The 7 Biggest Reasons Why Gaylord Texan Resort Is The Must-Visit Destination Of 2025: New DC Attraction, $54M Renovations, And Top Awards
The Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center is cementing its status as the premier destination in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex with a wave of exciting, fresh updates for 2025. This sprawling, Marriott-operated property on the shores of Lake Grapevine isn't resting on its laurels; it's undergoing significant enhancements and launching major new attractions designed to captivate both leisure guests and massive convention groups.
From a multi-million-dollar guest room renovation to a blockbuster, temporary DC Superheroes experience, the resort is ensuring its offerings remain cutting-edge and luxurious. Here is a deep dive into the most compelling reasons why the Gaylord Texan is the essential Texas getaway and meeting hub for the current year.
The State of the Art: Recent Expansions and $54 Million Renovations
The commitment to maintaining a world-class experience at the Gaylord Texan is evident in its continuous, multi-year investment plan by its ownership group, Ryman Hospitality Properties. This ensures the resort not only keeps up with industry standards but sets them.
Massive Room and Facility Upgrades
The resort has recently completed a significant expansion, adding over 300 new guest rooms, bringing its total capacity to over 1,800 rooms and suites. This $120 million project introduced a contemporary, upscale feel that complements the existing rustic-Texas design.
Currently, or very recently, a substantial $54 million guest room renovation is planned or underway. This investment focuses on updating and modernizing the existing accommodations, with new wall and floor finishes, fresh paint, and corridor enhancements to elevate the guest experience to a new level of luxury and comfort.
A Convention Powerhouse
As Grapevine's convention headquarters hotel, the Gaylord Texan is one of the largest and most sought-after meeting venues in the Southwest. The enhancements ensure its meeting spaces remain top-tier. The resort hosts major events throughout 2025, solidifying its role as a key economic driver for the region.
Notable conventions scheduled for 2025 include the CLM Annual Conference in April, the Connect 2025 Pharmacy Conference, the NIBA Annual Convention, and the US Track & Field event in December.
Topical Authority: Why Gaylord Texan is a Recognized Leader in 2025
The resort’s dedication to excellence has been recognized with multiple prestigious awards in 2024 and 2025, proving it is a top-rated property in the highly competitive Texas market.
- Travel + Leisure World's Best Awards (2025): The Gaylord Texan was named the #2 best resort in Texas, a testament to its exceptional service and unique amenities.
- ConventionSouth Readers' Choice Award (2025): The resort’s convention facilities and service were honored with a 2025 Readers' Choice Award, highlighting its excellence as a meeting venue.
- Best in DFW Awards (2025): It secured the Silver award for 'Best Destination' in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. In 2024, it also won Silver for 'Best Staycation Hotel,' making it a consistent local favorite.
- Green Key Global Certification (2025): The Gaylord Texan has demonstrated its commitment to environmental responsibility by achieving a Green Key Global certification.
These recent accolades confirm that the resort is not just a large hotel but a recognized leader in hospitality, conventions, and sustainable practices.
The 7 Must-See Features That Define the Gaylord Texan Experience
Beyond the rooms and meeting halls, the Gaylord Texan is an immersive destination in itself, designed to transport guests into a world of Texas-themed wonder.
1. The 4.5 Acres of Indoor Atriums
The resort is famous for its massive, climate-controlled indoor gardens and winding waterways, housed under soaring glass ceilings. These 4.5 acres of atriums are divided into distinct regions—the Riverwalk, the San Antonio-themed area, and the Texas Hill Country—each featuring native plants, stunning architecture, and interactive elements. This is the centerpiece of the resort, offering a unique, year-round environment.
2. The Brand-New DC Universe of Light Attraction (Summer 2025)
For a limited time in 2025, the Gaylord Texan is debuting a major new attraction in partnership with Warner Bros. From May 23 through September 1, 2025, the resort will host the "Universe of Light featuring DC Superheroes." This all-new, 17,000-square-foot walkthrough experience is a massive, immersive playground where guests can interact with iconic DC Superheroes and villains. This is a huge draw for families and comic book fans, making the summer of 2025 a unique time to visit.
3. Paradise Springs Water Park
Exclusive to overnight guests, the seasonal Paradise Springs Water Park is a 10-acre outdoor water wonderland. It features an adrenaline-charged water play area, a massive 6,000-square-foot family lagoon, a 600-foot-long lazy river, and multiple waterslides. It’s a perfect summer escape for all ages, typically open from May to September.
4. Lone Star Christmas and ICE! Attraction (2025)
The holiday season transforms the entire resort into a winter wonderland for its annual Lone Star Christmas celebration. The highlight is the signature ICE! attraction, which features two million pounds of hand-carved ice sculptures in a massive, refrigerated tent, a tradition that draws hundreds of thousands of visitors every year.
5. Diverse and Distinctive Dining Options
The resort offers a wide array of distinctive restaurants and dining experiences, catering to every palate. Guests can enjoy everything from classic Texas barbecue and creative Tex-Mex to upscale Italian cuisine.
- Texan Station Sports Bar: A massive, entertaining sports bar perfect for catching a game.
- Zeppole Coastal Italian: An upscale restaurant offering a taste of the Italian coast.
- The Cocoa Bean: A great spot for a quick coffee or sweet treat.
- Riverwalk Cantina: Located in the atrium, offering vibrant Tex-Mex cuisine.
6. The Glass Cactus Nightclub
For those seeking nightlife, the Glass Cactus Nightclub is a premier entertainment venue located right on Lake Grapevine. It features live music, a large dance floor, and a stunning outdoor deck, providing an upscale evening option for guests and locals alike.
7. Seamless, Cashless Convenience
In a move toward modern efficiency, the Gaylord Texan has transitioned to a cashless facility. This means all transactions, including dining, retail, and activities, are handled via credit card, debit card, or mobile payment, ensuring a faster, more streamlined experience for all guests.
The combination of massive infrastructure investment, a major new attraction like the DC Universe of Light, and consistent recognition from top industry awards makes the Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center a top-tier destination that is a must-visit in 2025.
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