
Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center
Best for families, conventions, and travelers who want on-site entertainment, many restaurants, and a major water attraction.
Prices in other currencies are estimates. You’re charged in USD.
Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center is a large, 4-star family-friendly resort in the Opryland area with extensive indoor gardens, pools, meeting space and a paid SoundWaves water experience. The Hermitage Hotel is a historic 5-star grand hotel in downtown Nashville for travelers who want classic, centrally located luxury and a quieter, more intimate downtown base.
Updated · about 11 miles (18 km) apart

Best for families, conventions, and travelers who want on-site entertainment, many restaurants, and a major water attraction.

Best for travelers who prefer a classic downtown 5-star hotel within easy walking distance of Broadway, the Ryman, and downtown sights.
When Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center wins: choose Gaylord if you want a resort that keeps families busy (nine acres of indoor gardens, multiple pools and SoundWaves), dozens of on-site restaurants/bars, and large-scale meeting or wedding spaces.
When The Hermitage Hotel wins: choose The Hermitage for a smaller, historically significant 5-star stay in the heart of downtown Nashville within walking distance of Printer's Alley, Ryman Auditorium and Broadway; ideal for couples and culture-focused travelers.
Bottom line: Gaylord is a sprawling, activity-forward resort better for families and events; The Hermitage is a downtown luxury landmark better for travelers seeking classic service and immediate access to downtown music-and-theatre venues.
| Category | Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center | The Hermitage Hotel |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Expansive resort with indoor gardens, family zones and convention facilities | Historic Beaux Arts grand hotel with classic downtown elegance |
| Location | Opryland area near the Grand Ole Opry and Opry Mills (suburban, resort cluster) | Downtown Nashville — steps from Printer's Alley, Ryman Auditorium and Broadway |
| Size | Very large — 2,888 guest rooms, dozens of restaurants and extensive event space | Small — 122 individually decorated guestrooms |
| Built / character | Opened 1977 and expanded multiple times; resort/convention design | Historic Beaux Arts grand hotel character (landmark downtown property) |
| Pools / water | Complimentary indoor and outdoor pools plus the paid SoundWaves 4-acre water experience | Not published |
| Restaurants & bars | Nearly 20 dining venues (steakhouse, Italian, sports bar, grab-and-go, dessert cafés) | Drusie & Darr Jean-George plus a coffee shop/cafe and 2 bars/lounges; room service limited hours |
| Spa & wellness | Relâche Spa — large full-service spa with pools, steam, sauna and treatments | Not published |
| Known for | SoundWaves water attraction, nine acres of indoor atriums, huge meeting and ballroom capacity | Central downtown location, historic hotel service, proximity to Broadway and Ryman |
| Meeting & event space | Extensive — hundreds of meeting rooms, massive exhibit halls and ballrooms | Five meeting rooms and a banquet hall for smaller events |
| Family vs adults | Family-forward with adult-only pockets inside SoundWaves | All ages property with luxury orientation |
Gaylord Opryland sits in the Opryland entertainment cluster near the Grand Ole Opry and Opry Mills.
Best if you want resort-style surroundings near the Grand Ole Opry rather than downtown nightlife.
The Hermitage Hotel is centrally located in downtown Nashville within short walking distance of major music and theater venues.
Ideal for travelers who want to be within easy walking distance of downtown music venues and restaurants.
Gaylord offers thousands of rooms across multiple towers with family and garden-view options.
Choose Gaylord for breadth of room inventory and options for families or groups.
The Hermitage has 122 individually decorated guestrooms and a selection of suites and parlor rooms.
The Hermitage suits travelers who prefer individually styled rooms and refined linens in a smaller hotel.
Gaylord has nearly 20 on-site dining and bar options covering casual to upscale.
Pick Gaylord for a wide range of price points and kid-friendly options without leaving the property.
The Hermitage focuses on classic fine-dining and intimate bar spaces.
Choose The Hermitage for a high-end downtown dining experience and quieter evening bars.
Gaylord's signature amenity is the SoundWaves water experience plus multiple complimentary pools.
Gaylord is the clear choice if you want on-site water attractions and pool time for all ages.
The Hermitage Hotel's supplier listing does not publish pool or water-park information.
Not published whether The Hermitage has a guest pool; verify with the hotel before booking if a pool matters.
Gaylord offers a large spa and 24-hour fitness center plus on-site entertainment options.
Gaylord is strong for on-site wellness plus family entertainment and late-night casual options.
The Hermitage emphasizes refined service, concierge assistance and a small fitness facility listed among amenities.
The Hermitage suits travelers who want attentive service and direct access to downtown nightlife and music venues.

Gaylord Opryland — SoundWaves, children's pool, arcade and many casual dining options make it easy to keep kids entertained.

The Hermitage Hotel — steps from Ryman Auditorium, Broadway and Printer's Alley for walkable music-and-theatre nights.

Gaylord Opryland — extensive meeting rooms, exhibit halls and ballrooms that handle everything from trade shows to large weddings.

The Hermitage Hotel — a long-running downtown 5-star landmark with individually decorated rooms and formal service.
The Hermitage Hotel — it’s within a few blocks of Broadway, the Ryman and many downtown venues, making it the easier walk-to-music choice.
Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center — it offers SoundWaves, indoor gardens, multiple pools and many family-friendly dining options.
Gaylord: Relâche Spa and a 24-hour fitness center are on-site (spa treatments and some experiences are paid). The Hermitage lists fitness facilities; a spa is not published in the supplier listing.
Yes — Gaylord has very large ballrooms and exhibit halls for big events, while The Hermitage offers smaller meeting rooms and a banquet hall for more intimate gatherings.
Explore how Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center stacks up against other hotels nearby:
vs. sites like Expedia, Hotels.com and other OTAs ·