Gaylord Hotels Expands To The West Coast With The Opening Of Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center In Chula Vista, California

Gaylord Pacific Resort Debuts in CA

Gaylord Hotels and Marriott International have unveiled the Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Centre, marking the first Gaylord Hotels property in California and the sixth in its portfolio. This important addition to the West Coast strengthens the brand's presence in premium meetings and experiences. In collaboration with RIDA Development Corporation, this $1.3 billion project offers 1,600 guest rooms, including 89 suites, a diverse selection of 12 food and beverage options, a 4.25-acre waterpark with multiple pools, and over 477,000 square feet of meeting and event space.

“The debut of Gaylord Pacific marks a transformative milestone for the Gaylord Hotels brand,” said Johann Krieger, VP and Managing Director of Gaylord Hotels.

“Bringing our signature all-under-one-roof experience and expertise bringing people together for extraordinary experiences to the West Coast for the first time is a proud moment for our team and a meaningful expansion of our portfolio. This opening celebrates a decade-long collaboration with the City of Chula Vista and the Port of San Diego, and we’re excited to become part of this vibrant community.”

Gaylord Pacific, the first Gaylord Hotels location to launch since Gaylord Rockies Resort in Colorado debuted in 2018, enhances Marriott’s group and convention portfolio by establishing a new benchmark for meeting spaces.

Guest Rooms and Suites

Nestled between San Diego Bay and Chula Vista Marina, the resort’s upscale guest rooms capture the essence of a coastal escape, harmoniously blending seaside sophistication with homey comfort. Standard guest rooms, available with king or double queen beds, range from 389 sq. ft. to 623 sq. ft. and include a workspace with either mountain or bay views. Executive Suites offer up to 838 sq. ft. of space and feature a separate living room with a sofa bed, plus the option to connect to an adjacent queen guest room.

Gaylord Pacific's accommodations – consisting of six Luxury Suites, 10 Presidential Suites, and two ultra-premium Penthouse Presidential Suites – transform relaxation into an experience. These suites brilliantly combine various indoor and outdoor spaces, perfect for enjoying time with friends and family or cherishing moments with a small group. The Penthouse Presidential Suites offer 3,254 sq. ft. of both indoor and outdoor areas, featuring a private furnished balcony with views of San Diego Bay, Coronado Island, and the Pacific Ocean. Inside, the suites are equipped with a living room, kitchenette, bar, a dining table that seats eight, and a master bedroom complete with a private dressing room and a spa-inspired soaking tub.

Meetings & Events

With the introduction of Gaylord Pacific, Gaylord Hotels enhances its long-standing expertise in uniting people in remarkable ways at the nation’s top meeting venues. Specifically designed for hosting meetings, events, and celebrations of all types and sizes, the resort features 477,000 sq. ft. of indoor and outdoor space, including 135,000 sq. ft. of event lawns and terrace area, 67 breakout rooms, and four outstanding ballrooms. The resort offers a setting for functions and innovative gatherings, with balconies connected to the Chula Vista and Bayside Ballrooms, various culinary options, and additional amenities. Furthermore, Gaylord Pacific boasts California's largest convention center and hotel ballroom, distinguished by its California Ballroom & Exhibit Hall, which spans 140,049 sq. ft. 

Group and in-person meetings are central to Gaylord Hotels. The events team is equipped to craft unique experiences. Dedicated event managers, recognized by their iconic teal blazers as Teal Coats, oversee on-site coordination to ensure smooth execution and practical solutions for any issues that arise. Culinary offerings provide dining experiences with creative banquet-style setups and meals in renowned restaurants. Whether for grand galas, coastal weddings, or small family gatherings, Gaylord Pacific excels at customizing resorts for groups of all sizes.

Food & Beverage

Led by Chef Jakob Esko, Gaylord Pacific Resort invites resort guests and San Diego residents to explore various culinary experiences through 12 unique culinary outlets that suit every palate. Options include:

• Old Hickory Steakhouse is a signature Gaylord Hotels brand that offers refined surf and turf, where premium flavours and locally inspired cuisine come together in a sophisticated yet relaxed setting. Guests can enjoy menu offerings like a Seafood Tower, including Baja prawn, Jonah, and snow crab, oysters, bay scallop ceviche, and tuna crudo, a number of premium steak options, vegetarian entrees like grilled maitake mushroom, and more. Old Hickory will also feature an impressive in-house dry-ageing program.

• Trēō Kitchen + Bar invites guests to enjoy a seasonal menu that highlights the best of the region’s ingredients, from the locally sourced seafood in its Bluefin Tuna Crudo to the fresh herbs in its handmade Cavatelli pasta. Options are available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

• Growlers Sports Bar & Taproom is designed to reflect the classic California sports bar, perfect for watching the big game on a 75-ft. screen. Along with a tempting menu of elevated bar-food classics, including artisanal hot dogs, a Snake River Farms Wagyu Beef Burger, Chilli Nachos and more, guests can find intriguing design aspects, including a wall boasting hanging kegs painted in the colours of every California sports team.

• Oeste Bar anchors the resort’s sweeping, marine-inspired atrium, serving as an inviting hub where coastal elegance meets bold flavour. The menu features standout bites like Oysters Rockefeller, black garlic aioli waffle fries, crab cake sliders and more.

• Taiyō allows guests to dive into a tantalising variety of sushi in a laid-back setting. Guests can savour the flavours by the bay or take a quick, mouthwatering bite back to their room.

Aquatic Adventures

The Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center encourages guests to embark on an adventure with its expansive 4.25-acre water park. Suitable for guests of all ages, the water park boasts several pools, waterslides, a relaxing river, and a wave pool. Additionally, it features reservable cabanas and an abundance of lounge chairs. Two restaurants serve diverse menus for all ages. The Shallow End Grill presents classic boardwalk favourites along with locally brewed San Diego beers, while Sunny’s poolside oasis offers Baja-inspired dishes and tropical cocktails in a laid-back, sun-drenched atmosphere.

Activities & Amenities

In addition to the water park, the site features the signature Relâche Spa & Salon by Gaylord Hotels, offering specialized treatments and programs. There’s also a 7,500 sq. ft. fitness center equipped with the latest machines, plus bicycle rentals for exploring the area. The resort is ideally situated just seven miles from downtown San Diego, close to popular destinations like the San Diego Zoo and the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center.