HotelChatter || Nashville's Opryland Hotel "The Worst Hotel In America"?

SUBMIT A TIP

Check Hotel Prices

Find a Hotel Anywhere

11481 Hotel Stories From Around The World Inside!

Get Alerts

Login

Become a Member

Press

TIME MAGAZINE:
Looking for a more frank and detailed appraisal of a hotel than most guidebooks and official websites provide? Check out HotelChatter.com.
NEW YORK TIMES:
For Travelers, Some Web Sites Are Leveling the Playing Field.
WALL STREET JOURNAL:
Frustrated guests have detailed their experiences on popular Web sites such as HotelChatter.com.
USA TODAY:
It's quick, to the point and, often, downright funny.
FORBES:
This Web site is an uncensored compendium of hotel reviews from all over the world.
BUSINESS 2.0
In the spirit of finding What Works I have to recommend the HotelChatter.com website.
NG TRAVELER:
HotelChatter is the only reader review site to read just for fun.
LA TIMES:
A terrific resource for travelers.

» More Press «

Site Credits

Senior Editor:
Juliana Shallcross

Full Masthead

Publisher:
SFO*MEDIA

Where to stay when you leave.

hot: Hotel News * Hotel Openings * Hotel Hype * Manhattan Hotels * Best WiFi Hotels 2008 * Hotel Video Tours

Nashville's Opryland Hotel "The Worst Hotel In America"?

Where: 2800 Opryland Drive [map], Nashville, TN, United States, 37214-1297

5/25/2004 at 1:39 PM
Tags: Hotel Hell

Hyperbole is a powerful tool. Legendary blogger David Weinberger called Nashville's Opryland Hotel "The Worst Hotel In America". Though he dubbed the Opryland "worst" over two years ago, his review is detailed, and possesses great staying power.

A few folks took exception to Weinberger's characterization of Opryland, but most people seemed offended with his remarks about Nashville, not the Opryland Hotel.

Below are the eight reasons Weinberger cited when describing what makes the Opryland "suck so bad".

And to make sure that we tell both sides of the story, here are the Opryland's top ten reasons why the property does not suck.

Weinberger's reasons for hating the Opryland:

What makes it suck so bad?

It is gigantic. Acres. If it were outdoors, they'd be morally obligated to give each guest a golf cart.

Each of the wings has its own faux theme. Fake river. Fake bayou. Fake Gone with the Wind. Real annoying.

The worst signage since Londoners randomly switched their street signs.

The corridor ceilings are low so you feel like not just like a rat in a maze but a rat in a maze who's hunching his shoulders.

They play loud background music everywhere. Or maybe it just seems that way.

It's not within walking distance of anywhere.

The nearest city is Nashville.

It's hermetically sealed. I'm breathing air first captured in during the Carter administration.

Does it have its good points? Of course. For example, there's a sense of camaraderie among the guests who are wandering lost among the potted mangrove trees. But I'm just not in the mood to talk about the positives.

Anyone out there care to comment on the Opryland? Let us know what you think. Have things changed in the last couple years, or is Weinberger right on target?

Hotel Reviews:
Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center

3 Comments - Add Yours by markj

Comments

Comments on Nashville's Opryland Hotel "The Worst Hotel In America"?

Anonymous Hero
HotelChatter Member

Opryland Hotel (none / 0)

I have stayed at the Opryland Hotel. The biggest drawback for me was the size of the hotel, the parking and finding your way around. However, if you are not in a hurry, the surroundings are wonderful with the atrium, the inside river, and other unusual aspects you do not see in hotels. It is located within walking distance of the Grand Ole Opry and the Opry Mills Mall. Also, the General Jackson river ride/dinner show is just a short distance away and could possibly be reached by walking.

by Anonymous Hero on 7/07/2004 at 1:59 PM

Anonymous Hero
HotelChatter Member

Worst hotel in America has to be HoJo Bremerton (none / 0)

Howard Johnson Plaza, Bremerton, Washington is without a doubt the nastiest hotel in America. The place is a public health hazard. I stayed there and was so offended by the state of the place I stayed no longer than the time it took to take these pictures. www.frombeyondthe.com/howardjohnson Howard Johnson themselves initially were reluctant to take my complaint seriously, despite the evidence.

by Anonymous Hero on 9/29/2004 at 7:02 PM

amh3855
HotelChatter Member

Opryland is NOT Nashville (none / 0)

Thinking you have seen Nashville if you've stayed at Opryland is like thinking you've seen Paris if you've been to Disney Europe. Nashville has lots of great things to see and do but if you are at Opryland they will do all they can to keep the money in house.

by amh3855 on 7/23/2005 at 12:12 PM