Known as the country music capital, Nashville is a mix of American culture, music, food, and art. The music city is also the most populated city in the state of Tennessee. In this article, I am going to recommend you where to stay in Nashville based on your interests and your budget. From luxury hotels to vacation rentals and unusual Airbnbs, I got you covered!
The legendary music scene, cheerful bars, relaxed restaurants, and exciting history – there is something for everyone! No wonder why Nashville has become a top vacation destination for many tourists within the country as well as the world!
Contents
- If you are in a hurry
- 1. Downtown – where to stay in Nashville for the first time
- 2. East Nashville
- 3. The West End/ Hillsboro Village
- 4. Music Row/Midtown – where to stay for nightlife
- 5. The Gulch – the trendiest area
- 6. Germantown – where to stay for families
- BONUS: Best Hotels Near Nashville International Airport
Now, let’s see my hand-picked recommendations on the best hotels/Airbnbs for each of the areas:
If you are in a hurry
In case you don’t have the time to skim through the whole article, I have the best of the best for you here – all these properties are in the city center and all of them have fab reviews (be sure to book in advance!):
Here is a quick visualisation of all the great areas in Nashville which I will be discussing in this post. Read on to find out more!
for first timers
for shopping
for day activities
for nightlife
for trend setters
for families
UPDATE: if you are looking for an Airbnb in Nashville – be it something special and unique or just a shared budget room, I have a special dedicated post for you on that, check it out here!
1. Downtown – where to stay in Nashville for the first time
Downtown Nashville is a neighborhood located in the geographic city center. As the heart of the music city beat, Downtown is a hub for entertainment – overflowing with music venues, cultural amenities, and historic attractions.
Furthermore, most people choose Downtown to enjoy a one-of-a-kind experience on Lower Broadway. The bars offer live music – welcoming guests to party until the early morning hours.
But Downtown is not just for partiers! Apart from restaurants, bars, hotels, and great views of the Cumberland River, Downtown Nashville or SoBro (South of Broadway) includes Bridgestone Arena, the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Ryman Auditorium, Nissan Stadium, the Johnny Cash Museum, and many more.
Cambria Hotel Nashville Downtown
This 4* hotel is literally 2 blocks away from Broadway, it has a swimming pool, a bar, and a great equipped fitness center. Is situated within walking distance of the local attractions, making it a perfect location for first time visitors!
More Accommodation Options In Downtown:
Historic Studio on Famous Music Row
A newly renovated piece of history near Nashville’s Music row
Holiday Inn & Suites – Nashville Downtown
A contemporary stay with interesting art decor in the music city center
Holiday Inn Express Nashville-Downtown
A good value for money and within walking distance to downtown
2. East Nashville
East Nashville is home to stylish vintage boutiques, talented artists and musicians, and vendors of handcrafted goods. Not to forget the delicious restaurants where you can taste traditional cuisine and the vibrant bars where you can hear locals performing some live music!
Moreover, if you are up for a little shopping, this will become your favorite spot. This is definitely one of the places to stay when in Nashville, especially for those wanting a calmer stay. Beer lovers will enjoy this neighborhood for its beer gardens and some of the best burgers in town.
This property provides accommodation for adults only. All rooms feature a desk, fully equipped private bathroom, a flat-screen TV and air conditioning. Vandyke Hotel is the perfect opportunity to experience something non-traditional in a hotel at a quiet location.
More Accommodation Options In East Nashville:
A quiet private cottage nestled right in the heart of East Nashville, and just a short drive to downtown
A very unique place with all the comfort you will find in a regular hotel which will make you feel like home
Clarion Hotel Downtown Nashville
A 3* hotel with a swimming pool, free buffet-style breakfast and free parking
3. The West End/ Hillsboro Village
Situated next to Vanderbilt University, the West End (or Hillsboro Village, as people like to call it) is a lively and upscale central location within the city. Centennial Park – Nashville’s largest urban park is located here and represents the heart of daytime activities. A popular attraction is the Partenón – a copy of the Athenian statue in Greece.
The West End is famous for its nightlife and entertainment, so it’s no wonder you will spot many students here.
All in all, the West End is a popular area to stay in Nashville, so let’s see some of the most affordable hotels and rentals:
Comfortable, super clean rooms with quick and kind service. This 4* hotel is located just across the street from Vanderbilt University, has spacious rooms and a free gym for sport junkies!
More Accommodation Options In West End:
Private and beautifully decorated cottage apartment inside a large historic home
Hyatt House Nashville at Vanderbilt
An amazing value for money with excellent facilities including a fitness center
A spacious and fully furnished studio with a lovely kitchen, swimming pool, and free WiFi!
4. Music Row/Midtown – where to stay for nightlife
Take a stroll along 16th and 17th Avenue, and you will reach the most creative neighborhood of country music moguls and recording studios, mecca of country music if you will. The old brick houses have been transformed into cool recording studios and offices of record labels and music publishers.
So if you are keen on concerts or passionate about music, this place should definitely be on your list! To get the most out of this area, I suggest finding a tour with a knowledgeable guide that can walk you through the history and roots of Nashville music production. It’s interesting that the streets are named after famous country singers of the old days.
As this section is dedicated to the music industry, you will find the Music Hall of Fame. So, if you have enough time include a visit to this building as well.
This hotel has excellent everything – the reviews, the cleaness, the comfort of the rooms, the location. The rooms decor is super modern and the outdoor pool is to die for!
More Accommodation Options In Music Row:
A newly constructed luxurious 4-bedroom apartment only two blocks from Music Row and a walking distance to everything!
Excellent location right on Music row, only a few minutes from Hillsboro, The Gulch, and Germantown
Very affordable quiet accommodation close to Music row bars and restaurants
5. The Gulch – the trendiest area
Long ago, the Gulch neighborhood was home to abandoned warehouses, factory buildings, and empty lots. Today, it has become the most modern neighborhood in Nashville, surrounded by luxury apartments, fancy hotels, trendy restaurants, and bars.
This little corner is in between Midtown, SoBro and the Music Row has something to fit everybody’s taste. Bluegrass enthusiasts can have a fun-filled experience of banjos and mandolins performance at the Station Inn. But if you are a visual artist, I would recommend The Frist Center for Visual Arts – an art deco style building full of complex design and details.
So, if you want to feel like a local, then you should consider booking a hotel/ apartment here.
This lovely boutique hotel is located right in the Gulch neighborhood and provides a unique room experience. You’ll find a convenient rooftop bar and restaurant next door and an excellent coffee shop downstairs. Cool, clean, and comfortable – you will simply love it!
More Accommodation Options In The Gulch:
Spacious Condo in the Heart of Gulch
A 2-bedroom modern and chic condo in the heart of Gultch complete with fun amenities perfect for family vacation.
Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott
Excellent location in the Gulch, amazing complimentary breakfast, and exceptional rooftop bar/lounge
Hyatt House Nashville Downtown
Super modern and clean home-away-home with everything you need for your trip
6. Germantown – where to stay for families
Established in the mid 19th century, Germantown is one of the most developed suburbs that boasts jam-packed boutiques, friendly restaurants, and upbeat bars. This neighborhood is great for families as there are plenty of fun things to do, it is located just a bit North from Downtown.
When you walk around Germantown, I suggest stopping at Steadfast Coffee for some really good coffee or a quick bite for breakfast.
For an authentic experience, you can book a little apartment or an adorable hotel with a broad view of the city’s skyline. Another thing you can do here is shopping – the area is dotted with superb boutiques!
Nestled inside a two-story Federal style 1865 building, this historic home offers modern rooms with views of Downtown Nashville and Germantown. A perfect opportunity to escape the craziness of the city.
More Accommodation Options In Germantown:
Super convenient carriage house, right in the middle of Germantown, close to everything, yet quiet and discrete
A great option for a quick night’s stay, very close to all the sights
BONUS: Best Hotels Near Nashville International Airport
Sometimes the last thing you want to do after a long flight is to travel to a hotel room for another hour. Or maybe, you need to wake up at 3 a.m in the morning for an early flight back home. It can be really dreadful to travel to the airport while it’s still night time. Or in the worst-case scenario – to finally arrive at the airport only to find out that your flight has been canceled.
So, you might want to consider booking a hotel room near the airport for your first and last night. You can wake up later in the morning and have a proper breakfast. What’s more, the rates at many hotel rooms near the airport can be considerably cheaper.
This hotel is located only 1.2 mi away from Nashville International Airport and it has a free airport shuttle. It has a huge swimming pool (actually, two), a bar, a great equipped gym and many more things to entertain you while you are waiting for your flight. It also offers spacious rooms with comfy beds in case you just want to sleep.
Other Accommodation Options Near The Airport:
Quiet Nashville Retreat, Close to Airport & Opry!
A cozy guest suite with clean, modern feel in a quiet neighborhood
Hampton Inn & Suites Nashville-Airport
A wonderful one-night getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city
A nice room very close to the airport yet in a quiet area. It is clean, has a Superhost status and it can accommodate 2 people
Conclusion
I hope that my guide of Nashville’s best neighborhoods with the best hotels and rentals will help you make up your mind and save you time and money when booking your stay.
As you have probably noticed, each neighborhood has its own unique vibe, culture and attractions but all of them are just a quick ride away.
Whether you are exploring the city with family or are heading on a business trip, I covered all the major areas. You’ll find luxury boutique hotels, budget accommodations, spacious family rooms, and even romantic nests. I hope you will have a memorable experience and don’t forget to book your place in advance if you have a chance to!
Have I missed anything? Please let me know your thoughts and suggestions in the comments below. Also, if you are still unsure about where to stay, drop me a line!
Happy travels!
Yulia
