Celebrate Summer in America’s Most Exciting Regions at Gaylord Hotels

SummerFest Activities Include The DreamWorks Experience and More.

NASHVILLE, TENN. -- There’s no better way to get away this summer than with Gaylord Hotels’ SummerFest, an exciting line-up of special events and activities available all summer long – from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend at Gaylord Hotels. 

Located in or near Washington, D.C., Nashville, Orlando and Dallas, the four Gaylord Hotels are destinations unto themselves. Each property’s unique design provides a stunning backdrop for relaxing fun, whether it’s a family vacation or a couple’s getaway, with entertainment, art and architecture celebrating each area’s local history. Best of all – and new for SummerFest – guests can now earn Marriott Rewards points when they stay at Gaylord Hotels. 

As part of SummerFest, guests can enjoy the Summer DreamWorks experience and vacation with the beloved characters from DreamWorks Animation films such as Shrek, Kung Fu Panda, Puss In Boots and Madagascar. Interactive DreamWorks-themed activities created exclusively for kids and families will make their stays unforgettable.  At each resort, guests will also discover delicious dining options overseen by award-winning chefs who showcase regional delicacies, full-service spas and salons, indoor and outdoor pools, access to golf, shopping and much more. Or, with convenient transportation options available at each resort to local attractions, guests can set off on excursions to explore the exciting offerings found in each region.     
SummerFest at Gaylord National Resort (National Harbor, Md.)

Gaylord National, the premiere waterfront resort on the Potomac River and a gateway to Washington, D.C., will embody all-American fun this summer. Guests will enjoy spectacular fireworks shows over the river, food and drink specials, nightly sunset toasts, a weekly Artisanal Cheese Class hosted by the hotel’s Maitre d’Fromage, splashin’ fun at the pool and adjacent sundeck overlooking the waterfront, and exclusive summer spa treatments. Kids and families are in for a treat with the Summer DreamWorks Experience, an exciting array of activities featuring favorite characters from DreamWorks Animation films such as Shrek, Madagascar, Puss In Boots and Kung Fu Panda. Exclusive events include DreamWorks Dance Parties and the Madagascar Crack-A-Lackin’ Cook-In (character dining). Just steps from the resort, guests can explore the exciting destination of National Harbor, Maryland, which offers dozens of restaurants, shops, art galleries, nightlife venues and weekly outdoor events such as movies along the waterfront, live musical performances, an open-air street market, and popular summer festivals such as the Chesapeake Crab & Beer Festival.  For packages and more information, go to www.gaylordhotels.com/summerfest.

SummerFest at Gaylord Opryland Resort (Nashville, Tenn.)
Gaylord Opryland brings the toe-tapping magic of Music City to life with live entertainment and easy access to Nashville’s most popular attractions, including the Grand Ole Opry, General Jackson Showboat, Wildhorse Saloon, and the historic Ryman Auditorium. This summer, guests will enjoy live music, culinary tours and demonstrations, carriage and Delta flatboat rides, and many other engaging events all season long. Families are especially in for a treat with the Summer DreamWorks Experience, an exciting array of activities featuring favorite characters from DreamWorks Animation films such as Shrek, Madagascar, Puss In Boots and Kung Fu Panda. Exclusive events include DreamWorks Experience Meet & Greets, Saturday Family Fun Nights, the Madagascar Crack-A-Lackin’ Cook-In (character dining), and DreamWorks-themed pool parties. For packages and more information, go to www.gaylordhotels.com/summerfest.

SummerFest at Gaylord Palms Resort (Kissimmee, Fla.)
SummerFest at Gaylord Palms is a great way to celebrate what the sunshine state is famous for: sun, music and fun! Guests will enjoy family entertainment, live music, and drink and dining specials all summer long, from our Key West Sunset Celebrations to specialty craft beers in our Wreckers Beer Garden. Kids and families are in for a treat with the Summer DreamWorks Experience, an exciting array of activities featuring favorite characters from DreamWorks Animation films such as Shrek, Madagascar and Kung Fu Panda. Exclusive events include DreamWorks Experience Meet & Greets, ShrekFeast (character dining), afternoon poolside games and the Crack-A-Lackin’ Pool Party at the fabulous Cypress Springs Family Fun Water Park with four water slides, Tree House water play structure and “Toddler Bay.” For packages and more information, go to www.gaylordhotels.com/summerfest.

SummerFest at Gaylord Texan Resort (Grapevine, Texas)
Located on the shores of beautiful Lake Grapevine (close to Dallas/Ft. Worth), Gaylord Texan celebrates the spirit and unique beauty of the Lone Star State with four-and-a-half acres of gardens and regionally inspired architecture under glass. This summer, guests will enjoy live entertainment such as strolling characters, magicians, stilt walkers and face painters, firework shows every Friday night, culinary events and classes such as junior chef camps, adult cooking classes, poolside music and mimosas, pool parties at Paradise Springs – the resort’s 10-acre pool and lazy river complex, acrylic painting classes for adults and kids, a Texas atrium art tour, sunrise yoga, spa specials and live music all season long. Families are especially in for a treat with the Summer DreamWorks Experience, an exciting array of activities featuring favorite characters from DreamWorks Animation films such as Shrek, Madagascar, Puss In Boots and Kung Fu Panda. Exclusive events include DreamWorks Experience Meet & Greets and the Madagascar Crack-A-Lackin’ Cook-In (character dining). For packages and more information, go to www.gaylordhotels.com/summerfest.

About Gaylord Hotels®
As part of the Marriott family of brands, Gaylord Hotels® is a collection of hotels and upscale resorts that afford endless opportunities for leisure travelers and conventioneers. The brand’s hallmark—“everything in one place”—provides guests with diverse dining options, quality spa and fitness center services, top-notch entertainment, on-site shopping and endless activities. Gaylord Hotels is a pioneer in the hotel and convention industry with properties in the nation’s most desirable destinations. Gaylord Hotels properties include Gaylord Opryland® in Nashville, Tenn.; Gaylord Palms® in Kissimmee, Fla. (near Orlando); Gaylord Texan® in Grapevine, Texas (near Dallas); Gaylord National® in National Harbor, Md. (near Washington, D.C.); and The Inn at Opryland® in Nashville, Tenn. For more information, please visit http://www.GaylordHotels.com.

Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) is a leading lodging company based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, with more than 3,800 properties in 74 countries and territories and reported revenues of nearly $12 billion in fiscal year 2012.  The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 18 brands. For more information or reservations, please visit our web site at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com.

Shrek, Madagascar, Puss in Boots, Kung Fu Panda, and all related characters and properties © 2013 DreamWorks Animation L.L.C.

Media contact:
Amie Gorrell
Director of Public Relations
Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center
301-965-2111 | agorrell@gaylordhotels.com

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Have Your Sunshine and Savings, Too

Perfect Florida summer vacation with suntastic deals at 30 JW Marriott®, Renaissance®, Marriott® Hotels and Resorts, and Gaylord® Hotels.

This year Florida celebrates 500 years of sensational beaches and attractions, giving travelers the perfect excuse to head to the Sunshine State to soak up the sun and the sea. Boasting a vibrant collection of Florida hotels & resorts, Marriott is turning up the fun with a summer savings event that caters to every kind of vacationer.

From the powder white sands of South Beach to the crystal clear waters of Florida’s west coast, 30 JW Marriott, Renaissance, Marriott Hotels and Resorts, and Gaylord Hotels are launching the 2013 Summer Suntastic Savings event, with benefits based on where you stay. Valid on travel from May 15th – Sept. 30th, perks range from discounted Great Rates to free meals for kids and complimentary amenities.

Rates for the Summer Suntastic Savings event start at $99. To book, visit www.marriottsummersuntasticsavings.com or call 800-228-9290. Booking window begins May 1st and runs through July 21st for travel May 15th – Sept. 30th.

Best of the Northwest Coast: Up to 25% Off Great Rates on Stay of 3+ Nights (Code ZZ1)
Tampa Airport Marriott
Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel & Marina
Clearwater Beach Marriott Suites on Sand Key
Renaissance Tampa Hotel International Plaza
Vinoy® Renaissance St. Petersburg Resort & Golf Club

Florida’s Playground: 15% Off Great Rates / Kids Eat Free / $25 Resort Credit (Code F8L)
Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa
Orlando Airport Marriott
JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes®
Orlando World Center Marriott Resort & Convention Center
Renaissance Orlando Hotel at SeaWorld®
Gaylord® Palms Resort & Convention Center

Sunny South Florida: Up to 15% Off Great Rates / Kids Eat Free / Free Internet OR Welcome Amenity (Code SUM)
Hutchinson Island Marriott Beach Resort & Marina
South Beach Marriott
Palm Beach Gardens Marriott
Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island Beach Resort & Spa
Delray Beach Marriott
West Palm Beach Marriott
Fort Lauderdale Marriott North
Harbor Beach Marriott Resort & Spa
Hollywood Beach Marriott
JW Marriott Hotel Miami*
JW Marriott Marquis Miami*
Miami Airport Marriott
Miami Marriott Biscayne Bay
Miami Marriott Dadeland*
Marco Island Marriott Resort, Golf Club & Spa
Sanibel Harbour Marriott Resort & Spa
Key Largo Bay Marriott Beach Resort
Eden Roc Renaissance Miami Beach
Renaissance Boca Raton

TERMS & CONDITIONS:
Promotional rates are valid for reservations booked on May 1st through July 21, 2013, for stays from May 15 through September 30, 2013 at participating Florida JW Marriott, Renaissance, Marriott Hotels and Resorts, and Gaylord Hotels.  Offer availability varies by participating hotel & resorts; Thursday – Sunday at hotels and 7 days a week at Resorts.  Room discount on best available leisure rate.  “Kids Eat Free” includes breakfast, lunch and dinner for up to four children 12 years of age and younger when an adult orders and entrée off the regular menu.  Free internet applies to hotel guest room.  Hotel Credit is available to use in select hotel outlets, and cannot be applied to room rate or be redeemed for cash. Welcome amenity provided by properties in place of Free Internet will vary by location and delivered upon arrival. Offer not applicable to groups of ten or more. Must quote promotional code to receive the promotional rate. A limited number of rooms are available and blackout dates or other restrictions may apply at participating locations only. Some hotels & may not be available at the rates shown. Promotion cannot be combined with any other offer, sale promotion, or prior purchase/reservation. Void where prohibited. © 2013 Marriott International, Inc.

*Properties do not include Kids Eat Free within their promotional rates.

Media Contact:
Luisana Suegart
Diamond Public Relations
luisana@diamondpr.com
305.854.3544

JW Marriott Hotels, a luxury brand and namesake of the company’s founder, consists of beautiful properties in gateway cities and distinctive resort locations around the world. These elegant hotels cater to today’s sophisticated, self-assured travelers, offering them the quiet luxury they seek in a warmly authentic, relaxed atmosphere. JW Marriott properties provide highly crafted, anticipatory experiences that reflect their locale and are delivered with an intuitive response to personal expectation. Recent news from the brand includes the introduction of several extraordinary partnerships that offer JW Marriott guests the opportunity to experience the best of culture, culinary, and well-being. Partners include exclusive relationships with CHRISTIES, Inc., Aromatherapy Associates, Keri Glassman, Treasury Wine Estates and Dr. Pamela Peeke. There are currently 53 JW Marriott hotels operating in 22 countries. By 2015 the portfolio is expected to encompass 80 properties in 29 countries. Learn more at www.jwmarriott.com.

Marriott Hotels & Resorts is Marriott International's signature and most widely distributed brand, with more than 500 hotels and resorts in 60 countries.  Marriott continues to inspire performance and a balanced life on the road for discerning and high-achieving business and leisure travelers, offering warm, professional service; sophisticated yet functional guest room design; lobby spaces that facilitate working, dining and socializing; restaurants and bars serving international cuisine prepared simply and from the freshest ingredients; meeting and event spaces and services that are gold standard; and expansive, 24-hour fitness facilities. All Marriott hotels participate in the award winning Marriott Rewards frequent travel program that allows members to earn hotel points or airline miles for every dollar spent during each stay. For more information, visit www.meetthedriven.com.  Follow Marriott Hotels & Resorts on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MarriottHotels.

Renaissance Hotels is an upscale brand with more than 145 properties in 32 countries that speaks to passionate travelers in search of authentic local discoveries when traveling for business or leisure. Renaissance Hotels has recently welcomed several new "gems" to its global collection – the boutique Renaissance Malmo hotel in Sweden, the historic Stanford Court hotel in San Francisco, the exotic Renaissance Curacao Resort & Casino in the Dutch Caribbean, the opulent Renaissance Bangkok Ratchaprasong Hotel and the modern Renaissance Beijing Capital Hotel. These hotels join a rich portfolio defined by distinctive and well-known icons such as the Eden Roc Renaissance Miami Beach, La Concha Renaissance San Juan, Renaissance New York Hotel 57 and Renaissance Paris Arc de Triomphe.  All Renaissance hotels participate in the award winning Marriott Rewards® frequent travel program that allows members to earn hotel points or airline miles for every dollar spent during each stay.  To make reservations and for more information visit www.renaissancehotels.com.  Follow Renaissance on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RenaissanceHotels, on Twitter at www.twitter.com/RenHotels, and via the RLife blog at www.therenaissancelife.com.   

Gaylord Hotels is a collection of hotels and upscale resorts that afford endless opportunities for leisure travelers and conventioneers. The brand's hallmark—"everything in one place"—provides guests with diverse dining options, quality spa and fitness center services, top-notch entertainment, on-site shopping and endless activities. Gaylord Hotels is a pioneer in the hotel and convention industry with properties in the nation's most desirable destinations. Gaylord® Hotels include Gaylord® Opryland in Nashville, Tenn.; Gaylord® Palms in Kissimmee, Fla. near Orlando; Gaylord® Texan on Lake Grapevine near Dallas, Texas; Gaylord® National on the Potomac in National Harbor, Md.; and The Inn at Opryland® in Nashville, Tenn. For more information, please visit www.GaylordHotels.com.

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Gaylord Hotels Joins Marriott International – Becomes Marriott Rewards Newest Brand Offering Unique Experiences, More Choices

Marriott Rewards members can now earn and redeem points at three of Gaylord Hotels’ premier resorts  -  Gaylord National, National Harbor, MD (just outside Washington, DC); Gaylord Palms, Kissimmee, FL (near Orlando, FL); and Gaylord Texan, Grapevine, TX (on the outskirts of Dallas). 

Gaylord Opryland, Nashville, TN, will join the program in early 2013 and The Inn at Opryland will join the program toward the end of 2012.  

Gaylord Hotels are the 14th brand in the Marriott Rewards portfolio, which offers members the hotel industry’s most extensive array of brands and unique travel experiences. The addition of Gaylord Hotels provides more opportunities for meeting planners and attendees as well as leisure and business travelers to earn Marriott Rewards points, airline miles and elite status.

Members earn 10 points per dollar spent at Gaylord Hotels on room rate only or two airline miles per dollar spent on room rate only.  Gaylord Hotels participate in Marriott Rewards Rewarding Events.  Meeting planners can earn up to three Marriott Rewards points per dollar spent up to 50,000 points or one airline mile per dollar spent on meeting-related expenses such as room blocks (attendees also earn their points on their room rate), food and beverage and audio visual needs.  In addition, meeting planners will earn 10 elite nights toward elite status for each qualifying group, meeting or event held at Gaylord Hotels.

Gaylord Hotels® is a collection of four upscale, resorts which afford endless opportunities for leisure travelers and conventioneers. The hotel company’s hallmark – “everything in one place” – provides vacationers with diverse dining options, quality spa and fitness center services, top-notch entertainment, on-site shopping and endless activities – all within each resort. Gaylord Hotels is a pioneer in the hotel and convention industry with properties in the nation’s most desirable destinations. Gaylord Hotels include Gaylord Opryland® in Nashville, Tennessee; Gaylord Palms® in Kissimmee, Florida near Orlando; and Gaylord Texan® on Lake Grapevine near Dallas, Texas, and Gaylord National® on the Potomac in National Harbor, Maryland. Gaylord Hotels is a part of Marriott International, Inc’s (NYSE:MAR) portfolio of brands. For more information, please visit: www.GaylordHotels.com.

Gaylord Hotels joins Marriott Rewards 13 other participating brands in 73 countries: JW Marriott, EDITION, Autograph Collection, Renaissance Hotels, AC Hotels by Marriott, Marriott Hotels & Resorts, Courtyard by Marriott, Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott, SpringHill Suites by Marriott, Residence Inn by Marriott, TownePlace Suites by Marriott and Marriott Vacation Club.  Members can also earn and redeem points at Marriott Rewards’ exclusive luxury hotel partner, The Ritz-Carlton. 

Marriott Rewards is free to join and has no blackout dates. Members can earn and redeem points at more than 3,600 Marriott International hotels around the world.  Members can also redeem points for frequent flyer miles, cruises, car rentals and more. 

Marriott Rewards won the Freddie Award for “Best Hotel Rewards Program in the Americas” five years in a row and the 2011 and 2010 Frequent Travel Award for “Best Hotel Rewards Program”.  It has been named best hotel rewards program by the readers of Business Traveler, Global Traveler, Executive Travel and BusinessWeek magazines.

For information about Marriott Rewards, guests can call 1-800-450-4442 or log onto MarriottRewards.com.

Visit Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) for company information. For more information or reservations, please visit our web site at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com.

Connect with Laurie.Goldstein@marriott.com

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Marriott Completes Acquisition of Gaylord Hotels Brand and Hotel Management Company

Group and Meetings Portfolio Enhanced

BETHESDA, Md., Oct. 1, 2012 – Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) said today that it has completed the transaction announced on May 31 with Gaylord Entertainment Company, now Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc. (NYSE: RHP), 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 today.   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, effective today:  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.  

Gaylord Hotels are uniquely positioned in the group and family leisure segments with approximately 2 million square feet of meeting and event space. They offer multiple opportunities for recreation, shopping, and dining, as well as entertainment, such as their partnership with DreamWorks™.

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."  

“We are thrilled that this transaction is now complete and to be part of Marriott’s industry leading network of hotels,” said Colin V. Reed, Ryman Properties chairman and chief executive officer. “We chose to work with Marriott because they share our commitment to building a strong employee culture and delivering a superior customer experience.” 

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.

Marriott Rewards points can be earned and redeemed at the Gaylord Texan on Lake Grapevine near Dallas, Texas; the Gaylord Palms® in Kissimmee, Florida near Orlando; and the Gaylord National® on the Potomac in National Harbor, Maryland, near Washington, D.C., beginning in late October, and at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel, in Nashville, Tennessee, in early 2013.  Marriott Rewards can also be earned and redeemed at the Inn at Opryland, a Gaylord Hotel, beginning December 1. 

About Marriott International, Inc.
Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) is a leading lodging company based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA with more than 3,700 properties in 73 countries and territories and reported revenues of over $12 billion in fiscal year 2011.  The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under the following brands: Marriott Hotels & Resorts, The Ritz-Carlton, JW Marriott, Bulgari, EDITION, Renaissance, Gaylord Hotels, Autograph Collection, AC Hotels by Marriott, Courtyard, Fairfield Inn & Suites, SpringHill Suites, Residence Inn, TownePlace Suites, Marriott Executive Apartments, Marriott Vacation Club, Grand Residences by Marriott, and The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club.  There are approximately 300,000 employees at headquarters, managed and franchised properties.  Marriott is consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business operations, which it conducts based on five core values: put people first, pursue excellence, embrace change, act with integrity, and serve our world. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com. 

 Connect with thomas.marder@marriott.com

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