You’ve seen the photos. The indoor river. The twinkle lights. The over-the-top gardens. And yes, the price tag. The Gaylord Opryland Resort is iconic—but for a lot of travelers, it’s just not in the budget. So the big question is: where can you stay nearby that doesn’t break the bank but still keeps you close to the action?
Turns out, you’ve got options. Good ones. Let’s break it down.
First Things First: Is the Gaylord Worth It?
Some say yes—for a visit. But staying overnight? The rooms are nice… but not magical. You’re mostly paying for the massive resort complex, not a mind-blowing hotel room. One traveler summed it up like this: “Comparable to any Marriott… but way more expensive.”
So here’s the move: walk through it, grab a drink in the atrium, soak up the vibes. But sleep somewhere else. Your wallet will thank you.
Stay Across the Street and Save Big
The Inn at Opryland
Owned by the same folks as the Gaylord, this hotel is right across the road. There’s even a free shuttle to the main resort and Opry Mills Mall. Bonus: if you’re bringing kids, you may get SoundWaves water park passes included. Not a bad deal at all.
Music Valley Drive Hotels
This area is packed with options—Fairfield Inn, Holiday Inn & Suites, Best Western, Comfort Inn. Most are within walking distance or a quick free shuttle ride from the Opry and the resort.
- Fairfield Inn – Around $100 a night, with free breakfast, free parking, and shuttle options.
- Holiday Inn & Suites Opryland – Next to Nashville Palace, Scoreboard, and Music City Bar & Grill.
- Best Western near Opryland – Around $120 a night and a 5-minute drive.
- Comfort Inn & Suites – Affordable, clean, and a solid place to crash.
Pro tip: Park at the mall behind the Gaylord and walk over. It’s free and scenic. No need to pay resort parking prices.
Want Perks? Try These Hotels with Bonuses
Drury Inn (Downtown or Airport Locations)
This chain wins for value. Guests get three free drinks daily, plus what they call “Kickback” food at 5pm—which is more like a full dinner buffet than a snack. Also comes with breakfast. If you're looking to save on meals, this is a smart pick.
Hampton Inn – 530 11th Ave North
Close to Broadway (just a $5–$7 Lyft ride), with quiet rooms, comfy beds, and free breakfast. Less pricey than trendier spots, but still very central.
Holiday Inn Express – West End or 4th Ave
Great locations, friendly staff, clean rooms, and more budget-friendly than you’d expect. Plus? Free breakfast and Ubers to downtown for under $10.
Sheraton Music City
Sleek, stylish, and around $140 a night. A step up without stepping too far out of budget.
Looking for Something a Bit Trendy?
- The Moxy (Downtown) – A fun, modern vibe with good proximity to nightlife.
- The Preston – Quirky, artistic, and a bit off the beaten path in a cool way.
- Fairlane Hotel – A favorite for return visitors, thanks to its charm and downtown location.
- Omni Nashville – More upscale, but close to everything and often gets rave reviews.
So, What’s the Best Move?
If staying near the Gaylord is your priority, the Inn at Opryland or anywhere on Music Valley Drive is your best bet. You’ll be steps (or a shuttle ride) away from the grandeur, but at half the price.
If you’re here for Broadway and the downtown buzz? Head closer to the action—Drury Downtown, Hampton Inn, or Holiday Inn Express West End all offer solid value with less distance and fewer dollars.
And remember—you can always visit the Gaylord. Snap your photos. Sip a cocktail in the courtyard. Watch the indoor waterfall. Then head back to your cozy, budget-friendly hotel room with a smile on your face and cash still in your pocket.
Now this is information we all need. Thank you!