Nashville has become such a hot spot to visit, with its bustling music, food, culture, and art scene. I visited for my first time earlier this year and am going again in the fall—can’t wait! I wanted to make this guide to the best places to stay in Nashville to help make your trip planning a lot easier.
Today, I’m covering everything from the best neighborhoods to the best hotels to stay. If you love country music, good food, and hitting up cool art displays, you will have the best time in Nashville.
There are so many fun bars and restaurants to explore—Nashville makes an ideal place for a girl’s trip or a romantic getaway. There’s nothing more unique to Nashville than being the music city and capital in the US.
Booking.comBest Places to Stay in Nashville and the Top 12 Hotels
Downtown Nashville and SoBro
Starting with Downtown Nashville, one of the main hubs of the city. Most people visit and spend time in Lower Broadway, which offers a little bit of everything like restaurants, bars, and music.
Most spots are within walking distance of each other. The infamous neon lights of the Broadway honky-tonks can be found on the strip in Downtown—some people even call it NashVegas.
SoBro stands for South Broadway and you’ll find everything from the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Johnny Cash Museum, and Ryman Auditorium that is home to Grand Ole Opry. Don’t be surprised when you hear live music everywhere while walking around Nashville downtown.
21c Hotel Museum
21c is in a historic building that’s been converted into a hotel and a contemporary art museum. Everything is decorated very luxe and modern.
Throughout the building, you’ll find artwork from the elevators to the hotel lobby to the hotel rooms. The aesthetics here are everything.
During your stay, you can enjoy a nice Nespresso from the comfort of your room (love a nice in-room Nespresso!). And if you’ve ever wanted to try working out on a Peloton bike (or are missing your bike at home), their gym has them.
When you’re done with your workout you can walk over and enjoy a delicious meal at Gray and Dudley. They serve American food and cocktails.
This hotel is a great option if you want to be within walking distance of all the major tourist spots and nightlife.
The Joseph
Staying at this luxury hotel means you’ll be in the very heart of Downtown. The Joseph was designed with a very sophisticated and modern aesthetic.
With a gorgeous terrace and outdoor rooftop pool, you’ll never want to leave this relaxing oasis. If you feel like working out you can use the fitness center that has views of the entire city.
Relax and unwind in their tranquil spa—they offer lots of massage options!
The Josephs has some of Nashville’s favorite restaurants, so to treat yourself some more, make your way down to dinner at Yolan.
Yolan makes authentic Italian food made by Michelin-starred chef Tony Mantuano. Every meal is delicious and you can pair it with their large wine selection.
If you’re not feeling Italian, you can make reservations at Joseph’s other restaurant Denim. They serve American and Italian favorites also by Michelin-starred chef Tony Mantuano.
AC Hotel Nashville Downtown
Stay at the stunning AC Hotel by the Marriott in Downtown Nashville. The AC has a very urban and modern design to it.
Enjoy the gorgeous outdoor swimming pool and bar while you’re not exploring the city. In the mornings, you can enjoy a European-style breakfast on-site—so yummy.
The rooms are massive with views of the city. You’re also conveniently located right across the street from the Music City Center and the Country Music Hall of Fame.
All the main tourist spots and restaurants are within walking distance from the hotel making it a super ideal location.
Drury Plaza Hotel Nashville Downtown
The Drury Plaza Hotel is another great option if you want to stay in the center of Downtown Nashville. The hotel will make you feel right at home as soon as you walk into the lobby.
They offer a complimentary buffet-style breakfast and it’s so delicious—save having to worry about an extra meal. The drinks are so so yummy and they even give out free drink tickets sometimes.
The hotel is decorated beautifully with a modern and retro touch. If you love swimming, you’ll love their indoor and outdoor pool.
When you’re ready to explore you can walk on over to local restaurants and bars in the area.
Music Row
Music Row is home to the entertainment industry—you can even tour the studio where Elvis Presley recorded more than 200 hits. With so many dive bars and restaurants, you could spend so long here.
Most locals call Music Row home because it embodies what Nashville is all about. I highly recommend going on the Nashville Hop On Hop Off Trolley Tour to learn all about Music Row.
Once you’re done exploring Music Row, definitely hit up the Gulch, which neighbors Music Row. You’ll find lots of the infamous Nashville murals—so get that camera ready.
Hayes Street Hotel Nashville
The Hayes Street Hotel Nashville is an aesthetically pleasing boutique hotel that has the perfect blend between modern and Nashville’s style.
The hotel is located super close to Downtown and Vanderbilt University. Since you’re centrally located you’ll be within walking distance to all the pubs, restaurants, and popular tourist spots.
There’s a bar in the hotel that offers lots of cocktail options and live music. They also have dinner options at the bar where they serve seasonal meals.
Locale Nashville – Music Row
Locale Nashville is like an apartment-style hotel that offers stays in fully decorated units. Each unit comes with a fully equipped kitchen including a dishwasher making it the prime place to stay since you can cook from home.
They have beautiful terraces attached to every unit giving you views of the city and free wifi. The location is also the best part being in the heart of Music Row and bordering the Gulch.
Everything is pretty much walkable from here, so enjoy a nice dinner at DeSano Pizza, Adele’s, and Burger Republic. While you’re exploring keep your eyes out for the What Lifts You Mural.
Home2 Suites Nashville Vanderbilt
If you’re looking for somewhere to stay that is in the center of Music Row and close to popular sporting stadiums, Home2 Suites Nashville by the Hilton is the perfect place with its colorful and contemporary vibes.
Home2 Suites offers free breakfast every morning and has other amenities you’ll love like their indoor pool. There’s even a 24-hour market on-site to get all the essential snacks and goodies.
They also offer a free shuttle service that takes you to all the must-see spots. You’re also really close to restaurants like Amerigo Italian Restaurant, Blackstone Brewery & Restaurant, and the Patterson House.
East Nashville
East Nashville has become an up-and-coming neighborhood to live and spend time in. It’s located across the Cumberland River from Downtown.
You’ll find lots of creatives and artwork on the Eastside from dive bars to coffee shops to vintage stores to artisanal foods. This is an ideal area to be in if you’re more into a laid-back and culturally diverse vibe.
If you love supporting small businesses and giving back to the community, East Nashville is the place to spend some time in.
East Nashville Bungalow
This is not the most traditional hotel to stay at, but sometimes staying in a house is ideal, especially if you’re traveling with a group. This East Nashville Bungalow is so charming with cozy vibes to unwind after a long day of sightseeing.
This vacation home has 3 bedrooms, private parking, a washing machine, and a full kitchen. This is perfect if you’re traveling on a budget since you can cook from home instead of going out for all of your meals.
Even though you’re a little further away from the center of the Downtown area, you’re still only a 7 to 10-minute drive away from everything.
There are also so many restaurants and shops to walk to from this holiday home.
The Gallatin
The Gallatin Hotel is an eclectic hotel with bright colors decorated throughout. They’re super unique in that they offer luxury bunk suites—this is super convenient if you’re traveling with a large group of friends.
There are a few spots around the hotel that are Instagrammable like the wall with the Welcome Friends mural art or the Stay Joyful wall art in the lobby area.
The interior is very modern and there’s a fun outdoor area where you can listen to some live music while sipping on cocktails.
It’s also conveniently located near restaurants like the Nashville Biscuit House, Pepperfire Hot Chicken, and Pearl Diver.
Midtown
Midtown is like another Nashville area filled with live music, bars, clubs, and restaurants. You’ll be bordering Music Row, Downtown, and Hillsboro West End.
There’s so much to do here especially being so close to the university. You’ll meet people from all over with passions in music, art, and culture.
The famous Centennial Park and Parthenon are located here in Midtown. This a fun place to visit if you’re looking to spend time in the outdoors and looking at art.
Graduate Nashville
The first time I stayed here I gasped because everything was pink, glam, and Dolly Parton-themed—so so obsessed. As soon as you step into the lobby, you’ll see velvet accents everywhere.
Staying here means you’ll be perfectly in between MIdtown and Music Row. My favorite part of the hotel was the rooftop bar with stunning views that overlook the city.
I highly recommend trying the White Limozeen for some rooftop cocktails and French-style dishes. Just a heads up you do need to make reservations.
The rooms are just as stunning as the rest of the hotel. You can expect a super glam and eclectically decorated room—think neon signs, bold prints, and funky wallpaper.
Kimpton Aertson Hotel, an IHG Hotel
Staying at the Kimpton means being surrounded by luxurious cuisines, cocktails, and artistry. You’ll love the outdoor pool and sun deck with overlooking views of the city.
The on-site restaurant Henley is a modern American brasserie serving breakfast and dinner daily. They make phenomenal cocktails with so many to choose from and even offer a snack cart with something new to offer every day.
The location is unbeatable being located within walking distance from Hattie B’s Hot Chicken, Midtown Cafe, and Gigi’s Cupcakes. If you’re looking for a fun activity check out Nashville’s Party Barge down the street.
Virgin Hotels Nashville
Virgin Hotels is located between Midtown and Music Row—you’ll get the best of both worlds. They pride themselves on giving guests a membership-only experience without having to be a member.
The rooms are made with a two-chamber design with barn-style sliding doors that separates sleep from the bathroom and lounge. There’s a stand-alone vanity and dressing room in every space.
Enjoy the 24-hour gym that includes yoga mats in each workout area. After your workout, you can eat, drink and play at the Commons Club.
There’s also a Pool Club Rooftop and Bar to have a good time with friends. If you’re not in the mood for drinking you can check out the Funny Library Coffee Shop.
When you’re ready to explore the city, you’ll be within walking distance of everything.
Hutton Hotel
The last hotel in this round-up is the Hutton Hotel also located bordering Midtown and Music Row. With an elegant and modern interior style, you’ll want to take pics everywhere for the gram.
This hotel is special in that it offers live music, entertainment, and a bar at the on-site venue the Analog. They also have a fully-equipped Writers Studios and creative space for music professionals.
If you need some relaxation and unwinding the mind, then you have to make a reservation at the spa for a treatment.
After you’re done, explore the city on foot since all the popular sightseeing spots are located nearby.
This post is getting me excited for my next trip to Nashville! It’s such a fun and exciting place to visit—country music fans, this is your heaven. And even if you’re not a country music fan (like me), you’ll still love the vibe!
There’s so much to do in all of these neighborhoods around Nashville, you’ll have a fully booked itinerary.
I hope you found this guide to the best places in Nashville helpful and if you decide to stay at any of these spots tag me on Insta @wtfab!
Looking for more Nashville content? Explore my other Nashville travel guides here.
Nashville Murals: A Guide to the Most Instagrammable Spots
Airbnbs in Nashville: The Top 10 Best Places to Stay
15 Things to Do in Nashville with Kids
FAQs
The best areas to stat in Nashville are:
– Downtown
– East Nashville
– SoBro
– Midtown
You need about 3 days to really explore everything Nashville has to offer.
The best time to visit Nashville is from April to October since the weather will be warmer and there will be less crowds.
Elise Armitage is an entrepreneur and founder of What The Fab, a travel + lifestyle blog based in California. At the beginning of 2019, Elise left her corporate job at Google to chase her dreams: being an entrepreneur and helping women find fabulous in the everyday. Since then, she’s launched her SEO course Six-Figure SEO, where she teaches bloggers how to create a passive revenue stream from their website using SEO. Featured in publications like Forbes, Elle, HerMoney, and Real Simple, Elise is a firm believer that you can be of both substance and style.
