Review of the Gaylord Texan Hotel

A recent visit to Texas brought me to the massive and gorgeous Gaylord Texan Hotelin Grapevine, Texas. Quite possibly the epitome of the term "Everything's bigger in Texas," the Gaylord Texan seems large enough to be considered its very own city. Contained within the bright and open floorplan of Gaylord Texan are over 1,500 suites, 4 unique restaurants, and a number of bars and smaller eateries. As if this weren't impressive enough, they Gaylord Texan features the Relache Spa as well as a fitness center and jogging trail. Within minutes of the Gaylord Texan, you will find a golf course and shopping. If staying in is more your style, the Gaylord Texan offers events year-round that are not to be missed. During Thanksgiving, the Gaylord Texan features an exquisite Thanksgiving feast served up in its chic Texas Ballroom. During the Christmas season, the ICE! exhibit, featuring breathtaking ice sculptures, will leave you in awe. In addition, the Gaylord Texan provides entertainment year-round with its Murder Mystery dinner shows.

If you are considering a stay at the Gaylord Texan, here's a breakdown of what you might expect from your stay:

Summary of the Gaylord Texan

Appearance 5/5

Service 5/5

Rooms 4/5

Location 4/5

Amenities 5/5

Overall 5/5

Appearance of the Gaylord Texan

As you venture up the drive to the Gaylord Texan, you will quickly realize that you're in for a unique hotel experience. A gigantic branding iron placed on the side of the road provides your first impression that things at the Gaylord Texan are larger than life. This impression is furthered when you enter the doors of this vast hotel. Be prepared to pick your jaw up off the floor as you take in your first sight of the Gaylord Texan. Enormous archways greet you and larger-than-life lighting fixtures will leave you feeling like you have walked into a medieval castle. As you walk into the center of the Gaylord Texan, you will find yourself surrounded by lush, green plants and a comfortable, bright atmosphere. The sound of fountains and waterfalls you hear is not merely a sound effect. The picturesque and relaxing waterscapes at the Gaylord Texan will make you forget that you're indoors at all. From the center of this breathtaking hotel, pathways lead in every direction to various dining and relaxing spots, and a bridge leads the way to shopping and convention rooms.

Service at the Gaylord Texan

The moment you pull up to the Gaylord Texan, you will be greeted by Texas charm and chivalry. Friendly and helpful staff will help you with your luggage and check you into your room quickly and efficiently. In addition, concierge service is available 24/7 with a simple push of a button on your room phone. The Gaylord Texan also offers a "Consider it Done" service where you may inquire about anything from the location of the nearest shopping mall to requesting more coffee for your room.

Rooms at the Gaylord Texan

The Gaylord Texan offers a variety of suites depending on your price range. Given the impressive appearance of the Gaylord Texan, I was personally a little disappointed by the ho-hum appearance of our suite in the Hill Country section of the Gaylord Texan. However, with all there was to do and see at the Gaylord Texan and surrounding Grapevine, I didn't spend much time in the room anyway.

Location of the Gaylord Texan

The Gaylord Texan is located just minutes from the Dallas/Fort Worth Airport and offers a shuttle to and from the airport for a reasonable fee. In addition, the Gaylord Texan is located near downtown Grapevine which offers some unique small-town shopping. The Gaylord Texan is also located near other shopping facilities including the Grapevine Mills Mall. The only grudge I had against the location of the Gaylord Texan is that it cost a pretty penny to pay for a taxi to the nearest Target and other shopping areas that were not serviced by the complimentary shuttle.

Amenities at the Gaylord Texan

The amenities at the Gaylord Texan are top-notch. From a refrigerator, wifi internet access, and an electronic safe in each room, to two pools and a fitness center, the Gaylord Texan has it all. In addition, the Gaylord Texan offers free shuttles to downtown as well as the Grapevine Mills Mall on a set schedule. As if these weren't reason enough to visit the Gaylord Texan, the ultra-luxurious beds will have you sleeping like a baby.

Overall experience at the Gaylord Texan

No matter if you're visiting the Gaylord Texan on business or for pleasure, you will surely leave relaxed and feeling pampered. In fact, there is so much to do and see within the walls of the Gaylord Texan, my guess is that you'll want to make a trip back as soon as you can. I know I will!