Deep In the Heart of Gaylord


My third OLA, my fourth visit to this hotel chain's properties

I went to my third OLA convention, and all three have been at the Gaylord Hotels (and Resorts). Two years ago I went to the Gaylord Palms in Orlando, and last years, the Gaylord Opryland in Nashville. This hotel, the newest, seems to have learned from the mistakes of the other two. The original hotel, in Nashville, is one of the biggest in the country and it's very hard to figure out where you are going. Last year, I had to take the route recommended to folks in wheelchairs, since it avoids the various nooks, crannies, and garden paths available to confuse you.

As a hotel, the Gaylord is quite nice. But it's like being on a cruise ship and you are trapped at sea, but on land. The hotel is connected to the convention center and it also has several restaurants. There's almost no reason to leave. Even local residents said that it was easier just to stay there rather than drive in everyday.

Despite the less confusing layout, the place is just darned huge.

Also distressing is the carpeting in the conventional hall. Lots of overblown Texan motifs. Boots, belt buckles, cow heads, oil derricks . I suggested to a co-worker that she get a swatch and try it out in her family room. She nearly plotzed.

They were also piping in nonstop Christmas music. It was not the most wonderful time of the year for those of us hearing this repeatedly!

Posted: Wed - November 16, 2005 at 12:13 AM        

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