I'm going to a conference in Nashville this coming March, staying at the Gaylord Opryland. From what I've read on this forum and on TripAdvisor people aren't really thrilled with the Opryland rooms, service or food so my expectations have been lowered.

I'd appreciate suggestions for the best I can do given the location. Most likely breakfasts will be at the Opryland...does anyone have a preference there between the Cascades & Rachels? Any difference in their breakfast buffets?

Lunches are included in the conference -- but is there anything worthwhile in the hotel that I shouldn't miss?

Essentially the only meal where I'm free to leave the hotel would be dinner. Anything good that I could get to easily? I won't have a car. What's the best within the hotel?

Many thanks.

You can walk over to Opry Mills and eat at Macaroni Grill or in the food court they have some decent things. Can't remember what other restaurants are in the mall, but I do know the much over rated RainForest Cafe is there.

Ugh, I wish you had a car! Opry Mills also has the Aquarium Restaurant which is overpriced but not bad and the aquarium is beautiful. Also, Tony Roma's (ribs) and Johnny Rockets for burgers. Not too much within walking distance, I'm afraid.

I strongly urge you to make a new friend who has a car and convince that person to drive you for dinner. There are a ton of great places in and around Nashville. Check out www.Chowhound.com.

We just stayed at the Opryland Hotel in May (after your visit I'm afraid). We had a good buffet breakfast at the Cascades but it was $15 per peron. However, they had a pretty good variety including freshly made omelets,eggs, sausage/bacon, a variety of fruits, sweet rolls, breads and cereals. This price also included your coffee and juice. We were usually there by 8 AM so we didn't have a long wait.

Had dinner one night at the Italian Restaurant (Volare?) and it was terrible. We had the Veal Torteloni with Chef Salad. The salad was OK, the Torteloni was ICK!

The only other meal we had there was a quick fast food lunch at Corky's -- pulled pork sandwich -- and it was good. Prices are high, though.

I stayed at the Gaylord 2 years ago and had a great time. We ate dinner at the steak restaurant and it was awesome (very expensive though). We also ate at Volares which I enjoyed. The absolute best restaurant was The Melting Pot which is a fondue restaurant downtown. There is a shuttle from the Gaylord to downtown for a minimal price.

Nashville has lots of wonderful restaurants-----none of which are at Opryland. Skip Opry Mills too, as everything there is just chain. Get a cab or a shuttle to downtown. If you like BBQ, try Jack's on Broadway. If you like steak try Morton's (downtown) or Fleming's (West End), yes both are chains but great food. Steaks are also great at the Palm at the downtown Hilton. Demo's is a local restaurant that has decent pasta, nothing upscale but still nice. Try Mario's if you want a wonderful meal--usually great pasta dishes, great veal too. Jimmy Kelly's is also great for steak too!