EXHIBIT 23.1

                         Consent of Independent Auditors

We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in the
Registration Statement (Form S-3) and related Prospectus of Gaylord
Entertainment Company for the offering of shares of Gaylord Entertainment
Company common stock by certain selling shareholders and to the incorporation by
reference therein of our reports (a) 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
(b) dated February 9, 2004 with respect to certain financial statement schedules
included in Gaylord Entertainment Company's Annual Report (Form 10-K/A) for the
year ended December 31, 2003 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.


                                          /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP


Nashville, Tennessee
April 5, 2004