Sunday, February 27, 2011

The Meeting Guys: Gaylord Hotels


Last week I joined two sales directors Gaylord Hotels, Matt from the Gaylord Texan, and David from the Gaylord Palms, for what was meant to be drinks and appetizers. Unfortunately, anything beyond burgers and ice cream is difficult to come by before 6:00 p.m. at Thanksgiving Point. We settled for ice cream.

I only have had experience with the Gaylord Palms in Orlando. Strictly from a resort viewpoint, I did not love the physical layout or decor of the Gaylord Palms. However, the service and food compensated for any minor decor deficiencies. My complaints are more irritants, like musty drywall and a strong chlorine smell in the atrium.

Speaking about Gaylord company with Matt and David, however,  I couldn't but help but fall in love with the big time, money-making machine the company has become. These people know how to churn conventions and trade shows in and out of their properties while keeping customers happy, and returning.

The company used to own a controlling share in Opryland theme park. When the company streamlined its strategy to focus on meetings, they dumped the theme park. However, in related fun, in order to draw more business to their Texas property, the company is building a water park in and next to the hotel.

There is something so alluring about sound business sense put into practice.

Gaylord owns a swath of land in Phoenix. Back in 2007, they were ready to build a massive meeting complex. Luckily, shovel never connected with dirt. The Phoenix project will probably be scrapped; Denver is looking more attractive.

We finished our ice cream and said our goodbyes. I'm not in love with the bedspreads, but I sure like this company.

1 comment:

  1. i stayed in a mid-size hotel in the middle-of-nowhere Canada last year that had a water park (for adults) in the hotel. most memorable hotel experience ever. i splashed around with people twice my age and had the best night's rest i'd had in a long time. indeed, not a bad business idea at all.

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