Nashville

[tarheelmjfan]

Would anyone familiar with Nashville mind sharing the names of the hotels that are most convenient to the best restaurants & nightime entertainment? A sort walking distance is preferable. I've seen recommendations to book between certain streets, but the actual names of the hotels would make planning much easier. Thanks in advance for the help.

 

[asta]

Would anyone familiar with Nashville mind sharing the names of the hotels that are most convenient to the best restaurants & nightime entertainment? A sort walking distance is preferable. I've seen recommendations to book between certain streets, but the actual names of the hotels would make planning much easier. Thanks in advance for the help.

You will pay for the convenience but I think you want to be close to Broadway. And right now those south of Broadway are more popular. Look at these:
Omni Hotel - new and great location
Hilton Nashville Downtown, 121 4th Ave S - directly across the street from Bridgestone Arena
Hilton Garden Inn, 305 Korean Veterans Blvd
Hampton Inn, 301 4th Ave S
Hyatt Place, 301 3rd Ave S

There are several hotels north of Broadway to look at:
Sheraton Downtown, 623 Union St
Renaissance Hotel, 611 Commerce St
Courtyard by Marriott, 170 4th Avenue N
Hermitage Hotel, 231 6th Ave N

Don't be surprised if those hotels south of Broadway are sold out.

 

[tarheelmjfan]

You will pay for the convenience but I think you want to be close to Broadway. And right now those south of Broadway are more popular. Look at these:
Omni Hotel - new and great location
Hilton Nashville Downtown, 121 4th Ave S - directly across the street from Bridgestone Arena
Hilton Garden Inn, 305 Korean Veterans Blvd
Hampton Inn, 301 4th Ave S
Hyatt Place, 301 3rd Ave S

There are several hotels north of Broadway to look at:
Sheraton Downtown, 623 Union St
Renaissance Hotel, 611 Commerce St
Courtyard by Marriott, 170 4th Avenue N
Hermitage Hotel, 231 6th Ave N

Don't be surprised if those hotels south of Broadway are sold out.

Thanks so much. That helps a lot. When I was looking earlier, I noticed Omni was a good price for the date range. I figured that meant it had a bad location. It's good to know that's not the case. I appreciate the warning about the more convenient hotels booking up quickly. I'll price out the others for comparison & book soon.

 

[asta]

Thanks so much. That helps a lot. When I was looking earlier, I noticed Omni was a good price for the date range. I figured that meant it had a bad location. It's good to know that's not the case. I appreciate the warning about the more convenient hotels booking up quickly. I'll price out the others for comparison & book soon.

I would jump on the Omni if you like the price. The Omni and Downtown Hilton would be my first choices. Nashville has a lot of really good restaurants . There are a few in the downtown core but I would use Opentable for reservations since many book up. Look at the lists of best restaurants and don't be afraid to use Uber to venture out of the downtown core. Let me know if you want any reccomendations.

 

[tarheelmjfan]

I would jump on the Omni if you like the price. The Omni and Downtown Hilton would be my first choices. Nashville has a lot of really good restaurants . There are a few in the downtown core but I would use Opentable for reservations since many book up. Look at the lists of best restaurants and don't be afraid to use Uber to venture out of the downtown core. Let me know if you want any reccomendations.

My bad. It was Loews that had the good price. It's not on your list, so that's out. I'll check the others.

I'm actually surprised the hotels are as expensive as they are. They make. Disney & Universal hotels look like a bargain. Obviously, Nashville is a very popular destination.

 

[asta]

My bad. It was Loews that had the good price. It's not on your list, so that's out. I'll check the others.

I'm actually surprised the hotels are as expensive as they are. They make. Disney & Universal hotels look like a bargain. Obviously, Nashville is a very popular destination.

Well the Loews Vanderbilt is a very good hotel. I occasionally see people walking but it would be much too far for me to walk.

Right now Nashville is the most popular that I have ever seen. There always seems to be a crowd walking on Broadway near the honkytonks and restaurant reservations can be tough if you are looking for a certain place or time. It can be fun but you need to plan.

 

[tarheelmjfan]

Well the Loews Vanderbilt is a very good hotel. I occasionally see people walking but it would be much too far for me to walk.

Right now Nashville is the most popular that I have ever seen. There always seems to be a crowd walking on Broadway near the honkytonks and restaurant reservations can be tough if you are looking for a certain place or time. It can be fun but you need to plan.

Thanks for the Loews warning. I'm not healthy, so a long walk is out.

Another question... Any opinion on visiting the week before or after Christmas? DH & I were discussing dates & I had a thought that we could possibly combine Nashville with our Christmas trip to NC. Is everything open those weeks, other than Christmas day? DS really wants to see Grand Ole Opry. We wouldn't want to schedule dates, when it's dark. Also, is the weather tolerable to walk around in for a bunch of wimpy Floridians?

 

[asta]

Thanks for the Loews warning. I'm not healthy, so a long walk is out.

Another question... Any opinion on visiting the week before or after Christmas? DH & I were discussing dates & I had a thought that we could possibly combine Nashville with our Christmas trip to NC. Is everything open those weeks, other than Christmas day? DS really wants to see Grand Ole Opry. We wouldn't want to schedule dates, when it's dark. Also, is the weather tolerable to walk around in for a bunch of wimpy Floridians?

I don't have specifics on what is open or closed but would think everything is open outside of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. One of the neat things about that time of year is the Grand Ole Opry has been moving back into the Ryman Auditorium downtown while Christmas shows take place at their regular place out by the Opryland Hotel. I think it is a real treat to see the show in its original home. Amy Grant and Vince Gill have Christmas concerts that are worth checking out but they be too early in December for your dates. There is also hockey in the Bridgestone Arena that time of year and the party atmosphere around and in the arena is fantastic. If you do decide to visit the honkytonks make sure you go all of the way to the end of Broadway and visit the Acme. I think it has the best atmosphere but there are many others including Tootsies Orchid Lounge.

It is anyone's guess about the weather. We can be anywhere from moderately cold to freezing. The good thing is that all of the places on Broadway are close together so you shouldn't have to be out in the weather long.

Edited to add there is a huge New Years Eve event at the foot of Broadway every year with a free outdoor concert. It is much too crowded for me to be there but they have big name acts. My daughters have paid to be next door at the Acme and had a good time. They have a roof top that overlooks the madness but they charge more for that.

 

[dashofsunshine]

If you want to go at Christmas and see the Grand Ole Opry and Opryland Hotel, I would definitely suggest finding a hotel out that way and just taxing a taxi or Uber downtown to Broadway. There is plenty to do out near the Opry, lots of restaurants and Opry Mills Mall, and the hotel is beautifully decorated at Christmas, but the real reason I would suggest staying out there (if you want to see all of that anyway) is the cost difference with hotels. As you saw previously, downtown/Broadway hotels cost a pretty penny.

Broadway is an experience and anytime we have people visit, they always want to see it, so we oblige. It's neat, but to us it has always been kind of a "we've done this now, let's go explore the rest of Nashville" kind of thing. It's a very diverse city and there's lots to see here! Hope you enjoy your trip

 

[asta]

If you want to go at Christmas and see the Grand Ole Opry and Opryland Hotel, I would definitely suggest finding a hotel out that way and just taxing a taxi or Uber downtown to Broadway. There is plenty to do out near the Opry, lots of restaurants and Opry Mills Mall, and the hotel is beautifully decorated at Christmas, but the real reason I would suggest staying out there (if you want to see all of that anyway) is the cost difference with hotels. As you saw previously, downtown/Broadway hotels cost a pretty penny.

Broadway is an experience and anytime we have people visit, they always want to see it, so we oblige. It's neat, but to us it has always been kind of a "we've done this now, let's go explore the rest of Nashville" kind of thing. It's a very diverse city and there's lots to see here! Hope you enjoy your trip

I agree with what you are saying except for two things: I don't think the Grand Ole Opry will be out at their regular home during the month of December. They move it downtown to the Ryman to make way for a Christmas show. It might have been the Grinch last year. The other thing I don't reccomend is Opry Mills Mall. It is just another mall of factory type stores and we think it is a very poor substitute to the theme park that Gaylord did away with. That is something a lot of us Nashvilians will never forgive.

 

[dashofsunshine]

I agree with what you are saying except for two things: I don't think the Grand Ole Opry will be out at their regular home during the month of December. They move it downtown to the Ryman to make way for a Christmas show. It might have been the Grinch last year. The other thing I don't reccomend is Opry Mills Mall. It is just another mall of factory type stores and we think it is a very poor substitute to the theme park that Gaylord did away with. That is something a lot of us Nashvilians will never forgive.

I actually despise Opry Mills Mall, lol, but I always mention it because tourists seem to love it I would stay out near Opryland Hotel at Christmas just for the lights and decorations, but if they move the Opry to the Ryman in December and that's all the OP cares to see, then I totally agree, that wouldn't make sense!

PS what theme park did they do away with? That's sad! I've only been here since 2007!

 

[asta]

I actually despise Opry Mills Mall, lol, but I always mention it because tourists seem to love it I would stay out near Opryland Hotel at Christmas just for the lights and decorations, but if they move the Opry to the Ryman in December and that's all the OP cares to see, then I totally agree, that wouldn't make sense!

PS what theme park did they do away with? That's sad! I've only been here since 2007!

The theme park was called Opryland and the mall sits on the land it used to occupy. It was not a Disney level park but was bigger than a local amusement park. It was themed around different styles of music with shows dedicated to each style. They had plenty of rides both thrill rides and family oriented rides. It still galls me to this day when we pass the interstate sign listing Opryland at an exit. They should take that down. The local head of Gaylord finally admitted last year that it was a mistake to close the park. It turns out they could use the theme park to fill the rooms in that beautiful hotel.

 

[mandy200587]

What are you wanting to see when you come? For me the best time is fall, temperatures are comfortable. School is back in session and the landscape is beautiful.

 

[tarheelmjfan]

I don't have specifics on what is open or closed but would think everything is open outside of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. One of the neat things about that time of year is the Grand Ole Opry has been moving back into the Ryman Auditorium downtown while Christmas shows take place at their regular place out by the Opryland Hotel. I think it is a real treat to see the show in its original home. Amy Grant and Vince Gill have Christmas concerts that are worth checking out but they be too early in December for your dates. There is also hockey in the Bridgestone Arena that time of year and the party atmosphere around and in the arena is fantastic. If you do decide to visit the honkytonks make sure you go all of the way to the end of Broadway and visit the Acme. I think it has the best atmosphere but there are many others including Tootsies Orchid Lounge.

It is anyone's guess about the weather. We can be anywhere from moderately cold to freezing. The good thing is that all of the places on Broadway are close together so you shouldn't have to be out in the weather long.

Edited to add there is a huge New Years Eve event at the foot of Broadway every year with a free outdoor concert. It is much too crowded for me to be there but they have big name acts. My daughters have paid to be next door at the Acme and had a good time. They have a roof top that overlooks the madness but they charge more for that.

That would work well for us. We'll be spending the holidays with family in NC, so we wouldn't be there on the 24th & 25th anyway. We're thinking about going to Memphis also. We'll have to see if we could make it work out to go there first, then spend NYE in Nashville. Since combining this trip with NC is a recent idea, I'd need to do more research to see what is possible.

If we didn't have to spend much time outside, the weather wouldn't be much of an issue. We go from car to house in NC, so it's tolerable. That would be similar.

DS is the music fan & the one who chose Nashville to see GOO. I really don't know much about it. Let me see, if I understand what you're saying. Ryman Auditorium is the original GOO, but it has relocated to the Gaylord Opryland Hotel area. Is that correct? If so, I'm sure he'll want to see both. If not, a little tutelage on the difference in the venues would be very much appreciated.

If you want to go at Christmas and see the Grand Ole Opry and Opryland Hotel, I would definitely suggest finding a hotel out that way and just taxing a taxi or Uber downtown to Broadway. There is plenty to do out near the Opry, lots of restaurants and Opry Mills Mall, and the hotel is beautifully decorated at Christmas, but the real reason I would suggest staying out there (if you want to see all of that anyway) is the cost difference with hotels. As you saw previously, downtown/Broadway hotels cost a pretty penny.

Broadway is an experience and anytime we have people visit, they always want to see it, so we oblige. It's neat, but to us it has always been kind of a "we've done this now, let's go explore the rest of Nashville" kind of thing. It's a very diverse city and there's lots to see here! Hope you enjoy your trip

Thanks for the suggestion. The major plus to going that time of year is the hotels in general are a lot cheaper than they are the other dates I checked.

I know DS will want to see live music in the evenings, so we'll want to be in an area that is near bars that are good for 24 yr. old DS, DH & I to relax & enjoy the music after dinner.

We're not really shoppers, but I'm all about Christmas. Regardless of where we stayed, I'd drag the guys to see all the Christmas decorations, if we go then.

 

[tarheelmjfan]

I actually despise Opry Mills Mall, lol, but I always mention it because tourists seem to love it I would stay out near Opryland Hotel at Christmas just for the lights and decorations, but if they move the Opry to the Ryman in December and that's all the OP cares to see, then I totally agree, that wouldn't make sense!

PS what theme park did they do away with? That's sad! I've only been here since 2007!

GOO is the only thing DS has mentioned specifically, but we want to hit all the highlights, when we go. Any suggestions for things to definitely see would be great.

The theme park was called Opryland and the mall sits on the land it used to occupy. It was not a Disney level park but was bigger than a local amusement park. It was themed around different styles of music with shows dedicated to each style. They had plenty of rides both thrill rides and family oriented rides. It still galls me to this day when we pass the interstate sign listing Opryland at an exit. They should take that down. The local head of Gaylord finally admitted last year that it was a mistake to close the park. It turns out they could use the theme park to fill the rooms in that beautiful hotel.

My parents took us to Opryland a couple times. My first visit all I remember is my older sisters wanting to spend all the time watching shows. My sister, who is a couple years older than I, & I just wanted to ride rides. We spent the entire day complaining about having to watch the shows. On our second visit my sister closest to my age & I got stuck on the top of one of the coasters & had to walk off. Those trips created lasting memories. I'd love to be able to take DH & DS there & share those memories with them.

What are you wanting to see when you come? For me the best time is fall, temperatures are comfortable. School is back in session and the landscape is beautiful.

As I mentioned above, DS chose this destination. He's in college & will soon be on his own. We've decided anytime he wants to vacation with us the trip will be all about what he wants to do. (Yes, I'm freaking out about making all the memories possible in the short amount of time we have before he gets out of school, moves on with his life & doesn't have time or want to travel with us. ) DH & I want a nice hotel, high quality food & a good place to have an after dinner drink. As long as we have those thing, any destination works for us. Anyway, DS is a musician & loves all things music related. GOO is a must & he'll want to see as much live music as possible. If we go at Christmas, I'll want to do all things Christmas related. That's all I know so far.

We were originally looking at the fall because our anniversary is in October. (We had other anniversary plans, but those could easily be changed to a different date.) The hotels are really high at that time though. In your opinion, is going in fall worth $150+ per night more than dates around Christmas?

 

[mandy200587]

I highly recommend the Omni if you can get it at a good deal...I've stayed there twice and it's one of our top quality hotels...Westin may be opened by then but I'm not sure. During the winter months, the Opry is back at the Mother Church which to me is the best place to see it. The acoustics oh my lord, if he's a music geek this is the place to see it! The omni is also connected to the Country Music Hall of Fame. The Grand Ole Opry house itself during November-January is home to our Christmas events...which if you can make the drive to see the lights at Opryland so worth it. Downtown will be your best bet for the most live music with all the bars, having music. Depending on schedule, there may even be a hockey game. I would avoid New Years Eve at all costs, your prices will be triple because of the Blue Cross Bowl and New Years Eve concert

 

[Lehuaann]

PS what theme park did they do away with? That's sad! I've only been here since 2007!

The official theme park name was Opryland USA and it was a shame to see it torn down. Many of the locals I know still call that general area Opryland, so I can understand why the sign off Briley still states it as such...

 

[asta]

That would work well for us. We'll be spending the holidays with family in NC, so we wouldn't be there on the 24th & 25th anyway. We're thinking about going to Memphis also. We'll have to see if we could make it work out to go there first, then spend NYE in Nashville. Since combining this trip with NC is a recent idea, I'd need to do more research to see what is possible.

If we didn't have to spend much time outside, the weather wouldn't be much of an issue. We go from car to house in NC, so it's tolerable. That would be similar.

DS is the music fan & the one who chose Nashville to see GOO. I really don't know much about it. Let me see, if I understand what you're saying. Ryman Auditorium is the original GOO, but it has relocated to the Gaylord Opryland Hotel area. Is that correct? If so, I'm sure he'll want to see both. If not, a little tutelage on the difference in the venues would be very much appreciated.



Thanks for the suggestion. The major plus to going that time of year is the hotels in general are a lot cheaper than they are the other dates I checked.

I know DS will want to see live music in the evenings, so we'll want to be in an area that is near bars that are good for 24 yr. old DS, DH & I to relax & enjoy the music after dinner.

We're not really shoppers, but I'm all about Christmas. Regardless of where we stayed, I'd drag the guys to see all the Christmas decorations, if we go then.

You have it right. The GOO was held at the Ryman Auditorium in downtown Nashville until 1974. It was then moved to its current home east of town, near the Opryland Hotel. Every year during November and December they bring the GOO back to the Ryman. During that time the current Opry House is used for touring Christmas shows like the Rockettes or the Grinch. There might be small shows in the hotel itself but no music shows at Grand Ole Opry House during that time.

One thing to think about is age requirements for the honkytonks downtown. Some of them are 21 and older after 7 pm. Others might let teens in with their parents. I would just walk along Broadway and see what the rules are for the different places.

I would definitely tour the Country Music Hall of Fame. They have songwriters that perform and talk with the audience at certain times. I always find the songwriters very interesting. Also not to be missed is to take a tour of Studio B where a lot of hits were recorded. A bus takes groups from the Country Music Hall of Fame out to the studio on Music Row.

If your son is into other types of music you might want to visit Jack White's Third Man Records. It is quirky and kind of hipster but your son might find it interesting. To listen to songwriters you could always try for tickets to The Bluebird Cafe but that is a hard ticket to get.

Sorry if my advice gets too long.

 

[pcstang]

Omni

 

[tarheelmjfan]

I highly recommend the Omni if you can get it at a good deal...I've stayed there twice and it's one of our top quality hotels...Westin may be opened by then but I'm not sure. During the winter months, the Opry is back at the Mother Church which to me is the best place to see it. The acoustics oh my lord, if he's a music geek this is the place to see it! The omni is also connected to the Country Music Hall of Fame. The Grand Ole Opry house itself during November-January is home to our Christmas events...which if you can make the drive to see the lights at Opryland so worth it. Downtown will be your best bet for the most live music with all the bars, having music. Depending on schedule, there may even be a hockey game. I would avoid New Years Eve at all costs, your prices will be triple because of the Blue Cross Bowl and New Years Eve concert

We've decided we'll most likely stay at Omni regardless of when we go. We do really like Westin hotels too. Of it's open by the time we go, should we consider staying there instead?

I'm going to leave it up to DH to decide on the dates. He's concerned about the weather getting from the mtns. of NC to Nashville & back home that time of year. He said he may rather spend the extra money & go earlier. DS & I don't really care either way, so I told DH to give it some thought & let me know ASAP. The idea of seeing the Christmas festivities does appeal to me, but not enough to have to stress over the weather. Whatever he devices will be fine. Warning, if we do go at Christmas, I'll have twice as many questions for you all.

You have it right. The GOO was held at the Ryman Auditorium in downtown Nashville until 1974. It was then moved to its current home east of town, near the Opryland Hotel. Every year during November and December they bring the GOO back to the Ryman. During that time the current Opry House is used for touring Christmas shows like the Rockettes or the Grinch. There might be small shows in the hotel itself but no music shows at Grand Ole Opry House during that time.

One thing to think about is age requirements for the honkytonks downtown. Some of them are 21 and older after 7 pm. Others might let teens in with their parents. I would just walk along Broadway and see what the rules are for the different places.

I would definitely tour the Country Music Hall of Fame. They have songwriters that perform and talk with the audience at certain times. I always find the songwriters very interesting. Also not to be missed is to take a tour of Studio B where a lot of hits were recorded. A bus takes groups from the Country Music Hall of Fame out to the studio on Music Row.

If your son is into other types of music you might want to visit Jack White's Third Man Records. It is quirky and kind of hipster but your son might find it interesting. To listen to songwriters you could always try for tickets to The Bluebird Cafe but that is a hard ticket to get.

Sorry if my advice gets too long.

I love the long, informative posts. Feel free to write a travelogue, if you wish.

DS is 24 & will want to hit all the honkytonks with live music that we can fit in.

We'll definitely need to choose a time, when he can see Ryman & GOOH. It sounds like we need to choose dates in Nov or Dec.

The Country Music Hall of Fame is a must, as well as Studio B. Any idea how I can find out, when a songwriter will be at the HOF? DS is into all types of music, so we'll put JWTMR on the list too. How do I try for tickets to The Bluebird Cafe?

Thanks again for all your help. You guys are great.