The Best Hotels Near Nashville

On the banks of the Cumberland River, Nashville’s glitzy Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center ranks among the world’s 30 largest resorts: nine acres of indoor gardens, indoor and outdoor pools, a golf course and nearly a dozen restaurants. Head to Jack Daniel’s for great Southern food, including fried chicken and hickory smoked barbecue; to drink there’s “Tennessee Sippin’ Whiskey” from nearby Lynchburg. Stroll along the hotel’s tropical-plant-lined indoor river, crossing through cascading waterfalls, for the full Opryland experience.

Tucked among boutiques, coffee shops and restaurants on an unassuming corner in East Nashville, Vandyke Bed & Beverage is exclusively about grown-up getaways. With the motto “No children, no pets, no cigarettes”, this funky boutique hotel loves its themes: there are eight alcohol-inspired rooms and a public rooftop bar, complete with iconic vintage signage. Following a day of exploring the neighborhood, indulge in the Wine Room’s vintage European soaker tub.

This 115-year-old former church was once upon a time a community nexus and, restyled as a hotel, it retains its status as a neighborhood icon. Telltale colorful stained glass windows, vintage brick walls and restored church pew headboards welcome guests to the 23 bright and contemporary rooms. Booking here means you’re assisting the community – the Russell gives back to local homeless ministries by way of the Rooms for Room program.

Southern hospitality is alive and well in Belmont-Hillsboro Historic District: check in at 1501 Linden Manor and avail yourself of its flowery-patterned beds for a weekend. Built in 1893, this diminutive Victorian-era home retains characteristic traits and historic charm with its witch’s-hat turret, fine 19th-century antiques and a traditional wraparound porch. For the full experience, sound out hosts Catherine and Tom about their mouthwatering Linden stuffed French toast.

Moxy, in case you didn’t know, is big brand Marriott’s style-on-a-budget label, and here in Nashville it has bedded in nicely: all neon lights amid dark-teal decor, it references the honky-tonk nightlife of Broadway. Minimalist and millennial-focused, the hotel plays up the party vibe with public lobby games, including pool and shuffleboard, a video wall, a 24-hour snack station and Bar Moxy, which doubles as a guest check-in counter – free signature Moxy cocktail included, of course.

Just a short drive from the heart of downtown Nashville, the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Nashville Metrocenter Downtown gives you true bang for your buck – it’s among the more reasonably priced hotels in the area. The decor is very “business”, so won’t have you snapping away on your smartphone. But accommodation options are varied, from crisp, classic rooms to spacious suites for the family – or for that bachelorette party. The hotel also serves a complimentary breakfast and has a heated outdoor pool.