Where to Stay in Nashville: Best Hotels for Every Type of Traveler

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Nashville is not a city where you can pick a hotel randomly and hope it works out. Where you stay determines everything about your trip.

The wrong neighborhood and you are either too far from the action or too deep in it to sleep. I have been to Nashville more times than I can count, and I have stayed across multiple neighborhoods.

This guide is the breakdown I wish I had the first time.

Whether you are coming for a girls’ trip, a solo weekend, a bachelorette party, or just because you need a city break that does not require a passport, Nashville delivers.

But Music City has distinct neighborhoods that feel like completely different cities, and your hotel choice puts you inside one of them.

Below I have broken down the best neighborhoods and the best hotels inside each one. I have also included options across price points because “luxury” in Nashville ranges from a $250-a-night boutique to a $800-a-night five-diamond service, and both deserve a spot in this guide.

Here’s a quick look at the hotels you’ll find in this post:

• The Fraye Hotel
• Noelle Hotel
• 21C Museum Hotel
• The Hermitage Hotel
• The Dive Hotel
• The Joseph Hotel
• Grand Hyatt Nashville
• Hyatt Centric Nashville
• Hutton Hotel
• Thompson Nashville
• The Westin Nashville
• The Nash Hotel
• Kimpton Aertson Hotel
• Loews Vanderbilt Hotel
• The Russell Hotel
• Hyatt Place Nashville
• Four Seasons Hotel Nashville

What to Know Before You Book a Hotel in Nashville

Nashville’s hotel prices swing wildly depending on when you visit.

A room that costs $180 on a Tuesday can hit $800 on a Friday when there is a concert at Bridgestone Arena or a big event at the convention center.

Book as early as possible and always check what is happening in the city during your dates before you commit.

Parking is expensive downtown.

Most luxury hotels charge $40 to $55 per night for valet or self-park. Factor that into your budget before you assume the cheaper hotel across the street is actually cheaper.

The city is walkable within neighborhoods but not always between them.

If you are staying in East Nashville, you will need a rideshare to get downtown. If you are in The Gulch, you can walk to both downtown and Midtown.

Nashville is best experienced on foot and with a local.

A walking food tour of The Gulch, a honky-tonk bar crawl, or a guided tour of the National Museum of African American Music will make your trip significantly better than figuring it out alone.

Browse Nashville Tours and Experiences on Viator →

Best Neighborhood to Stay in Nashville for First-Timers — Downtown and SoBro

If this is your first time in Nashville and you want to be inside everything, downtown is the answer.

Downtown Nashville is where you will find the Country Music Hall of Fame, the historic Ryman Auditorium, Bridgestone Arena, and the famous honky-tonk highway along Broadway.

It is loud, busy, and exactly what most people picture when they think of Music City.

SoBro, which stands for South of Broadway, sits just below the main Broadway strip.

SoBro is home to the Country Music Hall of Fame and is a good choice if you want a central location without being directly on the raucous bar section of Broadway, though you will pay a premium for the location.

The National Museum of African American Music is located right here at 5th and Broadway, and it is one of the most powerful museum experiences in the entire South.

Build your hotel choice around walking distance to the best rooftop bars in Nashville.

Best Downtown Hotels:

THE JOSEPH HOTEL

If you are planning a couples getaway in Nashville and you want the best luxury hotel in the city, The Joseph is by far one of my favorites!

Joseph feels more like a museum and a five-star resort combined than anything else in downtown Nashville.

Every suite includes a deep soaking tub.

Rooms also feature heated bathroom floors with automatic motion-detecting ambient lighting, the kind of detail that makes you realize this hotel thought through things most properties never consider.

The 21st-floor rooftop holds an Italian-made saltwater pool with private cabanas overlooking the Cumberland River.

This is where you want to be on a warm Nashville afternoon. Yolan, the hotel’s signature restaurant, is a full Italian dining experience with a wine program that earned national recognition.

The cocktail bar was named one of Food and Wine’s Top 10 Hotel Bars in the United States in 2025.

The Rose Spa on the 21st floor is a full-service spa and salon is worth booking before you arrive — treatments fill up fast on weekends.

The location puts you steps from the Country Music Hall of Fame, Bridgestone Arena, and the Ryman Auditorium, but the hotel itself sits just far enough from Broadway that it stays quiet.

The Joseph hotel is my favorite for a romantic Nashville weekend.

FOUR SEASONS NASHVILLE

The Four Seasons Nashville is the hotel you book when you want the full luxury experience with zero compromise and money is not a concern!

It earned two Michelin Keys in 2025, one of only three hotels in Tennessee to receive that recognition.

The hotel has 235 rooms and suites, each designed with warm woods, soft curves, and subtle nods to Nashville’s musical identity.

River-view rooms overlook the Cumberland River and Riverfront Park and are worth the upgrade.

The views from the upper floors at night are something. Book a river-view room if it is a special occasion trip.

The seventh floor functions like a resort within the hotel, with the rooftop pool terrace, spa, salon, and fitness center all flowing together with views of the Cumberland River.

The spa has a well-stocked relaxation room with local teas and house-made snacks. Plan to spend at least half a day up there if wellness is part of your trip.

Mimo Restaurant and Bar serves Italian cuisine and Rivière Rooftop handles cocktails and al fresco dining.

The location puts you steps from Bridgestone Arena, the Ryman Auditorium, and the Johnny Cash Museum, but the hotel sits on the quieter SoBro side of downtown so you get the access without the Broadway noise bleeding into your room at 2am.

FYI: Some find the rooms on the smaller side for Four Seasons prices, so if square footage matters to your stay, book a suite rather than a standard room.

The Hermitage Hotel

The Hermitage is Nashville’s grand dame and the only AAA Five Diamond hotel in Tennessee.

Built in 1910 and a Michelin Key winner in 2025, it has hosted presidents, suffragettes, and more Tennessee history than any other building in the city.

The turndown service is legendary.

The staff remembers your name. Cap’s Grill on the ground floor is one of the best restaurants in Nashville and worth a reservation even if you are not staying here.

The bar downstairs is one of the most stunning rooms in the city and stops you in your tracks the moment you walk in.

If you want one splurge in Nashville, this is it.

The location puts you walking distance from the National Museum of African American Music, the Ryman Auditorium, and Broadway. You are in the middle of everything without being inside the chaos of it.

Noelle Hotel

The Noelle sits in a restored 1929 building on 4th Avenue and it is one of those hotels that stops you the moment you walk in.

Pink Tennessee marble, art deco ceilings, solid bronze banisters, and copper drinking fountains that have been in this building for nearly a century.

One insider tip worth knowing: room sizes vary, so confirm your room details before booking, and if you are a light sleeper, request a room on a higher floor away from Printers Alley since the bar noise carries late into the night.

The food and drink situation here is genuinely impressive.

There are bars on three levels — the Trade Bar in the lobby, a hidden speakeasy downstairs open Wednesday through Saturday, and the Rare Bird rooftop bar, which has some of the best views of downtown Nashville and the Cumberland River you will find anywhere in the city.

The rooftop features a zinc bar, outdoor fireplaces, and a full cocktail menu. The Drug Store Cafe in the lobby serves breakfast, featuring Barista Parlor coffee and pastries.

The double king suites are a strong choice for a girls’ trip and are spacious enough for two, and the location puts you within walking distance from the Ryman Auditorium, Bridgestone Arena, and the National Museum of African American Music.

Grand Hyatt Nashville

The Grand Hyatt sits at Nashville Yards on Broadway and it is one of the most well-located hotels in the city.

The rooftop bar Lou/Na is one of the tallest outdoor rooftop bars in Music City and the sunset views from up there are worth the drink price alone.

On-site you also have a full spa with body treatments and wraps, three bars, two restaurants, a coffee shop, and a 24-hour fitness center.

You genuinely do not have to leave the building if you do not want to, but the location makes it easy when you do.

Right inside the main entrance, the Assembly Food Hall houses more than 30 local eateries, including Prince’s Hot Chicken and Honeyfire Barbecue.

The Twelve Thirty Club, co-owned by Justin Timberlake, is steps away and serves supper-club elegance with rooftop views.

The Ryman Auditorium is a nine-minute walk, the National Museum of African American Music and the Country Music Hall of Fame are both under a mile, and Broadway’s honky-tonk strip is right outside the door.

One practical note: valet parking at the Hyatt runs $65 per day, so factor that in if you are driving.

Make sure you book early if your dates fall near CMA Fest or a major Bridgestone Arena concert — prices can triple during peak event weeks.

THE NASH (formerly Bobby Hotel)

If you have been to Nashville before and remember this hotel as the Bobby, it officially became The Nash in March 2026.

The hotel itself has not changed and has the same art-centric design, social spaces, and bold boutique experience that guests have known since 2018, and all are still intact.

The 10-story property sits in historic Printer’s Alley with 144 rooms and suites.

Many rooms have private balconies and select suites include wet bars and skyline-view terraces.

The rooftop lounge overlooking the Nashville skyline remains one of the most consistent draws for both hotel guests and locals.

The hotel has earned Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice recognition every year since opening, including a number 16 ranking as Best Hotel in the World in 2025.

This is a strong pick for a first Nashville trip or a girls weekend where you want a central location with personality. The Printer’s Alley address puts you steps from Broadway without being directly on it.

BANKERS ALLEY HOTEL

The Bankers Alley Hotel sits inside a building from 1899 on Nashville’s revitalized Second Avenue and it is one of the most location-efficient hotels in the city.

The property overlooks the East Bank and is steps from Broadway’s entertainment district, within a mile of Nissan Stadium, Bridgestone Arena, and the Ryman Auditorium.

The daily destination charge covers a La Colombe coffee at Gray and Dudley restaurant, a curated rotating art tour, yoga classes in the art gallery, and a $10 food and beverage credit which makes the fee feel less like a fee and more like a built-in itinerary.

Gray and Dudley, the on-site restaurant, pays homage to the building’s 1899 heritage through farm-to-table Americana cuisine.

THE DIVE MOTEL

The Dive is not for everyone and it knows it. The original 1956 motel once hosted Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, and Hank Williams on these same grounds.

Today it is a reimagined adults-only retro experience that makes no apologies for what it is.

Every room has a unique design with hand-painted murals, geometric wallpaper, shag carpets, fuzzy duvets, and a Party Switch that activates the disco ball and the in-room radio.

The 60-foot outdoor pool is open seasonally and the hot tub runs year-round. The bar is open to the public and the motel itself is adults-only 21 and up.

The Dive made the Condé Nast Traveler Hot List and has maintained a following among creative travelers who want something different from a standard hotel experience.

Two things to know before booking.

The location is on the northern outskirts of East Nashville, and you will need a car or rideshare to get to Broadway, which is about a 10-minute drive away.

And the Dive operates seasonally, so check their website before booking to confirm they are open during your travel dates.

THE PRINTING HOUSE

The Printing House is one of Nashville’s newest luxury hotels, having opened in September 2025 at the intersection of Third Avenue and Peabody Street in the South Bank neighborhood, four blocks from Broadway. Hilton It is Nashville’s second LEED-certified hotel, built with mid-century design influences and natural materials including rattan, walnut, and brass throughout. Hilton

The 187 rooms include 12 deluxe suites and a private seven-room floor that can combine into a seven-bedroom suite with a private living room — ideal for a large group trip or a special occasion. Hilton All rooms have custom millwork, LED mirrors, dedicated work and lounge areas, and minibars stocked with local spirits and snacks.

The standout feature is The Letterpress Lounge and Terrace on the fifth floor — a wraparound indoor and outdoor cocktail bar and restaurant with sweeping views of the city’s iconic music venues. Hilton The rooftop stage hosts live local musicians, Writer’s Rounds, and hands-on songwriting sessions Hilton which is exactly the kind of Nashville-specific experience that makes a hotel stay feel like more than just a place to sleep.

Best Neighborhood to Stay in Nashville for Upscale Travelers — The Gulch

The Gulch is Nashville’s hub of upscale living, defined by sleek high-rise apartments, luxury boutique hotels, and some of the city’s most celebrated restaurants.

A pedestrian bridge connects you directly to the downtown core.

If you want to feel like you chose a neighborhood instead of just a hotel address, this is where you stay.

The Gulch is a bit more upscale and trendy, and if a local feel with easy access to downtown is your style, it is worth serious consideration.

There are over 50 restaurants ranging from burgers to Nashville’s finest steakhouses, plus boutique shopping throughout.

Best Gulch Hotels:

Thompson Nashville

The Thompson is the anchor luxury property in The Gulch and the hotel that put this neighborhood on the map.

The 12-story boutique has 224 rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, dark wood floors, D.S. and Durga bath products, and midcentury modern decor.

Suites come with a record player and a vinyl collection curated exclusively by Eric Church, details that alone tell you what kind of hotel this is.

Marsh House on the ground floor does seafood-forward Southern cuisine with a raw bar and $1.50 oyster happy hour Monday through Friday from 5 to 7pm.

The L.A. Jackson rooftop bar on the 17th floor is where locals actually go, not just hotel guests.

The Gulch location puts you walking distance from the Frist Art Museum, Music Row, and the Station Inn one of the best bluegrass clubs in the country and right on the same block as the hotel.

One thing to know before booking: there is no pool here. If that matters to your trip, the Grand Hyatt or the W Nashville is a better fit.

W Nashville

If you are coming to Nashville for a girls’ trip or bachelorette party and you want a pool, the W is your hotel.

The WET Deck is Nashville’s largest hotel pool area, and in the summer, it is exactly what you think it is cabanas, a poolside bar, music, and a crowd that is there to have a good time.

I have been to Nashville enough times to know that a pool situation like this is rare downtown, and the W does it better than anyone.

The 14-story glass tower has 286 rooms, 60 suites, and two presidential suites.

Barista Parlor handles your morning coffee in the lobby.

The rooftop bar pulls a sunset crowd every night and the Living Room lounge downstairs runs live entertainment and whiskey tastings throughout the week.

James Beard Award-winning chef José Andrés is bringing several of his restaurant concepts to the W Nashville, which is going to make the dining program here one of the strongest in the city.

One honest note: Broadway is a solid 15-minute walk from the W. Not far, but worth knowing if you are planning to go back and forth multiple times a night.

1 Hotel Nashville

If wellness is part of your travel non-negotiables, 1 Hotel Nashville belongs at the top of your list.

You are greeted by 56,000 live plants the moment you walk in, and they grow directly on the ivy facade, and the effect inside the hotel is genuinely calming in a way that no other Nashville hotel comes close to replicating.

Some suites come with outdoor terraces and the views of downtown Nashville are impressive from the upper floors.

One thing to know before booking: the open floor plan in some rooms means limited visual privacy between the sleeping and bathroom areas, so check the specific room layout before you confirm.

The Bamford Wellness Spa was named Tennessee’s Best Hotel Spa at the 2025 World Spa Awards.

I would plan a full half day there if you can. The hotel also runs three dining and bar concepts, including 1 Kitchen for farm-to-table meals, Neighbors cafe for morning coffee, and Harriet’s Rooftop for skyline views and live DJs.

This is the hotel for the traveler who wants downtown Nashville access without the downtown Nashville noise level.

The location is close enough to Broadway to walk but far enough removed that coming back to the hotel feels like a true reprieve.

Canopy by Hilton

The Canopy by Hilton opened in The Gulch in June 2025 and it is already one of the better value luxury options in that neighborhood.

The rooms have an industrial design that feels luxurious at the same time floor-to-ceiling windows, Nespresso machines, robes, and a fitness center that guests consistently describe as massive.

The daily destination charge covers a $15 food and beverage credit, premium WiFi, a house car service within a 1.5-mile radius, and a refillable water bottle with stations throughout the hotel

The car service alone is worth factoring in when you compare prices with neighboring properties.

Complimentary bikes are also available for exploring The Gulch and surrounding neighborhoods.

On-site dining includes Silo for all-day eating, 8th and Roast for artisanal coffee, Five Points Pizza, and the COA Rooftop bar with panoramic city views.

The walk to Broadway is about 20 minutes, so plan on rideshare if you are heading down there late at night, but everything in The Gulch itself is right outside the door.

If you are a Hilton Honors member, this is an easy decision: the strong location, newer property, and destination charge perks make the nightly rate go further than it looks at first glance.

Best Neighborhood for a Local Nashville Experience — East Nashville

East Nashville is across the Cumberland River from downtown and has a great collection of bars, restaurants, and independent boutique shopping.

The neighborhood has a creative, artsy feel with converted townhouses and vintage stores that reflect its independent character.

East Nashville is a mostly residential area that is quieter than the city center but still centrally located.

You can get to most neighborhoods in Nashville quickly from here. If you want to eat well, drink well, and feel like a local instead of a tourist, East Nashville is the right call.

Best East Nashville Hotels:

THE RUSSELL

The Russell is the most unique hotel on this entire list and I mean that in the best way.

It is a 1904 Presbyterian church in East Nashville that was converted into a boutique hotel, with the original sanctuary now serving as the lobby, where two giant restored stained glass windows set the entire color palette for the space.

Church pews have been reconfigured as headboards, custom wardrobes were built by local maker Holler Design, and church banners featuring Dolly Parton and Loretta Lynn by Nashville artist Shelby Rodeffer hang on the lobby walls.

There are 23 rooms in various sizes and configurations.

The Tower Suite sleeps six and has a bed where the church bells once hung. The Penthouse Suite sleeps four and has a kitchenette.

The hotel runs entirely without on-site staff, and your check-in and checkout are handled via your phone; there are keypad entries throughout, and free parking is included.

The hotel is a five-minute walk from the restaurants, venues, and shops of Five Points and less than two miles from Nissan Stadium and Broadway.

East Nashville’s restaurant scene, which includes some of the best eating in the entire city, is right outside the door.

Best Neighborhood for Quiet and Culture — Midtown and Music Row

Midtown has over 40 bars and restaurants, offering a mix of upscale dining, local favorites, and bars.

It gets a lot of attention for spots like Patterson House and The Catbird Seat. It is less touristy than downtown and more of a bar-hopping area for locals.

Midtown also has many of the city’s chief attractions, including the Frist Art Museum, the Tennessee Performing Arts Center, and Centennial Park, where you will find a full-scale model of the Parthenon.

This is also a strong area for families because the streets are walkable and things are calmer than Broadway.

Best Midtown Hotels:

HUTTON HOTEL

The Hutton was Nashville’s first proper luxury boutique hotel, built for the music industry by the music industry when it opened in 2009.

It sits on West End Avenue steps from Music Row and it has always attracted a different kind of guest than the Broadway hotels.

Celebrities prefer the Hutton for its covert entrances and secret passageways, with recent sightings including Garth Brooks and Jimmy Fallon.

The 250 rooms feature bold colors, textured accent walls, marble rainfall showers with digital controls, and a vinyl library with rental record players.

You can also borrow a Fender guitar, bass, or ukulele through the hotel’s Fender Play in-room experience. If you have always wanted to noodle on a guitar in a Nashville hotel room, this is where you do it.

The Analog music venue seats up to 300 and hosts a regular calendar of live performances.

The Writers Studios, one designed by Dierks Bentley and another by OneRepublic’s Ryan Tedder, are fully equipped recording studios available for guests.

Condé Nast Traveler ranked it among the top Nashville hotels in 2025.

KIMPTON AERTSON HOTEL

The Kimpton Aertson sits inside the Aertson Midtown mixed-use community and it has a local feel that most hotel properties in Nashville do not.

It looks and feels more like a high-end residential building than a tourist hotel.

The industrial-chic design celebrates Nashville innovation with steel, stone, concrete, and Carrara marble throughout, with commissioned artwork everywhere.

Complimentary amenities include the morning hosted coffee, an evening wine hour, and Public cruiser bikes to borrow for exploring the neighborhood.

The seasonal rooftop pool overlooks the Vanderbilt University campus IHG and it is one of the more relaxed pool scenes in the city — not a party pool, more of an afternoon escape.

The Pickin’ Library is a Nashville-exclusive amenity stocked with a guitar, mandolin, ukulele, and Appalachian dulcimer for guests to borrow.

The Woodhouse Day Spa is on site and Henley restaurant serves modern American cuisine for breakfast and dinner with a bar program spotlighting Tennessee whiskeys.

Condé Nast Traveler ranked it in the Top 10 Hotels in Nashville.

THE FRAYE HOTEL

The Fraye is named after a fictional character called Lady Fraye, a vanguard muse meant to represent Nashville’s bold, creative spirit.

The hotel sits at 1810 Broadway in Midtown, steps from Vanderbilt University, a 10-minute walk from Music Row, and under two miles from Bridgestone Arena.

The hotel has two on-site restaurants, two bars, including a poolside bar, and a rooftop terrace.

The daily destination charge covers a $25 food and beverage credit at any hotel outlet and bicycle rentals, which puts it in a strong value position compared to similarly priced properties nearby.

The outdoor rooftop pool has sun loungers and cabanas and the hotel is within walking distance of Centennial Park, the Parthenon replica, and Vanderbilt’s campus.

If you want to be in the Midtown corridor with a pool, live music on-site, and a meaningful food and beverage credit built into your rate, the Fraye earns its spot on this list.

THE WESTIN NASHVILLE

The Westin Nashville is a reliable anchor property in the Midtown corridor and one of the largest hotels on this list.

The 456 rooms include the iconic Westin Heavenly Bed, and amenities span three pools, indoor, outdoor, and a rooftop infinity pool, plus the Rhapsody Spa with aromatherapy, body scrubs, and hot stone massages.

Two on-site restaurants handle breakfast through dinner and two bars keep things going into the evening. The hotel sits a short walk from Music City Center and Ryman Auditorium.

It is a strong choice for Marriott Bonvoy members who want a centrally located property with full-service amenities and loyalty points.

One important note for anyone booking right now: the hotel was undergoing renovation through the first part of 2026.

Confirm the current status of affected areas before booking to make sure the amenities you want are fully operational during your stay.

HYATT CENTRIC DOWNTOWN NASHVILLE

The Hyatt Centric is a solid midsize hotel in a strong downtown location with a loyal following among World of Hyatt members.

The hotel has a seasonal outdoor pool and hot tub on the ninth floor, a poolside bar, and LaLa’s Bar on-site for evening drinks.

Broadway is minutes away on foot.

Rooms are comfortable, and the location handles itself.

You are close enough to Broadway to walk, but in a quieter pocket of downtown that keeps the noise from following you back to your room.

LOEWS VANDERBILT HOTEL

The Loews Vanderbilt has been a Nashville institution for decades, and it sits directly across from Vanderbilt University’s campus on West End Avenue.

The hotel is surrounded by Hillsboro Village’s shops, boutiques, galleries, and restaurants, and offers a complimentary car service to attractions within a three-mile radius.

The 339 rooms have premium bedding, laptop-compatible safes, and Mason’s restaurant on site serving Southern cuisine for breakfast through happy hour.

One thing to note: the hotel was undergoing renovation from late 2025 through mid-2026.

If you are booking a stay after June 2026, this will likely be a fully refreshed property.

If you are booking now, confirm what areas are affected before finalizing.

GRADUATE NASHVILLE

The Graduate Nashville is one of the most personality-driven hotels in Midtown and it does not take itself too seriously, which is exactly why people love it.

The colorful, creative interiors are built around Nashville’s local history and music legends, with the White Limozeen rooftop restaurant and an on-site karaoke bar setting the social tone for the property.

The hotel sits a five-minute walk from Vanderbilt University and has easy access to Ryman Auditorium, the Frist Art Museum, and Centennial Park.

It is now part of the Hilton portfolio under the Graduate by Hilton brand, which means Hilton Honors members can earn and redeem points here.

The location in Midtown puts you close to some of Nashville’s best eating and drinking without the Broadway bachelorette party energy.

If you are planning a girls’ trip and want a hotel that feels fun without being loud, the Graduate’s rooftop and karaoke bar give you a built-in social scene that stays on-property.

TEMPO BY HILTON NASHVILLE DOWNTOWN

The Tempo by Hilton Nashville Downtown is one of the newer additions to the city’s hotel landscape, and it hits every note for a modern traveler who wants to be close to everything.

The 306-room hotel sits adjacent to Nashville Yards and less than half a block from Broadway, steps from Bridgestone Arena, Music City Center, and the Country Music Hall of Fame.

The Encore Suite has a wraparound exterior patio with retractable doors, a kitchen, entertainment space, and a dedicated game room.

The hotel houses Nashville’s first Bluestone Lane Cafe, the Lovelorn Lounge and Pool Bar, and the city’s first Topgolf Swing Suites.

The rooftop pool has sun loungers and cabanas, and the fifth-floor sky lobby offers views of downtown Nashville and Nashville Yards that look different at sunset.

Best Hotels in 12 South

The Gilmore

The Gilmore is 12 South’s first full-service hotel, rated number one out of 230 hotels in Nashville on Tripadvisor, ranked number three in the South by Southern Living, and sitting in the top one percent on Airbnb.

12 South is the neighborhood I would tell any woman over 40 to explore in Nashville.

It is walkable, local, upscale without the Broadway energy, and full of independent boutiques, brunch spots, coffee shops, and some of the best ice cream in the city.

The Gilmore puts you right in the middle of all of it, with Mediterranean-inspired design, breezy courtyard spaces, and a rooftop terrace for winding down at the end of the day.

Rooms range from studios to four-bedroom suites, all with full kitchens including Nespresso machines, Smart TVs, branded robes, and private balconies in select units.

The fresh doughnuts every morning are a detail multiple reviewers have specifically called out, and it is the kind of small touch that tells you management is paying attention.

The hotel is one of the strongest options in Nashville for a private girls trip, bachelorette weekend, or family celebration.

Good Value Pick

Hyatt Place Nashville

Not every Nashville trip calls for a $400 per night room.

If you want a clean, well-located, reliable downtown hotel where the money you save on the room goes toward food and experiences instead, the Hyatt Place Nashville Downtown is the answer.

The hotel sits in the South Broadway neighborhood with Music City Center 1,640 feet away and Bridgestone Arena just 1,312 feet from the front door.

Broadway is two blocks away and the Johnny Cash Museum, Nudies, and several of Nashville’s best bars are literally on the next block.

COMING SOON

Dolly Parton’s SongTeller Hotel — Opening June 2026

This is the most talked-about hotel opening in Nashville this year and reservations are already open.

The 12-story building is marked by a guitar-shaped entryway and features 245 rooms and suites, two live music venues called Parton’s Live and Jolene’s, and a Listening Lobby where Dolly’s songs play every hour.

The third floor houses Dolly’s Life of Many Colors Museum, the largest Dolly exhibition in the world.

Room amenities include in-room guitars and premium Bluetooth speakers, and themed suites range from Acoustic Suites to the Six Sisters Suite sleeping up to six guests.

The hotel sits between Lower Broadway and 2nd Avenue at 211 Commerce Street, walking distance from the Ryman Auditorium and Country Music Hall of Fame.

If you want to book before it fills up for the summer, go directly to songtellerhotel.com.

Ritz-Carlton Nashville — Coming to The Gulch

The Ritz-Carlton has submitted plans for a hotel and condominium development at 1100 Demonbreun Street in The Gulch, featuring 182 hotel rooms and 140 condo units.

No confirmed opening date yet but construction activity is underway.

When the Ritz opens in Nashville it will be the first time the brand has come to the city and it will set a new benchmark for luxury hospitality here.

St. Regis Nashville — Planned

A 46-story, 651-foot St. Regis is planned for downtown Nashville that would become the tallest hotel in the city when complete, standing nearly 300 feet taller than the adjacent JW Marriott.

Still in planning stages. No booking dates available yet but worth knowing about if you are planning a Nashville trip further out.

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Is Nashville Safe for Solo Female Travelers? What You Need to Know

I would be doing you a disservice if I did not tell you what is happening on Broadway before you go.

Drink spiking is a documented problem in downtown Nashville.

Nashville Metro Police Chief John Drake confirmed in 2025 that approximately 20 percent of sexual assault cases in the city are drug-facilitated.

Tennessee responded by passing a law effective January 1, 2025 requiring all alcohol servers to complete updated training on date rape drug awareness and bystander intervention as part of their licensing.

Several Broadway bars, including Honky Tonk Central, Tootsies, and Kid Rock’s, have since become certified through the Safe Bar program, which uses drug-detecting coasters and trained staff.

The most important thing to know: these drugs leave your system fast.

GHB is undetectable in blood after 8 hours. If you suspect you have been drugged, go to a hospital immediately. The Sexual Assault Center at (615) 259-9055 is open 24 hours a day and all services are free.

What to do before every night out:

Never leave your drink unattended for any reason. if you step away, get a new one when you return.

Watch your drink being poured at the bar. If someone offers to buy you a drink, walk with them and watch it being made.

Go out in a group, share your location with someone not with you, and use rideshare back to your hotel after midnight.

If something feels off after one or two drinks, trust your body immediately and get help.

For my complete approach to staying safe as a solo female traveler, grab my Travel Safety Guide. It covers everything from what to pack to how to move through a city alone.

❓ FAQ: Where to Stay in Nashville

TRAVEL INSURANCE

I can’t say this enough, but please get insurance when traveling for your romantic getaway! Even if you only go on a short trip, you should always travel with insurance.

Have fun while visiting any of the above destinations but take it from someone who has racked up thousands of bucks on an insurance claim before, you need it.

Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Nashville

I have lived in Nashville for 14 years, and I know it very well.

I have been to every neighborhood on this list and stayed across multiple price points.

The short version is this: downtown or SoBro if it is your first time, The Gulch if you want upscale without the Broadway chaos, East Nashville if you want creative and local, Midtown if you want culture and quiet, and 12 South if you want to feel like an actual Nashville resident for a few days.

The hotels on this list cover every type of trip. If you are coming for a girls weekend the W Nashville, Thompson Nashville, or the Noelle are your best fits.

If you are planning a couples getaway and want to splurge, The Joseph and The Hermitage are the two properties that will genuinely impress.

If you are on a tighter budget but still want a great location, the Hyatt Place Downtown delivers without asking you to compromise on where you sleep in the city.

Book early if your dates fall between March and October and always check what is happening in Nashville that weekend before you finalize your hotel. A Bridgestone Arena concert or CMA Fest week can double room rates overnight.

If you are doing a road trip to Nashville, read my full guide to road trip and driving travel insurance so you know exactly what coverage you need before you hit the highway.

If you are extending your trip, check out my guide to the best hotels in Memphis so you know where to stay there too.

And once you have your hotel locked in, you need to know where to watch the game. Nashville’s sports bar scene is genuinely strong.

My guide to the best sports bars in Nashville covers where the locals actually go, not just the tourist spots on Broadway.

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