Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center: A Nashville Beauty

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I LOVE to travel and see other parts of the country.  It’s been in my blood for some time, more so since I got married over twenty years ago.  One of the joys of traveling around so much is having opportunity to stay in beautiful and unique accommodations.  Just recently, I had the pleasure of staying at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center in Nashville, Tennessee.  Oh, my goodness!  This is a spectacularly gorgeous venue for many reasons.  If you find yourself staying in Music City, I highly recommend checking out this resort.  Why?  Well, I may not have enough time to tell you ALL the reasons.  Give me a few minutes, though, and I’ll share enough to pique your interest.

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A small portion of this post was hosted.  However, all opinions are 100% mine and mine alone.  This post does contain affiliate links.  Please see my Disclosure policy for more information.

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Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville

The Gaylord Opryland Resort is a cherished part of the Marriott family of hotels.  It is also one of five within the Gaylord luxury circle.  This particular Gaylord resort is situated in the heart of Nashville, Tennessee, close enough to all that happens in the world of country music.

As you walk into the vast lobby of the nine acre resort, you are immediately met with sophistication and style.  Your eye cannot help, but be drawn toward the beautifully colored glass scultpure in the center.  Surrounding that exquisite piece of art is a plethora of comfortable lounge chairs and couches.  I found many guests beginning (or maybe ending) their vacation right there.

To either side of the lobby are registration counters ~ to the right standard registration, to the left elite and mobile check-in.  If you’re looking for the concierge desk, that sits against the wall in between the multiple glass entrances leading Guests into the resort.

As soon as I personally walked into the venue, I felt as if I had been met with luxury.  Of course, my desire to see my room only increased and I could not wait to begin exploring the remainder of the grounds.  Check-in was easy and the staff member taking care of me found an open room fairly close to the convention center.  Oh, did I appreciate this because, as you read on, you’ll begin to imagine just how enormous this facility really is.

Finding my room

This was a little bit of a task at first, but it was honestly my fault.  I was so entranced by what I saw that I completely missed my turn off.  The team member at the desk had given me explicit directions, but I simply got lost in the beauty of everything.  The way I had been directed had me traveling through the gorgeous Cascades atrium, which is pretty much central to the entire facility.  I kid you not ~ my jaw dropped walking that path and I think it may have been heavier to haul than my luggage!

The lush indoor gardens just made everything smell fresh and I loved the sound of the waterfalls and springs as I strolled the walkway.  Along the path, I found restaurants on either side with Guests casually enjoying a drink or a small plate, everyone appearing to have a fabulous time.

My ultimate destination at that point, however, was the Delta corridor of guest rooms. Since I did miss my initial turn, I actually caught a brief glimpse of the Delta Atrium, as well as where the Convention Center is located beyond that.  However, I was just eager to get into my room and drop off my personal belongings.

My accommodations

There are 2,888 guest rooms in the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center.  Travelers have their choice of an exterior or atrium view with either two queen beds, one king bed or a queen murphy bed.  There are also deluxe room and presidential suite options if that is your preference.

My particular accommodation was a two queen bed exterior view guest room.  While I would have loved the opportunity to experience a balcony view of the greenery and waterfalls, this was the perfect choice for me because the peace and quiet were what I needed that weekend with all the excitement I expected to experience.

The room was pretty much standard with all the standard amenities, but with a touch of style.  It was immaculate and everything was in its rightful place.

When it comes to the bathrooms, there were double vanities, tons of towels and complimentary toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, body wash and lotion).  I loved that the second, smaller vanity had space underneath it, including a small shelving unit to hide some things during the day.

With regard to the beds, pillowtop mattresses are the bomb!  Oh, my goodness – I slept so well those few nights and enjoyed laying in comfort.  Not to mention, I am a pillow freak and had so many pillows to surround me on my bed.  I honestly feared not wanting to get up in the morning.

The work space they provide is ample and I loved the ergonomic chair.  I spent many hours sitting at that desk working on pictures, posts, emails and more.  The TV was a huge flat screen and had options to view Netflix and more.  To be honest, though, I was really too busy to actually zone out in front of the TV.

Shops

After I felt settled into my room, it was time to grab my camera, my GoPro and my phone and set out on an expedition.  I had no idea what I would see or how long it would take, but I was out to capture as much as I could!

I headed onto Delta Island, where I found a few restaurants and some shopping opportunities.  Restaurant-wise, this was interesting because there was a casual build-your-own-burger joint (Stax) with a more elegant waterfront restaurant directly underneath.

The shops I saw were more boutique-style and seemed like the kind you would find in a little village setting.  There was a children’s toy store and a bakery nestled in there.  However, there was also a Johnston & Murphy.  You could find jewelry, clothing, trinkets and more in these shops.  It would certainly not be difficult to find something to purchase for yourself or someone waiting for you back home.

Throughout the resort, Guests can also find various gift shops that have more of the souvenir-style offerings.  I found some fabulous hats, t-shirts, mugs and more that had the Nashville signature.  If you need a snack or drink for your room, this is the place to grab a bag of chips, bottle of water or some hyper-local specialty treats.

Dining

Prior to my arrival, I had been told that there were more dining opportunities in this one nine-acre location than I could ever imagine.  I could not believe my eyes when I saw the number of options available.  From sports bars and cafes to steakhouses and elegant dining, there is certainly no shortage of culinary options.  If you’re craving Mexican one night, they have Solaria Cantina.  If another night you have a desire for steak, you could check out the Old Hickory Smokehouse.  Let’s say your tastebuds really want some Japanese.  Well, inside the Cascades American Cafe, you can likely find what you’re looking for at Wasabi’s Sushi.

Of course, while in Tennessee, it would not be unheard of to want to dine on some good ol’ southern cuisine.  That’s where Jack Daniel’s restaurant comes in and satisfies that without batting an eye.

Even if you’re craving just a cup of coffee and a pastry, the Cocoa Bean has plenty of options for Guests.  See?  So many things to eat!!!!

NOTE: I did not have my son with me or take opportunity to speak to any chefs this trip regarding food allergy accommodations.  Therefore, I cannot honestly comment.  However, perhaps I will have the chance to visit with my family in the future and I can do some more research.  Stay tuned. 

Entertainment

Let’s say you have some time to spare and you’re in a playful mood.  In what the resort likes to consider “The Basement,” Guests can find a variety of video games and activities.  Whether you are interested in playing the Largest Game of Pac-Man or want to climb a colorful rockwall, there is something to entertain every age group in that one location.

FYI: If you happen to be looking to throw a party, Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center also has a few rooms  designated for just that very reason in this area.  You can hold your festive celebration in a room that holds 10, 16 or even 30 people.

Boat Ride

This was something that caught my eye as I explored Delta Island that first day and so wish I had taken opportunity to do (next trip, right?)!  Surrounding the island is a beautiful scenic river.  On that indoor river, Guests can take an approximately 15 minute boat tour with the Delta Riverboat Company.  During that water tour, Guests learn details about the island, the resort, the 85 foot fountain found there, the waterfalls and the various restaurants and shops housed within that section of the resort.

When does the boat run and how much does it cost?  Check out the details below (information based on date this post was published and are subject to change):

• Sunday – Thursday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• Friday and Saturday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• Price: $8.50 Child (4-11) Inclusive | $10.50 Adult Inclusive
• Tickets are available at the Delta Riverboat Dock on the lower level of the Delta Atrium.

Spa

Had I given myself one more day to enjoy Nashville, there is no doubt I would have tried to schedule some time to enjoy the Gaylord’s very own Relâche Spa.  Appointments are required, but Guests can schedule time for a massage or body treatment, facial, manicures or pedicures, salon services and more.   I could have seriously gone for a relaxing massage or a mani/pedi for sure!!

For a more complete list of services offered, you can check the website.

Convention Center

This was the real reason I was here ~ to attend an event held by FLOCK Presents in the Convention Center.  FLOCK Presents offers day-long intensive workshops around the country that better equip writers, bloggers, photographers and social influencers with up to date tools and practices.

Within the Convention Center, there are 86 event rooms with six ballrooms and 100 breakout rooms, providing ample space for any meeting size.  The venue can provide meeting equipment, planning assistance and help with reservations.  Catering is also available – breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks – as well as internet access during the event.

Related post: Check out what I gained from the very first FLOCK Presents event I attended!!!

Our conference had one of the breakout rooms and it was the perfect size for our group of just under 100.  The chairs were comfortable and the tables were the perfect size for gathering and note-taking.  For lunch, we moved to another breakout room next door (to avoid getting food on our materials, of course) and enjoyed a venue catered meal with salad, baked chicken, mashed potatoes and carrots.  For dessert, we enjoyed a chocolate mousse with brownie chunks and salted caramel.

Oh, my gosh was that a rich dessert!!!!

Are you hungry yet?

Soundwaves

To round off the elaborate description of this amazing location, I absolutely must tell you about the most recent and exciting addition to the facility.  In December 2018, Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center opened the doors to a brand new upscale indoor water attraction.  Soundwaves is a first of its kind within the Gaylord family and is designed to attract and appeal to every age level.

Our group had the opportunity to enjoy a social event in Soundwaves the night before most of us returned to our families.  While the social event took place at the top level of the new facility in the Status Cymbal adults-only pool and bar, we were all offered the chance to tour the perimeter of the attraction’s main floor to gain a better understanding of its design and activities.

There are four acres of fun awaiting Guests in this attraction.  This includes a relaxing lazy river, a rapids river, a children’s water play area, numerous water slides, indoor surfing and more.  Care to just sit back and relax?  Guests can find several lounge areas or even rent one of several cabanas located inside the facility (and soon to be outside).

Can adults have fun at Soundwaves???

Yes!!  Adults can escape up to the third level of the water attraction and enjoy a drink or two, munch on a light snack or sink into a quiet pool or hot tub where no splashing should occur.

Honestly, there is so much more to share about Soundwaves that it really needs its own post!!!  If you’re curious, you can find more information in my friend Sami Cone’s post by clicking here.

Ready to book your reservation?

With its glass atriums, indoor gardens, cascading waterfalls, nine acres of shopping, entertainment, dining, meeting and convention space and an indoor river on which you tour in a Delta flatboat (phew, that was quite a mouthful), who wouldn’t want to spend some time in this luxurious resort?  It’s a vacation unto itself, to be quite honest.  I sincerely hope to return with my family in tow next time and enjoy some personal spa time, great family dining and an afternoon in Soundwaves with all of my boys.

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You can reserve yourself a room by visiting the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center website today!  While you’re there in Music City, you can enjoy all that Nashville has to offer.  Explore museums, take a tour, dine at a famous restaurant and, of course, enjoy some country music!!  There is a ton to see in Nashville and even more to experience.  There are memories to be made in this amazing destination.  Do not miss an opportunity to visit!

Have you been to Nashville?  If so, what did you enjoy the most about your trip?  Share your Nashville story or dream below and let’s start a conversation!

Pssst – did you know there is a golf course five minutes from the resort?  You can check out more about Gaylord Springs Golf Course here!!

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