Short-Term Rentals

Short-Term Rentals

from Single Rooms to Giant Condos

A recent report claimed Nashville has 8,850 short-term rental (STR) listings–everything from private rooms in historic neighborhoods to the downtown bachelorette-friendly condos that sleep 12. Some are owner-occupied while the top four companies have a total of more than 600 properties. A few neighborhoods seem to only have STRs–hives of weekend activity and quiet during the week.

To get a sense of the city’s offerings, check out the really cool interactive map offered by InsideAirBnB.com.

You’re probably aware of the big players in short-term rentals–like AirBnB, VRBO and HomeToGo. According to Champion Traveler, the average cost for a one-bedroom vacation rental is $140-171 per night with rates spiking on Friday and Saturday night. Expect to pay more if there’s a huge event that draws a crowd from out of tow or if the STR is near a venue (such as GEODIS Stadium).

The suggestions made on my Lodging page are particularly applicable here. You may find a brand new tall-and-skinny right next to a blighted property so check the neighborhood carefully. I also recommend using Google StreetView if you know the address. It isn’t always up to date but it will give you some idea of the area. Examples: Is the neighborhood pedestrian-friendly? Is it uncomfortably close to construction or an undesirable business?

Driving during rush hour will test your patience so consider the location if you need to get into town 6:30-9:00am or out during the 3:00-6:00pm window. If you’ll have a car, make sure that parking is available. That becomes even more important if your group needs multiple parking spaces.

Need to stock up on groceries? Use Google Maps to determine if there’s a store nearby–or arrange for a delivery.

Lodging

Hotels

Campgrounds

Short-Term Rentals in

Historic Buildings

I’m not going to provide descriptions of the thousands of rentals but will highlight those that are a bit unique.

506 Lofts

506 Church Street, Downtown. As a kid, I begged my mom to bring me here–to the former Harvey’s Department Store. On an upper floor was a carousel and occasionally an exotic animal or two. The parrots, capuchins, and mynah birds are long gone but this beautiful old building has been reborn. Six lofts available, accomodating 2-6 guests each. A portion of your rental is donated to help the homeless through several nonprofits.

The Maddox

530 Church Street, Downtown.  Built in 1894, this handsome building is ready for you to build memories of your own. Choose from six suites with all the modern conveniences you’d expect in a boutique hotel, plus laundry and kitchen facilities.

Sonder Dovetail

814 Church Street, Downtown. Don’t be confused by the fact that there are multiple Sonder locations in the metropolitan area. This one in the century-old Mastrapasqua Office Building is comprised if studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments, accommodating 2-6 guests. Each offers a full kitchen.