If you’re planning a trip to Nashville, Tennessee, you may be wondering about the history of the iconic Opryland Hotel.
Well, you’re in luck because we’ve got all the information you need right here.
In this article, we’ll take a look at the history of the Opryland Hotel and answer the burning question: when was Opryland Hotel built?
The Early Days of Opryland
The Opryland Hotel is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, offering luxury accommodations and world-class amenities. However, many visitors may not know the history behind this iconic hotel. The Opryland Hotel was built in 1977, as part of the larger Opryland USA theme park complex.
Opryland USA was the brainchild of businessman W.S. “Bud” Wendell, who wanted to create a family-friendly theme park in Nashville, Tennessee. The park opened to the public on May 27, 1972, and quickly became a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. Opryland USA featured a variety of attractions, including roller coasters, water rides, and live music shows.
Over the years, Opryland USA continued to expand, adding new attractions and experiences for visitors. One of the most significant additions to the park was the Opryland Hotel.
The Opryland Hotel was built in 1977, just five years after the opening of Opryland USA. The hotel was designed to provide luxury accommodations for visitors to the theme park, as well as for business travelers and convention attendees. The original hotel featured 580 rooms and a variety of amenities, including restaurants, bars, and meeting rooms.
Over the years, the Opryland Hotel continued to expand, adding new wings and amenities to meet the growing demand for luxury accommodations in Nashville. Today, the hotel features over 2,800 rooms and suites, as well as a variety of restaurants, bars, and recreational facilities.
It is worth mentioning that the Opryland Hotel was not immune to setbacks and challenges. In 2010, the hotel suffered significant damage in a flood that swept through Nashville, causing millions of dollars in damage. However, the hotel was quickly rebuilt and restored, and continues to be a beloved destination for visitors to Music City.
If you are planning a trip to Nashville, keep in mind that the Opryland Hotel offers a unique and luxurious experience that is worth considering. Unfortunately, the Opryland theme park closed in 1997 and was replaced with a shopping mall, but the hotel remains a popular destination in its own right.
Construction of the Opryland Hotel
The Opryland Hotel, now known as the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center, is a luxurious hotel located in Nashville, Tennessee. It was built to serve as a hub for the entertainment and tourism industry in the city. The construction of the hotel was a massive undertaking that required careful planning and execution.
Planning and Design
The planning and design phase of the Opryland Hotel took several years to complete. The project was led by a team of architects and engineers who worked tirelessly to create a hotel that would be both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The hotel was designed to cater to a wide range of guests, from business travelers to families on vacation.
During the planning phase, the architects and engineers took into consideration a range of factors such as the hotel’s location, its size, and the amenities that would be offered to guests. They also paid close attention to the hotel’s environmental impact and worked to ensure that the hotel was built in a sustainable and responsible manner.
Construction Phases
The construction of the Opryland Hotel was completed in several phases. The first phase of construction began in 1975 and involved the construction of the hotel’s main building. This building was designed to be the centerpiece of the hotel and featured a stunning atrium that was filled with lush greenery and waterfalls.
The second phase of construction began in 1983 and involved the construction of the hotel’s second tower. This tower was designed to accommodate the increasing number of guests who were flocking to the hotel. The second tower also featured a range of amenities such as a fitness center, a spa, and a pool.
The third and final phase of construction began in 1986 and involved the construction of the hotel’s convention center. This center was designed to cater to the needs of business travelers and was equipped with state-of-the-art technology and facilities.
Opening Day
The Opryland Hotel officially opened its doors on November 28, 1977. The opening ceremony was attended by several high-profile guests, including country music legend Roy Acuff. From the very beginning, the hotel was a massive success and quickly became one of the most popular hotels in the country.
Over the years, the hotel has undergone several renovations and expansions to keep up with the changing needs of its guests. Today, the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center is one of the most luxurious and iconic hotels in the world, attracting thousands of visitors every year.
Changes Over the Years
When the Opryland Hotel was built, it was a modest 600-room hotel. However, over the years, it has undergone many changes, including being acquired by Gaylord Entertainment in the late 1970s. This marked the beginning of a transformation that would turn the Opryland Hotel into one of the premier destinations in Nashville and beyond.
Gaylord Entertainment wasted no time in making their mark on the hotel, with a series of renovations and expansions. One of the earliest additions was the Garden Conservatory, a stunning atrium that housed hundreds of tropical plants and a waterfall. The atrium was an instant hit with guests, and it quickly became one of Opryland’s signature features.
Since then, the Opryland Hotel has continued to evolve and grow. Today, it boasts more than 2,800 guest rooms, making it one of the largest hotels in the country. It also features a variety of restaurants, shops, and entertainment options, including a sprawling indoor water park.
Despite all of these changes, the Opryland Hotel has managed to maintain its charm and character. Many of the original features and design elements are still present, giving guests a sense of the hotel’s history and evolution over time.
In 1983, Gaylord Entertainment acquired the Opryland Hotel from the American General Hospitality Corporation. The acquisition was a strategic move for Gaylord, which was looking to expand its presence in the hospitality industry and capitalize on the popularity of Nashville as a tourist destination.
Under Gaylord’s ownership, the Opryland Hotel underwent a major transformation. The company invested millions of dollars in renovations and expansions, with the goal of creating a world-class resort that would attract visitors from around the globe.
One of the first major renovations under Gaylord’s ownership was the construction of the Garden Conservatory. This stunning atrium was designed to evoke the feeling of a lush, tropical paradise, complete with waterfalls, exotic plants, and a river that meandered through the space.
The Garden Conservatory was an instant hit with guests, and it quickly became one of the signature features of the Opryland Hotel. Over the years, Gaylord continued to invest in the hotel, adding new restaurants, shops, and entertainment options.
In 1996, the hotel underwent a major expansion, with the addition of the Cascades Atrium. This new atrium was even larger than the Garden Conservatory and featured a 3 1/2-story waterfall, a river, and a variety of exotic plants and trees.
Today, the Opryland Hotel is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Nashville, attracting millions of visitors each year. Its rich history and stunning design make it a must-visit attraction for anyone interested in the history of Nashville and the evolution of the hospitality industry.
Opryland Hotel Today
The Opryland Hotel, now known as the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center, is a stunning five-star hotel located in Nashville, Tennessee. The hotel has been through several renovations and expansions since its original opening in 1977. The most recent renovation took place in 2019, bringing new features and amenities for guests to enjoy.
Current Features and Amenities:
- The hotel boasts over 2,800 rooms and suites, each beautifully decorated with southern charm and luxury.
- Guests can enjoy the indoor gardens and waterfalls, which cover over nine acres and are home to over 10,000 plants.
- The hotel offers 17 restaurants, ranging from fine dining to casual eateries.
- There are also several swimming pools, including an indoor pool with a waterslide and an outdoor pool with a lazy river.
- The hotel has over 750,000 square feet of event space, making it a popular choice for conventions and conferences.
Famous Guests and Events:
Over the years, the Opryland Hotel has hosted many famous guests and events. The hotel was a popular destination for country music stars, with many performing at the Grand Ole Opry, located on the hotel’s grounds. Notable guests include Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash, and Willie Nelson.
The hotel has also been the site of several high-profile events, including the 1994 NATO summit, which was attended by President Bill Clinton and other world leaders. The Opryland Hotel has also been featured in several movies, including “Hannah Montana: The Movie” and “This Is Where I Leave You.”
Future Plans:
The Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center is constantly evolving and improving. In the future, the hotel plans to expand its event space, with an additional 100,000 square feet of meeting space scheduled to open in 2023. The hotel also plans to add several new dining options and renovate some of its existing restaurants.
If you’re planning a trip to Nashville, the Opryland Hotel is definitely worth considering. Keep in mind that due to its popularity and size, the hotel can be quite busy and crowded. Remember to book your room well in advance and be prepared to wait in line for some of the hotel’s popular restaurants and attractions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Opryland Hotel has a rich history that dates back to the early days of Opryland Theme Park.
The hotel was built in phases over several years and has undergone numerous renovations and expansions since its opening.
Today, the Opryland Hotel is a top destination for tourists and locals alike, offering world-class amenities and hosting some of the biggest events in the city.
If you’re planning a trip to Nashville, be sure to add the Opryland Hotel to your itinerary – it’s a must-see attraction that you won’t want to miss!
