
Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center
Best for families, groups, conventions, and anyone wanting lots of on-site activities and dining.
Prices in other currencies are estimates. You’re charged in USD.
Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center is a vast 4-star convention resort with nine acres of indoor gardens, a paid-access water attraction (SoundWaves), many dining options, and large meeting space. Margaritaville Vacation Club Nashville is a smaller, casual branded vacation-club property in downtown Nashville for travelers who want central access to Music City and a relaxed, resort-flavored stay.
Updated · about 16 km apart (roughly a 15–25 minute drive depending on traffic)

Best for families, groups, conventions, and anyone wanting lots of on-site activities and dining.

Best for travelers who want a downtown location, short walks to Music City Center/Bridgestone Arena, and a casual Margaritaville-branded stay.
When Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center wins: pick Gaylord if you want on-site variety — nearly 20 restaurants/bars, a large full-service spa (Relâche), multiple pools plus the paid SoundWaves water experience, and rooms for large groups or meetings.
When Margaritaville Vacation Club Nashville wins: choose Margaritaville if you want to be within easy walking distance of downtown Nashville attractions (Music City Center, Bridgestone Arena, Broadway) and prefer a smaller, branded vacation-club property with a central location.
Bottom line: Gaylord is a destination resort that keeps families and groups on property; Margaritaville is a downtown, convenience-first choice for visitors focused on Nashville’s music and nightlife scene.
| Category | Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center | Margaritaville Vacation Club Nashville |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Large, destination convention resort with indoor gardens and multi-level activities | Compact, casual vacation-club property with a leisure-brand feel |
| Location | Opryland area near Grand Ole Opry and Opry Mills; farther from downtown Broadway | Downtown Nashville — within a few minutes' walk of Music City Center, Bridgestone Arena and Broadway |
| Size (guest rooms) | 2,888 rooms | 52 rooms |
| Who it suits | Families, groups, meetings and guests wanting on-site entertainment | Couples, small groups and leisure travelers who want downtown access |
| Pools & water | Multiple complimentary indoor/outdoor pools plus the paid SoundWaves 4-acre indoor/outdoor water experience | 1 outdoor pool (wheelchair-accessible); no on-site waterpark |
| Restaurants & bars | Nearly 20 restaurants and bars (Old Hickory Steakhouse, Ravello, Jack Daniel's, Foundry Fieldhouse, etc.) | JWB Grill, 1 coffee shop/cafe, and 2 bars/lounges on property |
| Spa & wellness | Relâche Spa — large full-service spa with treatments and relaxation areas | Not published |
| Known for | Nine acres of indoor atriums, extensive meeting space and SoundWaves water attraction | Central downtown location and a Margaritaville-branded vacation-club experience |
| Accessibility & family policy | All-ages resort with family and adult-only zones; many accessible features | All-ages property with accessible amenities listed (wheelchair-accessible path, pool hoist, accessible fitness center) |
| Parking & transport | On-site self and valet parking (fees), scheduled shuttles to nearby attractions; airport shuttle for a fee | Valet parking (surcharge) and central walkable location to downtown venues |
Gaylord Opryland sits in the Opryland entertainment district near the Grand Ole Opry and Opry Mills.
Choose Gaylord if you want proximity to the Opry/entertainment complexes rather than downtown Broadway.
Margaritaville Vacation Club Nashville is in downtown Nashville within easy walking distance of the Music City Center and Broadway.
Choose Margaritaville for convenience to downtown concerts, conventions and nightlife.
Gaylord offers a very large range of rooms across multiple towers designed to host many guest types and group sizes.
Gaylord is appropriate when you need capacity, variety, or proximity to convention facilities.
Margaritaville has a small inventory of air-conditioned rooms with basics and kitchenette options.
Margaritaville suits travelers who value a compact, downtown hotel with simple in-room conveniences.
Gaylord has nearly 20 dining outlets covering formal and casual options for all ages.
If dining variety on property matters, Gaylord provides far more choices.
Margaritaville offers a small set of on-site food and drink options plus immediate access to downtown restaurants.
Margaritaville relies on its downtown location for variety rather than many on-property outlets.
Gaylord centers a lot of guest activity around water — complimentary pools plus SoundWaves, a paid water experience.
Gaylord is the pick if you want an on-site waterpark experience and year-round indoor attractions.
Margaritaville lists one outdoor pool and poolside amenities; it does not offer a waterpark.
Margaritaville provides a straightforward pool experience appropriate for a downtown property, not a waterpark.
Gaylord supports both spa wellness and lively on-site nightlife options.
Gaylord combines spa services with several evening bar options for guests wanting both relaxation and nightlife on property.
Margaritaville lists fitness and accessible features; nightlife is primarily the surrounding downtown area.
Margaritaville leans on downtown Nashville for nightlife and larger wellness offerings.

Gaylord — has SoundWaves plus multiple pools, kids’ activities and lots of family dining options.

Margaritaville — walk to Bridgestone Arena, Music City Center, Broadway and downtown nightlife.

Gaylord — massive meeting and exhibition space with hundreds of event rooms and large ballrooms.

Margaritaville — a small, branded vacation-club property that’s easy to navigate and close to venues.
Margaritaville Vacation Club Nashville is downtown and within a short walk of Broadway, Bridgestone Arena and Music City Center; Gaylord is in the Opryland area and requires a drive or shuttle to reach downtown.
No — SoundWaves is a paid attraction and guaranteed access requires booking the SoundWaves Water Experience package or purchasing tickets for eligible guests.
Gaylord Opryland — it has extensive meeting and exhibition space, many breakout rooms and ballrooms designed for large events.
No. Margaritaville Vacation Club Nashville is not adults-only and is a downtown property, not a beachfront hotel.
Explore how Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center stacks up against other hotels nearby:
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