Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center

The hotel offers a grand and immersive experience, largely defined by its massive atrium featuring a themed Riverwalk, lush indoor gardens, and captivating light shows. This signature feature creates a unique "city within a city" atmosphere, making it a memorable destination. The property is particularly well-suited for conference attendees and business travelers due to its extensive and highly-regarded convention facilities. It is also a popular choice for families seeking a fun-filled getaway, especially during holiday seasons, and can serve as a luxurious retreat for couples. To make the most of your stay, guests recommend being prepared for the sheer size of the property and the extensive walking involved, and utilizing the hotel's mobile app for easier navigation and access to services.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests have access to a variety of recreational facilities, including an indoor pool, an outdoor pool, and the expansive Paradise Springs water park. The water park, a significant draw for families, is accessible via a convenient shuttle service, offering numerous attractions, though some guests found it to be smaller than anticipated or noted occasional issues like bees. The fitness center is consistently praised as well-equipped and spacious, catering to various workout needs. The luxurious spa provides an excellent opportunity for relaxation and rejuvenation. The hotel also features numerous shops and a massive, highly-regarded conference center that is ideal for large-scale events. However, some guests experienced inconvenience due to elevators being slow or out of service, leading to considerable wait times. While Wi-Fi is available, some guests reported confusion regarding its inclusion or encountered additional charges.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Most guests find the property and rooms to be clean and well-maintained, with housekeeping often praised for its thoroughness and organization. However, some reviews mention specific instances of dirty rooms, including sticky carpets, uncleaned bathrooms, or even pest issues like ants or bed bugs. Feedback on room condition is mixed. Many describe rooms as dated, old, or in need of a refresh, noting worn carpets, small sizes, or a lack of dresser space. Conversely, others found the rooms comfortable, spacious, and well-appointed. The beds generally receive positive comments for being comfortable, though a few guests found them too hard. Standard amenities typically include a mini-fridge and coffee maker, but guests frequently note the absence of a microwave. Some also mention a lack of basic toiletries or issues with plumbing fixtures like showers or toilets. A significant number of guests report noise issues, particularly from the atrium, bars, elevators, and adjacent rooms due to thin walls, which can impact sleep quality.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel offers a wide array of restaurants, including Italian, a steakhouse, Tex-Mex, and a sports bar, alongside a market place and coffee shops. While this variety is appreciated, some guests noted limited operating hours for certain venues, especially during off-peak times. Food quality receives mixed feedback. Many guests praise the food as amazing, outstanding, or delicious, with specific commendations for the Riverwalk Cantina breakfast and Mexican cuisine, and the steak restaurant. However, a notable number of guests found the food to be mediocre, sub-par, or overpriced, with some describing it as bland or having limited healthy options. The breakfast buffet is often mentioned, with some finding it good value and variety, while others experienced issues like empty platters. Room service food quality is inconsistent, and some guests resorted to ordering from outside the property.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts a central location that is highly convenient for conference attendees and those traveling through the airport, being very close to DFW. It is also well-situated near the town of Grapevine, offering access to its downtown area, shopping, and local attractions. However, guests frequently note that the hotel is quite isolated from the main attractions of Dallas and Fort Worth, requiring taxi or ride-share services to reach them. Parking is a significant and recurring point of contention for many guests. Both self-parking and valet options are available, but guests consistently report high daily fees, long waits to enter or exit the garages, and difficulty finding available spaces, especially during peak seasons or large events. Some also mention the inconvenience of parking areas not being directly connected to all parts of the hotel, leading to long walks, particularly in inclement weather.

Staff & Service
The staff consistently receives high praise for their friendliness, professionalism, and attentiveness. Guests frequently highlight their helpfulness, willingness to accommodate requests, and positive demeanor across various departments, including housekeeping, valet, and restaurant service. Many describe interactions as excellent and commend the staff for making their stay enjoyable. Feedback on the check-in and check-out process is mixed. While some guests experienced quick and efficient service, a notable number reported long waits, slow processing times, and occasional issues with reservations or room readiness upon arrival. Some also mentioned instances of unhelpful or misinformed front desk staff. Housekeeping is often commended for its thoroughness and organization, with some guests appreciating personalized touches. Valet service is noted for its efficiency, though long wait times for vehicle retrieval are sometimes reported. The conference staff is particularly lauded for their excellent support during events.

Additional Information
A prominent concern, particularly during holiday periods like Christmas, is the overcrowding of the resort. This is often attributed to the hotel allowing a large number of non-guests to access its activities and facilities, leading to long lines for attractions, restaurants, and even basic services. This influx can significantly detract from the guest experience, making the property feel more like a crowded amusement park than a relaxing resort. Guests frequently mention an additional resort fee that is charged daily. While this fee covers certain amenities, many guests express frustration that it is often not clearly disclosed at the time of booking and only becomes apparent upon checkout, leading to unexpected costs. The hotel's mobile app is noted as a useful tool for guests, aiding with navigation, check-in processes, and accessing room keys, which can enhance convenience during their stay.