Nashville, or Music City as it’s more affectionately known, is finding itself a prime position atop many a traveller’s international hit lists, and it’s not just because of the occasional Kieth, Nicole, or Swiftie sighting—but you can do that, too.
There is, of course, a rich and diverse musical history that you could and should explore in Nashville, but dig a little deeper and you’ll find so much more. Thanks to its position on the map, you’ll find a culinary influence from both north and south states, where NYC-quality pizza and pasta is almost as common as Southern-style biscuits. One thing’s for sure though, that Southern hospitality is ever-present throughout the city, no matter if you’re popping into one of the many eateries, diners or honkytonks, or if you’re parking up for one or several nights in one of Nashville’s hotels, guest houses, or bed and breakfasts.
And that’s where this list, from Urban List and Visit Music City, comes in. Live a little luxury or lean into the city’s legends, the choice is yours at the best accommodation options in Nashville.
Hutton Hotel
1808 West End Ave, Nashville
Image credit: Hutton Hotel | supplied
An embodiment of Music City spirit, the Hutton Hotel is a must-stay for those wanting a true Nashville experience. A Deluxe Room kicks off at around $455AUD with the sky being the limit in more ways than one for those opting for a Premier suite or Penthouse. You can’t go wrong no matter your selection, with granite bathrooms, queen and king-sized beds, and top-notch views coming standard. Book the right room, and you might even find decor—such as guitars—once owned by Music City legends perched up in your pad.
If you’re wanting to catch a real cross-section of Nashville, Hutton Hotel sits in a true sweet spot. You’re just moments away from Music Row, the heartbeat of Nashville’s musical legacy and home to Elvis’ Historic RCA Studio B; meanwhile, a 15-minute walk along the Avenue will land you in Honky Tonk Highway—the famed stretch of bars, clubs and inns where you’ll find live music (and a drink) from around 11am to very, very late every day and night of the week.
While you should of course make tracks in and around Nashville, the Hutton’s offering makes it oh-so-difficult to leave. Book into Evelyn’s for brunch, lunch, or dinner at least once; the ground-floor diner acts as a love letter to Americana, serving up a menu drenched in nostalgia but with the right amount of modern sensibilities, too. Up top, the roast squash and apple bisque is a must, while the bacon-wrapped sea bass is a sight to behold and an order that’ll satiate big appetites and refined palates alike.
Image credit: Hutton Hotel | supplied
The star of the show, however, is a humble starter. A confit chunk of bacon glazed in an apple butter and served with marcona almond. It’s a dish the Urban List team devoured at lunch and dinner—and still talk about months after visiting.
Image credit: Hutton Hotel | supplied
Dinner and a show you say? Around the outside and up a set of stairs you’ll find The Analog, a big vibe live music venue where you’ll find a show any night of the week. You’ll almost always find one of Music City’s rising stars performing here, though visit on the right night and you might even spot a Nashville legend taking the stage.
Thompson Hotel
401 11th Ave S, Nashville
Light, bright, and bursting with Southern charm, the Thompson Hotel is a real beauty. Rooms start at around $549AUD per night for a King Bed City View room, which gets you exactly that plus plenty more creature comforts—like D.M. Durga toiletries, a rainfall shower and a sizeable TV.
The Thompson is situated in the depths of The Gulch, one of Nashville’s hottest and newest neighbourhoods that’s primed for exploring. Cafes, bars and boutiques are found along every street, laneway and on every corner, with Marsh House, a stunner of a diner at the base of The Thompson, being a must for wine enthusiasts as well as anyone who fancies an oyster or dozen.
Meanwhile, up, way up on the top floor sits L.A Jackson, The Thompson’s rooftop bar sporting vistas of Nashville and beyond, and an absolutely banging cocktail list. Don’t miss the No X In Espresso, a playful cacao-heavy take on a cocktail you can probably guess the name of—which is perfectly sippable as you while away the evening up above.
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Image credit: Thompson Hotel | supplied
Pro tip: get there early if you’re hoping for a seat on the balcony. The locals and fly-ins alike love it.
Union Station Hotel
1001 Broadway, Nashville
One of the most unique stays in Nashville, Union Station Hotel’s locale sits within what was once a grand, multi-level train station. Trading the platforms for plush bed linen, spacious rooms, and what might be one of the coolest hotel bars we’ve seen, Union Station has been operating as a boutique hotel since 1986, and it’s become one of the city’s most popular for good reason.
Image credit: The Union Station Hotel | supplied
The rooms could be considered architectural wonders, with the design leaning into the unique shapes, corners and curves of the station itself. Queen and king beds come standard, while the Boutique King room flaunts towering ceilings at around 18-feet high, and the arched, original-shaped station windows add a certain old-world charm to your stay ahead.
image credit: Union Station Hotel | Supplied
Head back down to the sprawling foyer and you’ll spot ERGO, Union Station’s bar that sports plenty of whiskey and a grip of local beers. At any one night, you’ll find a mix of regular guests and drift-ins alike, all who seem to be keen for a chat amongst the clatter of what mimics a station timetable board behind the bar, instead sharing the latest cocktails over arrival and departure times. It’s a gimmick that works—an authentic addition to a downright grand experience.
The Russell
819 Russell St, East Nashville
Just out of town, you’ll find the burgeoning suburb of East Nashville, the capital of cool where some of the city’s top creatives, artists and musicians choose to spend their time. The Russell is a true representation of this.
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The building, once a church, is now home to 23 architectural-forward rooms that still feature original stained glass, repurposed pews as bed heads, and for the right price, a suite in the church’s tower.
At The Russell, you’re just a stone's throw from some of East Nashville’s coolest restaurants, bars, and galleries so make sure you do some exploring of the immediate area.
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This new-age hotel is without a concierge, but the experience is designed in a way that you don’t need one. The Russell also donates a portion of its profits to tackling homelessness in Nashville.
Noelle
200 4th Ave N, Nashville
In downtown Nashville, you’ll find Noelle, which originally opened as a luxury hotel in the 1930s before closing and reopening as what is now almost inarguably the city’s most beautiful art-deco lodging.
The rooms, while cosy, are expertly designed in that you don’t feel restricted and instead feel right at home. Pressed-tin ceilings and art, much from local creators, adorn the spaces inside and within the halls and foyer.
image credit: booking.com | supplied
The lobby, with its high ceiling, brings a sense of scenery to your stay, reminding you exactly where you are. The food and drink offerings in Noelle do just the same, with live music in The Trade Room and some of the city’s best coffee at the ground floor coffee bar, The Drug Store.
Check out more of the best destinations in the USA here.
Hero Image credit: Union Hotel | supplied