TPG Exclusive: California's first Gaylord Resort features 1,600 guest rooms, a 4.25-acre water park and a dozen restaurants
With sweeping views of the San Diego Bay, Chula Vista Marina and Coronado in the distance, California's first-ever Gaylord resort — and one of the biggest hotel builds the West Coast has ever seen — finally opens its doors tomorrow.
The $1.3 billion project, developed by RIDA Development and operated by Marriott, joins the Gaylord portfolio as the brand's sixth property, standing alongside popular resorts like Gaylord Opryland in Nashville, Gaylord Rockies in Colorado and Gaylord Palms in Orlando (one of TPG's favorite points hotels near Disney World). With hundreds of rooms and suites, a luxury Relache Spa & Salon, a 4.25-acre water park and a dozen restaurants, the Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center is unlike anything the area has seen before — and it's totally bookable on points.
Beyond the property's palatial entrance, guests will find a gleaming, sunlit glass atrium lobby outfitted with floor-to-ceiling windows, a striking chandelier, a central water feature and lush indoor vegetation reflective of the local landscape.
The 1,600 guest rooms — all with towering views of the property and bay beyond or mountains in the distance — nod to California beach culture with touches like "The Endless Summer" posters and framed coastal artwork. Standard rooms have a king or double-queen bed setup and range from 389 square feet to 623 square feet.
With six Luxury Suites, 10 Presidential Suites and two Penthouse Presidential Suites, those wanting to spread out will be spoiled for choice. The Penthouse Presidential Suites have over 3,000 square feet of combined indoor and outdoor space, including a private balcony, a spacious living room, a kitchenette, a bar and dining area and a master bedroom with a spa-like soaking tub.
Twelve dining concepts will ensure that no palate goes unsatisfied. Old Hickory Steakhouse, the primary restaurant situated front-and-center in the main atrium, is a signature Gaylord Hotels dining brand that centers around a surf-and-turf menu in an upscale setting and has its own in-house dry-aging program.
Meanwhile, Treo Kitchen + Bar focuses on regional flavors and ingredients, offering menu items like local bluefin tuna crudo and handmade cavatelli pasta.
Sports fanatics will love Growlers Sports Bar & Taproom, which features a massive 75-foot hanging TV screen, with a menu of sports bar classics like artisanal hot dogs, wagyu beef burgers and chili nachos. (Keep an eye out for the wall of hanging kegs painted in the colors of every California sports team.)
The resort's meeting and event space collection is one of the most impressive features on the property. With 477,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space — including 135,000 square feet of lawns and terraces, 67 breakout rooms and four ballrooms — Gaylord Pacific will house the biggest convention center and ballroom of any hotel in California. The property will likely become one of the state's most popular convention centers and event destinations, from massive work events to weddings.
Given the sunny nature of the destination, it only makes sense that there is something for everyone at the waterfront outdoor water park, which includes multiple pools, several waterslides, a lazy river and a wave pool, as well as bookable cabanas and lounge chairs.
The aforementioned Relache Spa & Salon will be ideal for unwinding after a long event or a day splashing in the pool. Guests can also hit the 7,500-square-foot fitness center, featuring high-end cardio and weight equipment (including Peloton bikes), to break a sweat.
Rates at Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center start from $368 or 44,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.
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