Gaylord Hotel: The Ultimate Gaylord Texan Review

Last updated on February 20th, 2024 at 10:45 pm

A Gaylord Hotel visit to the iconic Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center is a one-of-a-kind experience. The popular catchphrase “everything is bigger in Texas” is an accurate description of the resort. Set on acres upon acres of lush landscapes, and surrounded by Lake Grapevine, it is truly an idyllic setting. In this Gaylord Hotel travel guide, we are sharing details about the Gaylord Texan, as well as tips and recommendations for an epic experience at the property specifically, and in Grapevine, Texas generally. 

This post may contain affiliate links. We may earn a small commission, at no cost to you, when you make a purchase through the links. Read our complete disclaimer here, and Amazon Affiliate disclosure here.

Introduction to the Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center

Note that we may use the terms Gaylord Hotel and Gaylord Resort interchangeably in this article; both are still in reference to The Gaylord Texan.

As a Gaylord Hotel, the Gaylord Texan is a part of Marriott International. It was built in 2004 and is set over 9 floors, with 1662 rooms and 152 suites. It is located in the North Texas city and suburb of Grapevine, approximately 20 miles from downtown Dallas. 

Furthermore, this particular Gaylord hotel property is divided into a resort side and a convention center side. The division allows for the separation of leisure and business activities. 

How to Get to Gaylord Texan

Travel By Air

The closest airport to the Gaylord Texan is the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), which is approximately 4 miles from the property.

An additional airport that services the Dallas Fort Worth area is Dallas Love Field Airport (DAL). It is approximately 20 miles from Gaylord Texan.

Note that DFW services both domestic and international flights, whereas Dallas Love Field only services domestic flights. 

You can find flight deals to both airports here.

Travel By Train 

In the event that you choose to travel by train, a local commuter rail service is available. The TEXRail Commuter Train is an option for travel within the Dallas Fort Worth area. It runs from downtown Fort Worth, across northeast Tarrant County, through North Richland Hills and Grapevine, and into Terminal B at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW).

The TEXRail station that is closest to Gaylord Texan Gaylord Hotel is the Grapevine Main Street Station.  Upon arrival in Grapevine, you can then hop on the complimentary Grapevine Shuttle at Main Street, and be dropped off at Gaylord Texan Trail.

Alternatively, you can use a shared ride service such as Uber, or hop on a taxi to the hotel. 

Travel by Road 

Driving to the Gaylord Texan is another option to consider. However, be aware of the daily parking charges at the resort. Details are shared later in this article. 

Note that if you are flying in from out of town, you can rent a car at either DFW airport or Dallas Love Field. You can find car rental deals here. 

How To Get Around Gaylord Texan

Gaylord Texan map 

The following is the Gaylord Texan Resort Map that will be helpful as you make your way around the property.

First Impressions and Our Experience at The Gaylord Texan

Our weekend at the Gaylord Texan kicked off on an exciting note, with eager anticipation of what we knew would be an epic resort experience.

In all its magnificence, the resort still felt like a welcoming, homey place. A grand resort without an impersonal vibe? We were sold on the property as soon as we arrived! 

Gaylord Texan Lobby

We were truly awe-inspired by the palatial lobby. As the first glimpse into the Gaylord Texan experience, it did not disappoint. It is spacious, with a living room-style seating area, that opens up to the rest of the property.

We were equally impressed by how fast and seamless the check-in process was. It was undoubtedly a pleasant first impression.

Gaylord Texan Atrium

The breathtakingly beautiful atrium is one of our favorite features of the property. We would describe it as a picturesque outdoor-like setting. It is a lush indoor garden without the unwelcome exposure to mother nature’s harsh elements.

The atrium is the hub of the resort, from which one has access to hotel rooms, restaurants, and other onsite attractions. Without a doubt, it is quite a sight to behold!

Our Room at the Gaylord 

We stayed in one of the resort’s impressive Central Atrium View rooms. It was a cozy space with a balcony that offered sweeping views of the stunning atrium, as well as the quadrangle that houses the resort’s restaurants and more. It was a million-dollar view that we could not get enough of!

Gaylord Texan Rooms and Suites 

The Gaylord Texan has a wide array of room types and suites to choose from, to fit your unique preferences. The following are the options available, listed from lowest to highest room prices/rates. 

• Standard rooms fit either one king bed or two queen beds.
• Partial Atrium View rooms fit either one king bed or two queen beds. They offer a partial view of the atrium.  
• Central Atrium View rooms fit either one king bed or two queen beds. They offer a full view of the atrium. 
• Executive Suites feature a one-bedroom sleeping area, a king bed, an expanded living area, and workspace. They are large suites suitable for larger parties, or if you just want more space. 
• Deluxe Suites are the largest of the room and suite options. They feature a one-bedroom sleeping area, one king bed, a large living and dining area, complete with a large dining table. 
• Mobility-accessible rooms and suites are available. Call the resort for additional information.

Note that Connecting/adjoining rooms are subject to availability. 

Each room or suite features a phone, mini-fridge, coffee maker, safe, flat-panel TV with cable access, in-room Wi-Fi, and 2 bottles of complimentary bottled water per day included with your daily resort fee. Additionally, rollaway beds are available at a daily rate of $25 per room.

Room Service/ In-Room Dining at Gaylord Texan

The Gaylord Texan has room service as an option for all room and suite types. The onsite Texan Eats offers a variety of snacks and meals available for room delivery or pick-up. Local restaurant dinner delivery service is also available. You can place your order and pick it up in the lobby.

Where to Eat and Drink at Gaylord Texan 

We have no qualms about admitting our love for food. Therefore, let’s talk about the dining options at the resort, why don’t we? Gaylord Texan has a variety of onsite restaurants, serving a wide array of menu options. 

 Riverwalk Cantina 

The Riverwalk Cantina is a Tex-Mex restaurant that serves delicious food in a beautiful atrium-like setting. Note that there is no free breakfast at the Gaylord Texan; however, the buffet-style breakfast and brunch at Riverwalk Cantina more than makes up for it. 

Texan Station Sports Bar & Grill

Texas Station Sports Bar & Grill serves American bar food as well as a wide variety of draft beers, wine, and cocktails. As you can tell by the name, it is a sports bar and is a great place to catch up on sports via the 52-foot flat-screen TV. 

Zeppole 

Zeppole is Gaylord Texan’s onsite Italian restaurant. Menu options include lite bites like charcuterie boards and main dishes like pasta, specialty dishes, brick-oven pizza, and more. We enjoyed a delectable dinner at this fine-dining restaurant that still has a relaxed, warm ambiance. 

Old Hickory Steakhouse 

The Gaylord Texan’s steakhouse is the Old Hickory Steakhouse. Menu options include the finest cuts of steak, seafood, an impressive wine list, and more. 

 Glass Cactus

The Glass Cactus is a restaurant that doubles as a music and dance spot. Some menu options include Dragon Shrimp Tempura Sushi Roll. Herb-Crusted Fried Calamari and more. 

Specific to the dance club feature of Glass Cactus, it is a fun place to enjoy Grapevine’s nightlife. What better way to unwind and let loose than to dance the night away? We spent a Friday night there enjoying the live band belting out catchy tunes. Oh, what a night!

Silver Bar

Located by the lobby, Silver Bar is one of the first places you will see when you arrive at Gaylord Texan. It is a great place to enjoy draft beers, cocktails, wine, and more.

Mission Plaza Marketplace

Mission Plaza Marketplace serves coffee, pastries, and light bites such as salads, sandwiches, and more. In the evenings, a variety of beer and wine options are on offer.

Paradise Springs Resort Pool Bar

The Paradise Springs outdoor pool bar and grill offers cocktails and snacks as you relax by the pool. Note that it is only open seasonally when the pool is open. 

Amenities at the Gaylord Texan

Gaylord Texan Waterpark 

The Gaylord Texan waterpark is known as Paradise Springs Aquatic Park. Features include a 10-acre outdoor pool, a 6,000-square-foot family lagoon, four waterslides, a zipline, a water playhouse, a winding 600-foot lazy river, private cabanas for rent, and more. Note that it is open seasonally from April to October.  

Note that there are lifeguards on duty, and towels are provided. 

Gaylord Texan Jacuzzi 

A heated jacuzzi (hot tub) is located by the outdoor pool. 

Gaylord Texan Indoor Pool 

In addition to the outdoor pool, the Gaylord Texan has a heated indoor pool. It is open daily from 6 AM to 8 PM. Note that it is not a seasonal pool, rather, it is open all year round. 

Spa at Gaylord Texan 

The Relache Spa and Salon is the Gaylord Texan’s relaxation and rejuvenation station. The spa offers a variety of treatments and services, including massages, facials, manicures, pedicures, aromatherapy, makeup services, etc.

Additionally, there is a sauna, steam room, and lap pool within the spa setting. After your treatment, you can relax at the spa’s tea lounge, where complimentary fruit and beverages are provided. We enjoyed our experience and embraced the spa life with open arms! 

Gaylord Texan Gym

The 24-hour fitness center is available to all hotel guests. It is a fully equipped gym with ellipticals, exercise bikes, stair climbers, treadmills, free weights, and weight machines. Also within the fitness center are locker rooms and sauna and steam rooms. 

Meeting and Event Space 

As previously stated, the Gaylord Texan is comprised of two main sections: the resort section and the convention section. The convention side of the property houses meeting and event spaces. 

Meeting and Convention Space

The Gaylord Texan has a mind-blowing 490,132 sq ft of total meeting space! This includes 87 meeting rooms, such as the Longhorn Exhibit Hall, and ballrooms such as the Yellow Rose Ballroom are at the convention side of the property. The expansive size of the meeting space allows for massive events like conventions, conferences, and more.

Event Space

There is nothing quite like a Gaylord Texan wedding! There is surely enough space for a grand Texas experience. Therefore, If you are seeking a location for your next event, think wedding, or another milestone event, consider hosting it at Gaylord Texan. The space is absolutely beautiful! It would make for a great experience, great photos, and better yet- a lifetime of memories.

Additional Amenities at The Gaylord Texan 

• 24-hour business center on-site.
• Gift shop on site, as well as additional shopping opportunities.
• Concierge desk
• Laundry services on-site
• Newspaper in lobby
• Safe deposit boxes are available at the front desk
• Gaylord Texan jogging trail

Gaylord Texan Events Calendar and Tickets 

There is no lack of things to do at the Gaylord Texan. In addition to the wide assortment of amenities onsite, there are also additional events and activities to engage in. These are available at different times throughout the year and include the famous escape room, annual Easter brunch, spring art studio, etc. Note that some activities such as ice skating are seasonal. Inquire at the hotel’s front desk for detailed information.

Gaylord Texan Shuttles 

The Gaylord has a shuttle service that transports guests within the property. Areas of transport are to and from the Glass Cactus shuttle and Paradise Springs shuttle. Note that there is no airport shuttle available. 

Parking at Gaylord Texan

There is no free parking at Gaylord Texan — you have to pay to park. Self-parking rates on the property are $17 plus tax hourly, or $22 plus tax daily. Note that overnight parking fees include in/out privileges. Valet parking is $42 plus tax daily. Valet is available for ADA 24/7 at a discounted rate.

As demonstrated, parking is rather pricey. An alternative, if you do not plan to venture out beyond the confines of the resort, would be to take a shuttle service like Go Shuttle, taxi, or Uber to the hotel. 

Gaylord Hotel Grapevine Policies To Be Aware Of

Gaylord Texan Check In and Check Out  

Check-in is from 4 PM-midnight. Check-out time is at 11 AM. The minimum check-in age is 21.  You can request early check-in or late checkout; however, note that you may incur additional charges, especially during busy seasons.

Folios are not delivered to your door on the day of check out. Instead, they are emailed directly to you after your stay. You have the option to check out with your cellphone via text message. Simply text the word “Checkout” followed by your room number to 55000. Alternatively, you can check out using the TV in your room or suite.

Daily Resort Fee 

You will incur a daily resort fee of $20 plus tax per day as part of your hotel stay bill. This fee covers high-speed internet, 2 bottles of bottled water in your room per day, 2 bicycle rentals, access to the Cowboy Golf Course for 2, and local, toll-free, and domestic long-distance phone calls. 

Smoke-Free Property 

The Gaylord Texan is a smoke-free property. However, there are designated smoking areas in outdoor public areas throughout the property and away from guest areas.

Smoking is not allowed in the pool area or on the balconies outside of guest rooms. During check-in, you can ask the front desk to provide a map marked with the designated smoking areas.

Gaylord Texan Pet Policy

The Gaylord Texan does not allow pets. Only service animals are permitted on the property. 

Gaylord Texan Day Pass

Note that you can visit the Gaylord Texan for the day or evening without staying overnight. However, certain amenities are limited to hotel guests only. Inquire at the front desk upon arrival at the property. Additionally, parking charges will still apply. 

Housekeeping Services

Housekeeping services such as room cleaning are on an “upon request only”  basis. 

Flexible Cancellation

At this time, Gaylord Texan Resort offers flexible cancellation. Full changes or cancellations are permitted at no charge up to 72 hours prior to arrival. However, this policy may not apply to travel associated with group reservations for meetings, events, or conferences.

3 Quick Facts About Grapevine Texas

• The name Grapevine came about because of the area’s location on the grapevine prairie, known for its wild grapes.
• Grapevine is referred to as the Christmas Capital of Texas, given its annual elaborate transformation into a holiday wonderland. 
• Grapevine’s vintage railroad steam engine is the oldest one that is still operated in the region.

Things To Do in Grapevine,Texas (Near Gaylord Texan Resort)

If you will be venturing out of the Gaylord Texan to explore the city of Grapevine, the following are a few local attractions to consider visiting.

• Step into history at the Grapevine Vintage Railroad 
• Explore the Historic Downtown Grapevine area.
• Enjoy retail therapy at Grapevine Mills Mall.
• Have a wine tasting experience with Grapevine Wine Tours.
• Go to the Texas Gun Experience shooting range.
• Participate in outdoor activities at Grapevine Lake.
• Take your kids to LEGOLAND Discovery Center
• Experience a Texas winery at Messina Hof Grapevine Winery.
• Discover marine life at SEA LIFE Grapevine Aquarium.
• Learn at the Grapevine Historical Museum.
• Appreciate nature at Grapevine Botanical Gardens.
• Tee off at the Cowboys Golf Club.

Tip: An alternative to renting a car while in the Grapevine area, is ZipCar. With Zipcar, you can book cars on demand by the hour or by the day.

Additionally, note that there is a local city of Grapevine Shuttle that can transport you to local attractions.

Final Thoughts About the Gaylord Texan 

To summarize, a visit to Gaylord Texan Resort will give you a glimpse into what Texas’ version of southern hospitality is all about. By and large, it is an all-around location for cozy accommodation, delicious dining options, tons of amenities, and world-class entertainment.

Because we had an epic experience at the property, without a doubt, we will be repeat visitors.  We curated this travel guide in the hope that we could inspire you to board the Gaylord Texan travel train. With this in mind, if you have never been to the Gaylord Texan, you are in for a treat. If you have, we urge you to visit again and experience it in a new way. It is certainly an awe-inspiring North Texas gem!

Gaylord Texan Booking

Explore the best rates for your Gaylord Texan stay below.

Note that Marriott Bonvoy members can enjoy special offers on vacation packages at the Gaylord Texan and any other Gaylord Hotel.

Tips for Gaylord Texan Deals, Promo Codes, and Discounts 

1. Use a cashback app to earn money back on your hotel booking, as well as other purchases. Check out our detailed Best Cashback Apps Guide for more information.

2. You may qualify for a military discount or teacher appreciation discounted rates. Inquire directly from the hotel.

Gaylord Hotels In Other Locations

• Maryland’s Gaylord Hotel is the Gaylord National Harbor
• Florida’s Gaylord Hotel is the Gaylord Palms
• Colorado’s Gaylord Hotel is the Gaylord Rockies Resort
• Tennessee’s Gaylord Hotel is the Gaylord Opryland Resort

As demonstrated, in addition to the Gaylord Texan, the Gaylord Hotel brand is available in five other states nationwide.

P.S. If you found this post helpful or want to save it for later, please pin it on Pinterest! Thank you. 🙂

To conclude, check out our other Dallas Fort Worth Area Hotels and Travel Guides: W Dallas Hotel, Omni Dallas Hotel, The Adolphus, as well as The Joule Dallas.

Happy Travels!