Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Nashville Opryland

The location was convenient and the hotel did what we needed, and the room itself was as expected. We had a pool-view room, but could see trash left by the windows up above. The indoor pool also wasn't heated, which made us wonder why it was indoors. Breakfast was rough at first: the eggs on day one seemed to be rehydrated and were terrible. We tried again on day four, when they had Jimmy Dean sausage, egg, and cheese biscuits, which were much better. We don't like staff coming into the room when we're out, though we did leave it open once for service. That visit was disappointing: the bathroom hadn't been cleaned, the tub and toilet were dirty, and the floor hadn't been swept.

There were cracked lampshades in several parts of the hotel and some drapes were missing. The property feels outdated and really needs renovation, plus more attention to cleaning and maintenance. Breakfast was just so-so, and healthier choices would be welcome. It was quiet, but staff seemed to be hanging around instead of taking care of these things. I'm not sure the tip jar was standard; it was out while a young man seemed to be working. Maybe the hotel needs a management company.

We were meant to stay five nights at the Fairfield Inn at Opryland, but a dead car battery kept us there for seven. The staff did a lot to help us get the car fixed so we could head home. Brittney offered to jump-start it and helped find a place that would take it, and Sandi drove us to pick it up. Jackson and the team made sure we had what we needed, and Jaimey at night was a hoot. The rooms are clean and well maintained, though they could use a remodel, which I heard is happening this year. The decor isn't much, but the service makes up for it. It's also close to Gaylord Opryland and Opry Mills.

The room and hallway ceilings have popcorn texture, and the halls look yellowed, while the elevator lurches a little and creaks as it moves. The hotel is showing its age. Still, the rooms were clean, staff were friendly, checkout was at noon without needing to ask for late checkout, and noise from other rooms wasn't a problem. I paid about $100 less for two nights here than at other Marriott hotels nearby, and had no complaints. The complimentary breakfast buffet was unusual: I'd never seen cheese omelettes served with liquid nacho cheese before.