BETHESDA, Md.—Marriott International, Inc. has completed the transaction announced on May 31 with Gaylord Entertainment Company, now Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc., to acquire the Gaylord brand and hotel management company for $210 million.
Gaylord Entertainment’s shareholders approved that company’s transition to a real estate investment trust on September 25, and Gaylord Entertainment merged with Ryman Hospitality Properties and assumed that name. Ryman will continue to own the existing four Gaylord hotels and Marriott will manage the properties under long-term agreements.
In addition, Marriott will also manage three Nashville attractions: the General Jackson Showboat, Gaylord Springs Golf Links, and Wildhorse Saloon. On December 1, Marriott will assume management of the Radisson Hotel Opryland, which will then be renamed The Inn at Opryland, a Gaylord Hotel. Ryman will also continue to own these properties. The transaction adds five hotels and approximately 8,100 rooms to the Marriott International portfolio.
In an announcement, Arne Sorenson, Marriott International president and chief executive officer, said, “Our partnership with the Gaylord organization has been exceptional. Both the Gaylord and Marriott transition teams have worked closely together with much skill and dedication to be ready for this exciting day. Gaylord’s proven success in the meetings and family leisure markets, and their ‘all-in-one-place’ properties will greatly enhance our portfolio and will provide new opportunities both for Gaylord associates, called STARs, and Marriott associates. We are delighted to welcome our new Gaylord portfolio and look forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship with Ryman Hospitality Properties.”
The Gaylord brand and properties will benefit from Marriott’s economies of scale, including reservations and procurement, sales, revenue management, and distribution systems, as well as Marriott’s 40 million-member Marriott Rewards guest loyalty program.
