Gaylord Opryland is part of Marriott’s portfolio under the Gaylord Hotels brand and participates in Marriott Bonvoy, but it is important to understand that Gaylord is classified by Marriott as a Premium rather than Luxury brand. That distinction is noticeable.
The property itself is spectacular and has the grandeur and scale you would expect from a major convention resort, but the guest-room experience is not quite at the level of a traditional upper premium or even luxury hotel.
The first thing that strikes you is the sheer scale of the property. The enormous indoor atriums, lush gardens, waterfalls, waterways, and glass ceilings are truly impressive. The resort almost becomes an attraction in itself, and simply walking around and exploring the different atriums can be one of the highlights of the stay.
The location is another advantage. The resort is conveniently located close to Nashville International Airport, making arrivals and departures relatively easy, particularly for travelers attending conventions or coming in from out of town.
For conventions and large events, Gaylord Opryland is exceptionally convenient. The meeting facilities, guest rooms, restaurants, bars, entertainment, and other amenities are all within the same enormous complex. There is little need to leave the property once you arrive, which is a major benefit for conference attendees. The scale and infrastructure are clearly designed around large meetings and groups.
There is also an impressive amount to do without leaving the resort. Numerous restaurants and bars, multiple pools, the spa, shopping, the Delta boat ride, and the SoundWaves water attraction provide plenty of options. Families and groups, in particular, can easily spend several days here without running out of things to do.
The rooms and bathrooms were clean, and room service was also good and reliable, which was a definite positive. However, the accommodations themselves were less impressive than the public spaces. The resort's spectacular architecture can create an expectation of a luxury-room experience that isn't necessarily reflected in the rooms.
The biggest drawback is the size of the property. Be prepared to walk — and walk a lot. Depending on where your room is located, getting to meetings, restaurants, the lobby, or other amenities can involve a surprisingly long trek. The beautiful indoor gardens and waterways make those walks more enjoyable, but after several days, or after a long day at a convention, the distances can become tiring.
The overall atmosphere can also feel somewhat impersonal, which is understandable given the enormous number of guests the resort accommodates. If you prefer a smaller upscale hotel where the service feels more personal and the property is easy to navigate, this is a very different experience.
Unfortunately, the beds were not particularly comfortable, which was one of my bigger disappointments. After spending hours walking around the resort or sitting in convention meetings, having a comfortable bed becomes especially important.
Overall, the experience is somewhat divided: the resort itself is spectacular, while the hotel experience is more ordinary. The architecture, indoor landscapes, amenities, convention facilities, location, and good room service are all significant positives. On the other hand, the enormous scale, long walks, somewhat impersonal atmosphere, and uncomfortable beds keep it from feeling like a true luxury-hotel experience.
For a convention, family trip, or group getaway where having everything under one roof is important, Gaylord Opryland has a lot going for it. Just don't confuse the spectacular resort environment with a traditional luxury-hotel experience.
Overall: 3½ stars. A spectacular convention resort with an incredible setting and plenty to do, but the rooms and overall hotel experience don't quite match the grandeur of the property itself.
