Gaylord To Kick Butts In 2007

January 9, 2007

Hotels to become smoke free as of February 12

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Jan. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- In an ongoing effort to respond directly to client feedback as well as provide healthy environments for their guests and STARS (employees), Gaylord Hotels will become completely smoke-free as of February 12, 2007. This includes the brand's existing properties -- Gaylord Opryland in Nashville, Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee, Fla., and Gaylord Texan on Lake Grapevine near Dallas -- as well as Gaylord National Resort & in Prince George's County, Maryland which is slated to open in 2008. The announcement was made by John Caparella, executive vice president and COO of Gaylord Hotels.

"We pride ourselves on offering extraordinary environments at our properties, which include climate-controlled glass-covered atriums featuring acres of indoor foliage and plants," said Caparella. "It doesn't seem right to pollute those environments with smoke, especially when our clients increasingly request non-smoking rooms. We care about our meeting attendees and we also care about our STARS who will no longer have to be subjected to second-hand smoke."

In a symbolic gesture, Gaylord Hotels will be auctioning the 10,577 ashtrays they will no longer need on eBay beginning January 8, 2007. Proceeds will be going to benefit the American Lung Association(R) whose mission is to prevent lung disease and promote lung health. The auction can be viewed at http://www.gaylordhotelskicksbutt.com.

About Gaylord Hotels(TM)

Gaylord Hotels(TM) is a collection of three upscale, meetings-focused resorts which also afford endless opportunities for leisure travelers. The company's hallmark -- "everything in one place" -- provides meeting attendees and vacationers with diverse dining options, quality spa and fitness center services, top-notch entertainment, on-site shopping and endless resort activities -- all within each resort. Gaylord Hotels is a pioneer in the hotel and convention industry with properties in the nation's most desirable event destinations. Gaylord Hotels include Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center on Lake Grapevine near Dallas, Texas (opened April 2004); Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville, Tennessee; and Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center in Kissimmee, Florida near Orlando. Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center on the Potomac in Prince George's County, Maryland will open in 2008. Gaylord Hotels is owned and operated by Gaylord Entertainment (NYSE: GET), a leading hospitality and entertainment company based in Nashville, Tennessee. Gaylord Entertainment (http://www.gaylordentertainment.com) includes two other industry-leading brands - ResortQuest International (http://www.resortquest.com), the nation's largest vacation rental property management company, and the (http://www.opry.com), the weekly showcase of country music's finest performers for 80 consecutive years. For more information about Gaylord Hotels, visit http://www.gaylordhotels.com.

TOP 10 USES FOR A VINTAGE GAYLORD HOTELS ASHTRAY

10) Place under pillow to get dollar from the Ashtray Fairy

9) Apply to sides of head for that sexy, "Princess Leah" look

8) Liven up holiday party by playing "Jingle Bells" on "ashtray xylophone."

7) Clink together repeatedly while talking loudly in different voices to make co-workers think there's a party in your cube.

6) Strap to bottom of shoes; run across lawn making "giant reindeer tracks".

5) Make sure you'll have an answer if anyone ever asks: "Hmmm. I wonder how many ashtrays someone could balance on their head before they toppled over ... "

4) Set up a "leave a penny take a penny" tray on your desk at work.

3) Bring with you everywhere; explain that it's your "security ashtray."

2) Build huge "Statue Of Ashtrays." Donate to France. And the number one new use for your vintage Gaylord Hotels ashtray is:

1) Create the next "pet rock": "Ashy: Your Round, Glass Pal Who Just Sits There!"

For more information, log onto http://www.gaylordhotelskicksbutt.com.

SOURCE Gaylord Hotels

CONTACT: Liz Feldman, 1-646-366-1470, [email protected], or Jessica Goon, 1-410-986-1315, [email protected], both of Gaylord Hotels Web site: http://www.gaylordentertainment.com http://www.gaylordhotels.com (GET)