Ok, let me just start off by saying I am not being paid to write this review. I know it may seem like it with all the doting I’m getting ready to do but trust me. I’m not a paid shill for Gaylord. I just really, really enjoyed my experience. In fact, it’s one of the best hotel experiences I’ve ever had.
Grounds
The resort is huge so bring your walking shoes. You’ll definitely get your steps in. But you’ll be doing it in one of the loveliest environments imaginable and you won’t even have to go outside. Gaylord’s Opryland Resort boasts 9 acres of beautiful indoor gardens and waterfalls. Yes, I said waterfalls. It’s like being in an impeccably manicured, air-conditioned jungle. Sans animals. At Christmas, I hear it’s really a sight to behold.
Rooms
The rooms themselves were your standard hotel fare — clean, smartly appointed, free wifi — but it was the bed that won me over.
I suffer from back and hip problems so sleeping in an uncomfortable bed can ruin a hotel stay for me. This wasn’t the case at Opryland. I slept in one of the most comfortable beds ever. The mattress was firm with just the right amount of give so you didn’t feel like you were sleeping on a cement block. I wanted to strap the mattress to the roof of my car and take it home, but I imagine the staff frowns on stuff like that.
Should you ever venture to Nashville and stay at Opryland, do yourself a favor and get a room overlooking the atrium. Not only is it an amazing view but it’s incredibly peaceful sitting on your balcony, drinking a cup of coffee and people watching.
Food
I was in Nashville to attend a conference being held at Gaylord’s Opryland Resort and most of our meals were handled by the banquet staff. I have to say that the food we were served was some of the best conference food I’ve ever had. No joke. My favorite meal was a taco bar we had for lunch but the mac and cheese served at another meal was so on point you would’ve sworn your grandma was in the kitchen.
I only ate at the onsite restaurants a couple of times but the meals I had were delicious if a bit pricey. Nashville is full of amazing restaurants so if the 9 dining options on the resort don’t suit your fancy, you’ll have no trouble finding sustenance elsewhere.
Things to Do
If your goal is to check into the resort and never leave the property, then you could certainly do that at Opryland. There’s a golf course, spa, fitness center and waterpark. Basically, everything you need for an enjoyable vacation. But I would suggest venturing out into the city and seeing what Nashville has to offer.
I didn’t spend all of my time conferencing at the conference. A few of my colleagues and I were able to sneak away and see Sheryl Crow at the historical Ryman Auditorium (Just in case you’re wondering, Sheryl’s still got it! )
Before the concert, we had dinner at a nearby, downtown bistro called Merchants. When you eat here, I recommend leaving your diet at the door and ordering the Duck Fat Tator Tots as an appetizer. Your cardiologist will hate you but your taste buds will be eternally grateful. These tots are crunchy on the outside, soft and pillowy on the inside and served with a spicy ranch, a creole mustard and a smoked ketchup. So. Effing. Good.
Final Thoughts
If you are visiting Nashville and looking to do some quintessential Nashvillian things, I highly recommend staying at Gaylord’s Opryland Resort and Convention Center. Your pockets may be a tad bit lighter at the end of your stay but it will be worth it.
