The Best Hotels to Book Near the Ryman Auditorium, Nashville

Since 1910, the Hermitage Hotel has been the first name in downtown Nashville accommodations. Over the years, well-known figures like Al Capone, Gene Autry – and his horse! – and seven US presidents have stayed here. In 2021, chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten added his name to the historic hotel’s list of associations. The celebrity chef developed the restaurant and bar, Drusie & Darr, and the Pink Hermit, a cafe. The hotel is just a few blocks from the Ryman. Don’t forget to look up at the opulent hotel lobby ceiling.

Vandyke Bed and Beverage is on the east side of the Cumberland River in the heart of the Five Points neighborhood – only 2mi (3km) from the Ryman. This small boutique hotel with limited service is a liquor-themed property with an open-air bar. Each of the eight rooms is named after a different beverage: whiskey, wine, champagne, tequila, rum and so on, with decor and barware befitting that libation. What could be better for a post-concert cocktail?

Housed in a former bank headquarters, the Fairlane Hotel celebrates the 1970s retro aesthetic. Take time to appreciate the carpeted and terrazzo-tile floors, stylish mid-century modern furnishings and well-placed antiques, including clocks, art and vintage Vanderbilt University yearbooks. One signature feature is the flip-down cup holder built into the velvet headboards so that you can Netflix and swill. Check out the hotel’s disco-themed bar after a show at the Ryman; you’ll be just blocks away.

Even if you didn’t know its history, you’d figure out quickly that this boutique hotel used to be an East Nashville church. You’ll be gobsmacked by the restored stained-glass windows, high vaulted ceilings and repurposed pews as headboards. If you can, choose one of the two suites with indoor balconies; they have views of the colorful windows and lobby. Most importantly, the Russell’s owners contribute some of each room rate to fighting homelessness in the city, including supporting non-profit organizations such as Room In the Inn, ShowerUp and the Nashville Rescue Mission.

Just on the other side of Broadway from the Ryman, the Omni is a cozy and fun option; it’s connected to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and the Music City Center. Plan your time so you can swim in the tucked-away private pool, check out the art displays of rhinestoned costumes of country stars and eat at one of the on-site restaurants, including Kitchen Notes. Its biscuits are some of the best in the city.

No detail was overlooked when the Noelle was renovated, bringing its 1930s art deco glory to modern guests. For example, the Trade Room, with its beautiful terrazzo floors and marble walls, in the lobby is a must-visit for a drink (or two) before you head off to catch your show at the Ryman. Guest rooms are small, well-appointed and cozy, with black-out shades so you can sleep in after your night on the town. Grab a souvenir of your trip by shopping at Keep Shop, on the ground floor of the hotel; here, you’ll find a neatly curated selection of goods from the South.

The Bobby Hotel is unlike anywhere else you’ve slept. It is dotted with unique pieces of decor, such as a chandelier made out of hubcaps and a bar created from a 1956 bus perched on the roof. Cabinetry in the guest rooms is whimsical, with blocky art depicting its usage – store your jewelry where you see a diamond ring and hang your jacket where you see an image of a sport coat. Handily, the hotel is just blocks from the Ryman, so there’s no chance of you missing that concert if you have just one more drink.

In the Gulch, the Thompson is known as the place where celebrities stay when they come to Nashville (Nick Jonas and Michelle Obama, to name but two). You’ll be treated like a special guest, too, even if you aren’t a known name. The decor in the guest rooms is nothing short of remarkable, with hardwood floors, mid-century modern-style furnishings and large windows with great views. The ground-floor Marsh House restaurant and the indoor-outdoor LA Jackson rooftop bar are worthy distractions as you get in the mood for tonight’s big show.