What Happened at Opryland Hotel? (appointed, house, restaurants)

[carolmcb]

My husband and I went out to Opryland Hotel last week to see the Christmas decorations. A number of years ago (probably more than 5 years ago) we spent Thanksgiving at the hotel just for fun. We ate at the buffet at one of the restaurants and enjoyed the decorations and entertainments. The decorations were over the top and the choirs and other music were were heavenly.

However, when we went last week, the hotel was nicely decorated but in no way resembled the magnificent decorations of years ago. It looked just like any large hotel decorated for Christmas. It was a real let down. Does anyone have any insight why they would have scaled back so much?

[Mike in TN]

I'm glad you posted this. I was thinking about driving there from M'Boro to check it out. You just might have saved me a trip.

[JoAnn5]

I think the Opryland complex has lost a lot of it's attractiveness since the theme park was converted to a shopping mall. Every large town has a shopping mall... but the tourism that was brought in by that theme park was phenomenal. Since it's closed, the Hotel doesn't seem as impressive or inspiring.

[Big TR]

My parents just went down to Nashville for a quick weekend getaway. My mom said that she was disappointed in the Opryland Hotel's Christmas decorations, much like the OP. She said that although they were nice, it wasn't like they walked in and were blown away by their magnificence.

[carolmcb]

Originally Posted by Big TR

My parents just went down to Nashville for a quick weekend getaway. My mom said that she was disappointed in the Opryland Hotel's Christmas decorations, much like the OP. She said that although they were nice, it wasn't like they walked in and were blown away by their magnificence.

Well, I glad that I'm not over reacting to what I saw. It really is a shame since it was a tourist draw both to eat and stay at the hotel when they went all out. I guess that they think that it is too expensive today.

It's been a while since I have eaten at any of the hotel's restaurants. I used to be pretty satisfied with the quality but I really haven't eaten there in years. Hopefully, they have kept up the quality in the restaurants.

[statefan]

I can remember going to Opryland when we first moved to Nashville in 1996 and being amazed by the decorations throughout the hotel. It seemed like there was something everywhere you looked, in every nook any cranny! Over the years, the decorations seemed to have disappeared to a minimum.

[scottv]

Clark Griswold decided not to coordinate the display this year.

[carolmcb]

Originally Posted by scottv

Clark Griswold decided not to coordinate the display this year.

I assume you are making a joke about the Chevy Chase character.

[Diane Giam]

Originally Posted by Mike in TN

I'm glad you posted this. I was thinking about driving there from M'Boro to check it out. You just might have saved me a trip.

Mike, and Parking is now $16, unless you park at the Opry Mills Complex and walk over.

Diane

[Diane Giam]

Originally Posted by carolmcb

Well, I glad that I'm not over reacting to what I saw. It really is a shame since it was a tourist draw both to eat and stay at the hotel when they went all out. I guess that they think that it is too expensive today.

It's been a while since I have eaten at any of the hotel's restaurants. I used to be pretty satisfied with the quality but I really haven't eaten there in years. Hopefully, they have kept up the quality in the restaurants.

The Food Court is gone. Now a new Buffet Restaurant which an Ad said free Parking for Locals if you eat there. I think its $19.95 a person.
Seafood Restaurant was expensive and mediocre. Rachel's Buffet was good, and the other's I haven't eaten in.
I prefer Elendale's on OLD Elm Hill Pike for Buffet though, less money, and a lovely old house setting.

Diane