Best Nashville Hotels: Top 5 Places To Stay In Music City, According To Experts

Headed to Music City soon? We’re talking about Nashville, of course. Here’s what to expect: an aspiring musician around every corner and undoubtedly hearing a variety of country tunes around town. But with as much as Nashville has grown over the years (it’s not country backroads anymore!), when you go to book a hotel, it may be hard to decide which is right for you. So, we’ve compiled a list of five of the best properties to book in Nashville, according to experts. 

While the city’s hotels may or may not have the music you’re after, we’re sure while you’re out and about, you’ll hear a guitar and maybe even a banjo. And you may like more than just the sound of it. That’s because according to researchers at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, humanity’s universal language is music and it can significantly impact a person’s physical and emotional state. So if you’ve been feeling a little down lately, maybe going out for a night of honkey-tonking (as the locals say) is in order. 

But music isn’t all Nashville offers. You might want to leave your hotel to check out The Frist Art Museum, which has ever changing displays from prestigious and world-class artists. Like listening to music, viewing art also has been the subject of some interesting research. A fascinating study found that simply viewing, experiencing and discussing works of great art can improve the well-being of dementia patients. The technical term is called art gallery therapy, and if you want to try it out on your own terms, you can get a taste of many art collections at The Frist throughout 2023.

Downtown Nashville nightlife
The nightlife on Broadway in Nashville is always an exciting adventure. (Photo by Brandon Jean on Unsplash)

Whether you’re in search of undiscovered musical talents at dive bars or masterpieces on gallery walls, you’ll likely find it in Nashville. And we hope you also find a good (maybe the best) hotel to stay at, too. So, if you’re ready to check out the top properties to book your room nights, look no further. We searched 10 travel websites for the consensus on the best Nashville hotels. Our list is compiled of the most frequently recommended places to stay across expert reviews. If you have your own suggestions, please add them to the comments below!

The List: Top 5 Best Hotels In Nashville, According To Experts

1. The Joseph Nashville, a Luxury Collection Hotel

This hotel is continually ranked as one of the most luxurious hotels in the city.

“The Joseph offers 297 guest rooms — including an expansive Presidential Suite with a Steinway piano and a marble bar with seating for eight — plus a luxury full-service spa on the 21st floor. Yolan, an Italian fine-dining restaurant directed by James Beard Award winner Tony Mantuano, offers multicourse tasting menus inspired by Puglia, Italy, and the rooftop bar, Denim, serves up cocktails and bites with a view of the city. Located in SoBro (south of Broadway), the hotel is just a short walk from some of the city’s top attractions, including the Bridgestone Arena and Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum,” Travel and Leisure writes.

And The Luxury Travel Agency recommends the hotel, too, saying, “The Joseph is a hotel of Southern Origin, Southern Heart. It brings to life the full story of Nashville – defined by the unique combination of cultural and artistic diversity, genuine hospitality and meaningful experiences. With deep, local roots and world relevance, The Joseph invites guests to live in an environment that is as much precisely planned as it is artfully crafted. From the inspiring multi-sensory arrival, to the stunning rooftop pool, to the skyline views from the world-class spa, to the rare artwork throughout the hotel, every detail at the Joseph is carefully orchestrated.” 

2. The Hermitage Hotel

This historic hotel was just renovated to modern standards.

“Host to presidents and songwriters … 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,” according to Forbes.

U.S. News agrees this hotel should be in any best-of Nashville accommodations list, saying, “Nashville’s most historic and luxurious hotel, The Hermitage is well-appointed and its accommodations feature flat-screen TVs, Molton Brown bath products and complimentary internet access. The hotel’s restaurant, Druise & Darr, is also quite popular among guests; it serves up seasonal cuisine with some ingredients from The Hermitage Hotel’s Garden. But what visitors love the most about staying here is interacting with the hotel’s employees. Staff members are well-versed in Southern hospitality and are willing to go above and beyond to ensure a pleasant stay.”

3. Kimpton Aerston Hotel

This hotel turned an area known for Vanderbilt visitors into a boutique, trendy place to stay.

Condé Nast Traveler talks about this transition, writing, “Chic and trendy, the Kimpton Aerston is a breath of fresh air in Midtown’s hotel scene, which for decades had been where Mom and Dad stayed for parents’ weekend, but not much else. For a boutique hotel near the in-demand Vanderbilt University campus, it’s a steal. The on-site restaurant, Henley, is a draw for locals as well as guests, thanks to its attentive service, buttery-soft leather seats, extensive bourbon list, and thoughtful menu. Hotel walls are adorned with interesting contemporary art, but you’ll probably spend your time looking at the city views, which you can do from the open-air balcony off of your room.” 

Wandering Wheatleys credits it as the coolest boutique property in Nashville: “Kimpton Aerston Hotel is hands down one of the coolest boutique hotels in Nashville. Plus, it’s located in the Music Row district and is a mere 10-minute stroll to Vanderbilt University. This hotel is also dog-friendly if you want to travel with your furry friends! Depending on the room, you’ll have excellent views of either Vanderbilt University or downtown Nashville.” 

4. Union Station Hotel

It may not be just you in your room. Eek! This hotel has a history of hauntings. But it’s so pretty, it’s probably worth any potential fright.

“Union Station Hotel is an iconic 1930s Nashville landmark turned hotel offering both a good dose of history alongside modern amenities including original works from local artists. Rooms are grand and spacious and the best have the building’s large arched windows. An elegant choice,” The Hotel Guru writes.

Smarter Travel recommends it for its history and beautiful architecture: “Housed in a historic former train station, The Union Station Nashville Yards might just be the prettiest hotel in the city. Built in 1900, the stone gothic building’s turrets and towers look like a medieval castle, making it a unique place to stay. The well-preserved hotel showcases original features including an arched stained glass ceiling, marble floors, and limestone fireplaces. The 125 rooms blend the historic past with modern amenities, including pillow-top mattresses and custom bedding.” 

5. Loews Vanderbilt Hotel

This is another favorite in the Vanderbilt campus area.

USA TODAY says, “Loews Vanderbilt Hotel has been a part of Nashville’s luxury hotel scene for more than 28 years. The hotel includes 340 guest rooms, 14 chart-topping suites, a luxurious fitness center, and on-site Southern dining. Mason’s restaurant combines classic French cooking with traditional southern tastes, and the restaurant bar serves up incredible craft cocktails. Located in the West End area of Nashville, Loews Vanderbilt Hotel is near the college and downtown Nashville, and it’s just a short drive away from Nashville’s incredible number of downtown attractions.” 

According to Nashville Guru, this hotel is best if you want to just outside the action: “This hotel is located on West End Avenue near Centennial Park and The Parthenon, which is about a mile from what you may think of as Downtown Nashville (where all the neon lights and honky tonks are located). Shops and restaurants won’t be right outside the hotel doors like they are in other areas, but you can still walk to establishments on West End Avenue, Midtown, and Elliston Place.” 

We hope you have fun in Nashville! Let us know in the comments if you decide to book a stay in one of these highly recommended hotels. 

Sources

Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.