Thursday, May 15, 2025
California is about to welcome its very first Gaylord resort, an impressive new landmark opening tomorrow that stands as one of the largest hotel developments ever on the West Coast. Perched on the scenic shores of San Diego Bay, offering panoramic vistas of Chula Vista Marina and the renowned Coronado Island, this resort delivers a truly exceptional and elevated hospitality experience.
The Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center, a $1.3 billion project developed by RIDA Development and managed by Marriott, joins the distinguished Gaylord Hotels family as its sixth property. It follows the legacy of notable resorts such as Gaylord Opryland in Nashville, Gaylord Rockies in Colorado, and Gaylord Palms in Orlando. Featuring over sixteen hundred guest rooms and suites, a luxurious Relache Spa & Salon, a sprawling 4.25-acre water park, and twelve outstanding dining options, this resort brings a new level of luxury and scale to Southern California’s travel scene. Marriott Bonvoy members can also redeem points for stays, adding convenience for frequent travelers.
Upon arrival, guests step into a vast glass atrium that floods the space with natural light. This impressive lobby features soaring floor-to-ceiling windows, a dazzling chandelier, a tranquil central water feature, and lush indoor foliage inspired by the nearby coastline, blending modern sophistication with natural beauty.
Accommodations are designed to maximize stunning views of the bay, nearby mountain ranges, or the vibrant resort grounds. The interiors subtly reflect California’s coastal lifestyle through curated artwork and nostalgic surf culture references. Standard rooms range from nearly 390 to over 620 square feet, offering flexible bedding options with either king or double-queen arrangements to meet diverse guest needs.
For those seeking an elevated stay, the resort offers six Luxury Suites, ten Presidential Suites, and two expansive Penthouse Presidential Suites. The penthouses feature over 3,000 square feet of combined indoor and outdoor space, including private balconies, spacious living rooms, kitchenettes, bars, dining areas, and master bedrooms with spa-style soaking tubs—perfect for guests desiring exclusive comfort and privacy.
Dining at Gaylord Pacific spans twelve unique restaurants, catering to a wide range of culinary preferences. The flagship Old Hickory Steakhouse, situated prominently in the main atrium, serves an upscale surf-and-turf menu featuring steaks dry-aged in-house to enhance flavor and tenderness.
Treo Kitchen + Bar highlights California’s rich local flavors, offering dishes such as bluefin tuna crudo sourced from the region and handcrafted cavatelli pasta, providing a fresh farm-to-table experience. Sports enthusiasts will enjoy Growlers Sports Bar & Taproom, where a massive seventy-five-foot hanging television complements a menu filled with classic favorites like artisanal hot dogs, wagyu beef burgers, and chili nachos. The décor includes a distinctive wall of painted kegs showcasing every major California sports team, adding a spirited local vibe.
One of the resort’s most impressive attributes is its vast event and meeting spaces. Spanning a total of 477,000 square feet that seamlessly blend indoor and outdoor areas—featuring 135,000 square feet of meticulously landscaped lawns and terraces—the venue includes sixty-seven versatile breakout rooms and four elegant ballrooms. This makes Gaylord Pacific the largest hotel convention center and ballroom complex in California, positioning it as a premier choice for conferences, corporate events, weddings, and social gatherings.
Taking full advantage of the region’s sunny climate, the resort includes a sprawling waterfront water park suitable for all ages. The park features multiple swimming pools, exhilarating waterslides, a relaxing lazy river, and a wave pool. Guests can reserve private cabanas and lounge chairs to enhance their leisure experience.
After a day filled with work or play, visitors can unwind at the upscale Relache Spa & Salon, which offers a comprehensive selection of wellness treatments. Fitness enthusiasts have access to a 7,500-square-foot gym equipped with top-tier cardio and strength training machines, including Peloton bikes, ensuring guests can maintain their workout routines.
In summary, the Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center redefines luxury hospitality in Southern California by combining elegant accommodations, diverse dining experiences, expansive event venues, and exciting recreational amenities—all set against the stunning backdrop of San Diego Bay. This new resort is destined to become a top destination for travelers, business events, and local visitors seeking a premier West Coast escape.
