The new Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center, opened Dec. 18, 2018, adds another option for large-scale meetings in the Denver area.  The Gaylord Rockies, the largest combined resort and convention center in Colorado, is the first Gaylord Hotels property to open in ten years and the fifth addition to the chain, which is owned by Marriott International. 

The Gaylord Rockies, located in Aurora, Colo., is just 10 minutes from Denver International Airport and offers shuttle access to the A Line airport rail with service to the airport and downtown Denver. The resort boasts 1,501 guest rooms with 114 suites — more rooms than any other Denver-area meeting hotel.

“For the past three years, a dedicated group of more than 1,500 individuals has worked tirelessly to bring this massive project to life,” said Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center General Manager Rick Medwedeff.

He added, “We couldn’t be more excited to officially open our doors and welcome guests to experience all that’s offered at this magnificent property; a destination experience in its own that authentically captures Colorado’s adventurous spirit.”

The resort’s 485,000+ square feet of convention center space includes a 175,000 sq. ft. exhibit hall, four ballrooms ranging from 7,500 to 59,467 sq. ft. and up to 78 breakout rooms with ample pre-function space. For outdoor functions, planners can choose from the 20,000 sq. ft. Aurora Patio, 18,000 sq. ft Veranda and three outdoor event lawns.

Mike Stengel, senior vice president of Gaylord Hotels at Marriott International, said that the Gaylord Rockies will help bring more business to Marriott and to the region in general.

“Adding a western group destination of this magnitude to Marriott International’s portfolio allows our organization to leverage existing large conference business demand into the property,” Stengel stated. “This spectacular new-build will also create new demand in the market with meetings customers who have never considered Colorado for their events.”

Recreation is also a strong focus at the Gaylord Rockies, with options designed to appeal both to leisure travelers and meeting attendees who wish to add on family time. The Relache Spa and Salon offers a place for guests to unwind. For guests who wish to be more active, the resort features a 22,000 sq. ft. indoor/outdoor water park with a lazy river and three waterslides, plus an arcade, miniature golf, bike rentals, pickleball and a fitness center.

The Gaylord Rockies offers three restaurants onsite — a steakhouse, an Italian eatery, and an Asian-inspired restaurant — plus the full-service Mountain Pass Sports Bar where sports aficionados can watch games on the state’s largest (75 foot) viewing screen.  For those who appreciate craft beer, the resort offers two exclusive resort branded brews from local brewery Dry Dock Brewing Co. There is also a lobby bar, a café, and a grab-and-go marketplace.

Guest reviews posted on the resort’s website from the resort’s soft opening are mixed, with many reviewers commenting on the prices of parking, food and beverages while praising the property itself. 

For more information on holding meetings at the Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center, go here.