EXHIBIT 23.1

                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

We consent to the incorporation by reference in: (1) the Registration Statement
(Form S-8 No. 333-37051) pertaining to the Amended and Restated Gaylord
Entertainment Company 401(K) Savings Plan of Gaylord Entertainment Company; (2)
the Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-37053) pertaining to the 1997
Stock Option and Incentive Plan of Gaylord Entertainment Company; (3) the
Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-79223) pertaining to the Employee
Stock Purchase Plan of Gaylord Entertainment Company; (4) the Registration
Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-31254) pertaining to the Amended and Restated 1997
Stock Option and Incentive Plan of Gaylord Entertainment Company; (5) the
Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-40676) pertaining to the 1997 Omnibus
Stock Option and Incentive Plan of Gaylord Entertainment Company; and (6) the
Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-110636) pertaining to the ResortQuest
International, Inc. Amended and Restated 1998 Long-Term Incentive Plan of
Gaylord Entertainment Company, of our report dated February 9, 2004 (except for
the ninth paragraph of Note 16, as to which the date is March 10, 2004), with
respect to the consolidated financial statements of Gaylord Entertainment
Company, and our report dated February 9, 2004, with respect to certain
financial statement schedules, included in this Annual Report (Form 10-K) for
the year ended December 31, 2003.


                                             /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Nashville, Tennessee
March 10, 2004