California’s meetings and events landscape has a new heavyweight. The Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Centre
This hotel opened in spring and is now the largest hotel convention property in the State and one of the most ambitious hospitality projects on the West Coast.
Developed by RIDA Development and operated by Marriott International under its Gaylord Hotels brand, the resort represents a $1.3 billion investment and has taken than two decades in the planning. Set on a 36-acre waterfront site just south of San Diego, the property is designed to serve as a self-contained hub for large-scale conventions, corporate retreats, and bleisure travel.
Scale and sophistication
The numbers are staggering: 1,600 guest rooms (including 89 suites), 477,000 square feet of meeting and event space, and California’s largest hotel ballroom at 140,000 square feet. There are 67 breakout rooms and 135,000 square feet of outdoor event lawns and terraces. The design prioritises flow and flexibility, with all venues accessible via the central atrium, the signature Gaylord feature that floods the space with natural light and nautical flair.
Business-first, leisure-ready
Guest rooms range from 389 to 623 square feet, with floor-to-ceiling windows, dedicated workspaces, and high-speed connectivity. Suites offer additional living areas and connecting options for executive teams, while the Presidential Penthouse stretches to 3,200 square feet with private balconies and spa-style bathrooms.
For downtime, the resort offers a 4.25-acre water park, a 7,500-square-foot fitness centre, and the Relâche Spa & Salon. Dining is a major draw, with 12 venues including Old Hickory Steakhouse, Treo Kitchen + Bar, Taiyō sushi, and Growlers Sports Bar & Taproom with Michelin-trained executive chef Jakob Esko overseeing the whole culinary programme.
Designed for planners
The “all under one roof” model is central to the Gaylord brand. Planners benefit from dedicated event managers nicknamed “Teal Coats” who coordinate logistics from registration to closing banquets. The layout allows attendees to move between sessions, meals, and accommodation without stepping outside, streamlining large-scale operations.
Economic impact and strategic timing
The resort’s opening coincides with a rebound in group travel and corporate events. Early bookings suggest strong demand from national associations and international delegations. City officials estimate the Gaylord Pacific will generate $475 million annually for the local economy, catalysing development along Chula Vista’s bayfront.
With fewer than 13,000 hotel rooms under construction statewide in 2025, a 21% decline from the previous year, the Gaylord Pacific stands almost alone in its scale. Opening rates start at $350 per night, climbing to over $500 on weekends, with Bonvoy redemptions available from 44,000 points.
Final take
The Gaylord Pacific isn’t just a hotel; it’s a purpose-built city of meetings. For business travellers and planners, it offers a compelling new stage on the West Coast. Whether it becomes California’s answer to Las Vegas will depend on how the market responds – but the message is clear: Chula Vista has arrived.