Nashville Anniversary Getaway..need help!

[bamamom]

I know if this board can't help me with this then no one can DH and I will be celebrating our 15th wedding anniversary in March . We were going to the carribean but because of recent family health crisis we don't and can't be that far away from home right now. Also since we are trying to help with some of the financial part of this right now I need to try to be as budget conscience as I can. So we are going to have to go on a short close to home trip. So we are going to Nashville, need help with place to stay (2nites), spa and restaurants. I've looked on line at Opryland Hotel (very expensive rooms ) and Union Station and Hotel Preston. I really would like to have a massage while there but don't anything about where to even start with that. All suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I've got to get this booked so we can get away for a few days . Thanks

 

[nannerbadnanner]

I live in the Nashville area. What do you want to know? If you can swing the Opryland, I would suggest staying there. It is a destination within itself! I personally would skip the Hotel Preston (alot of road construction around that area and very close to the airport) and the Union Station (beautiful hotel, but in need of serious rehab). If you want to stay downtown, try the Renaissance or the Hilton. They are very nice and within walking distance to everything downtown.

The Opryland Hotel is about 20 minutes from downtown, but there is alot to do in that area. There is the Opry Mills mall, the Acuff theater, and the General Jackson riverboat all onsite. I am sure they probably have a spa onsite there also.

An acquaintance of mine works for a very nice day spa near the downtown area. I have never been (I can't stand massages), but a friend of moine has and she says it's great. I'll try to find the name for you.

P.S. I am originally from Alabama. Where do you live?

 

[buckeye]

We did a little 2-night trip to Nashville last spring. TO save money, we stayed across the street from the Opryland Hotel, at the Opryland Radisson---which is part of the Gaylord group and has a shuttle that runs between the Radisson and Opryland Hotel. We did a package that included breakfast at the Opryland Hotel (wonderful!!) a tour of downtown and Country Music Hall of Fame and RymanAuditorium, lunch at Wildhorse Saloon and tickets to either the Opry or Nashville Star. It was a great trip. The Radisson is NOT a beautiful hotel compared to the Opryland, but it was lots cheaper. Go to the Gaylord website to see the packages, but when you call they will quote you a different price for staying at the Radisson instead.

 

[ClarabelleCowFan]

I commute to Nashville one week a month. My favorite hotel BY FAR in all of Nashville is the Hilton Suites on 4th Avenue downtown. All of the rooms are 2 room suites with spectacular views of the city. The hotel is located within easy walking distance of all the honky tonks on Broadway and the Wildhorse Saloon and BBKings on 2nd Avenue.

For a fancy dinner eat at The Palm restaurant right beside the hotel. You may see a few country music stars there!

The Opryland hotel is nice but unless you get a suite the standard rooms are just that - a standard hotel room with nothing fancy. Union Station has a gorgeous lobby but the rooms and hallways are musty and downright STINK. Also remember that Union Station is an old TRAIN station and is located next to TRAIN tracks so guess what rolls thru at 3am blowing their whistles??? Yep TRAINS!!!!!!!!!!

Have a great trip in Music City!

 

[csss31399]

Have you thought about priceline? I have stayed in some awesome hotels in Nashville for less than $50. It's a chance you take, but I've never been disappointed.

 

[knation5]

I've stayed at all three hotels you mentioned. All are really nice and you would enjoy any of them.

The Opryland Hotel is huge and beautiful! You could easily spend a day or two there exploring the place. waterfalls, gardens, etc.

Hotel Preston is really nice, contemporary and different in a good way. They bring you pillows based on your likeness. (Soft, extra soft, firm extra firm) They will bring a fish to keep in your room and a lava lamp to use for a night night. There is consruction going on in that area, but nothing that would hinder me from staying there if that is your choice. (I know Hotel Preston has been on priceline or hotwire. Can't remember which! Cause we booked from there once.)

The Union Station is absolutley gorgeous and VERY upscale. All the old architechture was amazing. They have the absolute most comfortable beds I've slept on!! Pure HEAVEN!

I think it depends on what you are wanting to do while in Nashville. Hotel Preston and Opryland Hotel are in the same vicinity while Union Station is downtown.

Feel free to PM me if you have any other questions and have a HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!
Kayla

 

[dfarner]

Bamamom, it also might help to know what kind of things you all like to do. And exactly when you will be here,because there is always something going on downtown. What kind of music do you like? Do you like comedy clubs?

As for hotels, I think the previous posters gave some great ideas. The Doubletree is also a good one downtown, near where the Titans play, and there is alot to do within walking distance. I would also suggest Loews Vanderbilt Hotel, but it is on West End, where the university is.

As for a nice dinner, I would second The Palm. I would also put a vote in for the Melting Pot, Demos, and the Spaghetti Factory downtown. Those restaurants are all in different price ranges. If you go downtown, I would suggest at least stopping in at Tootsies. It is rough for some, but many, many, many country stars go there.

 

[swilshire]

My son took me to Demos in Murfreesboro. I couldn't believe how yummy it as for such a small price. I hope to go back soon.

Sheila

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

Oh my for a wonderful dinner go to Demo's downtown. It is located around the corner from CMT just follow your nose -the smell of garlic bread fills the air. They bring you cubed bread and a sampler of dipping sauces while you decide what you want to order. Oh my gosh it heavenly. I could have skipped my meal and just had the sampler by itself.

The price is incredible. Although there was a crowd waiting to be seated we had a very short wait time. So if you see a lot of people waiting don't run away.

Ask your wait staff what famous people they have waited on and you would be surprised who has eaten there. There is also a wall of fame that contains menu's signed by celebrities who have dined there.

The atmosphere is warm and cozy.

 

[dfarner]

Bamamom, I confirmed this with my DH tonight. March Madness is again in Nashville, in March. So depending on your dates, I would not wait too long to book a room, as they will be at a premium.

 

[ampooh]

I agree Demos is great and I love the Spaghetti Factory.

I've stayed at Lowe's before. I've also enjoyed the Sheraton Downtown.

The Opryalnd Hotel is a great place but I agree with previous poster a standard room is just a room.

I'll second the Where are you from question? I live outside Chattanooga.

 

[bamamom]

Wow you guys are awesome..I knew I could get info from you.

I live in Decatur for those of you that were wondering. I'm going to check these hotels you have suggested right now

What about spas? Really want to enjoy a massage while I'm there.

What kind of food is Demo's? What about the Cheesecake factory (I've never eaten at one). What kind of food and price range is the Palm? What's the attire?

Thank you all so much for your info....please keep it coming!

 

[dfarner]

Wow you guys are awesome..I knew I could get info from you.

I live in Decatur for those of you that were wondering. I'm going to check these hotels you have suggested right now

What about spas? Really want to enjoy a massage while I'm there.

What kind of food is Demo's? What about the Cheesecake factory (I've never eaten at one). What kind of food and price range is the Palm? What's the attire?

Thank you all so much for your info....please keep it coming!

Demos is known mostly for their steaks and spaghetti. I know this sounds like an odd combination. But they have many things. Try looking up their menu-if you can't find it I'll link it to you.
Cheesecake Factory is VERY expensive and ALWAYS very busy. The food is outstanding. It is in a very exclusive area called Green Hills. You would definitely find a great spa in that area. Not too sure about price ranges at the Palm. Never been but heard it's great. I think at both Demos and ChCake Factory you will be comfortable wearing slacks/nice jeans. The last time we went was on a Saturday afternoon and people were wearing just about everything.

 

[nannerbadnanner]

Demos' is great...and cheap. I love their bread, and they have awesome customer service. They never let your glass get empty! I haven't eaten at the Cheesecake Factory yet so I'm not much help there.

I like the Melting Pot--nice for a long romantic dinner. The Stockyard is expensive, but their steaks are awesome. I would also visit the Arcade for a cheap lunch. There are all kinds of small restaurants there, and many of them have great food!

Are you renting a car? Are you staying downtown? What types of things do you enjoy?

 

[bamamom]

Oh my the downtown hotels are expensive But we would like to stay downtown at least one night if not both. We like to walk up and down the street popping in and out of the bars listening to the music.

We will be driving since it's only 1 1/2 hrs from our house.

Do you need to make ressies for any of the mention restaurants (or can you). I've got to narrow it down to 2..

Thanks for all the info keep it coming.

 

[newscick27]

Bamamom,
Just wanted to say hi from over here in Florence, Hope you have a wonderful anniversary trip, Nashville is lots of fun. We too will be celebrating our 15th anniversary this year. Small world huh?


have fun,
Laura

 

[nannerbadnanner]

The spa my friend has been to is called Adagio (i think that's how she spelled it). She said it's great.

There are also cheaper hotels downtown. Check out the Holiday Inn Express. It's withing walking distance to everything.

 

[cajunfan]

Also in Nashville, here...actually right around the corner from Opryland.

I second the downtown hotels...what about the Marriott Courtyard in downtown...

The Palms is very expensive...in Disney terms, probably more expensive than Brown Derby and less than V&A's. I have eaten lunch there before, and given a choice, I would choose Demos' anyday. If they know it's your anniversary trip, I bet they would make a "fuss" about it.

As for Opryland, the hotel is very pretty, but it is expensive and unless your room opens to the atrium, it is just a room...even those that open to the atrium I would think are loud...since you will have a car, I would stay at a downtown hotel, and maybe visit Opryland Hotel (park at Opry mills for free and walk over to the hotel) and maybe go to the Grand Ole Opry at the hotel one night if you are a country music fan. that way you have the best of both worlds.

As for Cheesecake factory, it is always crowded and just getting to the Mall at Green Hills (where it is located) is always a "problem"...lots of traffic in the area. So, i would skip it. Never been to the Melting Pot, but have heard rave reviews about it.

As for spas, can't help much there. I do know that the one at Opryland is EXTREMELY expensive (to the tune of $400 minimum...at least that was their pricing when they first opened up).

Good luck and have fun!

Lynn

 

[Ladyw/theTramp]

Bamamom,
My husband and I are going to be there too the first weekend in March. We are hoping to do the same type thing.. walk around and pop in and out of the 'honky tonks" there...

We are booked at the Courtyard by Mariott Vanderbilt/West End... It was $124 a night for a king room... Can anyone tell me if that is located close to some bars, restaurants, etc.? I have never been and really don't want to drive to the bars at night!

Thanks!

 

[corie161]

Count me as another one who plans on going to Nashville in March, only for our 10 year anniversary. I haven't booked anything, as I'm waiting to see how bad we get socked for taxes this year.

When exactly is March Madness? and what is it?