If you’re looking for a hotel in Nashville that feels like part of the vacation instead of just a place to sleep, Gaylord Opryland Resort is one worth considering. This is one of those properties that feels like an experience all on its own, with beautiful indoor gardens, lots of dining options, family-friendly activities, and enough to do that you can easily build a multi-day stay around the resort itself.
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We love staying at this resort when we are in Nashville. It is definitely more of a splurge than a standard hotel stay, but it is also a destination in itself. With the addition of SoundWaves, seasonal events throughout the year, and a location right near the Grand Ole Opry and Opry Mills, it can be such a fun option for families, couples, or anyone wanting a memorable stay in Music City.
Gaylord Opryland Resort Highlights
- Beautiful indoor atriums filled with tropical plants, waterfalls, pathways, and winding waterways
- A huge selection of restaurants and casual dining options all on property
- Access to SoundWaves, an upscale indoor/outdoor water attraction for resort guests
- Seasonal events throughout the year, especially during the holidays
- Convenient location near the Grand Ole Opry, Opry Mills, and Nashville International Airport
- Great for family memories, photo spots, and special occasions
Overview of Gaylord Opryland Resort
Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center is one of the most iconic resorts in the Nashville area. The property is massive, with nearly 2,900 guest rooms, multiple indoor atriums, restaurants, pools, shopping, recreation, and a long list of activities that make it feel much bigger than the average hotel stay. There are amenities such as indoor and outdoor pools, a spa, fitness center, children’s recreation, a game room, and multiple dining venues.
This is a resort that works especially well for families who want plenty to do right on property, but it also makes a fun pick for a girls’ trip, a couples’ getaway, or a special celebration. If you are planning to spend time at SoundWaves, enjoy the holiday offerings, or simply want a Nashville stay that feels a little more elevated and memorable, Gaylord Opryland is easy to recommend.
Where Is Gaylord Opryland Resort?
Gaylord Opryland is located at 2800 Opryland Drive in Nashville, Tennessee, right in the Opryland area. It is especially convenient if you want to be close to the Grand Ole Opry, Opry Mills, and some of the family-friendly attractions on this side of town. The resort is also about 8.3 miles from Nashville International Airport, which makes arrival and departure pretty manageable for out-of-town guests.
One thing that makes this location nice is that you can stay busy without constantly heading back into downtown Nashville. The resort also offers a complimentary complex shuttle that runs in a loop between Gaylord Opryland, The Inn at Opryland, and Opry Mills, which is a nice convenience if you want to shop or explore nearby without moving your car every time.
The Atmosphere at Gaylord Opryland
The atmosphere is a huge part of why people love this resort. If you have never been before, the indoor atriums are really what set it apart. The resort features lush gardens and winding waterways, as well as tropical landscaping, waterfalls, and fountain shows. It feels beautiful, immersive, and a little dramatic in the best way.
This is also just a fun resort to walk around. There are so many pretty corners, bridges, paths, and little spots where you’ll want to stop for photos. It’s a beautiful location where families can get great pictures and create wonderful memories together, and that really fits the feel of the property. Even though it can be busy and there is definitely a lot of walking because of the size, it still feels special every time.
Rooms at Gaylord Opryland Resort
Gaylord Opryland has a variety of room categories, from standard rooms to suites, but the room type many people are most interested in is the Atrium View option. The Atrium View rooms feature balconies overlooking the resort’s signature atriums, and the individual room listings describe scenic views of the gardens and waterways. If the atmosphere is a big part of why you want to stay here, this is the room type I would consider first.
Standard rooms are still a good option if you want to enjoy the resort but keep the room cost a little lower. There are also larger accommodations and suites for those wanting more space.
I do think this is the kind of resort where your room category can shape the feel of the trip. If you know you’ll be spending more time in the resort itself and want the full “Opryland” experience, an atrium-view room can make the stay feel even more special.
We loved sitting out on our balcony in the mornings with our coffee! It’s also a great way to enjoy the ambiance in the evenings too.
Dining at Gaylord Opryland
One of the best things about staying here is how many dining options are available without ever leaving the resort. There is a wide variety of restaurants and quick-service spots, including Old Hickory Steakhouse, Ravello, Cascades American Cafe, Solario Cantina, The Falls Bar & Lounge, Delta Marketplace, Conservatory Cafe, Cocoa Bean, and Foundry Fieldhouse Sports Bar + Taproom.
That variety really matters at a large resort like this. If you are staying more than one night, it is nice to have both sit-down meals and easier grab-and-go choices built in. There are options that feel perfect for a date night dinner as well as more casual stops that work better with kids. Breakfast is also available on-site at several locations, though it is an additional cost.
We loved the breakfast buffet at Cascades American Cafe in the Cascades Atrium. It was a great way to fill up to start the day. The Delta Atrium also has a great selection of quick service restaurants. Including Pasiano’s Pizzaria & Vino. We stopped in there on our first evening to get a quick dinner!
For families, this variety of dining options can be especially convenient because you are not forced to leave the property every time someone gets hungry.
Read our full review on Opryland’s signature dining experience at Old Hickory Steakhouse!
SoundWaves and Things to Do at the Resort
If you are traveling with kids, SoundWaves is one of the biggest reasons to stay at Gaylord Opryland. Marriott describes it as a “one-of-a-kind indoor waterpark” and an “upscale indoor/outdoor resort water attraction” for hotel guests, with four acres of rides, wave pools, and water features designed for a variety of ages. This is a major draw for families and one of the biggest things that turns the resort into a true destination stay.
Beyond SoundWaves, there is plenty more to enjoy on the property. There are indoor and outdoor pools, a spa, children’s recreation, and a game room. Simply exploring the atriums is part of the fun here, especially if it’s your first time.
Opryland is a great multi-day family destination. There is enough to do that you can stay busy without feeling like the hotel is just a place to come back to at night.
Gaylord Opryland at Christmas and Seasonal Events
Another major reason people love this resort is the way it transforms during the holiday season. The official Christmas at Gaylord Opryland seasonal celebration runs from November to January and features attractions such as ICE!, dazzling light displays, holiday shows, and festive family activities. This is a big seasonal event for the resort, not just a few decorations in the lobby.
The holiday celebration is one of the standout reasons to stay here, with activities like ice skating and fun family experiences. If you are considering a winter visit, this is definitely one of the times of year when Opryland feels extra magical.
Even outside the holidays, the resort’s size and entertainment options help it feel like more than a standard Nashville hotel. But if you are choosing between travel dates and want the most “special occasion” version of the experience, Christmastime can be a strong contender.
Parking, Transportation, and Convenience
If you are planning your budget, it is worth knowing that this is one of the more expensive parts of the stay beyond the room itself. Marriott currently lists self-parking at $37 daily and valet parking at $55 daily, plus tax. There are also electric vehicle charging stations available.
Because the resort is so large, convenience matters here. There can be a lot of walking across the property, and that’s something to keep in mind when planning your stay. Comfortable shoes are a good idea, especially if you are visiting with kids or spending a lot of time exploring the atriums and restaurants.
That said, once you are checked in, there is a lot of convenience built into staying here. The on-property dining, recreation, nearby attractions, and resort shuttle loop all help make it feel easy to settle in and enjoy the trip.
Is Gaylord Opryland Worth It?
I would not describe Gaylord Opryland as a budget-friendly Nashville hotel. Between room rates, parking, dining, and optional extras, it can definitely feel pricey.
But for the right trip, I do think it can absolutely be worth it.
If you are looking for a basic hotel because you plan to be out exploring Nashville from morning to night, this may be more resort than you need. But if you want a hotel that feels like part of the trip, especially for a family getaway, a special occasion, a holiday visit, or a SoundWaves-focused stay, Opryland offers something much more memorable than a standard room in the city. Its gardens, activities, dining, and atmosphere all work together to make the stay feel special.
Tips for Staying at Gaylord Opryland Resort
If you are considering booking a stay here, these are the things I would keep in mind:
- Consider an atrium-view room if the atmosphere is a big part of why you want to stay.
- Build time into your trip to actually enjoy the resort itself, not just sleep there.
- Budget ahead for parking, meals, and any extras like SoundWaves.
- If you are interested in a holiday stay, check seasonal offerings before booking because those events are a big part of the appeal.
- Make dining reservations in advance for the more popular restaurants.
- Wear comfortable shoes because this is a very large resort.
Final Thoughts on Gaylord Opryland Resort
Gaylord Opryland Resort is one of those places that really can become part of the vacation. It is beautiful, full of activity, and especially appealing for families who want more than just a hotel room in Nashville. Between the atriums, dining, seasonal offerings, and SoundWaves, there is enough here to turn your stay into a real experience.
For us, this is the kind of resort that feels fun to return to again and again. My husband and I were married at Opryland in 2005! It may be a splurge, but it is also a place where families can make memories, enjoy a beautiful setting, and have plenty to do all in one stay.
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