If you’re looking for an upscale experience when it comes to hotels, Gaylord Hotels are definitely on your list. Known for their luxury accommodations, unique designs, and great amenities, it’s no wonder that these hotels are highly sought after by tourists and business travelers alike. But have you ever wondered who owns the Gaylord Hotels?
Well, wonder no more. Because in this article, we’re going to take a deep dive into the ownership of Gaylord Hotels and get to know the people behind the brand. From humble beginnings to major success, we’ll explore their history, their vision, and their future plans. So, whether you’re a Gaylord Hotels aficionado or just curious about the hospitality industry, this article is for you.
Surprisingly, the answer to the question of who owns the Gaylord Hotels is not a straightforward one. With a complex ownership structure, Gaylord Hotels is owned by multiple entities. However, the main stakeholder is Marriott International, which acquired the Gaylord Hotels brand in 2012. Since then, Marriott has continued to expand the brand, with plans for additional hotels in the near future. But, there are other players involved, such as Ryman Hospitality Properties, who own the physical properties where the hotels are located. And, of course, there are independent investors who also have a stake in the hotels. So, it’s safe to say that Gaylord Hotels are truly a collaboration of many individuals working towards a shared goal – to provide guests with an unforgettable experience.
Gaylord Hotels History
Gaylord Hotels is a luxury hotel chain and a subsidiary of Marriott International. The company was founded by Edward Gaylord in the 1970s who also owned a popular Oklahoma newspaper called The Oklahoman. The first Gaylord Hotel, the Opryland Hotel, opened in Nashville, Tennessee in 1977. It was built with the intention of creating a destination that would complement the Grand Ole Opry, the popular country music stage show and radio program broadcast.
Throughout the years, the company continued to open hotels, including the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center in Florida, the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center in Texas, and the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in Maryland. In 2012, the company was sold to Marriott International for $210 million. Today, Gaylord Hotels has four locations in the United States and is known for its luxurious accommodations, convention centers, and entertainment offerings.
Marriott International and Gaylord Hotels
Marriott International is a renowned hospitality company that operates and franchises multiple hotels worldwide, including Gaylord Hotels. In May 2012, Marriott International purchased Gaylord Hotels for $210 million, consolidating their position as one of the world’s largest hotel companies.
- Gaylord Hotels was established in 1976 and is well-known for its massive, convention-oriented properties. Its portfolio includes four hotels, which are located in Nashville, Orlando, National Harbor, and Dallas.
- With the acquisition of Gaylord Hotels, Marriott International expanded its presence in the group bookings segment, specifically in the convention and meeting market. Marriott International’s portfolio of Gaylord Hotels caters to convention business travelers and leisure seekers alike.
- Marriott International’s acquisition of Gaylord Hotels was a strategic move to position itself more advantageous in the meetings and events space, and to increase its profitability.
The Gaylord Hotels were rebranded as “Gaylord Hotels: Part of the Marriott International Portfolio,” to ensure that Gaylord Hotels remained distinct while being a part of Marriott’s portfolio. Gaylord Hotels retained its management team, while Marriott International took over their ownership.
Overall, Marriott International’s acquisition of Gaylord Hotels had a significant impact on the U.S. hospitality industry. It strengthened Marriott International’s presence in the group booking segment, increased its share of the convention and meeting market, and boosted its profitability. Marriott International’s synergy with Gaylord Hotels has been beneficial, and the brand continues to grow and expand rapidly, providing guests with exceptional value and top-notch service.
Below is a table showcasing the four Gaylord Hotels included in the Marriott International portfolio:
| Hotel Name | Location | Number of Rooms |
|---|---|---|
| Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center | Nashville, TN | 2,888 |
| Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center | Kissimmee, FL (Orlando area) | 1,416 |
| Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center | Grapevine, TX (near Dallas) | 1,511 |
| Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center | National Harbor, MD (Washington, D.C. area) | 2,000 |
Gaylord Hotels remains a vital part of Marriott International’s portfolio, catering to the specialized needs of the convention and meeting market while delivering unparalleled hospitality and experiences to guests.
Gaylord Hotels and Convention Centers
Gaylord Hotels is a luxury hotel brand run by Marriott International, Inc. The brand consists of five large hotels and convention centers situated in key U.S. markets, accommodating the needs of both leisure and business travelers. The properties are known for their extensive conference and exhibition spaces, fine dining options, and unique atrium designs.
Gaylord Hotels Ownership
- Gaylord Hotels was founded by Edward Gaylord in 1976 and owned by the Gaylord family until their sale to Marriott International in 2012.
- Today, all Gaylord properties are owned by Marriott International and are operated as part of their portfolio of luxury brands.
- Marriott has invested in the expansion and redevelopment of the Gaylord brand, with new properties planned for Nashville and Denver in the near future.
Conventions and Events at Gaylord Properties
Gaylord hotels are well-suited for large-scale conventions and events due to their expansive meeting spaces, state-of-the-art technology, and experienced event staff. The properties host a range of events, from corporate meetings and tradeshows to weddings and holiday celebrations.
In addition to their convention facilities, Gaylord hotels boast a variety of in-house entertainment and activities for guests, such as indoor/outdoor pools, spas, golf courses, and restaurants. Many also offer proximity to popular attractions and entertainment options outside the hotel.
Gaylord Hotels and Convention Centers by Location
| Location | Property | Conference Space | Rooms |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nashville, TN | Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center | 600,000 sq. ft. | 2,888 |
| National Harbor, MD | Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center | 600,000 sq. ft. | 1,996 |
| Dallas, TX | Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center | 490,000 sq. ft. | 1,511 |
| Kissimmee, FL | Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center | 400,000 sq. ft. | 1,416 |
| Aurora, CO (Denver) | Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center | 485,000 sq. ft. | 1,501 |
Gaylord hotels offer unparalleled experiences for both business and leisure travelers, with spacious accommodations, top-notch amenities, and expansive meeting facilities. With their focus on exceptional service and attention to detail, Gaylord properties remain a premier choice for events and stays.
Gaylord Hotels in Nashville, Tennessee
Gaylord Hotels is an American hotel and resort company that is owned by Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc. The company operates under different brands, with Gaylord Hotels being one of its most prominent.
Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center is one of the three Gaylord Hotels properties that can be found in Nashville, Tennessee. This resort is known for its indoor gardens, multiple dining options, and extensive conference and event spaces. Its popularity has made it a staple of Nashville’s tourism scene.
- The resort features 2,882 guest rooms and suites across nine floors.
- There are over 20 restaurants, bars, and cafes that serve a variety of cuisines, including American, Italian, and Japanese.
- The atriums of the resort are home to over 50,000 plants and trees, making it one of the largest indoor gardens in the world.
The other two Gaylord Hotels properties in Nashville are the Gaylord Springs Golf Links and the Inn at Opryland. The Gaylord Springs Golf Links is a championship-level, 18-hole golf course that is open to the public. It features scenic views of the nearby Cumberland River and is a popular attraction for golf enthusiasts and tourists alike.
The Inn at Opryland is a more budget-friendly option compared to the resort and features 303 guest rooms. It is located near the Grand Ole Opry and the Opry Mills shopping center, making it a convenient choice for those looking to explore Nashville’s cultural and commercial offerings.
| Gaylord Hotels in Nashville, Tennessee | Number of Guest Rooms | Number of Restaurants | Other Amenities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center | 2,882 | 20+ | Indoor Gardens, Event Spaces, Spa |
| Gaylord Springs Golf Links | N/A (Golf Course Only) | 1 | Golf Course |
| Inn at Opryland | 303 | 1 | Outdoor Pool, Fitness Center |
In summary, Gaylord Hotels is owned by Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc. and operates three properties in Nashville, including the popular Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center, the Gaylord Springs Golf Links, and the Inn at Opryland. Each property offers a unique experience that can cater to different preferences and budgets.
Gaylord Hotels in Kissimmee, Florida
Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center is a premier hotel property in Kissimmee, Florida, owned by Ryman Hospitality Properties. This luxurious resort is known for its iconic glass atriums that take guests on a journey through the wonders of Florida, including a fully immersive Everglades-inspired experience with live alligators, turtles, and fish. The resort features 1,416 guest rooms, numerous dining options, a state-of-the-art spa, and over 400,000 square feet of meeting and event space.
- The resort hosts the annual Christmas events – Ice! and Cirque Dreams Unwrapped, both featuring world-class entertainment and ice sculptures hand-carved by a team of expert artisans.
- The Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center is conveniently located just a few miles from Walt Disney World® and other popular Orlando attractions.
- The hotel features a vast retail area, including shops selling clothing, jewelry, and local goods.
Who Owns Gaylord Hotels?
Ryman Hospitality Properties owns and operates Gaylord Hotels – a publicly traded real estate investment trust. The company’s portfolio includes four Gaylord Hotels properties in the United States, including Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville, Tennessee, Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center in Grapevine, Texas, Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland, and Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center, situated near Denver, Colorado.
Each Gaylord Hotels property has its unique charm that draws visitors from around the world. They are all designed to provide the utmost comfort and luxury to their guests with top-notch amenities, beauty, and exceptional entertainment options.
| Gaylord Hotels Property | Location | Number of Rooms |
|---|---|---|
| Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center | Nashville, Tennessee | 2,888 |
| Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center | Kissimmee, Florida | 1,416 |
| Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center | Grapevine, Texas | 1,814 |
| Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center | National Harbor, Maryland | 1,996 |
| Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center | Aurora, Colorado | 1,501 |
Gaylord Hotels is a leading hospitality brand that has earned a stellar reputation for its exceptional amenities and entertainment options. With Ryman Hospitality Properties as its owner, this renowned hotel chain is only likely to keep thriving well into the future.
Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center
The Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center is one of the most iconic and luxurious hotels in Texas. It covers an area of 125 acres and boasts of 1,814 guest rooms, making it one of the largest non-gaming hotels in the United States. It also has a 4.5-acre indoor garden atrium and a 10-acre outdoor pool complex.
- The hotel was developed in 2003 by Gaylord Entertainment Company, which was later acquired by Marriott International in 2019.
- It is located in Grapevine, Texas, in close proximity to the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport.
- The Gaylord Texan serves as a popular venue for corporate events, conventions, and weddings, with its 400,000 square feet of meeting space.
The convention center of the Gaylord Texan has state-of-the-art facilities and can host events of various sizes. It has 4 ballrooms, 88 meeting rooms, and 180,000 square feet of exhibit space. It also features unique spaces like the Riverwalk Cantina, which can accommodate up to 1,500 guests and offers an authentic Tex-Mex experience.
The Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center offers a wide range of dining options that cater to different tastes. It has 10 restaurants, cafes, and bars, including the Old Hickory Steakhouse, Silver Bar, Riverwalk Cantina, and Texan Station Sports Bar & Grill. The hotel also has a full-service spa and fitness center, indoor and outdoor pools, and a lazy river.
| Hotel Features | Amenities |
|---|---|
| 1,814 Guest Rooms | Full-Service Spa |
| 4.5-Acre Indoor Garden Atrium | Fitness Center |
| 10-Acre Outdoor Pool Complex | Indoor and Outdoor Pools |
| 400,000 Square Feet of Meeting Space | Lazy River |
The ownership of the Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center has changed hands over the years. Originally developed by Gaylord Entertainment Company, it was later acquired by Marriott International in 2019, and is now part of the Marriott portfolio of hotels and resorts.
Overall, the Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center is an exceptional hotel with top-notch amenities and services, making it a destination of choice for leisure and business travelers alike.
Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center
The Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center is one of the most iconic hotels in the United States. Nestled in Nashville, Tennessee, this hotel boasts over 2,800 guest rooms, nine acres of indoor gardens, a state-of-the-art convention center, and an array of dining options and shopping experiences.
Owned by Ryman Hospitality Properties, the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center is the flagship property of the Gaylord Hotels brand. Ryman Hospitality Properties is a publicly traded company that specializes in owning and operating entertainment-oriented assets such as music venues and hotels. The company’s portfolio includes The Grand Ole Opry, Ryman Auditorium, and several other iconic Nashville destinations.
What makes the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center unique?
- The hotel’s nine acres of indoor gardens, complete with waterfalls, streams, and over 50,000 plants, make it a destination in itself.
- The resort offers a variety of dining options, including Southern-inspired cuisine at Jack Daniel’s, steakhouse favorites at Old Hickory Steakhouse, and international flavors at Ravello.
- The property is home to SoundWaves, a 4-acre indoor/outdoor water attraction that offers year-round fun for families.
The Convention Center
The Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center is a premier destination for meetings and conventions. With over 750,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, the resort can accommodate events of any size. The facility includes a 178,000 square foot exhibit hall, 54 meeting rooms, and two ballrooms. The resort also offers a range of services to assist with meeting planning, including event technology, catering, and transportation.
The Future of Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center
In 2018, Ryman Hospitality Properties announced plans for a $90 million-dollar expansion of the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center. The expansion will add nearly 300 guest rooms and increase the size of the convention center to more than one million square feet. The goal of the expansion is to attract larger and more diverse events to Nashville.
| Key Facts: | |
|---|---|
| Number of guest rooms: | 2,888 |
| Total meeting space: | 750,000+ square feet |
| Largest ballroom: | 55,314 square feet |
| Number of restaurants: | 17 |
The Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center is a true gem in the Nashville hospitality scene. With its unique indoor gardens, variety of dining options, and extensive convention center space, it’s no surprise that the hotel is a popular destination for both leisure and business travelers.
Who Owns the Gaylord Hotels? Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who founded the Gaylord Hotels?
The Gaylord Hotels were founded in 1972 by Edward L. Gaylord, an American media executive and former publisher of The Oklahoman newspaper.
2. Who owns the Gaylord Hotels now?
The Gaylord Hotels are currently owned by Ryman Hospitality Properties, a real estate investment trust that specializes in group-oriented, destination hotel assets.
3. How many Gaylord Hotels are there?
As of 2021, there are six Gaylord Hotels located throughout the United States: Gaylord Opryland in Nashville, TN; Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee, FL; Gaylord Texan in Grapevine, TX; Gaylord National in National Harbor, MD; Gaylord Rockies in Aurora, CO; and Gaylord Opryland SoundWaves in Nashville, TN.
4. What type of accommodations do the Gaylord Hotels offer?
The Gaylord Hotels offer a range of accommodations including guest rooms, suites, and multi-room villas. Each hotel also offers a variety of amenities such as spa services, restaurants, bars, and recreational activities.
5. Are the Gaylord Hotels pet-friendly?
Yes, the Gaylord Hotels are pet-friendly and offer designated pet-friendly rooms and areas.
6. Can I hold my event or conference at a Gaylord Hotel?
Yes, the Gaylord Hotels specialize in hosting events and conferences with their state-of-the-art meeting facilities and extensive event planning services.
7. How can I book a reservation at a Gaylord Hotel?
Reservations can be made directly through the Gaylord Hotels’ website or by calling their reservation hotline.
A Closing Note About Who Owns the Gaylord Hotels
Thank you for taking the time to learn about who owns the Gaylord Hotels. We hope our FAQs were helpful and informative. Remember to check out the Gaylord Hotels for your next getaway or event experience. Until next time, happy travels!