If you’ve ever walked through the massive glass atrium of the Gaylord Opryland or got lost trying to find the lazy river at the Gaylord Texan, you’ve probably wondered who actually has the keys to these mini-cities. They are huge. Honestly, "hotel" doesn't even feel like the right word. They are more like self-contained ecosystems with their own climates, indoor rivers, and enough meeting space to host a small nation.
People usually see the Marriott Bonvoy signs and assume Marriott owns the whole thing. It makes sense, right? You use your points there. You book through their app. But the reality is a bit more like a complicated real estate marriage.
Who Owns the Gaylord Hotels Right Now?
To understand who owns the Gaylord Hotels, you have to look at a company called Ryman Hospitality Properties (NYSE: RHP). Based out of Nashville, these guys are the actual landlords. They own the dirt, the bricks, the glass, and the spectacular indoor gardens.
Wait, then what is Marriott?
Back in 2012, the company (then known as Gaylord Entertainment) decided they didn't want to be in the business of running hotels anymore. They wanted to be a Real Estate Investment Trust, or REIT. To do that, they sold the Gaylord Hotels brand and the rights to manage the properties to Marriott International for about $210 million.
So, Ryman owns the buildings. Marriott runs the show.
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The Breakup of Duties
It's a "clean" split, mostly. Ryman acts as the asset manager. They decide when it's time to spend $50 million on a new water park or a massive room renovation. They are the ones looking at the long-term value of the real estate.
Marriott is the operator. They hire the "Stars" (that’s what Gaylord calls its employees), handle the check-ins, manage the Marriott Bonvoy integration, and keep the buffet lines moving. If a lightbulb is out, that’s Marriott’s problem. If the roof needs replacing, Ryman writes the check.
The Six Giant Properties
As of 2026, the portfolio has grown. For a long time, there were only four. Now, it's a different story. Here is the current lineup of who owns what:
- Gaylord Opryland (Nashville, TN): The mothership. Ryman owns it.
- Gaylord Palms (Kissimmee, FL): That giant Florida atrium? Ryman owns that too.
- Gaylord Texan (Grapevine, TX): Everything is bigger in Texas, and Ryman owns this massive slice of it.
- Gaylord National (National Harbor, MD): Located right on the Potomac. Owned by Ryman.
- Gaylord Rockies (Aurora, CO): This one is a bit different. Ryman has a major stake (around 35-60% depending on the year's equity shifts), but they partnered with other investors like RIDA Development.
- Gaylord Pacific (Chula Vista, CA): The newest kid on the block, opened in 2025. This was a massive $1.3 billion project. While it carries the Gaylord name and Marriott manages it, the ownership involves a partnership with RIDA Development.
Why Does This Structure Matter?
You might think, "Who cares who owns the building?"
But it actually changes the experience for you. Because Ryman is a REIT, they are legally required to distribute a huge chunk of their taxable income to shareholders. This means they are highly motivated to keep these hotels packed. It’s why you see so many massive events—cheerleading competitions, tech conferences, and those legendary Christmas light displays.
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They need high volume.
Also, the Marriott partnership was a game-changer for the brand's survival. Before 2012, Gaylord was a standalone brand. It was hard to compete with the giants. By joining Marriott, Gaylord properties suddenly got access to over 200 million Marriott Bonvoy members.
Common Misconceptions About the Ownership
One big thing people get wrong is thinking the Grand Ole Opry is owned by Marriott.
Nope.
Ryman Hospitality Properties kept the "entertainment" side of the business for themselves. They own the Grand Ole Opry, the Ryman Auditorium, and WSM-AM radio. They even have a huge stake in the Opry Entertainment Group. While Marriott manages the hotels, they have nothing to do with the country music side of things.
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If you go to a show at the Opry, your Marriott points won't help you much there.
What’s Next for Gaylord?
The strategy seems to be "go big or go home." The opening of the Gaylord Pacific in California was a huge risk—over a billion dollars—but it shows that Ryman and Marriott are doubled down on this "all-under-one-roof" concept.
They are betting that even in a world of remote work, people still want to gather in person.
Honestly, the ownership structure is what allowed these hotels to survive the 2020 lockdowns. Ryman had the real estate stability, and Marriott had the operational scale to weather the storm.
Actionable Insights for Your Next Stay
- Check the "Inn at Opryland": If the main Gaylord Opryland is too expensive, Ryman also owns "The Inn at Opryland" right across the street. It's cheaper, but you still get some of the perks.
- Bonvoy is King: Since Marriott manages the brand, always book through your Bonvoy account. Even though Ryman owns the building, Marriott controls the loyalty currency.
- Look for "Asset Sales": If you’re an investor, keep an eye on RHP (Ryman Hospitality Properties). They are the ones who benefit when the hotels do well, not necessarily Marriott's stock alone.
The next time you’re standing under that massive glass roof, just remember: you’re standing in a Ryman building, sleeping in a Marriott bed, and probably paying for it with a lot of Bonvoy points.
Check the specific resort's event calendar before booking, as "convention season" can significantly drive up the room rates at these Ryman-owned properties. Always compare the "resort fee" across different Gaylord locations, as they vary wildly based on the local amenities Ryman has installed.