Gaylord Hotels Sells Brand Rights and Management Contracts to Marriot International

Gayloard Entertainment has announced plans to sell the rights to the Gaylord Hotels brand as well as the management contracts for Gaylord resort properties to Marriott International. Their Board of Directors has authorized Gaylord Entertainment to reorganize as a Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) contingent on a shareholder vote expected to take place this August. Pending approval, Gaylord Entertainment will be treated as a REIT beginning January 1, 2013.

Gaylord Entertainment believes that by combining Gaylord culture and flawless service standards with Marriott’s operational expertise, the changes announced will ensure an even greater Gaylord experience for customers and meeting attendees. Marriott offers industry-leading loyalty program and corporate accounts, increasing the benefits to planning meetings with Gaylord Hotels.

Like Gaylord, Marriott believes in the power of their employees and the consequent translation to superior guest satisfaction. Marriott also shares Gaylord’s commitment to providing the highest quality experience for leisure guests, group customers, and meeting planners. Gaylord Entertainment is confident that guest experience will remain best-in-class under Marriott International’s management with service provided by the same team that is currently in place.

The distinctive guest experience that is the hallmark of the Gaylord properties will remain unchanged, and Gaylord anticipates this transition will be completely seamless in both service and experience. Under this new structure, Gaylord Entertainment will still own all of their hotel properties, attractions, and entertainment brands, but Marriott International will manage operations at Gaylord Opryland and Gaylord Springs Golf Links, Gaylord Palms, Gaylord Texan, and Gaylord National under the Gaylord Hotels brand. Gaylord Entertainment will continue to own and operate the Radisson Hotel Opryland, General Jackson, Wildhorse Saloon, Grand Ole Opry, Grand Ole Opry House, Ryman Auditorium, and WSM-AM as part of the REIT.