We will be going to Nashville for a wedding, but are not too interested in the Opryland Hotel..even though the wedding is there. From what I have read, the rooms are not worth the $179-209 that they want. Any suggestions for a nice hotel, without all the circus like atmosphere....or should we reconsider about Opryland? Thanks in advance.

Merriem:

I've been to Nashville several times and have stayed at two nice downtown hotels. Most recently, I stayed at the Renaissance, which is within walking distance of the riverfront and the beautiful old government buildings. I've also stayed at the nearby Sheraton. Both have large, comfortable rooms.

BUT! I was intrigued by two older downtown hotels: the recently refurbished Hermitage on 6th St (very old, very posh, now a Westin Hotel) and the Union Station (a converted train staion now owned by the Wyndham chain). Next time, I'm staying at one of those.

I second Allan's suggestion of the Union Station. It's great! It's a converted train station with wonderful rooms and good service.

Thanks for the responses, I will be checking these out!

Downtown would be a much better choice. Lots of the hotel chains have locations there. For something different, I would try the Hermitage.
Opryland Hotel is fine for a visit - but I wouldn't suggest staying there.

Dear Merriem,
I stay in dowmtown Nashville for about four months a year. I strongly recommend the Westin Hermitage. Request a room ( all are suites) with a view of the Tennessee State Capitol. It is beautiful at night. Great food in the hotel. Have fun with all the fun things to do donwtown in Nashville. If you have not been to the Opryland Hotel, it would be a big mistake to miss it. You can easily spend 1/2 a day there walking around. Plus the Opry is next door. Do it!

FYI: Hermitage is no longer a Westin property.

I'm not sure if it's still there, but I used to stay at a Holiday Inn directly across from Vanderbilt and found the accomodations standard chain (Marriot, Hyatt, Holiday Inn) fare but the location perfect. Since Nashville is a driving town anyway, this location puts you close to downtown with easy access to the prettier side of town while still convenient to the Opryland suburbs.