Last Updated on November 16, 2024 by Katrina

Photo credit: Union Station Hotel Nashville

Unlike some cities, where the downtown area is dominated by a financial district, Nashville’s downtown is all about entertainment. After all, the artistic heart of Music City is here. It’s home to the Ryman Auditorium, the Grand Ole Opry, and music-history-rich bars along Lower Broadway. Add in the state capitol and the Titans’ home turf, and downtown is the obvious place to book your hotel. The best places to stay bring their own sense of history and style, along with near-the-action convenience. Here are the best hotels in downtown Nashville.  

Four Seasons Nashville (100 Demonbreun St.; 615-610-5001)

Open since late 2022, this spanking new Four Seasons has become one of the best addresses in in the heart of downtown’s dynamic SoBro area. Just one block from Broadway with its live music and nightlife, the hotel is also near Riverfront Park and the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge offering dazzling downtown views. One Google reviewer says the Four Seasons has a “great staff that goes above and beyond.” One Tripadvisor user says “My husband and I stayed here for a long weekend and LOVED it. We stayed in a corner room on the 12th floor. Floor-to-ceiling windows in bathroom and bedroom with great views.”    >> Book this hotel for less

The Hermitage Hotel (231 6th Ave. N; 615-244-3121)

Not to be confused with The Hermitage, Andrew Jackson’s ancestral home, this 1910 hotel has plenty of history of its own. It boasts of being Nashville’s longest standing hotel, and it still exudes old-world glamour. Despite that pomp, Condé Nast Traveler also says that it offers “more bang for your buck than other downtown stays—rooms are spacious, beds are plush, and decor is old fashioned without being dated.” Yelp reviewers give it high marks for attentive service—and even for being dog friendly—but also decadently comfortable. “Immense bathrooms,” says one Yelp reviewer, “and huge beds with oodles of pillows and a lovely comforter.”    >> Book this hotel for less

21c Museum Hotel Nashville (221 2nd Ave. N; 615-610-6400)

As part of the 21c boutique brand, this 124-room hotel houses rotating exhibits of contemporary art. You’ll also find clean, modern lines, combined with pops of color, extending to the whole hotel. “Even if you aren’t a guest, drop by to poke around the rotating (and free) art exhibits and have a cocktail at Gray & Dudley,” says Condé Nast Traveler, noting that the rooms have nice flourishes too, such as Malin + Goetz toiletries. One TripAdvisor reviewer notes the nice sense of balance in its locale: “It is in a convenient location to Broadway, but far enough that you don’t have all the noise.”    >> Book this hotel for less

Fairlane Hotel (401 Union St.; 615-988-8511)

Occupying a 1972 bank building, this boutique hotel embraces its retro heritage. It’s “a paragon of mid-century design, without taking itself too seriously,” says Condé Nast Traveler, noting that “the lobby’s large, floor-to-ceiling windows flood the space with natural light, making it great perch for people-watching.” Google reviewers note that the hotel is walkable to a lot of sights, but staying put is tempting too. “Excellent hospitality,” says one, “and the views from the room were amazing.”     >> Book this hotel for less

Union Station Hotel Nashville (1001 Broadway; 615-726-1001)

Housed in downtown Nashville’s 1900 railroad station this National Historic Landmark nicely blends old and new. The architectural grandeur—complete with stained glass and chandeliers—is accented with modern art and touches like house line of Jack Daniels in the bar. One TripAdvisor reviewer notes that “the public area looks like a classic palace in Europe,” and recommends staying on floors 4–7 for the best access to the 3rd floor lobby. “While part of the Marriott portfolio, it feels more like an intimate boutique hotel,” adds one Google reviewer. “The rooms are updated, modern and well decorated.”    >> Book this hotel for less

JW Marriott Nashville (201 8th Ave. S; 615-291-8600)

Standing 33 stories high, the glassy JW Marriott “is the city’s only true luxury hotel,” according to Condé Nast Traveler. That’s thanks in part to a wealth of amenities (like in-room blowouts) but also to a décor that is “sleek, crisp, and oozes fanciness.” Google reviewers gush about the service. “The property is incredible, but it was the staff that really blew me away,” says one. On the southern edge of  downtown, the hotel has easy access to the convention center, the Ryman, and one of Nashville’s don’t-miss culinary experiences: Prince’s Hot Chicken.    >> Book this hotel for less

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