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Margaret Littman, Contributor
Kim Peiffer, Forbes Staff
Forbes Vetted
Many people come to Nashville to make their dreams come true, whether they’re trying to establish a career in country music or simply looking for a fun-filled weekend away. Home of the Grand Ole Opry, the Ryman Auditorium and the Honky Tonk Highway, music lovers can enjoy music every night of the year—you never know when the next big thing might be playing at the Station Inn or the Bluebird Café. The best hotels in Nashville are an extension of the city’s vibrant culture, spotlighting exciting culinary gems, exciting arts and culture offerings and of course, classic Southern hospitality.
With dozens of new hotels changing the city skyline in recent years, Nashville continues to have one of the most exciting hospitality scenes in the country. Many of the city’s best stays, like The Hermitage Hotel, are concentrated downtown, but if you’d like to check out the vibrant and exciting scenes in other Nashville neighborhoods, we recommend the W Nashville in the Gulch and The Russell in East Nashville. Below, we’ve the best hotels in Nashville for your 2023 trip and beyond.
Best Hotel In Downtown Nashville: The Hermitage Hotel
Best Hotel In The Gulch In Nashville: W Nashville
Best Boutique Hotel In Nashville: The Russell
Most Stylish Hotel In Nashville: Fairlane Hotel
Best High-End Hotel In Nashville: The Joseph, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Nashville
Best Hotel In Nashville For Art Lovers: 21c Museum Hotel Nashville
Best Hotel Renovation In Nashville: Noelle Hotel
Best Design Hotel In Nashville: Thompson Nashville
Most Eco-Friendly Hotel In Nashville: 1 Hotel Nashville
Best Hotel In Downtown Nashville: The Hermitage Hotel
The recently refreshed lobby of the Hermitage Hotel.
Alyssa Rosenheck
The Hermitage Hotel
Who Will Love It: History buffs
All-Star Amenities: Technologically advanced luxury beds; pillows in down, buckwheat and memory foam; art installations inspired by the hotel’s archive of letters and postcards
What Not To Miss: A restaurant helmed by Jean-Georges Vongerichten; Art Deco shoe-shine station; ladies room with pink marble floors and rose gold-framed mirrors
Location: Downtown
Host to presidents and songwriters—including Gene Autry’s horse, Champion—the Hermitage Hotel has been the darling of Nashville hospitality for more than a century. A two-year-long renovation from 2020 to 2022 brought it squarely into the present. Period details like plaster cornices and the painted-glass ceiling in the Beaux Arts lobby were preserved, but designers chose a lighter color scheme and sleek unfussy furnishings to modernize it. Across the street from the Tennessee State Capitol, suffragettes and anti-ratification forces congregated at the hotel in the weeks leading up to Tennessee casting the final vote for ratification.
This history is celebrated during tea service where staff uniforms, designed by Reese Witherspoon’s label Draper James, sport the suffragette’s yellow rose in the pattern. Attention to detail doesn’t stop at teatime. Guest rooms, which are among the largest in Nashville, have tables that can function as workspaces or in-room dining tables. New millwork conceals updated minibars and a subtle bird theme, inspired by a hand-painted bird discovered on the vaulted ceiling of the hotel’s elegant Veranda room, is woven throughout.
Best Hotel In The Gulch In Nashville: W Nashville
W Nashville Wet Deck
Michael Kleinberg
W Nashville
Who Will Love It: People who like to be in the center of the action
All-Star Amenities: Two Andrew Carmellini restaurants; outdoor foosball; skyline views; W robes
What Not To Miss: Cocktails around the L-shaped pool; well-heeled people-watching in the lobby bar
Location: The Gulch
The Gulch neighborhood is known for its modern high rises with unobstructed city views, brightly colored murals and stylish bars and restaurants. The W Nashville, which opened in late 2021, offers a quintessential “Gulch” experience with its sleek, modern design and vibrant eateries. In signature W style, guest rooms are a tad retro with curved lines and wood floors, but the custom Nashville-inspired artwork and emerald green tiles in the bathroom add color and whimsy. Dining and drinking options have you covered from morning until the wee hours including Barista Parlor, an outpost of the popular local coffee roaster and art purveyor; James Beard award-winning chef Andrew Carmellini‘s chophouse, Carne Mare; and modern American restaurant the Dutch, plus three more swanky bars. The W is one of the few hotels in Nashville where you still see people dressed to the nines; even a ride in the elevator is a fashion show.
Best Boutique Hotel In Nashville: The Russell
The lobby of the Russell.
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The Russell
Who Will Love It: Architecture aficionados; philanthropists who want their travel dollars to go to a good cause
All-Star Amenities: Complimentary snacks; charging stations in the pews-turned-headboards; suitcase elevator
What Not To Miss: A free podcasting studio that you can reserve to record interference-free audio; exploring the hip neighborhood
Location: East Nashville
When this former East Nashville church was turned into a 23-room hotel, architects preserved and restored original stained glass windows and made them the focal point of the hotel. The Russel’s bright color scheme and mod lobby furniture compliment the orange-y red, yellow and green rose window. Its most luxurious accommodations, including the penthouse suite and the tower suite, have balconies overlooking the lofty lobby, as well as the stained glass. This is a limited-service hotel—you won’t find a concierge on-site—but the team has designed the experience so everything guests need, from snacks to coffee to neighborhood guides, is at their fingertips. Often described as Nashville’s coolest neighborhood, the location is walking distance to East Nashville’s restaurants, bars, boutiques and music venues. And it’s worth noting that a portion of every room stay is donated to non-profits that fight homelessness in the city.
Most Stylish Hotel In Nashville: Fairlane Hotel
The Corner King suite at the Fairline Hotel
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Fairlane Hotel
Who Will Love It: Fans of the mid-century modern aesthetic
All-Star Amenities: 24/7 concierge service; excellent complimentary coffee delivered to your room on request; Euro-top beds
What Not To Miss: Velvet headboards with pull-down cupholders for end-of-the-evening cocktails or coffee in the morning
Location: Downtown
Housed in a modernist 1972 building that was once the headquarters of a leading Nashville bank, the Fairlane is an architecture lover’s dream. It has a grand “see and be seen” lobby with terrazzo floors, wood paneling and flashes of brass, but it doesn’t take itself too seriously. Restaurants and bars like the locally owned Bagelshop, which serves small batch boiled bagels for breakfast and lunch, and the wine bar and shop By the Bottle, are stylish but approachable. The guest rooms are also 70s cool with jewel toned pillows and furniture, low-to-the-ground beds and marble bathrooms. Located in the north side of downtown, the Fairlane places you within easy reach of Broadway, the Tennessee Performing Arts Center and the Ryman Auditorium.
Best High-End Hotel In Nashville: The Joseph, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Nashville
Exterior of The Joseph, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Nashville.
Jim Kruger
The Joseph, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Nashville
Who Will Love It: Those who appreciate extra attention
All-Star Amenities: Luxury spa and salon; fitness center; glass cheese cave in Yolan restaurant; luxury Frette linens
What Not To Miss: Perusing the world-class art collection; swimming in the rooftop pool with views of the Nashville city skyline
Location: SoBro
From the moment you walk into the lobby of this luxury SoBro hotel, you’ll be treated like royalty no matter who you are. Valets will greet you by name—even if you don’t remember telling the valet your name—and staff will be happy to tell you about the world-class art that hangs on the walls. The Joseph is named for the patriarch of the Pizzuti family, wealthy real estate developers who own the property, and their personal art collection is showcased throughout. The Pizzuti’s also coaxed award winning chef Tony Mantuano and his wife Cathy to move to Nashville from Chicago to helm Yolan, the Italian restaurant on the Joseph’s ground floor. Cathy selects the wine and Tony creates dishes featuring fine Italian ingredients like black truffle and aged Parmesan displayed in a glass cheese cave. And if you need more evidence that the Joseph puts guests first, the contemporary glass hotel’s best view isn’t in a private penthouse; it’s in the gym, so everyone can enjoy it.
Best Hotel In Nashville For Art Lovers: 21c Museum Hotel Nashville
An 8th floor room at 21c Nashville.
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21c Museum Hotel Nashville
Who Will Love It: Art collectors, museum-goers and thinkers
All-Star Amenities: Spa; fitness and business centers; Nespresso coffee machines; pull-out sofas in some suites
What Not To Miss: Two suites that double as site-specific art installations; penguin sculptures in the elevator and at the bar; guided docent tours every Thursday at 5:30 pm
Location: Downtown
The idea behind the 21c hotel is to offer free contemporary art exhibits in cities where there might not be a contemporary art museum. The Nashville outpost fulfills this mission and more. The 1900 redbrick building’s interior is sleek and minimalist to show off art on the 10,500 square feet of exhibition space, including philosophical works by William “Dooby” Tomkins Jr. and wall sculptures by Frances Goodman. Open to the public every day of the year, locals go to see the art exhibitions and enjoy Southern cuisine and cocktails at Gray and Dudley. While the artworks displayed in exhibition spaces are challenging and thought-provoking, the art in the bright and airy guest rooms is intentionally soothing. We recommend splurging on one of the 8th floor rooms with access to a wide terrace.
Best Hotel Renovation In Nashville: Noelle Hotel
Trade Room at the Noelle.
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Noelle Hotel
Who Will Love It: Urbanites and others who enjoy a big city vibe
All-Star Amenities: Sparkling and flat water fountains on each floor for filling reusable bottles; rooftop bar; smart flatscreen televisions; handwoven robes
What Not To Miss: Live music in Trade Room on the weekends; grabbing coffee and a pastry at the street-level coffee shop
Location: Downtown
Built in 1930, the Noelle was one of Nashville’s first luxury hotels. It reopened in 2017 following a reimagining and designers and architects kept Art Deco flourishes but added a good dose of urban style. More than any other Nashville hotel, the Noelle screams “big city” with its buzzy, high-ceilinged lobby that functions as a bar, co-working space and art gallery and its location near Printers Alley, a narrow bar-lined street that was a Prohibition-era hideout. Petite but stylish guest rooms, located in both the old and new wing of the hotel, have hickory hardwood floors, handcrafted pottery and blackout shades to ensure a good night’s rest. The hotel also showcases original art by local artists, and the mezzanine level looking out on the lobby is a prime people-watching perch.
Best Design Hotel In Nashville: Thompson Nashville
A corner king guest room at Thompson Nashville.
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Thompson Nashville
Who Will Love It: Those who appreciate the finer things
All-Star Amenities: Climate control for personalized nighttime sleeping; Chromecast; Sferra linens; pet-friendly rooms
What Not To Miss: In-room honor bars featuring local spirits and mixers; oyster happy hour at Marsh House restaurant
Location: The Gulch
Where did Michelle Obama stay when she brought her Becoming book tour to the world-famous Ryman Auditorium? The Thompson, of course. From the former first lady to Joe Jonas, the Thompson is a top Nashville choice for visiting celebrities because they are afforded every possible luxury, as well as discretion and excellent service. The hotel’s large rooms, including a penthouse with mid-century modern furniture, feature floor-to-ceiling windows with expansive views of the surrounding Gulch neighborhood, deep soaking tubs and even loaner guitars. The rooftop’s 21-and-up L.A. Jackson bar is known for its DJ sets while the Marsh House restaurant is one of the best sustainable seafood restaurants in the city.
The Best Eco-Friendly Hotel In Nashville: 1 Hotel Nashville
A guest room at the 1 Hotel Nashville.
Courtesy
1 Hotel Nashville
Who Will Love It: Scenesters; wellness lovers; those who appreciate a stellar location
All-Star Amenities: Rooftop; oversized suites with soaking tubs
What Not To Miss: Drinks at Harriet’s rooftop; morning coffee and people watching at Neighbor’s; a deep tissue massage at the Bamford Wellness Spa
Location: Downtown Nashville
Those who have visit any of 1 Hotels locations worldwide know what they’re in for: an upscale, eco-friendly experience that feels equal parts chic and relaxing. The convenient location just steps from the hustle and bustle of Broadway Street and Bridgestone Arena allows a quiet respite to retreat back to after a day spent bar crawling and listening to live music.
Inside the property, you’ll find nods to nature everywhere, from the lobby walls to the native greenery in each room, to the reclaimed and natural materials throughout.
Rooms are cozy and quiet (and therefore hard to leave), but so is the Bamford Spa, where you’d be amiss not to indulge in an afternoon treatment. If, in true Nashville style, you’ve come to town looking for some action, you’ll find it upstairs at Harriet’s Rooftop, a bustling and lively space with live entertainment, bespoke cocktails, mouth-watering light bites and incredible views of downtown Nashville.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
The Forbes Vetted travel team has researched, written and published dozens of hotel guides featuring cities across the globe. The travel section is overseen by Vetted’s senior travel editor, Astrid Taran, a 7-year industry veteran who’s visited over 30 countries. The writer of each of our hotel roundups is handpicked based on their area of expertise, whether they are area locals or avid travelers who have visited the destination frequently—and all have bylines in other reputable travel publications. Further, this story is regularly checked to ensure that all prices and information are as current as possible. It was last updated in September 2023.
About Margaret Littman, Your Nashville Guide
I am a Nashville local who tells stories about people and places of the South. I’m an expert at pointing folks to the best places to buy boots, eat meat ‘n’ threes and listen to singer-songwriters. I stay in as many Nashville hotels as possible so I know firsthand what the experience is like for visitors. When I’m not writing or editing, I’m stand up paddleboarding on Percy Priest Lake and trying to SUP in all 50 states. My work has appeared in Preservation, Condé Nast Traveler, VinePair and PUNCH and I’m the author of several books about the region, including Moon Nashville to New Orleans Road Trip and Moon 52 Things to Do in Nashville. Even after decades of living in Music City, I still can’t carry a tune.
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