The hotel is made up of three separate but interlocking courtyards. The oldest section, the Conservatory covers 2 acres, and the Cascades, completed in 1988, adds another 2 acres. Finally, the Delta section completed in 1996 provides an additional 4.5 acres.

Rooms come in two flavors; those with an outside view, and those opening onto the courtyards with tiny but charming verandas. We stayed in one of these garden rooms in the Delta section. It was like being in a scaled down city filled with plants and trees. In the afternoon I brought up coffee and pastry and read a book, or watched the people strolling up and down the landscaped paths. Sometimes I watched the scheduled fountain displays where the waters dance to music.

The hotel has several places to eat including the elegant Old Hickory Steak House, built as an antebellum mansion with patios that overlook the tranquil gardens and river. There's the lovely waterside Cascade Restaurant (also the site of a spectacular laser fountain show, best seen after dark), and Volare serving fine Italian cuisine under a canopy of twinkling lights and towering plants.

As of 2008, new changes are coming. Water’s Edge Marketplace is being created in the Delta Atrium and the old food court there is gone. Four new “upscale causal” dining options are being constructed along with an entertainment complex. The Water’s Edge Marketplace will feature global cuisine in the setting of an international marketplace. Also on the horizon -- Mexican fare at the Mexican sports cantina, complete with rare and upscale tequila brands on our extensive list. Stax will feature one-of-a-kind burgers and chicken sandwiches, and Paisano’s will offer fresh, tangy Tuscan-style pizza, Fettuccini Alfredo or crisp salads.

The resort is reinventing its entertainment operations, celebrating the heritage of Music City with more live musical performances than ever before. A major part of the enhancement initiative includes the creation of an interior entertainment complex featuring an ultra-sleek nightclub designed by one of the country’s most successful Las Vegas club innovators. Live music of all genres will be available at more than 6 different locations within the resort.

One final point. Despite the rain forest illusion, everything is actually inside. The hotel balances that indoor feel with lovely and meticulously maintained outdoor gardens and pools. Everything about this hotel is beautifully done, and lovingly maintained.

The not-so-good news is the location. The hotel is not near the center of Nashville. However, since our original review we've been informed that bus tours, shuttles, and taxis are now available to several downtown points of interest.

The Opryland Hotel is located at:
2800 Opryland Drive
Nashville, TN 37214
615 889-1000
www.oprylandhotels.com

© 2004

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