There are five Gaylord resorts across the United States in the following destinations: Nashville; Kissimmee, Florida; Aurora, Colorado; Grapes, Texas; and Port National, Maryland.
As you might suspect, they have guest rooms, a swimming pool, and a fitness center that you can’t find at any other hotel, along with some extras you only get at Gaylord’s properties. That’s because Gaylord resorts are more than just regular hotels. They are an experience.
Each resort is a destination in itself, so much so that you don’t have to venture out of the resort to eat, join the festivities, and have fun. However, there are a few things you’ll want to know before you go, so you can make the most of your visit and save a little money in the process.
Here are six tips to keep in mind when planning a stay at the Gaylord resort.
It’s more than a hotel: It’s a destination
Gaylord’s resorts are designed to celebrate the culture, heritage and natural landscapes of the regions of the country in which they are located.
For example, near Walt Disney World at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center in Kissimmee, you can observe local flora and fauna – including alligators – in the resort’s 4.5-acre glass atrium and dine with fresh seafood on a life-size sailboat. Meanwhile, at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center in Grapevine, the massive atrium houses replicas of Lone Star State landmarks like the Alamo and San Antonio River Walk.
Each resort has its own distinct theme, but there is one thing all the resorts have in common: You can spend hours strolling the meandering streets of the atrium while exploring the caves, waterfall and garden.
In and around those signature skylights, you’ll also find so many shopping, dining, and entertainment options that you might forget to leave the hotel during your stay. Each of Gaylord’s resorts has a variety of restaurants, including a pizzeria for casual meals, a sports bar where you can snack while watching the big game, and fine dining establishments for date night. You can also enjoy your morning caffeine at the on-site Cocoa Bean cafe, which serves a full Starbucks menu.
In between meals, you can shop for local-style souvenirs, visit the full-service spa, go swimming at the water park, or take part in the holiday’s seasonal activities.
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You can book with (or earn) Marriott Bonvoy points
Gaylord hotel falls in Marriott umbrella of brands and thus participate in Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program. That means you can earn and redeem Marriott Bonvoy points while staying at any Gaylord hotel.
Just like when you pay with cash, point rates vary by day and room type. In general, prices at Gaylord hotels start at around $300 or 40,000 points per night. Sometimes you can find prices close to $200 or 32,000 points per night if your dates are flexible, but per night rates can rise above $500 or 60,000 points during holidays and special events.
Marriott Bonvoy members also receive other perks at Gaylord properties. Silver Elite members and above receive bonus points and late check-out, and Gold Elite members and above also receive a complimentary room upgrade (subject to availability). When you visit one of Gaylord’s seasonal events, Marriott Bonvoy members often have access to exclusive offers including bonus points and discounts on rooms and tickets.
Related: The complete guide to Marriott elite status with a credit card
Achieving Marriott elite status requires at least 10 qualifying stays per year, but you can quickly achieve Marriott elite status to reap some of the aforementioned benefits by having certain card. For example, tags like Platinum Card® from American Express and Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card will automatically get you Gold Elite status (registration required).
Rooms with skylight views are worth the added cost
Most Gaylord hotels have rooms with balconies overlooking the atrium. The only exception is the Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center, which instead offers select rooms with mountain views. You’ll need to reserve a skylight view room at the time of booking to ensure you wake up with a view of the serene indoor garden below.
Skylight rooms typically cost $70 to $100 more a night than standard view rooms, but this is where it comes in. free room upgrade for members with at least Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status.
There’s no guarantee there’ll be an upgrade, but if you’re willing to take the risk, you can book a room with a standard view and fold your arms to upgrade to a room with a skylight view. You can call a day or two before check-in to request by phone and ask the customer service staff to add a note to your reservation.
There are special offers to take advantage of
If you are looking for additional perks or discounted rates, always check the hotel website and social media pages for special offers. These deals vary by location and time of year, but you can see up to 50% off room rates and special event ticket packages (like Gaylord’s signature holiday event, Ice!).
Related: Frozen fun: 7 tips for experiencing Ice! at the Gaylord Hotel this Christmas
Other special offers may include complimentary breakfast, daily resort credits, spa treatments, or water park access (the latter is only available at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center, where the property is located. your stay does not include access to the water park).
Each resort has a year-round water park or swimming pool
Speaking of water parks, every Gaylord resort has an on-site swimming pool or water park that is open year-round. Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center and Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center have outdoor water parks, while Gaylord hotels are not located in states where temperatures are favorable for getting outside. any time of year there is an indoor-outdoor water park or pool that can be enjoyed regardless of the season.
Related: 12 best lazy river hotels to beat the heat and drift away
Except for the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, which only has an indoor pool and outdoor sundeck, the Gaylord water parks are one of them. best hotel water park around. You will find large splash structures for kids, lazy river, slides, swimming pools, etc.
Only the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center has a separate entrance fee for visitors, including guests. At this resort, you’ll need to book a package that includes a ticket to the water park so you don’t have to pay on arrival. Water park admission is included in the cost of your stay at every other Gaylord hotel.
Summer and major holidays are particularly enjoyable times to visit
If your schedule allows, you’ll make the most of your time at the Gaylord Hotel when you visit during one of the brand’s seasonal events.
During the winter break, you can build gingerbread houses, take pictures with Santa, explore the Christmas tree and skylight decorations, and visit a carnival guided experience made entirely of ice named Ice! Halloween opens up a lot of spooky (but kid-friendly) activities, including monster dance parties and candy-giving. And at Easter, you can meet the Easter bunny, decorate cookies, and go on a spring-themed scavenger hunt.
Summer is also a particularly exciting time when Gaylord hotels host “Pirates and Princesses” events with adventure activities for kids.
Even if you are not able to participate in one of these special events, there is always a schedule of activities around the resort such as skylight shows, movie nights, animal encounters, etc. You can request a calendar at the front desk, but you’ll probably find a QR code in your lobby or guest room with a link to see what’s on the calendar while you’re in.
bottom line
we shared most of Everything you need to know to plan a perfect Gaylord resort stay, but there’s one thing we can’t offer: pleasure. That part is up to you, but fortunately, Gaylord makes it easy with a wide variety of activities, delicious food, and beautiful scenery. The only thing missing is you.
