Thursday, May 26, 2005

Flight: United #7128 IAD-BNA

Departing From: Nashville, TN (BNA)
Traveling To: Washington, DC (IAD)
ETD: 07:30 PM May 26, 2005 CDT
ETA: 01:05 AM June 10, 2005 EDT
Est. Duration: 1 hr 58 min
Departure Gate:
Arrival Gate:
Seat: 1C
Equipment: Canadaire Regional Jet
Miles:
Other: Actually serviced by Mesa Airlines

Hotel: Gaylord Opryland

City: Nashville, TN
Chain: Gaylord Hotels
Property: Gaylord Nashville Resort & Convention Center
Address: 2800 Opryland Drive; Nashville, Tennessee 37214-1297
Phone Number: (615) 889-1000

Check Out: May 26, 2005

8 stars out of 10

Second one of these I've been too, as I was at the one near DFW last year for a meeting (but didn't stay). The gimmick seems to be an overly large facility with large enclosed atrium/greenhouse areas for year round outside experiences. Billed as a "resort", but always more "conference" to me because of the non-resort city locations (except for Orlando, I guess). They are the ones developing the Washington Harbor project in PG County, apparently.

The interior areas are very nice because of the tropical plants and things, although I can honestly say I've never been in a place harder to find quiet. There is a contant noise level from all the fountains, pumps, and flowing water being pumped through the inside of the place. Very pretty, but makes cell phone calls difficult, and given the business nature of the place a little funny.

The rooms were nice a comfortable, the convention space was very nice. It was pretty easy to get a bite to eat, although some of the venues seemed overpriced which is not unusual for any "resort" facility. I think there might have been other places with more of what I was looking for, but the place was so big and I was only there three days that it was possible that I never came across them. I'm glad my room was somewhat close to the convention space, as it could have been a very long walk.

Rating:

  • Safety: 1
  • Dining: 1, some good, room service overpriced
  • Bar: 1, several
  • Internet: 1 - included in room fee
  • Wireless in Common Areas: 0
  • Work Space, Power: 1 OK
  • Shower: 1
  • Air Conditioning, Bed: 1
  • Common Areas: 1 Exceptionally cool.
Total: 8

Directions:

Last Visit: May 26, 2005 ($)

Wednesday, May 25, 2005

Restaurant: Santa Fe Cattle Co., Nashville TN

City: Nashville, TN
Location: Near Gaylords Opryland complex
Phone:
Website:

Looking for a break from the hotel food (see other review), we wondered up the road to the Santa Fe Cattle Co. Felt kind of like a chain, but I had never seen one before so it might have been a local item. Googling indicates a chain, but no official site found.

One of those "trying hard to be casual" kind of places. They give you peanuts in a shell to make a mess with, the decor is "rustic Roy Rogers", and the menu is obviously meat-eater friendly but not too expensive. Lots of things a large group would like, assuming they like barbeque and aren't militant vegitarian. Had the ribs, which were how I like them - wet, sweet, hint of spice. Everyone else seemed to be happy with their food also.


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Tuesday, May 24, 2005

Flight: United #7103 BNA-IAD

Departing From: Washington, DC (IAD)
Traveling To: Nashville, TN (BNA)
ETD: 09:15 AM May 26, 2005 EDT
ETA: 10:10 AM May 26, 2005 EDT
Est. Duration: 1 hr 55 min
Departure Gate:
Arrival Gate:
Seat: 4D
Equipment: Canadair Regional Jet
Miles:
Other: Actually serviced by Mesa Airlines