The Gaylord Rockies Resort is a mecca of activity for summertime fun. For families or vacationers looking for a wide variety of things to do, it's a wonderful, central location with tons of options for all ages. The resort in Aurora opened in 2018 as Colorado’s largest combined resort and convention center, and it's just 10 minutes from the Denver International Airport. “The resort was the fifth Gaylord Hotels property and one of the largest resorts in the world to debut under the Marriott International brand in 2018,” says Public Relations Manager Andrea Lawley. The Rockies was opened after an unprecedented amount of growth in the Denver area. The property includes 1,501 rooms, 485,000 square feet of convention center space, and an extensive outdoor waterpark.
“We want our guests to experience more,” says Andrea. “Whether they are here for a conference, dining at Old Hickory Steakhouse, or enjoying the pool, we want them to rave about their excellent experience from beginning to end.”
With a thrilling water slide and a winding lazy river, ARRRapahoe Springs Water Park is the perfect summer hangout spot for the family. Throughout the resort, you can explore delicious dining, relax in the spa, or try interactive activities and fun seasonal events. The resort’s Summer of More celebration is from May 19 through Sept. 4, 2023, and includes lots of special activities.
The water park features an outdoor water slide, hot tubs, a lap pool, and a 720-foot long lazy river that includes waterfalls, water jets, and bubblers. Guests can also reserve poolside cabanas, presented by LIFEWTR, for the ultimate in stress-free pool time.
The all-new Adventure Kids' Clubhouse inspires kids to let their inner artist come to life while creating fun crafts. Families can enjoy music, games, and poolside fun at the ARRRarapahoe Springs Pool Party. Kids can set off on a swashbuckling adventure through the Shiny Stash Scavenger Hunt, in which guests will look for treasure chests located around the resort.
You won't want to miss the Discover Colorado Escape Room, too. Andrea says you can expect to solve exciting riddles, interpret clues, and work together to escape—all while learning interesting things about Colorado. “It’s a wonderful bonding activity that is open not only to overnight guests, but anyone who would like to test their skills.” The Discover Colorado Escape Room is open Friday through Sunday and starts at $149 for groups of 1-4 people and $18 for each additional guest.
The resort features Animal Encounters which provide up-close interactions with a variety of incredible creatures. Guests can also take a virtual safari through the Wildlife Rescue—an augmented reality experience presented by bubly™. Twelve endangered animals are hidden throughout the resort, and people can use a smartphone and a free app to enjoy the experience. Andrea says, “Guests search for the tracking markers to find the hidden animals, learn facts about them, and see them come to life with the magic of augmented reality (AR).”
Dining is a big part of every vacation, and the Gaylord Rockies Resort makes sure guests' culinary experiences are unique and memorable. Wine and beer dinners are available along with Old Hickory Master Cocktail Classes. Participants learn from master cocktail artisans, as well as local brand experts. The hour-long course begins with an overview of spirits followed by crafting two cocktails with the help of master bartenders. Cocktail classes are every Saturday at 3:00 PM and are $40 per person. The Gaylord Rockies works with various Colorado breweries to put on beer dinners, including Dry Dock and Odell Breweries.
If relaxation is really more your speed, the resort's Relâche Spa provides summer massages, facials, and nail treatments. Mood-boosting Ylang-Ylang and honey-inspired services are available, and the summer months include spa treatments to increase your immune system as well as anti-inflammatory ginger, lime and agave services and more.
Summer packages are available. To book rooms, packages, spa treatments and event tickets, visit GaylordRockies.com.
“We want our guests to experience more...we want them to rave about their excellent experience from beginning to end.” —Andrea Lawley, Public Relations Manager
