Hampton Inn & Suites Nashville @ Opryland

While on the outside the Nashville @ Opryland Hampton Inn looks just like any other chain hotel, inside, the lobby is modern and comfortable with leather couches and chairs, and TVs. The teal and brown color scheme adds vibrancy and warmth to the area, and the musically themed decor (cutouts of musical instruments, depictions of musicians) reflects Nashville’s cultural history and adds charm without being gaudy. Set off from the highway, the hotel is generally quiet as well.

The hotel is in a commercial area, surrounded by other hotels, restaurants, and shops. While the immediate surroundings are not visually appealing, there’s are several economic food options in walking distance, such as a Bob Evans, Scoreboard Smokehouse, and Music City Bar and Grille.

Only a 10-minute drive from the Grand Ole Opry and the Opry Mills mall, and only five minutes from the Opryland Resort and Convention Center, this hotel is targeted at Opryland tourists and business travelers. A free shuttle service leaves the hotels every 30 minutes to take guests to the Opryland area and the airport. Downtown Nashville is a bit of trek from the hotel, about a 20-minute drive, but a third-party shuttle service offers round-trip service for a fee.

With a cluster of budget and mid-range hotels in the immediate area, there are a number of affordable food options within walking distance, and there’s the Grand Old Golf & Go-Karts one street over for some mini-golf and go-kart fun.

The rooms are basic, but clean and modern. Like in the common areas, the teal and brown color scheme adds character. All rooms come with cable TV, free Wi-Fi, and lap desks. Bathrooms are stocked with Neutrogena products, and have either shower/tub combos or big walk-in showers. Suite-level rooms offer more room to move, including an additional seating area. Suites also offer microwaves and mini-fridges.

The fitness center is small --consisting of one treadmill, one elliptical, one stationary bike, and a few weights -- and not open 24-hours like some of the hotel’s neighboring competitors. The outdoor pool area is basic as well, with a few chairs and chaise lounges around the perimeter. The business center is small, but is open 24 hours a day and has a printer. In addition, the Hampton Inn has a large meeting room and 10-person table boardroom, useful to business travelers.

The hotel maintains a 24-hour Suite Shop that has snacks and basic toiletries. In addition, as a small perk, the hotel has coin-operated laundry.