Just five years after opening, the Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center has announced a major renovation project that will include reimagining three of its restaurants and the Grand Lodge. The resort will also launch a new dining experience and increase the amount of function space with a new event pavilion.
Scheduled for completion in 2024, these enhancements are Phase Two of the current multi-year investment plan, by ownership group Ryman Hospitality Properties, providing a more spacious and elegant environment for both group and leisure customers. The additional enhancements will complement the Phase One investment, which included a redesign of the outdoor lawn spaces and the addition of dining terraces for Old Hickory Steakhouse and Mountain Pass Sports Bar, all completed in April 2023.
Opening in the spring of 2024 are Embers Lodge Bar and The Fortunate Prospector. Later in 2024, the two current restaurants (Monte Jade and Vista Montagne) will be re-conceived as Garden & Grain and Copper Table.
The new event pavilion, Mountain View Pavilion, named for its scenic views of the picturesque Rocky Mountains, covers 12,118 square feet of indoor event and pre-function space, more than 14,000 square feet of outdoor terraces and patios, as well as 15,000 square feet of turfed lawn areas. Interior plans include floor-to-ceiling windows, banquet space, a skylight, a refined indoor fireplace, and west-facing mountain views. The Pavilion is set to welcome guests in 2024.
“You rarely see this amount of growth in a resort property,” said Suzy Hart, general manager of the 1,501-room resort. “We just completed a major exterior enhancement in April and now we’re ready to give guests the interior experience of their dreams.”
Embers Lodge Bar
Featuring a 360-degree wrap-around bar and 248-person seating area, Embers Lodge Bar is made for gathering with family, friends and colleagues. The menu presents handcrafted cocktails, and beers from local distilleries, and a carefully curated wine list. Embers will replace the current bar, Pinyons, and the Après Ski Village space—taking its rightful place as the crown jewel of the Grand Lodge — where guests can enjoy a front-row view of the Rocky Mountains.
The Fortunate Prospector
The new English pub makes its home on the right side of the atrium, showing off its mascot, Earl, a suave bighorn sheep sporting a top hat and monocle. Seating 134, the menu pulls inspiration from traditional English roots, featuring unique British cocktails and traditional fare along with a 12-draft beer tower.
Garden & Grain
Garden & Grain will be the first restaurant within the Gaylord Hotels brand to focus on healthy fare. Placing an emphasis on sustainable practices, the eatery will prioritize gluten-free, vegetarian, keto, low-carb and vegan options, providing savory yet holistic cuisine while celebrating local farmers. Featuring lion’s mane crabcake, grilled Palisade peaches and honey sourced directly from on-property honeycombs, Garden & Grain will replace Monte Jade.
Copper Table
Home to authentic Colorado cuisine served for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Copper Table is a rugged and adventurous dining experience replacing Vista Montagne. The choice menu includes local trout and hearty flavors in rotisserie free-run chicken, cast iron elk, bison rib eye and more. For guests looking to sip and savor, handcrafted cocktails, hyper-local craft beer and wine selections are available. Copper Table will seat 328 people, an increase of 117 from its previous capacity.
This investment in Gaylord Rockies is part of a long-term growth plan within the Gaylord Hotels brand, with ongoing enhancements in food and beverage, recreation, meeting space and guest rooms in all five properties.
