Garden Conservatory, Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center
Stay calm? At the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center? Is that not an oxymoronic question in itself? With 2,711 guest rooms and 171 suites on six floors, you would think it an impossibity to indulge in rest and relaxation. Especially when an event such as the conference I attended last week — Learning Forward 2014 — brought together 3,600 educators in 600,000 square feet of meeting space.
But yes, you can stay calm. And relaxed. And enthralled. You just have to know where to go in this magical, multi-space resort where gardens flow harmoniously into well-appointed living spaces.
First, ask for a balcony room in the Delta wing of the hotel so you have a view of the Garden Conservatory, an architecturally beautiful space with a glass ceiling open to the sky.
Glass ceiling, lush greenery — view from my balcony room and the Garden Conservatory
Swing open the door to your balcony and enjoy the lush greenery that awaits you — palm trees, ferns, manicured shrubs and, at this time of year, massive plantings of pink and white and red poinsettias.
Banks of pink poinsettias line the area near a waterfall in the Garden Conservatory
Watch as people take pictures of family members near the light-bedecked gazebo . . .
Mom captures her husband and child at the decorated gazebo in the Garden Conservatory
or climb into one of the boats meandering the waters and listen while a guide selects other features of this indoor paradise to share with you.
Riding the Delta Riverboat through the waters of at Gaylord Opryland Hotel
Indulge in the sights of balconies aglow from ceiling-hung strands of twinkly lights . . .
Balcony rooms all aglow with the light of streetlamps and thousands of twinkly lights
or stand in front of the all-red poinsettia tree and take a selfie for your Christmas card!
A popular spot for pictures — the red poinsettia tree in the Garden Conservatory
Second, just sit a spell on your own balcony and notice how others are enjoying the privacy even in this full-to-capacity resort. You might want to pamper yourself with a massage right on your balcony or just share early-morning coffee with your roommate.
Early-morning coffee on the balcony — Gaylord Opryland Resort
But if you choose to roam, you can still remain calm. Bring your walking shoes and “hike” the walkways above the gardens.
Hiking the gardens on one of the long walkways above the flora and fauna
Look down at the restaurants yet to open . . .
The calm before opening — Ravello, one of the restaurants in the Garden Conservatory
or the shopping areas where people gather but you hardly hear them.
View from above of the shopping areas in Gaylord Opryland Resort
You may opt for sipping coffee in front of the waterfalls just as my roommate Terry Frost of Knoxville did and plan your day. Will it be shopping? picture-taking? attending a conference? or simply “staying put” in one of America’s premier resorts?
Enjoying her coffee and the calm of the Conservatory — Terry Frost of Knoxville
Whatever you choose to do at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center, rest assured that you can be hurried and active or calm and relaxed. The choice is up to you!
Colorfully decorated trees seem to be everywhere at Gaylord Opryland Resort!
For more information:
Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center
2800 Opryland Drive, Nashville, TN 37214
615-889-1000
Website: http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/bnago-gaylord-opryland-resort-and-convention-center/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gaylordoprylandresort
If you go:
- Book early. Space fills up quickly, especially if there is a convention at the hotel.
- Ask for a balcony room, if it fits within your budget. It’s worth it!
- Check out the restaurants and early-morning coffee places. Lines get long as walkers roam the hotel early and then stop for a pastry and coffee.
- If you go at Christmas, check out the over 2 million lights and the lovely nativity in the Magnolia entryway. Carriage rides are available. (Access blog post here.)
Adrenaline Romance
Whoa! That’s a one-of-a-kind hotel. We wish we could stay in places like these one of these days. With our limited budgets, we always stay in bed and breakfasts, pension houses (inns), or homestays.
Oh, the Places We See
This is a one-of-a-kind hotel, and I wouldn’t have stayed there if it hadn’t been for business. We were lucky that we could combine business and pleasure at this special holiday time. Thanks for reading and commenting. And please remember that we are budget travelers all the way!
suzjones
Oh wow! That reminds me of a luxury cruise ship like the QEII or something. Very grand indeed.
Oh, the Places We See
You know, Suz, you may have the best comparison of all. The Opryland Hotel is like a mammoth cruise ship — so much to do, so much luxury, and so many people! I knew I needed a cruise right before Christmas this year!
mytravelmonkey
Apart from when we went to Vegas, I don’t think I have ever, ever seen a hotel as huge as this! I can’t believe the gardens and the river running through it!
Oh, the Places We See
I agree! I’ve been to Vegas, and this hotel rivals almost anything there. But — no casino! Didn’t miss that at all. So much to do and see at the Opryland. Come visit Tennessee!
mytravelmonkey
Maybe one day… There is so much to see and do In the USA, I think it will take me a lifetime!
freebutfun
They even have a river boat going through the hotel…?! Amazing! Grand!!
Oh, the Places We See
That river boat is amazing, and there was always a line of people ready to board! This is one enormous hotel — one of the largest I’ve been to. But well-run and beautiful! Thanks for taking a look. Happy holidays!
Amy
What a grand and glamorous hotel!
Oh, the Places We See
It is a grand ol’ place, for sure, Amy. I marvel at how they can have so many people stay there and do a great job of cleaning, serving, processing, etc. It’s a well-oiled machine! Thanks for your comment.
Linda Arthur Tejera
Those Gaylord hotels really know how to do it up right! Great photos and it looks like a fabulous time! 🙂
Oh, the Places We See
You are so right, Linda. Those folks do know how to do hospitality! And that Southern red carpet thing, too! I love these lush hotels — could get used to living this way! Thanks for reading!
Curt Mekemson
Lovely tour.
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks so much, Curt. Although this is relatively close to home, I don’t get there often. But what a lovely place to stay! Guess I still would like to be rich and able to travel and stay in resorts. But until then, I’ll take a few days at a time any way I can get ’em!
Curt Mekemson
Have to agree. Conferences often provided me an opportunity to stay places I might not have made it to otherwise. 🙂 –Curt