Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center - Review 2025

What to Do

The Paradise Springs Water Park is always one of the resort’s biggest hits in the summertime – note that it’s open seasonally, and during the beginning and end of the season, on weekends only. The fountain and splash complex is complete with a dump bucket emblazoned with a Texas flag, filled by two bull horns above it. A lazy river, waterslides, and a 6,000-square-foot family lagoon provide plenty more opportunities to cool off.

If you aren’t traveling with kids or have a night without them, the Glass Cactus is the place to be for adults. This lively nightclub has four bar and lounge areas and a huge dance floor – you don’t need to leave the resort to have some late-night fun. Often, special performances and concerts are put on at the Glass Cactus.

The surrounding Grapevine and Dallas-Fort Worth areas have endless attractions as well – go for some retail therapy at the Grapevine Mills mall, or hike some of the many nature trails around Lake Grapevine. A bit further, you can attend a real Texas rodeo; there are quite a few of these in the area.

What to Eat & Drink

Guests can start their day at Cocoa Bean coffee shop or Mission Plaza Marketplace grab-and-go market for something quick. But for the best breakfast experience, Riverwalk Cantina is the place to get à-la-carte southern specialties and Tex-Mex-ified classics.

Riverwalk Cantina continues serving tasty Tex-Mex dishes through lunch and dinner, and you shouldn’t miss it. The atmosphere of the traditional village and koi pond within the atrium is unique and fun.

There are two other main dinner options at the resort. Old Hickory Steakhouse offers fine dining in a Texan wine cellar atmosphere, while Zeppole and its Italian-American dishes will transport you to the Mediterranean without leaving the atrium.

More casual dining can be found at the Texan Station Sports Bar & Grill, a great place to catch the game on its 52-foot screen, and Paradise Springs Pool Bar & Grill, the spot for snacks by the pool. Adults in search of an adult beverage should look towards Silver Bar, an Old West-style spot for draft beers, cocktails, and more.

Room Guide

There are almost 2,000 rooms at the Gaylord Texan, making this one of the largest resorts we’ve seen in Texas. They all benefit from the high quality that the Marriott company prides itself on, and your choice is mainly about how much space you need.

Standard and Atrium View Rooms: These categories are all similar in size at around 350 square feet and offer either one king or two queen beds. Standard rooms offer unremarkable views, while guests can choose from Partial or Center Atrium Views to overlook the stunning Lone Star Atrium during their stay.

Executive, Deluxe, and Family Suites: Up to six guests can stay in these larger rooms, which increase in size respectively as listed. Each has a king bed and can accommodate rollaways, while Family Suites offer a queen bed in the living room as well. Upgraded furniture and large dining tables are other extras in suites.

Special Experiences

Guests looking for something special at the Gaylord Texan should strongly consider a day at the Relâche Spa & Salon. There are 25,000 square feet of pure bliss, with private indoor and outdoor pools, several steam rooms and saunas, and tailored treatments in European wellness style. Special options are available for mothers-to-be.

Rather than relaxing, put your mind to the test by participating in one of the resort’s several escape rooms or by trying one of the seasonal scavenger hunts. Each season brings new activities, like bingo and animal encounters, for the whole family.

One of the most exclusive ways to spend a day or evening in this area is to rent or charter a boat on Lake Grapevine. Couples looking to cruise or fish can take out a simple ski boat, while larger groups or families would probably better enjoy one of the iconic pontoon boats common to the area. Rental facilities are located on the shores surrounding the hotel.