Gaylord Opryland

Gaylord Opryland. It is a large resort and convention complex located within the Nashville, Tennessee metropolitan area, renowned for its expansive indoor atriums and botanical gardens. Originally developed by the Gaylord Entertainment Company, the property is a cornerstone of the local tourism and hospitality industry. The resort is situated adjacent to the famed Grand Ole Opry and the Opry Mills shopping mall, forming a major entertainment district.

History

The resort first opened in 1977 as the Opryland Hotel, a key component of the Opryland USA theme park developed by Gaylord Entertainment Company founder Edward L. Gaylord. Following the closure of the theme park in 1997, the hotel underwent significant expansions to transform into a self-contained convention destination. A major renovation occurred after the property sustained severe damage during the 2010 Nashville flood, requiring extensive repairs and refurbishment. In 2012, Marriott International acquired the property and rebranded it as part of its Gaylord Hotels portfolio, a move that solidified its position within a national network of convention resorts.

Facilities and amenities

The complex is famous for its nine acres of enclosed, climate-controlled atriums, which feature thousands of tropical plants, winding rivers, and waterfalls. These biomes include the Garden Conservatory, the Cascades, and the Delta, the latter of which houses a river where guests can take flatboat rides. The resort contains nearly 2,888 guest rooms and suites, over 600,000 square feet of exhibition space, and a variety of dining options ranging from casual eateries to fine dining establishments like Old Hickory Steakhouse. Other amenities include a full-service Relâche Spa, multiple swimming pools, a fitness center, and direct indoor access to the Opry Mills retail complex.

Entertainment and events

As a premier entertainment venue, the resort hosts the seasonal ICE! exhibition, featuring two million pounds of hand-carved ice sculptures. It is the home of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular starring the Rockettes during the holiday season. The property's vast convention facilities regularly host major events such as the CMA Awards, the Gospel Music Association's Dove Awards, and numerous corporate meetings for organizations like the National Association of Realtors. Musical performances and themed events are frequently held in its various atriums and ballrooms, leveraging its connection to the Music City brand.

Management and operations

The resort is operated under the Gaylord Hotels brand by Marriott International as part of its Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program. Day-to-day management falls under the purview of Ryman Hospitality Properties, the real estate investment trust that was spun off from the Gaylord Entertainment Company in 2012. This structure separates the property's operational management from its real estate ownership. The complex employs thousands of staff across its hospitality, culinary, and event management divisions, operating with a focus on large-scale group tourism and convention services.

Impact and recognition

The resort is a critical economic engine for Nashville, consistently ranking as one of the largest convention hotels in the United States and a top driver of the city's tourism sector. It has received numerous accolades, including the AAA Four Diamond Award for several consecutive years and consistent recognition from publications like Meetings & Conventions magazine. Its scale and design have influenced the development of other large-scale atrium hotels and convention centers nationwide. The property's integration with the Grand Ole Opry and Opry Mills has been instrumental in defining the Music Valley area as a major tourist destination.

Category:Hotels in Tennessee Category:Buildings and structures in Nashville, Tennessee Category:Marriott International