SoundWaves at Gaylord Opryland — Attraction in Nashville-Davidson

Booked a 1-night Hotel/Sound Waves package. Went as a group of 2 adults & 3 kids (ages 8 & 9) and we had a blast. But, the information given by front desk associations differs EXTREMELY. This was for my child's birthday so I booked the package months in advance and made several phone calls from then until our trip with questions, and received different answers every time.

Cons: When asking if we could bring in water bottles, they said no. I asked about insulated tumblers, they said no. However the website states otherwise on both? First call I was told there was only one restaurant to eat at inside of this hotel. That was fortunately not the case. Was also told by front desk that check out time was 10am, but when I get there I'm told 11am. No big deal, but, really annoying as the conflicting answers kept piling up. How does the front desk employees not know these simple things?! While the kids loved the water park, it was crazy crowded. It was like being at a nicer public pool. Long ride lines. Wave pool was packed. Long lines for food. However, the walking taco for $12 was really good. Not much options out there for kids, gotta go inside for those. A seltzer was $10. Not enough space and chairs for the amount of people they let in. We also had to wait over 1 hour for them to get a luggage cart to our room (this was not due to laziness, we took turns trying to go find one) they were just so slammed that none were available. So we got a very late start to our last day of going to Sound Waves, we almost didn't make it in before the 12pm cutoff. ORDER YOUR LUGGAGE CART EARLY IN THE MORNING! Also have to pay $37 a day for parking. Checked out 26 hours after check in and had to pay over $80 in parking upon exiting. For just my vehicle. Why?! Crazy. We stayed end of July, not a holiday by any means.

Pros: Abbey at the front desk at check-in was an absolute gem. She made it flawless, informing she could get us in a room right away so we didn't have to store our luggage before going to the water park. Accommodated the birthday girl's request of a "high room" by putting us on the 6th floor. AND put our room very close to the elevator and Sound Waves, with our balcony view being over the garden. She drew everything out for me on the map and just blew me away with her accuracy and kindness. All the staff was actually great. Michael and Kevin were who we used as our Bell Service guys and both were super helpful! We tipped well. There was also a bartender at the bar in the garden (Christina, I think) who was very kind to us. Our kids wanted a Pepsi and water and she wouldn't let me pay for them (we did order 2 drinks before this). But still! Wasn't expecting that and I loved her for it. Great customer service. Sound Waves was super clean, bathrooms always smelled good and were tidy. Lifeguards seemed to take their jobs very seriously. We loved the screen playing music videos. I personally loved the switch up of music (some country, old rock, pop music, etc.)

Overall, knowing much more facts now, I would return. I'm a Middle TN native and this was our first time actually staying at the hotel and visiting Sound Waves. The kids had so much fun and us adults enjoyed ourselves as well. It's really expensive though! The room wasn't cheap, but the armbands for SW was actually pretty affordable. For one night, especially for a birthday or celebration, it was worth it to us. If we go again I'll be much more prepared and will attempt a weekday rather than a...

We stayed here on 5/20-5/21 , I have yet to hear from management , only customer service, so here is my HONEST review. OPRYLAND CATERS TO BULLIES ! A man confronted my wife over a chair , she moved he confronted her again I approached, he threatened me with violence and cursed my wife and I . I reported it to security and management, they told me later it was their policy to eject both parties without reviewing security video first. There was no visible security anywhere , I found a life guard who tracked someone down . I left the area as to not escalate the situation, when I returned the bully was still there and again no security was in sight . I sought out the manager and stated I would leave a negative review if he didn’t take care of this situation, he then raised his voice at me and told me not to threaten him, IRONIC , no?He later approached me and attempted a vailed apology because he knew he was wrong. I couldn’t not stay any longer as I feared for my families safety , so I decided I would rather leave than spend the day looking over my shoulder for a man who’d threatened my wife . I understand you cannot hear voices on tape , however you can see a full grown MAN follow a SINGLE WOMAN from seat to seat and STAND OVER her easily. Their security is a MAJOR failure for a venue that hosts families. This man was wiling to fight over a plastic chair , my wife was using TEMPORARILY to watch our kids as they moved around the park. Last I checked if you wanted to reserve seats that costs extra . The expired goods in the stores and the warm sodas from the vending machines were the icing on the cake. Many of the employees just seemed like they didn’t want to be there , the vendors were rude and besides the cleaning staff , one manager and guest services it was HORRIBLE. The following day my wife broke down in tears over whole affair, what a great weekend! The woman I spoke with in guests services was exceptional and she has even offered a free night , after my wife’s breakdown, my time to reflect, and this email asking about my “experience “ I had to leave this review, I really am not concerned with returning to a place that allows this thing to occur. What if she had been a SINGLE MOM and was alone ???? Why in a place that is meant for FAMILIES is an automatic review of security tapes not STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE ? I pray that they are able to review it quicker should a child go missing. I feel that this HORRIBLE POLICY ,that allows BULLIES to WIN, being rectified is far more important than me getting a free night. They are trying to hard to compete with Omni resorts and they can’t even catch Great Wolf Lodge Personally I’m going to cancel my Marriot card and chose another...

For now (Jan 2019) you have to book a room to get soundwaves access, but that's changing in May or June when construction is complete. Right now only the indoor part is open, outdoor space coming soon. But while it's still relatively off peak, rates aren't too bad, especially for local residents, we get a discount plus Marriott points. I love this hotel and make a point to stay once a year, it's a treat for the kids especially at Christmas time, pricey but always worth it... Now with soundwaves it's even better! It's a clean, well designed space with lots of light and space. Can't help but compare to Nashville shores, the latter being much more costly and not really worth it in my opinion. Think soundwaves will be a real competitor to Nashville shores water park, especially once the outdoor part is up and running. You get a wristband that can be used even after you check out! The locker rooms are clean, towels abundant, lines for slides reasonable. Water is clean, lifeguards diligent, it's a contained space great for kids and adults alike, kids can't wandr too far out of sight. There's food and drinks and on top level, adults only area with bar and pool. Alcoholic Drinks come in a plastic cup though, which can be taken out of adults area. Friendliest staff, and it's so convenient to the guest room, you don't have to worry about lugging all your stuff to the water... They do have lockers for storage too, though, if necessary. My kids love it, ages 6 and 8. There's nothing, no ride they can't go on... Attractions include two lazy rivers (one slower, darker and with tubes,the other faster with awesome waterfalls,) about five good slides, surf wave rider pool, big kids pool with rock wall and lilypads, littler kids water playground. There's even a human heater you step into, and you're mostly dry in 30 seconds for the walk back to the room! Plus a shop if you forgot flip flops (yeah that was me), or anything else essential, that's typical hotel markup prices but not outrageous expensive. I've always loved the hotel and now have yet another reason to love it and go there. Didn't know what to expect but it's...