Gaylord Expands Wi-Fi Offerings

Gaylord Hotels is now offering wireless Internet connectivity resort-wide for guests and meeting attendees at all of its properties. Aruba Networks provides the new service, which offers high-speed Internet connections via a Wi-Fi network throughout the hotels, including guest rooms, lobbies, restaurants and pool areas, as part of the daily $15 resort fee.

Aruba also offers Wi-Fi to show managers and exhibitors at Gaylord events, but it's priced differently. Wireless access in the convention center and meeting rooms requires additional firewall and security levels and is contracted separately by each group's meeting planner, according to Kevin Culp, Gaylord Opryland IT director.

Costs reflect the size and specific needs of each show, Culp said. Gaylord Opryland has an enterprise-class network, over which it can deliver service either wirelessly (through Aruba Networks) or by hard wire. Whichever option is selected, Gaylord Opryland has 100 percent coverage throughout the convention center, Culp said.

Gaylord has four properties open or in development:

• Gaylord Opryland Resort Hotel & Convention Center in Nashville, Tenn.
• Gaylord Texan Resort Hotel & Convention Center in Grapevine, Texas
• Gaylord Palms Resort Hotel & Convention Center in Kissimmee, Fla.
• Gaylord Natl. Resort & Convention Center in Natl. Harbor, Md. (opening in April)