Opryland Hotel – Nashville’s Premier Hotel

I live very near Nashville so I have visited Gaylord Opryland Hotel many times. It is one of the places I like most to practice my amateur photography.

Opryland Hotel is more than just a place to stay and rest. It is a place to have simple foods or 5-star dining. It is a place to have a romantic stroll through a huge lush garden, see beautiful waterfalls, and take a boat ride on the indoor river. Opryland Hotel is Nashville’s #1 hotel destination!

How do they fit all that into a hotel you ask? There are 9 acres under the huge glass atrium!!

What makes Opryland Hotel so awesome?!?!

Well, as I mentioned above there are lots of great attractions inside. When I get family or friends come in from out of town that have heard of this great Opryland hotel, we load up for a head that way. They are amazed when they get inside and start walking around. It is definitely one of Nashville’s most unique things to do. If they or you are hungry when you arrive, there is a good diverse selection of restaurants inside to appease anyone’s tastes. After fueling up with a good meal … go explore!

During non-holiday times the Opryland hotel is so fun and relaxing just to simply walk around and enjoy the sights. As I mentioned above there are waterfalls, some that you can walk under. The garden overall seems like you are walking through a dense tropical forest. As you walk along the paths you will come across smaller water features or neat little informational signs and artifacts. There are elegant gazebos perfect for picture taking. There are often events held in the area where the large gazebo is located. I’ve even seen a wedding happen there!

There are upper walkways that overlook the scenic gardens below. These overhead walkways have areas where you can stop and sightsee from above without blocking the foot traffic during peak seasons like Christmas .. more on that later.

In some areas, there are not just waterfalls but dancing water ponds! It is fun to watch the water streams shooting from one location to another to music. The coolest water fountain show is the Delta Fountain Show. This fountain is choreographed with water, lights, and music! It has many water jets and the center ones get real close to the atrium ceiling. It gets way up there!! I’ve sat and watched it several times. I love it each and every time!

You should see the Opryland hotel during Christmas!! There are 3 MILLION+ lights inside and outside. Lights from hanging from the atrium, along the walking paths, outside, they are everywhere!! Life-size Nativity scenes are set up outside. Horse and buggy ride for that romantic experience. It really is a beautiful time to experience Opryland Hotel if you can visit during that time. The lights are usually up from the beginning of November to January 1. There are small plays/shows and also there have been times they have big-name country music artists singing some Christmas tunes for all to enjoy. To see the garden or even the Christmas light lights is free. To enjoy the Gaylord ICE show, there is an admission fee. But, it is so worth it!

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Is there a good selection of food?

There is everything from a cheeseburger joint to high-end Sushi available. Jack Daniels even has its own restaurant in the hotel.

In the Delta area is where you will find your basic eats. There is Stax, where you can get a burger and fries. There is pizza, pastries, and even frozen yogurt if you want something cold. These restaurants and also little small shops are located right beside the Delta river and indoor boat ride. If you choose to sit upon the balcony you will have a great view as you enjoy your meal. Oh, as a bonus tip, if you arrive at the correct times in the later evening you can enjoy a fountain show from the Delta Fountain.

Is there free parking at Opryland Hotel?

Well, technically yes, it just isn’t located directly on the hotel grounds. Oprymills shopping mall is right next door. There is a part of the mall parking lot that is just across the street from the rear entrance to the atrium. Park there and walk down the sidewalk until you see the hotel building. walk to your right and will see the covered concrete patio area. The door is just to your left. During Christmas, they have large ornaments that present great photography opportunities.

Go down Briley Pkwy and get off at the Oprymills Mall exit. Continue around the mall until you see the movie theater and an opening in the wall surrounding the hotel. You should park as close as you can to the road and walk across the road through the opening in the wall.

Opryland Hotel does offer valet parking if that is your thing or you happen to be staying there. Either way, there is a parking fee whether you are checking out the atrium or staying as a guest.

For more information about Opryland Hotel’s free parking, click here.

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Where is everything inside the hotel atrium?

There are signposts and “You are here” signs posted throughout the facility to help guide you.

Interested in other lodging options? Click here for other great Nashville lodging articles.

SoundWaves Water Park

What is SoundWaves? it’s a 4 acre, 3-levels indoor/outdoor water park with Cabana rentals and awesome water attractions all attached to Opryland Hotel.

Water attractions such as a mega raft called “Rapid Remix”, a translucent tube body slide, a Flowrider (one of those surfing but not going anywhere things), a lazy river, an activity pool, a splash pad for kids, and more! Oh, btw they also have lockers available.

SoundWaves is only available to hotel guests.

You should really come check out Opryland Hotel

As you can see this place is so much more than just another basic lay ya head-down hotel. It is basically a small city! Even if you decide to stay at one of the hotels downtown on Lower Broadway, you should at least come by and visit the atrium. You will not be disappointed, I promise!

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