Opryland Hotel

The official name now is Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center. Now this is a nice hotel with almost 3,000 rooms. I would venture to guess that most Nashvillians have been to Opryland Hotel at some point in time. We don’t go to stay there overnight (though I’m sure some have to celebrate a special occasion); we go there just to look around. One of the most popular times to go is during December when the hotel and grounds are elaborately decorated for the holiday season. I’ve been going there during the holidays almost from the time the first tree was lit.

The Delta at Opryland Hotel

Things have changed over the years, of course, like everything else changes. Now they charge to park, and it is a hefty price, too. If you don’t mind a little walk, you can park at Opry Mills (where the Opryland Theme Park used to be) and walk across the parking lot, down a short walkway and in the Delta River entrance. Easy. That is what I did yesterday, along with several dozen others. Several new additions have been made to a hotel that was massive to start with. The newest Delta area offers visitors rides on small flat boats up the river, and shops along a short “street” like one you might find in New Orleans. Spanish moss even hangs from the trees.

Shops in the Delta Area

Walkway to the rooms

The hotel has created a special place in the 9 acres of well manicured grounds outside and “greenhouse” inside. Many people, including myself, like to stroll along the walkways lined with trees, shrubs, and flowers. And water is everywhere—fountains, waterfalls, small pools and the “river” in the Delta River area.

Most upscale hotels will have a restaurant and gift shop. At Opryland there are many, many eating establishments—everything from a small kiosk offering soft drinks and snacks, to restaurants great for a light lunch, to formal dinner seating at water’s edge. An abundance of shopping can be done, as well. Handbags, children’s clothing, leather goods, kitchen gadgets, you name it and it can be yours for a price.

I don’t think I could recommend staying there overnight. The rates are somewhere in the $200. range. I heard someone say once that “you should never pay very much for a motel room. Once you turn out the lights and close you eyes, all rooms look the same.” However, it is free to go in the hotel (park at Opry Mills) and it is definitely worth a visit.