Let’s start with a little intel:
- There are currently 13,000+ hotel rooms available downtown and 58,000+ in the metropolitan area. Another 14,000+ are under construction or planned.
- According to the most recent research I’ve found, the average room rate for the central business district was $226 per night, rivaling New York City, compared to the regional room rate of $150.28. (Source: Momondo)
- The least expensive nights are Tuesday and Wednesday, followed by Monday and Thursday. As suspected, Friday, Saturday and Sunday are highest. January and February are the cheapest months (unless a big event is hitting town).
- The high cost of staying downtown is offset by what you may save on transportation because there’s so much to do within walking distance.
- I’ve chosen to highlight some of the most unique lodgings, divided into categories (although some are hybrids–both historic and luxurious, for example).
- I’ll be adding to this list as new hotels open and I have more time for investigation.
Scroll to “Major Chains” if you’d like to see if your favorite lodging is among 50+ well-known hotel chains represented here.
Current categories:
Historic Buildings
Downtown
Hermitage Hotel
@231 6th Avenue, N. Classically elegant, The Hermitage is the only Tennessee hotel listed as a National Historic Landmark. This grand dame of Nashville opened its doors in 1910 and figured prominently into the passage of the 19th Amendment, giving women the right to vote. Designated a five-star hotel, its rooms and suites have been updated through the years and it holds the distinction of offering larger than average accommodations. In 2022, famed restaurateur Jean-Georges reinvented its food-and-beverage program to create Drusie & Darr and The Pink Hermit. Friends John and Anne give high marks to their high tea service. (Pictured at top)
Union Station Hotel
1001 Broadway. A sentimental favorite, my wife and I honeymooned in this handsome structure completed in 1900. To maintain the original design, the floor plan of some of the 125 rooms is a bit odd but the romance of the breathtaking grand lobby is what you’ll remember. A member of the Marriott Autograph collection, this former train station is ideally located midway between downtown attractions and The Gulch, and across the street from the new Nashville Yards entertainment complex.
Noelle
200 4th Avenue, N. A formerly tony hotel when built in 1929, it eventually devolved into bland office space before experiencing rebirth when purchased in 2014. Its 224 rooms are completely modernized and its management works to offer unique experiences for guests including its Hidden Bar speakeasy, MakeReady L&L restaurant, rooftop bar Rare Bird and lounge Trade Bar. Independently owned and managed, it placed 8th in the 2023 US News & World Report’s Nashville hotel survey.
Dream Nashville
210 4th Avenue, N. Two historic buildings–George A. Dickel’s Climax Saloon and the Utopia Hotel–were joined to create this 168-room hotel. While the facades harken back the late 1880s, the interior is sleek and modern. The main entrance faces 4th Avenue, N. with a fittingly more clandestine entry leading to Printers Alley, once an infamous district of speakeasies and now a revived entertainment district. In keeping with that folklore, Dream Nashville offers patrons two tempting clubs, Dirty Little Secret and Snitch.
Fairlane Hotel
401 Union Street. Union Street was once a row of banking institutions. My aunt worked here as the assistant to an executive with the perfect bankerly name of Mr. Derryberry. They called it this structure the 401 Building. Constructed in 1972, it manages to balance refined dignity with contemporary touches. “Retro modern,” the promotional copy says. The location is strictly business–a plus if you like the idea of being a few blocks removed from the clamor of the tourist district.
Bankers Alley Hotel
222 3rd Avenue, N. (Previously 21c Museum Hotel) Part of the Tapestry Collection by Hilton, it was formerly home to Gray & Dudley Hardware Company. Its upscale restaurant still bears that name. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it’s been a boutique hotel since 2017 and boasts an onsite art museum open to the public. This pet-friendly jewel is home to 110 rooms and 14 suites.
Holston House
118 7th Avenue, N. Operated by Hyatt, it was built in 1929 as premier lodging before being converted to war housing in the 1940s and apartments in the 1970s. Brought back to its stunning original charm, there are now 191 rooms on its 13 stories as well as a rooftop bar.
Note by Mint House
421 Union Street. The name’s a tad awkward but this thoughtfully renovated 1901 structure is a beauty, respectful of its past as a Federal Reserve building but loaded with modern conveniences. Something between a short-term rental and a boutique hotel, it offers five lofted units with full kitchens in two- and four-bedroom designs.
Countrypolitan Hotel
315 Union Street. The name makes me wince a little but I’d get over it quickly because this Hotel Indigo property is gorgeous. Formerly a bank, some of its regal charm has been carefully preserved. There’s a lovely lounge just off the reception area with live music and world-famous Printers Alley is just around the corner offering a variety of entertainment and dining options. They get bonus points for going the extra mile in accessibility.
Moxy Hotel Downtown
215 Broadway. This Marriott hotel holds the distinction of being the only hotel in the heart of the Honky Tonk District–great for people wanting to be in the epicenter of tourist activity, not so great if you value serenity. The building was the former headquarters for Richards & Richards Printing Company. I like their tasteful mix of modern furnishings accented by the 120-year-old exposed brick walls.
Courtyard by Marriott Downtown
170 4th Avenue, N. Once the home of First National Bank, it’s one of the larger historic buildings redone as lodging. The lobby retains some of the grandeur of its 1905 metalwork and the marble floors recall its stately former life. Printers Alley is just a block away while Lower Broadway is far enough away to provide a buffer yet an easy walk.
Historic Buildings Beyond Downtown
Germantown Inn
If your budget permits (and you don’t want to be downtown), consider the Germantown Inn. Believed to have been built in 1845, this Federalist-style former residence offers 10 suites which balance historical reverence with modern amenities. The neighborhood is very walkable with lots of restaurants and bars as well as a nearby Kroger.
The Tulip (opening soon)
518 Russell Street, East Nashville. Established circa 1905 as Tulip Grove Methodist Church, this is the third church renovation undertaken by local entity Anchor Investments. Kudos to them for giving much of their profits to various non-profit organizations, particularly those addressing homelessness. Early press releases stated that the hotel would have approximately 20 rooms.
Soho House
500 Houston Street, Wedgewood/Houston. Ever stayed in a sock factory? The members-only Soho House is located in the former May Hosiery Mill, the manufacturer that invented the crew sock and shod the astronauts who walked on the moon. Only 47 rooms in this four-story structure, it’s for guests who recognize high-end lodging isn’t restricted to shimmering skyscrapers. Located amid an emerging art and dining district, it’s a fun destination only 10 minutes from downtown.
The Russell
819 Russell Street, East Nashville. Constructed as a church in 1904 (where my great-uncle Lawrence was a member), investors decided to do more than restructure the building as 23 cheerfully appointed accommodations; they decided to restructure the lodging operations by embracing a self-service model and giving a portion of revenues to serve the less fortunate in Nashville. You check in via an emailed access code and do not have housekeeping service unless an emergency arises.
For accommodations with kitchen and/or laundry facilities in historic buildings, visit Short-Term Rentals.
What’s the difference between a hotel and a motel?
Hotels and motels both provide lodging for travelers, but there are some key differences between the two:
- Size and Layout: Hotels are typically larger establishments with multiple floors and more rooms. They often have amenities such as restaurants, bars, gyms, conference rooms, and swimming pools. Conversely, motels are usually smaller and often single or double-story buildings where rooms are directly accessible from the parking lot.
- Location: Hotels are commonly found in urban areas, near airports, business districts, and tourist attractions. Motels are more commonly found along highways and major roads, catering to travelers looking for a convenient place to stay during a journey.
- Price: Generally, hotels tend to be more expensive than motels due to the additional amenities and services they offer. Motels often cater to budget-conscious travelers and tend to offer simpler accommodations at lower rates.
- Length of Stay: Hotels are often preferred for longer stays, such as vacations or business trips, while motels are frequently chosen by travelers looking for a quick overnight stop during a road trip.
- Access to Rooms: In hotels, rooms are usually accessed through interior hallways or elevators, while in motels, rooms have direct access to the parking lot, making it easier for guests to load and unload their belongings.
- Services and Amenities: Hotels typically offer a wider range of services and amenities, including room service, concierge service, and business facilities. Motels may offer fewer amenities, focusing more on basic accommodations such as beds, bathrooms, and sometimes breakfast.
Overall, the main distinctions between hotels and motels lie in their size, location, price, and amenities, catering to the different needs and preferences of travelers.
Luxury Hotels
Four Seasons Hotel
Downtown. Ultra convenient for those attending a Titans game, a concert at Ascend Amphitheater or an event at Bridgestone Arena, the 40-story Four Seasons ushers in a new generation in luxury accommodations and Nashville’s only hotel with a 5-diamond rating from AAA. Floor-to-ceiling windows create a sense of openness in each of the 235 well-appointed hotel rooms. The pool area on the seventh floor offers a stunning eastward view across the Cumberland River.
Grand Hyatt
Downtown. At 1000 Broadway, the Grand Hyatt is on the edge of The Gulch and within easy walking distance of Music City Center and major attractions without being in the thick of things.
W Hotel
The Gulch. The W boasts 346 luxurious rooms and 60 suites incorporating seven different designs. It touts Nashville’s largest pool area. An interesting twist is their Sunnyside Sessions, live music with brunch on Saturdays, 11am-3pm.
JW Marriott
SoBro. Across 8th Avenue S. from Music City Center, this pet-friendly 5-star hotel is a shimmering display of modern convenience. There are 533 guest rooms including 37 top-of-the-line suites, plus an array of casual stops for food and beverages. Its crown jewel is the 34th floor home of Bourbon Steak, equally touted for its impressive fare and stunning views.
1 Hotel
SoBro. Directly across the street from Music City Center, our convention center, this new arrival to our lodging scene boasts its “green-ness.” They claim there are 56,000 plants growing along their ivy facade. (I didn’t count them to fact-check.) It’s a beautiful pet-friendly place that boasts farm-to-table dining, a variety of earth-friendly measures, and a wellness program. It has 215 rooms and suites of varying sizes.
Conrad Nashville
Midtown. Located just beyond the Downtown District, The 208-room Conrad Nashville is also just a short walk to The Gulch. A great perk for international travelers, it offers in-house currency exchange along with such nice amenities as free WiFi, elegant sheets, and premium toiletries. Self-parking is available for $25 with in/out privileges.
Hotel Fraye
Midtown. A member of Hilton’s Curio Collection, the 200-room Hotel Fraye is one of the newer entries of Midtown lodging. Located one block off Broadway, it affords easy access to downtown but is removed from the noise of the tourist district. Boasting a dramatically contemporary design, its amenities include a large pool and a pair of dining options. A plus for those driving electric vehicles, it offers free EV charging stations in its garage.
Boutique Hotels
The Bobby
Downtown. What’s unique about this downtown hotel? For one thing, they have a 1956 ScenicCruiser bus perched poolside on their rooftop deck. I like the size–144 rooms–so it’s big enough to have strong amenities but you don’t feel overwhelmed by crowds. And the interior design is endlessly intriguing. Pet-friendly.
The Thompson
The Gulch. Even though he’s a local, my neighbor chooses The Thompson’s rooftop bar L.A. Jackson when he wants to chill with friends. He’s also a fan of its premier restaurant Marsh House. The hotel has a handle of urban sophistication with touches of rustic charm. With floor-to-ceiling windows, the 224 rooms and suites seem larger and offer lovely views of the surrounding area. A novel touch: if you want to cruise the neighborhood, The Thompson rents a golf-cart-like vehicle called a Moke by the hour or the day.
