple on a romantic getaway or the group getting back together after many years, these unique destination hotels are perfect for celebrating life's momentous occasions.

 

One of the most unique elements to a Gaylord Hotel is the signature atrium. Each resort features an expansive, climate-controlled, glass-covered atrium. Set to a comfortable 72 degrees Fahrenheit, the atriums embody the surrounding area of each hotel. At Gaylord Palms, gators rest on rocks in the midst of an indoor river. At Gaylord Opryland the Delta River Boat, a 300-foot paddle boat, is on call for dinner cruises and river tours. Gaylord National features a soaring 18-story glass atrium, complete with vibrant indoor gardens, flowing waterways, and a colonial street-front atmosphere of shopping, dining and fun; and at the Gaylord Texan Resort guests take in Texas history with a reproduction of the Alamo.

 

The added element of on-site restaurants, shops and spa make these distinctive entertaining environments ideal to celebrate life's special moments for every-day events like family reunions, girlfriend getaways, man-cations, or even camp reunions. Gaylord Hotels properties are places where memories are made.

10. Spa

 

Each Gaylord Hotel resort features a Rel'che Spa, and each location brings a little local flavor to the revitalizing treatments available.

 

For instance, at the Gaylord National Resort, located just outside of Washington, D.C., home to the cherry blossoms, guests can experience the Cherry Spa-ahhhhh Relaxation. The treatment uses the ancient Japanese tradition of Hanami to bring beauty beyond the blossom to guests.

 

In Nashville, Tenn. the Rel'che Spa at the Gaylord Opryland Resort tunes in to the harmonies of Music City with the Harmonic Couples Massage. In Dallas, the Gaylord Texan Resort Rel'che Spa channels southern comfort with the Texas Red Rose Facial and the Yam & Pumpkin Enzyme Peel; and in sunny Kissimmee, Fla., the Rel'che Spa at the Gaylord Palms Resort offers Sun Relief and Clearwater Hydrating Wrap treatments.

11. Location, Location, Location

 

Gaylord Hotels are located within close proximity to some of America's favorite destinations - offering the perfect home base for travel to destinations like Nashville, Tenn. - America's Country Music Capital; the Nation's Capital, Washington, D.C.; Dallas, Texas; and even Orlando, Fla.

 

The perfect backdrop to make memories with friends or family, Gaylord National Resort guests can take a quick water taxi ride to Alexandria, Va. or to shopping in Georgetown; the Grand Ole Opry Museum, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, and historic plantation homes are just a short drive from the Gaylord Opryland Resort; Gaylord Palms Resort guests can venture into nearby Gatorland, visit the Green Meadows Petting Farm, or try out Fantasy Surf; and in the Big D, guests to the Gaylord Texan Resort will find the Texas Rangers and Dallas Cowboys games not too far from "home."