Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center Info
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Best WLM Reviews
My family and I visited the Gaylord Opryland hotel and Soundwaves in December 2024 as a special holiday treat for our toddler daughter. We live in Nashville and luckily were able to take advantage of the Davidson county special for 40% off. I had heard that the hotel had great Christmas lights, and we thought our daughter would enjoy soundwaves. We also have a newborn so figured it would be better to enjoy Christmas lights inside this year. I would say the entire trip was just "ok". The hotel itself is a bit difficult to navigate with a stroller or if you were handicap accessible. There are some elevated walk-ways that have a ramp going up one way but stairs on the other end. Anyone with accessibility issues would have to turn back around. There is no signage regarding accessible walkways etc. and in the garden area we found ourselves having to turn around a couple of times because the path we chose resulted in stairs. We also encountered at least one elevator that was not working (waited for it to come and it never did) and had an issue with the "elevator" going into the spa area when we went to the indoor pool. ||One of the main reasons we booked this "staycation" was to enjoy soundwaves and we knew there were two toddler sections in the indoor pool area so we thought it would be a great wintertime activity. However, both were disappointing. One was almost too young for our 2 1/2 year old and the other was challenging because the large bucket of water which would fill and drop water - created too many waves/splash for a young toddler. As such she didn't seem to enjoy either of them and we had to use the main pool, which was fine. However, the water was freezing - It definitely was not at or anywhere near 86 degrees (which I saw is a temperature the hotel claimed it could not go over in another review). The water was clearly unheated and felt like going in the Atlantic Ocean in June before the water has warmed up for the summer. Our toddler was maybe swimming for a little over an hour - and her lips were turning blue and she was shaking when she exited the pool. Neither my husband or I had any desire to go back in the pool and even though our daughter normally loves the water -she didn't protest when we left. As such, the entire experience at soundwaves was disappointing and not worth the money. The next morning we actually used the indoor pool (not associated with soundwaves) and had a much better experience was the water was warmer. Soundwaves also advertises that they provide life jackets but the smallest size we saw was 55 lbs and greater. This meant the lifejacket for our toddler was clearly too large and looked like it was choking her. I understand that they may expect younger kids to stay in the "kiddie" areas but it feels like they should have some options for younger children; especially for kids going on the lazy river.||Our room in the hotel was fine - nothing special, which I knew before booking the hotel. You're paying for the facility not the room. However, I also didn't think the atriums or even the Christmas decorations were that great. I don't know what I was expecting but I was expecting something more unique - some of the decorations reminded me of what I would see suspended from the ceiling of a mall. ||Overall, we may have had a better experience or felt the trip was worth it more if our kids were older - but at the same time I think it is unlikely we'd go back for the price.
Amazing location with excellent service. We recently spent 5 days there to celebrate 40 years of marriage and it was definitely a celebration. The staff was exceptional they provided us with an upgrade and sent wine and chocolate covered strawberries to our room. If you’re looking to celebrate I would definitely recommend this resort for any occasion. The property is beautifully decorated and it had lots of activities for couples and families.
I recommend staying at this hotel, as we did, during the Christmas holiday season. The lights and decorations were absolutely stunning as they highlighted the already beautiful gardens and raging waterfalls. The flatboat ride provided spectacular views and we appreciated the Christmas music playing in the background. The “ice carved” show on property was something I’ve never seen before and is worth a trip in and of itself. Each morning we were entertained with a holiday breakfast show that started the day with wonderful music and food. The accommodations were very comfortable and most importantly very clean.
Went tonight to look at the lights and attractions for Christmas. Decided to go ice skating. Paid $23 each, and paid at 8:48, and planned to stay until close (10:00), got on the ice rink at 9:02 after waiting in line and putting skates on. There was unfortunately someone who got injured (9:16) on the rink and left with EMS. After about 10 minutes, the employees said that the rink was closed, and we had to turn in our skates. I asked about refunds and they said that I could go to the events desk to get the refund. I was then told by two other employees that someone would take care of us outside. After waiting for them (9:36), they said they would not issue refunds and we were welcomed back on the floor for the remainder of the session. We ended up leaving since after waiting for skates and putting them on would take about another 10-15 minutes, it wouldn’t be worth it. I understand that they are not at fault for someone getting hurt, but after spending so much money to only skate for 14 minutes, I’m not too happy. The lights were beautiful, and we had fun otherwise.
Beautiful atrium especially if you're a plant lover! Beats gardens and waterfalls inside hotel! This is a resort so prices are quite inflated for food, drinks and shops within Opryland, so be prepared. Great to stay a night but away from downtown Nashville and where a lot of events are held. Hotel offers shuttle downtown with reasonable running hours.
Didn’t stay here but had to visit this hotel while we were in town! They go all out for the holidays! It was decorated beautifully! They had multiple family friendly events going on outside and inside! The inside was a little taste of heaven. Many rooms overlook the terrace. You can take a boat ride, shop the shops, eat at the restaurants and walk to the near by water park hotel as well!
A really cool place for the first few hours - it was massive and nicely decorated with multiple restaurants and shops located throughout. The fountain, waterfall, and boat ride were a nice touch.
Then, when everything quiet downs, it feels a bit eerie and dystopian. For the general public visiting and for those staying there that go to bed early, this isn’t really a problem, but if you’re up later than 12 and like to walk around, this part of the review is for you.
Overall, if you like staying in a confined place with much to do and mediocre-to-decent food, this place is for you (kinda like a stationary, always based 20 min away from downtown Nashville, cruise). If you’re staying here to see the sights and sounds of Nashville, stay somewhere else that’s cheaper and closer in proximity to where you want to go.
My wife and I stayed here Thanksgiving weekend. I've read some reviews that were flattering and some not. Having previously toured this hotel, we were determined to stay here. We were NOT disappointed. Yes the cost is pricier than an average hotel but is definitely reflective of the scale and grandeur of the place. One nice thing is that you never have to leave, if you choose not to. Everything is available there. Our room was an atrium facing King room with balcony in the Cascades section. The room was clean and spacious, the bed very comfortable, and there were two sinks, one inside the shower area, one just outside. Our balcony doors included both blackout curtains as well as thinner curtains which provided visual privacy but still allowed all the sounds of the waterfalls to fill the room. While here, we also took part in many aspects of their "ICE" events. I believe I had several cups of their hot cocoa. I'm not a big fan of hot cocoa but to say this stuff was would be an understatement. The pool and hot tub that are NOT part of the Soundwaves water park, the ones original to the property that are included with the price of your stay, were very nice and spacious as well. The photo opportunities here are endless and our experience with the staff were always positive. They really tried to go out of the way to be accommodating. The hotel is clean and food and shopping opportunities plentiful. We will definitely be returning.
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