The 5 Best Gaylord Hotels To Book With Points [for Max Value]

Updated: August 31, 2023, 2:25am CDT

Edited by:

The 5 Best Gaylord Hotels To Book With Points [for Max Value]

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

Gaylord Hotels is one of the least-known Marriott Bonvoy brands out there, mostly due to its small portfolio of just 5 properties (with a sixth property in the pipeline).

The first Gaylord property opened in 1977 in Nashville; since then, its portfolio has steadily expanded and its properties are some of the largest hotels in the world.

In this guide, we’ll explore what Gaylord Hotels offers to its guests and how you can book these properties with Marriott Bonvoy points.

Everything You Need To Know About Gaylord Hotels

When you step into a Gaylord Hotels property, the first thing you’ll notice is a massive footprint. Gaylord Hotels are designed to be sprawling complexes capable of holding large conventions and events.

As such, these properties have enormous facilities and amenities, including golf courses, gigantic spas, shopping complexes, inconceivable amounts of event space, striking architecture, and even water parks.

In fact, the brand slogan is “Everything in one place,” which should give you an idea of how much value Gaylord places on being a one-stop shop for travelers.

Here, you can mix business and pleasure seamlessly.

Marriott Bonvoy Credit Cards

Gaylord Hotels belongs to the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program. Currently, the best way to earn Marriott Bonvoy points easily is by spending on its co-branded credit cards from Amex and Chase.

When you hold a Marriott Bonvoy credit card, you’ll get access to an assortment of benefits, including Marriott statement credits, free night award certificates, and complimentary elite status!

Recommended Marriott Bonvoy Cards

Marriott Bonvoy Bold^® Credit Card

U.P. Rating

A great option for Marriott hotel fans who want a no annual fee card and automatic Marriott Bonvoy elite status.

Marriott Bonvoy Bold^® Credit Card

A great option for Marriott hotel fans who want a no annual fee card and automatic Marriott Bonvoy elite status.

Welcome OfferEarn 30,000 Bonus Points after you spend $1,000 on eligible purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.
30,000 points

UP's Bonus Valuation*:
$210

Annual Fee

APR

21.49%–28.49% Variable

Credit Recommended

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Casual travelers who like to frequent properties that are part of the Marriott Bonvoy collection of brands may want to consider the Marriott Bonvoy Bold^® Credit Card.

The Marriott Bold card rewards cardholders for Marriott stays and gives them a boost towards Marriott Bonvoy elite status.

Pros

Up to 14x points per $1 on Marriott purchases
2x points per $1 on travel purchases
15 Elite Night Credits each year (automatically gives you Silver Elite status)
No foreign transaction fees
No annual fee

Cons

Lower point earn rate than other Marriott Bonvoy cards
Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status is the lowest status tier

Earn 30,000 Bonus Points after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Pay no annual fee with the Marriott Bonvoy Bold^® Credit Card from Chase^®!
Earn up to 14X total points per $1 spent at thousands of hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy^® with the Marriott Bonvoy Bold^® Card.
1X point for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
Your points don't expire as long as you make purchases on your card every 24 months.
No Foreign Transaction Fees.
Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

APR: 21.49%–28.49% Variable
Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Card Categories

Rewards Center

Marriott Bonvoy

LIMITED TIME OFFER

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless^® Credit Card

U.P. Rating

Marriott loyalists will love this card's annual free night award, automatic elite status, and up to 17x points per $1 on Marriott hotel stays.

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless^® Credit Card

Marriott loyalists will love this card's annual free night award, automatic elite status, and up to 17x points per $1 on Marriott hotel stays.

Welcome OfferEarn 5 Free Night Awards (each night valued up to 50,000 points) after spending $5,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card!
Earn 5 Free Night Awards

UP's Bonus Valuation*:
$1,750

Annual Fee

$95

APR

21.49%–28.49% Variable

Credit Recommended

Good to Excellent (670-850)

If you’re a frequent traveler and a Marriott loyalist, there’s a lot to love about the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless^® Credit Card. The card comes packed with several great benefits like a free hotel night once a year, automatic Silver Elite status (with a fast-track to Gold Elite status), and multiple options for redeeming points.

Pros

Earn big when you use your card at thousands of participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels
Earn big at grocery stores, gas stations, and dining
Automatic Silver Elite Status
1 Free Night Award each cardmember anniversary (valued up to 35,000 points)
One year complimentary DoorDash DashPass subscription
No foreign transaction fees

Cons

$95 annual fee
Marriott Silver status is the lowest status tier

Earn 3 Free Night Awards (each night valued up to 50,000 points) after qualifying purchases.
Earn 3X points per $1 on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases each year on grocery stores, gas stations, and dining.
Earn 1 Elite Night Credit towards Elite Status for every $5,000 you spend.
1 Free Night Award (valued up to 35,000 points) every year after account anniversary.
Earn up to 17X total points per $1 spent at thousands of hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy^® with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless^® Card.
Receive 15 Elite Night Credits annually, automatic Silver Elite status, and path to Gold Status when you spend $35,000 on purchases each calendar year.
No Foreign Transaction Fees. Your points don't expire as long as you make purchases on your card every 24 months.
Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

APR: 21.49%–28.49% Variable
Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Card Categories

Rewards Center

Marriott Bonvoy

NEW 155K OFFER

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express^® Card

U.P. Rating

The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy card gives you automatic Marriott elite status and helps you earn more Marriott Bonvoy points on your everyday purchases.

Learn More(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express^® Card

The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy card gives you automatic Marriott elite status and helps you earn more Marriott Bonvoy points on your everyday purchases.

Welcome OfferEarn 155,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
155,000 points

UP's Bonus Valuation*:
$1,085

Annual Fee

$250

APR

20.99%-29.99% Variable

Credit Recommended

Good to Excellent (670-850)

The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express^® Card, the latest mid-tier offering in the Marriott Bonvoy lineup of cards, offers cardholders automatic elite status and ways to earn more Marriott Bonvoy points on each of their stays and daily purchases.

Pros

6x points per $1 at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy
4x points per $1 at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on up to $15,000 in combined purchases per calendar year, then 2X points)
2x points per $1 on all other purchases
Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status
15 Elite Night Credits per year
1,000 bonus points per paid stay
1 Free Night Award (up to 50,000 points) when you spend $15,000 on the card in a year
No foreign transaction fees (rates and fees)

Cons

$250 annual fee (rates and fees)
Free Night Award certificate is not an automatic benefit

Earn 155,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
Earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy^® points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy.
Earn 4X points at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on up to $15,000 in combined purchases at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets per calendar year, then 2X points).
Earn 2X points on all other eligible purchases.
Marriott Bonvoy 1K Bonus Points Per Stay: Earn 1,000 Marriott Bonvoy^® bonus points per paid eligible stay booked directly with Marriott for properties participating in Marriott Bonvoy.
With complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elites status, earn up to 2.5X points from Marriott Bonvoy^® on eligible hotel purchases with the 25% Bonus Points on stays benefit, available for Qualifying Rates.
Marriott Bonvoy Bevy Free Night Award: Earn 1 Free Night Award after spending $15,000 on eligible purchases on your Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ Card in a calendar year. Award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy^® points) at a hotel participating in Marriott Bonvoy^®. Certain hotels have resort fees.
15 Elite Night Credits: Each calendar year with your Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express Card^® you can receive 15 Elite Night Credits toward the next level of Marriott Bonvoy^® Elite status. Limitations apply per Marriott Bonvoy member account. Benefit is not exclusive to Cards offered by American Express. Terms apply.
Plan It^® is a payment option that lets you split up purchases of $100 or more into equal monthly installments with a fixed fee. Plus, you'll still earn rewards the way you usually do.
$250 Annual Fee.
Terms apply.

Financial Snapshot

APR: 20.99%-29.99% Variable
Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Card Categories

NEW 185K WELCOME OFFER

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® Card

U.P. Rating

A premium card for Marriott fans who want perks like an annual statement credit and Free Night Award, plus a fast track to Marriott elite status.

Learn More(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® Card

A premium card for Marriott fans who want perks like an annual statement credit and Free Night Award, plus a fast track to Marriott elite status.

Welcome OfferEarn 185,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
185,000 bonus points

UP's Bonus Valuation*:
$1,295

Annual Fee

$650

APR

20.99%-29.99% Variable

Credit Recommended

Good to Excellent (670-850)

The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® Card is a premium card designed with road warriors and Marriott Bonvoy loyalists in mind.

So is the card a worthwhile addition to your wallet?

Pros

6x points per $1 at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy program
3x points per $1 on flights booked directly with airlines and restaurants worldwide
2x points per $1 on all other purchases
25 Elite Night Credits each year
Priority Pass Select membership upon enrollment
Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee statement credit
Annual Free Night Award after card renewal
Complimentary Platinum Elite status

Cons

Steep annual fee of $650 (rates and fees)
6x points per $1 is the same earn rate offered with lower annual fee alternatives like the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express^® Card

Earn 185,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
$300 Brilliant Dining Credit: Each calendar year, get up to $300 (up to $25 per month) in statement credits for eligible purchases made on the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® Card at restaurants worldwide.
With Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status, you can receive room upgrades, including enhanced views or suites, when available at select properties and booked with a Qualifying Rate.
Earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy^®. 3X points at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines. 2X points on all other eligible purchases.
Free Night Award: Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy^®. Certain hotels have resort fees.
Each calendar year after spending $60,000 on eligible purchases on your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® Card, you will be eligible to select a Brilliant Earned Choice Award benefit. You can only earn one Earned Choice Award per calendar year. See https://www.choice-benefit.marriott.com/brilliant for Award options.
$100 Marriott Bonvoy Property Credit: Enjoy your stay. Receive up to a $100 property credit for qualifying charges at The Ritz-Carlton^® or St. Regis^® when you book direct using a special rate for a two-night minimum stay using your Card.
Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck^®: Receive either a statement credit every 4 years after you apply for Global Entry ($100) or a statement credit every 4.5 years after you apply for a five-year membership for TSA PreCheck^® (up to $85 through a TSA PreCheck official enrollment provider) and pay the application fee with your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® Card. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.
Each calendar year with your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® Card you can receive 25 Elite Night Credits toward the next level of Marriott Bonvoy^® Elite status. Limitations apply per Marriott Bonvoy member account. Benefit is not exclusive to Cards offered by American Express. Terms apply.
Enroll in Priority Pass™ Select, which offers unlimited airport lounge visits to over 1,200 lounges in over 130 countries, regardless of which carrier or class you are flying. This allows you to relax before or between flights. You can enjoy snacks, drinks, and internet access in a quiet, comfortable location.
No Foreign Transaction Fees on international purchases.
With Cell Phone Protection, you can be reimbursed, the lesser of, your repair or replacement costs following damage, such as a cracked screen, or theft for a maximum of $800 per claim when your cell phone line is listed on a wireless bill and the prior month's wireless bill was paid by an Eligible Card Account. A $50 deductible will apply to each approved claim with a limit of 2 approved claims per 12-month period. Additional terms and conditions apply. Coverage is provided by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
$650 Annual Fee.
Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

APR: 20.99%-29.99% Variable
Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Card Categories

Rewards Center

Marriott Bonvoy

Hot Tip: Marriott is a Chase hotel partner and an Amex hotel partner at a 1:1 ratio, though we generally don’t recommend this unless you have a specific redemption in mind and need a few thousand more points to book it.

The 5 Best Gaylord Hotels To Book With Points

Gaylord Hotels are entirely in the U.S. Because these properties are so huge, you can generally expect a slow expansion of its footprint.

Indeed, there are 6 of these properties in the world (1 is in the pipeline), making it a very small brand in Marriott Bonvoy’s overall portfolio.

Read on to see the best Gaylord Hotels you can book using points. We’ll walk through the specifics of each property and what to expect.

Let’s get into it!

1. Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center (Nashville, Tennessee)

Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center is Gaylord’s maiden property, with its roots tracing back to 1977. Centrally located in Nashville’s Music Valley, just a short 10-minute walk from the Grand Ole Opry and 8 miles from the Nashville International Airport (BNA), this property has a lot going for it.

This 4-star resort has a jaw-dropping 2,888 rooms and suites, making it one of the 30 largest hotels in the entire world!

Each of the standard rooms in this 4-star resort has either 1 king bed or 2 queen beds. Pillowtop mattresses afford plenty of comfort and work desks with ergonomic office chairs allow you to maintain maximum productivity. You’ll also find a sitting area with an armchair and ottoman in the 350-square-foot standard rooms. Other furnishings include a flat-screen TV with Netflix capabilities, a minifridge, coffee and tea facilities, and high-speed Wi-Fi.

Each bathroom here consists of a walk-in shower, single floating vanity, premium bath and body products, as well as a hairdryer.

In total, there are 20 food and beverage outlets, ranging from high-end steakhouses to Auntie Anne’s and a sushi bar. There’s something for everyone here!

The other facilities include an award-winning spa, a 24/7 gym, 3 swimming pools (1 indoors), and an 18-hole golf course. Explore the property’s 9 acres of space, including expansive indoor gardens, a shopping mall, cascading waterfalls, boat tours up and down the indoor river, and an eye-popping 750,000 square feet of event space.

This property costs at least 40,000 points per night. Paid rates hover around $440 per night on average, though the price you pay may be as high as $715 per night or as low as $210 per night.

2. Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center (Kissimmee, Florida)

Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center is situated in Kissimmee, a popular resort destination in Central Florida. It’s mere minutes from Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, and so much more.

The 63-acre resort is a deluxe property with an epic glass atrium garden spanning 4.5 acres. Each of the 1,718 rooms and suites has either 1 king bed or 2 queen beds, plus a furnished, private balcony and a marble entryway. You’ll also find a sitting area with an armchair-ottoman combination, a work desk with an office chair, a minifridge, and a flat-screen TV. Lastly, make your own cup of coffee or tea in the room and make use of the free Wi-Fi.

Marble bathrooms include a single vanity, premium bath products, a shower-tub combination, and an LED-backlit mirror.

Several dining options dot the property, including a Mediterranean buffet restaurant, a regional seafood eatery, and a sports bar with a 37-foot TV screen.

This complex also has an adults-only, heated outdoor pool, an expansive water park, a luxe spa, a kids’ game room, and a complimentary theme park shuttle. Also, enjoy complimentary access to the gym.

Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center is bookable starting at around 30,000 points per night. You can often redeem a Marriott free night certificate for a complimentary stay here!

If you find yourself booking a paid stay, rates for standard rooms are around $415 per night on average, $300 per night on the low end, and $660 per night on the high end.

Hot Tip: Learn how to visit Walt Disney World for cheap by using points and miles in our detailed guide. We also have tips on how to make your next trip to Disney as “stress-free” as possible.

3. Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center (Grapevine, Texas)

Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center is located on the shores of Grapevine Lake near the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area. The property itself is 3 miles from Grapevine Mills Mall and is just 5 miles from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). This one-of-a-kind resort offers families and business travelers a fantastic staycation spot.

You can choose between 1 king bed or 2 queen beds in each of the guest rooms, starting out at 350 square feet in size. There’s a desk, sitting area with a winged lounge chair and an ottoman, a minifridge, plug-in high-tech amenities, and a flat-screen TV with HBO.

Double sinks and a shower-tub combination make up the bright bathroom, as well as signature toiletries and a hairdryer.

Again, the abundance of dining options means everybody can enjoy something — there are 4 full-service restaurants, a poolside bar and grill, a saloon, and a grab-and-go coffee house.

Make use of the 25,000-square-foot spa or the 24/7 fitness center with state-of-the-art Technogym equipment. Take a dip in any of the outdoor or indoor pools (some heated).

Enjoy the massive, 10-acre water park and lazy river complex or book a zipline ride — whatever your needs, Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center has your back!

This resort’s award nights start around 30,000 points per night. Paid rates can vary from $300 to $750 per night, with the average around $375 per night.

4. Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center (National Harbor, Maryland)

The Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center is a premier resort situated on the Potomac’s shores downriver from Washington, D.C. in quaint National Harbor, Maryland.

This popular resort has updated rooms and suites, and the standard room has 1 king bed or 2 queen beds, as well as at least 422 square feet of space. You’ll find mid-century modern furnishings, including an informal dining table, a dining chair, a lounge chair, and a flat-screen TV. Lastly, there are coffee and tea machines, a mini-fridge, and free Wi-Fi.

Here, there are 4 dining options, which consist of a steakhouse, lobby bar, retro rooftop lounge, and a grab-and-go marketplace.

Check out the spa and salon or the 24/7 gym and Junior Olympic-sized pool. Alternatively, there’s an outdoor sundeck with a hot tub and a pool bar for maximum relaxation. For the kids, you’ll find a splash zone and a play zone with interactive video games. Lastly, there’s nearly 550,000 square feet of event space available.

Award nights here start at around 30,000 points per night. Expect to spend at least $250 per night for a standard room, but keep in mind that rates can shoot as high as $1,000 per night depending on your stay dates. The average is closer to $275 per night.

Hot Tip: With Washington, D.C. just over a 20-minute drive away, you may want to check out our ultimate guide to Washington, D.C., including details on monuments, memorials, attractions, and more. If your kids are in tow, check out the best things to do in Washington, D.C. with kids.

5. Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center (Aurora, Colorado)

The Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center is Gaylord’s only 5-star hotel, and it’s located in the city of Aurora, Colorado. The rustic-chic property is 10 miles from Denver International Airport (DEN), off of highway E-470.

Choose between 1 king bed and a pull-out sofa bed or 2 queen beds in each of the introductory guest rooms. Either way, you’ll enjoy at least 372 square feet of personal real estate. The rooms come with a desk, fridge, flat-screen TV, coffee and tea bar, and flat-screen LED TV with premium channels. There’s also free Wi-Fi.

Inside the bathroom, there’s a set of twin vanities, a water closet, and a spacious walk-in shower with upscale bath products. Nearby has closet storage space, too.

Whether you’re in the mood for Italian or Asian food, there are 9 dining options available to satisfy your palate at any time of the day.

The gym is open 24/7 and offers Peloton bikes (among other equipment), while the spa and salon boast a large menu of treatments. Every morning, there’s a water aerobics and yoga class, which guests can use to supplement their stay. You can also play disc golf or mini-golf — or better yet, check out the pools and lazy river. Lastly, there are whirlpools available, plus 500,000 square feet of versatile function space.

To book a reward night at this property, you’ll redeem 30,000+ points per night.

If you paid for a stay here, you’d probably spend around $380 per night, on average. However, during the low season and high season, you will see rates ranging from $265 to $1,200 per night!

Final Thoughts

Gaylord Hotels fall under the radar for many Marriott Bonvoy loyalists, despite offering exceptional resorts with endless amenities and facilities and staying true to its slogan of “Everything in one place.”

If you’re a business or corporate planner looking to host a large group, Gaylord Hotels is one of the best choices thanks to “Texas-sized” ballrooms and spaces.

And if you’re traveling with your family, Gaylord Hotels can be amazing, thanks to its theme park-like attractions and facilities. Water parks, indoor arcades, shopping malls, and spas are among the most universal facilities here.

What makes the Gaylord brand even better is that you can redeem Marriott Bonvoy points to get some exceptional value!

The information regarding the Marriott Bonvoy Bold^® Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless^® Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express^® Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® card, click here.

Featured Image Credit: Marriott

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Gaylords are there?

Currently, there are 5 Gaylord Hotels open. There’s 1 additional property that’s under construction in Chula Vista, California.

What hotel chain does Gaylord belong to?

Gaylord currently belongs to Marriott Bonvoy.

Why is Gaylord hotel closed?

Gaylord National was closed in the middle of the pandemic, but it has since reopened its doors!

Who owns the Gaylords?

At the moment, Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc. owns the 5 Gaylord Hotels properties, which are operated by Marriott International.

Who owns Gaylord Entertainment?

Gaylord Entertainment Company, known since 2012 as Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc. is owned by the Vanguard Group, BlackRock, and GAMCO Investors. Ryman Hospitality Properties owns Gaylord Hotels, which are managed by Marriott International.

Does Marriott own Gaylord Hotels?

No, currently, Marriott International operates Gaylord Hotels, but Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc. owns Gaylord Hotels.

Was this page helpful?

About Stephen Au

Stephen is an established voice in the credit card space, with over 70 to his name. His work has been in publications like The Washington Post, and his Au Points and Awards Consulting Services is used by hundreds of clients.

INSIDERS ONLY: UP PULSE^™