Gaylord Hotels today unveiled plans for what will be the largest combined hotel and convention center in the nation’s capital region, the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center on the Potomac. Situated on the scenic banks of the Potomac River in Prince George’s County, Md., the Gaylord National will be located less than 10 miles from the national landmarks and federal buildings of Washington, D.C.
Company officials expect the property to open in March 2008

“Gaylord National will offer an unmatched entertainment experience to convention and large meetings in the finest location on the Eastern Seaboard,” said Colin V. Reed, president and chief executive officer, Gaylord Entertainment. “We’re confident that the quality and variety of the retail, dining and recreational amenities, and grand scale of convention and exhibition space within the property, will make Gaylord National the preferred destination in the nation’s capital region.”

Situated at the foot of the Woodrow Wilson Bridge, the 42-acre resort will be convenient to travelers regardless of transportation mode. Gaylord National will be located just off the I-295/I-95 interchange, 15 minutes from Reagan National Airport and a 45-minute drive from Dulles and Baltimore-Washington International airports. Gaylord National’s close proximity to the many large associations and national organizations based in the region also will appeal to its target customers.

“Meeting and convention planners who have enjoyed our resorts in Orlando, Dallas-Fort Worth and Nashville are anxious for us to create a similar experience on the East Coast,” said Reed. “Our nation’s capital attracts more than 33 million visitors annually, but it is underserved as a destination market. Gaylord National’s location in Prince George’s County will enable even the largest associations and organizations to conduct business in our nation’s capital and entertain their members in spectacular fashion.”

The property will feature:

—1,500 luxurious guest rooms, including more than 100 lavish suites;
—400,000 square feet of exhibition and meeting space;
—A soaring 18-story glass atrium that will crown the hotel, with spectacular views of national monuments, historic landmarks, and the Potomac River;
—A private marina offering sailing, fishing and other water sports;
—Relache, a 20,000-square-foot spa and fitness center with indoor lap pool.

Gaylord National will be part of the planned 300-acre National Harbor development led by The Peterson Companies. Proposals call for waterfront development of 500,000 square feet of unique dining, retail and entertainment along the Potomac River. National Harbor plans also include the development of distinctive condominium homes and high quality office space.
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