We list the best hotels, hostels, B&Bs and guesthouses in Nashville, Tennessee, as recommended by travel experts from CNN, Lonely Planet, Fodor’s, New York Times and more. All the hotel recommendations have been referenced with adequate customer reviews. The ratings you see here are aggregated from several platforms and are always higher than 4 out of 5 stars.
Best cheap hotel in Nashville: The Russell
“Germantown’s oldest house, a shoemaker’s cottage dating to 1865, has been flipped into a charming 10-room inn steeped in local design. Exposed brick and natural light are abundant throughout the cozy hideaway.”
“Tennessee’s only five-star hotel nearly met the wrecking ball after falling into disrepair. Meticulously restored to its full glory in 2003, this Downtown hotel, a Beaux-Arts gem that first opened in 1910, attracts a decidedly upscale clientele that includes heads of state, celebrities, and business magnates.”
Featured as Frommer’s Exceptional Choice in Nashville.
“This 115-year-old neighbourhood church has been transformed into a boutique hotel, complete with restored brick exterior and scene-stealing rosette stained-glass windows. A percentage of each room rate is donated to a local charitable organisation fighting homelessness in Nashville.”
“The Fairlane Hotel is a retro-inspired space that hums with understated style derived from the 1960s and ‘70s. With its mid-century modernist facade, terrazzo floors, and travertine columns, the hotel’s original wood paneling remains but is updated with modern fixtures and green polka dot fabric chairs.”
“The Bobby Hotel, a boutique hotel newly opened in the heart of downtown, offers rooms designed around pieces found in cities around Europe, 24-hour room service, a fitness center, a rooftop bar and an original kind of branding: “Bobby” is the spirit of a traveler who brings back treasures from faraway lands.”
Featured in New York Times’ 36 Hours in Nashville.
“From the drive-in carport, where you see giant living walls and interactive art elements, it is clear this isn’t the standard hotel garage. Details matter here, and no detail is overlooked.”
“Well located, only a block from Lower Broadway, and up to the minute in style and function. The common space in the basement, with its rather regal exposed stone walls and beamed rafters, is your all-hours mingle den.”
“Formerly a 19th-century train station, the downtown Union Station Hotel was built in 1900 and was updated with $16 million worth of upgrades in 2007. The hotel is Southern, traditional and opulent, but with contemporary amenities and close to everything downtown.”
Featured in New York Times’ 36 Hours in Nashville.
“Waymore’s Guest House and Casual Club, a new addition to East Nashville, is pet-friendly and styled with a music theme (the bar fridges look like Marshall amplifiers).”
Featured in New York Times’ 36 Hours in Nashville.
“Nashville’s only four-star hotel, the Hutton is just a few blocks from Music Row and Vanderbilt, and minutes from all the action on Lower Broadway. Judging by the lobby, the Hutton aims to attract an upscale clientele, with a particular appeal to those in the music industry.”
Featured as Frommer’s Exceptional Choice in Nashville.
“SoBro—the area south of Broadway—is where you’ll find the Country Music Hall of Fame, Bridgestone Arena, the Schermerhorn Symphony Center, and Music City Center, the massive new convention complex. The Hyatt Place, which opened in 2013, is right in the middle of all the action.”
Featured as Frommer’s Exceptional Choice in Nashville.
Recommended by:
Lonely Planet, Fodors, Telegraph
Recommended by:
Frommers, New York Times, Fodors, Lonely Planet, Telegraph
Recommended by:
Telegraph
Recommended by:
Frommers, Fodors, Telegraph
Recommended by:
New York Times, Telegraph
Recommended by:
CN Traveler, Forbes
Recommended by:
Lonely Planet, Frommers
Recommended by:
New York Times, Telegraph
Recommended by:
New York Times
Recommended by:
Frommers, Lonely Planet, Fodors, Forbes, Telegraph
Recommended by:
Frommers, Fodors
To fall in love, immediately get into the city of Nashville. The city will drag you into its music scene to selective restaurants. The delectable restaurants offer local cuisine. The ‘Music City’ is a metropolis that is continuously growing with incredible facilities for visitors and locals. You cannot ignore the mainstream attractions that the awesome neighborhood of Nashville holds for you. The neighborhoods in Nashville are rapidly increasing, making up the architecture of the city.
Music City is open to several changes in life. Many of the neighborhoods in Nashville are relatively close to one another. The best neighborhoods to stay in Nashville are:
Hillsboro Village
The undisputed heartbeats of the city crawl around the neighborhood known as Hillsboro Village. Hillsboro is proximal to Vanderbilt and Belmont Universities. The community of Hillsboro Village is encircled with visitors, college students, and locals with endless opportunities. The highlight of the place is recognized with the Pancake Pantry. One of the popular breakfast joints is found in the community. You should arrive early to avoid queuing around the building. There are so many boutique shops that will tire you, and the vibrant display of street art hold the advertisement of the local community. ‘Fido’ is a popular urban coffee shop in Hillsboro Village.
The Gulch
The second hidden neighborhood gem is the Gulch. The most dynamic community that has regenerated its life is addressed as the Gulch. This community displays the collection of luxury fashion stores, a variety of local restaurants, chic and boutique style hotels. Formerly, the Gulch was known for its industrial works. But, now the place has turned one of the coolest neighborhoods. “What Lifts You” mural is a perfect symbol for architectural design. A spot like ‘Milk and Honey’ fills in the air with coffee brews. ‘Biscuit Love’ is considered to be one of the best breakfast locations in Nashville. To indulge in entertainment, ‘The Pub Nashville’ is a place for draught beers and stylish menu. ‘Turnip Truck’ is a collection of fresh and local production of utilities.
12South
One of the most scintillating areas known for its creativity and highlighting artistry is called in for 12South. One of the hottest neighborhoods found in Nashville is 12South. The place is a perfect stop for drinking, eating, socializing, and playing. The apartments are in the formation of hip-style and the perfect epitome of ‘urbanites. Retail stores like Reese Witherspoon’s Draper James is a corner to spend your afternoon. 12 South Taproom and Grill is a spot to a quick bite. Sevier Park is a stroll to check-in.
East Nashville
Head across the Cumberland River to find the best places in East Nashville. The three pillars that tower East Nashville are Nissan Stadium, the Tennessee Titans, and home to the NFL team. East Nashville is compared to New York City’s East Village. The streets of the community are designed with street art murals. You can move to Shoppes on Fatherland to experience dinner and retail therapy.
Downtown
Along Broadway, the most frequently traveled neighborhood in Nashville is Downtown. To catch your attention, the Bridgestone Arena is an NHL game in collaboration with the Nashville Predators.
Choose one among these five to find a place of peace in the Music City. Also check out our guide about the best areas to stay in Nashville.
You like some luxury but don't like the famous chain hotels. If you're looking for the best boutique hotel in Nashville, you should check out Fairlane. It's a very cool hotel that has been highly recommended by travelers and experts.
Also check out our list of the best boutique hotels in Nashville, it's a manually curated list of the most unique and romantic hotels in the city.
If money isn't a problem and you're looking for a luxury hotel in Nashville, then go for Union Station Hotel. The hotel offers excellent service, it's in a top location, it has been rated very highly by previous guests and renowned travel critics have recommended it.
Also check out our list of the best luxury hotels in Nashville, it's a manually curated list of the most exclusive 5-star hotels in the city.
If you're looking for a cheap hotel in Nashville, then book The Russell. It's an excellent budget hotel offering great value for money. It's in a good location, it's been recommended by travel experts and the hotel has excellent customer reviews. Also check out our list of the best cheap hotels in Nashville.
If you're looking for a great hostel in Nashville, then you should check out Downtown Hostel Nashville. The hostel has magnificent reviews by backpackers, it has been recommended by well-known travel experts and it's in a good location.
If you're looking for a 3-star hotel in Nashville then you'll have to pay around $195 per night. For a 4-star hotel you have to pay about $320 per night and if you're looking for a luxury 5-star Nashville hotel that will cost your about $400 per night.
If you're looking to visit Nashville with your family, then try the Hermitage Hotel. The hotel has excellent recent reviews by families.
Explore the City of Nashville Tour by Golf Cart. Aboard an open-air, low-speed vehicle, cruise through Nashville to see more than 35 landmarks and other sightseeing locations. Price: $49.
Nashville Hop-on Hop-off Trolley. Discover the attractions of Nashville at your own speed on this hop-on hop-off trolley bus tour. Forget about driving or parking the car: Just sit back and relax, and get off and explore at any of the 14 stops. Price: $44.
General Jackson Showboat Lunch or Dinner Cruise in Nashville. Cruise on Nashville's Cumberland River aboard one of the country's largest paddle-wheel boats, the 'General Jackson Showboat', during this excursion. Price: $106.
More things to do in Nashville
With roots dating back to the 1920s, Nashville has historic music venues, recording studios, and bluegrass bars. As a city with a population of about 650,000 people, it’s also got an incredible amount of live music. From traditional country to indie rock and everything in between, you can hear original music nearly anywhere you go in Music City. If you love good tunes, you’ll feel right at home in this southern town. Read on for more information about what to see and do during your next visit to Nashville!
What To See In Nashville
There’s a lot to explore in Nashville, but you shouldn’t miss these five things:
1) The Parthenon
Located on a hill in the middle of downtown, this full-scale replica of the original Parthenon in Athens is the crown jewel of the city’s historic Centennial Park. Built in the 1930s as a symbol of American culture and democracy, the Parthenon is an architectural masterpiece that is worth visiting no matter what time of year you visit town.
2) The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
A must-see attraction for music lovers, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum traces the history of country music from its early days in the 1920s through the present. You can also pay homage to Nashville’s own musicians, with special exhibits focused on individual artists.
3) The Ryman Auditorium
Built in the 1890s, the Ryman Auditorium is the home of the Grand Ole Opry. You can visit this historic music venue and museum any day of the week (except for the first weekend of each month, when it hosts the Opry).
4) Nashville Botanic Gardens
The country’s only major botanic garden located in a major city, the Nashville Botanic Gardens is a must-see attraction for nature lovers. The 35-acre site includes a Japanese garden, a desert garden, a conservatory, and a butterfly grove.
5) The Country Music Highway
If you’re a country music fan, you can’t leave Nashville without stopping by the Country Music Highway. This stretch of road is home to a few of the city’s most famous landmarks, including the House of Cash and the Blue Suede Shoes Center for American Music.
Ryman Auditorium
It’s one of the most iconic venues in music history and a must-see attraction when you visit Nashville. The Ryman Auditorium has hosted famous musicians and artists like Patsy Cline, Elvis, Hank Williams, and Johnny Cash. The original home of the Grand Ole Opry, the Ryman Auditorium is a landmark that is worth a visit even if you’re not a fan of country music. The Ryman was named after its founder, Thomas Ryman, and has been a part of the city’s history ever since. Built in the 1890s, it was the first venue in the South built specifically for public performances. The Ryman has undergone renovations over the years, with the most recent being in 1994.
The Bluebird Cafe
When the Bluebird Cafe opened up in the 1980s, it was nothing more than a regular coffee house. However, it quickly became known as a spot where aspiring musicians could go and play their songs. Today, the Bluebird Cafe is a must-see attraction in Nashville. The Bluebird Cafe has hosted artists like Adele, Taylor Swift, and even Oprah Winfrey. It’s an intimate setting where you can see some of the most talented singer-songwriters perform original music. The Bluebird Cafe is also a great place to grab a bite to eat and sip on a cup of coffee.
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is a must-see attraction for music lovers. The country music museum traces the history of country music from its early days in the 1920s through the present. You can also pay homage to Nashville’s own musicians, with special exhibits focused on individual artists. You can also visit the Hall of Fame, the Ford Honors Hall, the International Artists Gallery, and the Pickin’ Shed. The museum is open every day of the year, including holidays. It offers free general admission, so it’s a great place to visit no matter what your budget is.
Other must-see attractions in Nashville
Check out these places as well when you’re in town:
1) The Parthenon
The Parthenon is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city. Built in the 1930s, it’s a full-scale replica of the original Parthenon in Athens, Greece. The Parthenon is located in the city’s Centennial Park.
2) The Country Music Highway
The Country Music Highway is a stretch of road that’s home to a few of the city’s most famous landmarks. You can visit the House of Cash, the Blue Suede Shoes Center for American Music, and the RCA Studio B.
3) The Nashville Visitors Center
If you want to learn even more about the city’s history, you can visit the Nashville Visitors Center. The center has a ton of information on the city’s attractions, culture, and history.
4) The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is a must-see attraction for any music lover. The museum traces the history of country music from its early days in the 1920s through the present. You can also pay homage to Nashville’s own musicians, with special exhibits focused on individual artists.
5) The Johnny Cash Museum
If you’re a fan of the late, great Johnny Cash, the Johnny Cash Museum is a must-see attraction. The museum pays tribute to the late country music icon, with exhibits on his life and career.
6) The Tennessee State Museum
The Tennessee State Museum contains artifacts and exhibits on the state’s history and culture. You can also visit the Tennessee Civil War Museum at the State Museum.
Honky-tonks and bars with live music
If you want to see a real slice of Nashville culture and music, visit a honky-tonk or bar with live music. These establishments are scattered throughout the city and are a great place to see local musicians perform. You can also visit the Wild Horse Saloon, the Ryman Auditorium, and the Bluebird Cafe to see performances. Some of the most popular honky-tonks in the city include Tootsie’s, the Bluebird Cafe, the Honky Tonk Bar, and Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge. Honky-tonks are a great place to see live music and dance.
Where to eat in Nashville
There are plenty of good restaurants in Nashville. Here are five places worth checking out:
1) Arnold’s Country Kitchen
If you’re looking for some comfort food, you have to stop by Arnold’s Country Kitchen. This diner is a great place to grab a bite to eat during any time of the day. You can also visit Arnold’s at night for a good show.
2) Basket Fish and Chips
If you’re craving some authentic seafood, Basket Fish and Chips is the place to go. This restaurant is located right on the Cumberland River, so you can enjoy a great view while you eat.
3) Black Rabbit Restaurant and Bar
If you’re looking for a fancy meal, you have to visit the Black Rabbit Restaurant and Bar. This upscale restaurant serves up French-inspired cuisine. There’s also a piano bar and night club attached to the restaurant.
4) The Blue Door Restaurant and Bar
If you want great food and a casual vibe, you have to visit the Blue Door Restaurant and Bar. This is one of the best places to get a good burger in the city.
5) The Pancake Pantry
The Pancake Pantry is a great place to stop for a bite to eat any time of day. You can get all kinds of food at this diner, but the pancakes are the real highlight. You can also go for dinner here, and you can enjoy a great view of the city.
Get to know Nashville better
Want to get to know the city a bit better? Check out our guide about where to stay in Nashville, it includes recommendations about the best areas, museums, attractions and other things to do.
If you like our list of the best hotels in Nashville, then you should also check out our selection of recommended hotels in Memphis or the best hotels in Portland.