need opinions desparately - hyatt windwatch or garden city hotel?

okay, after all of my hotel searching and b1tching, i've come down to either the hyatt or the gch.

hyatt pros:
-only 20 minutes away from vanderbilt mansion

hyatt cons:
-has gotten some questionable reviews on liw
and tripadvisor
-they are holding me financially responsible for at least 10 rooms (which i know i can fill, but makes me nervous nonetheless)
-there is a 2 night minimum in order for my guests to get the discounted rate, so those people staying only on the wedding night are up the creek...
-they 'don't know yet', but might be instituting the 2 night minimum for all rooms cause i'm getting married on a holiday weekend...

garden city hotel pros:
-beautiful, more elegant hotel imo...
-serious discounts on room rates for groups!
-no 2 night minimum for anyone
-no financial responsibility for me
-wingate inn is only 2 miles away and has slightly lower group rates, for those that might not want to splurge for gch
-fabulous sunday brunch!

garden city hotel cons:
-40 minutes from vanderbilt, as opposed to 20

what do you all think? is it silly for me to have people drive an extra 20 minutes, or is it worth it?

opinions, please!! thanks...

Re: need opinions desparately - hyatt windwatch or garden city hotel?

You can ask GTSgirl about this too. I inquired about blocking rooms there and I decided against it because of the 10 rooms minimum. So I went to the Hyatt website to see how much it would be regular price. SAME PRICE!!!!!!!!! Im glad I didnt block with them and Im just telling my guests that dont want to stay at the other hotel I blocked, to go to the hyatt website and book there. Good luck and let me know if you have any questions!!

ETP - On a side note, I think the GCH is just too far from the vanderbilt. Just in my opinion, I'd want something closer.

Re: need opinions desparately - hyatt windwatch or garden city hotel?

Holy S*** I'm pissed!!! I'll let you know what happens. I WILL PREVAIL!!!

Re: need opinions desparately - hyatt windwatch or garden city hotel?

Just out of curiosity, did you SEE the rooms at the GCH? A co-worker of mine told me they lost a star (they are technically a 3 star) because they rennovated so much else in the hotel, but haven't changed anything about the rooms in many years. That might not be a problem if they were amazing to begin with, but it's something to consider.

Since I haven't stayed in either hotel, I don't think it would be fair to give you an opinion either way. Sorry, but good luck!

Re: need opinions desparately - hyatt windwatch or garden city hotel?

I just stayed at the GC Hotel last year for a wedding-- the rooms were nice, but nothing special..

I think it is best to be close to your venue.. I mean, we picked Wingate over GC hotel as it was a 2 min drive vs 10 mins..