The Gaylord Texan will amaze
Friday, May 31 2013
by Scott Bickford, Longwood '93
I recently had the privilege of staying at the Gaylord Texan Hotel, the site of SigEp’s 2013 Grand Chapter Conclave. I had seen the pictures and looked at the website, so I was already excited for what I knew would be a grand hotel. What I encountered when I arrived simply blew those expectations away.
When I arrived, the staff was exceedingly friendly and helpful. They checked me in quickly, and even replaced the shaving cream and toothpaste I had left at home. They gave me my room number, marked off my route on a map of the resort, and sent me on my way.
En route to my room, I discovered the atrium. The only word I had was a stunned, "Wow." My eyes simply couldn't take it all in. This atrium was breathtaking. I looked up into a ceiling that stood 10 stories above, with the trademark Texas star in the center, reminding me that everything is, indeed, bigger in Texas. Looking around the lush greenery, walking paths, a massive Spanish tower and a replica oil rig, I saw how big this place really was.
I went upstairs and found the rooms to be equally exciting. Decorated in rich, deep color they gave off a feeling of relaxation when I opened the door. The beds were elegant, and the leather chairs with matching ottomans begged me to sit back and put my feet up. My balcony even had a view of the atrium. Walkways wound along immaculate landscapes of greenery, gurgling streams and waterfalls, and replicas of cliffs and canyons. The scenery gave the atrium a feeling that I'd never experienced inside a hotel.
For lunch I went to the sports-themed Texan Station. The biggest TV screen I had ever seen completely covered one wall. I thoroughly enjoyed my perfectly cooked burger, while watching several different windows and sports news feeds on this 15’ x 52’ monster. During my dinner at the Mexican-themed Riverside Cantina, the food was so amazing that I texted my wife pictures of the items I thought would be her favorites.
There were so many times during my stay that, despite being there on Fraternity business, I felt like I was on a vacation and thought how much my wife would love this place. When night came, the atrium lit up inside and looked like a little town, inviting me to come out and enjoy more of the features of the resort. There was a lot to see and do, from the spectacular spa facilities and both indoor and outdoor pools, to great shops and the world’s only vineyard within a hotel.
If you've ever thought about coming to Conclave, the Gaylord Texan is one more reason to make this the year. If you can’t get away from the family for a few days, bring them with you. A stay here feels like a vacation from the moment you arrive. I pictured the hotel filled with SigEps and it made me smile. I can’t wait to come back this summer.
Register now to reserve your spot at Conclave 2013.
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