The Best Historic Hotels to Book in Nashville, Tennessee

Since 1910, the Hermitage Hotel has been the first choice for travelers to downtown Nashville looking for a little glitz. Over the years big names including Al Capone, Gene Autry and seven US presidents have stayed at the Hermitage. With its location near the state capitol, it was the site of important debates, including that which ultimately gave women the right to vote in 1920. Rooms are furnished in an old-school style, all tapestries and florals, and the opulent lobby is worth a look-see, whether you’re a guest or not.

One of the most iconic buildings to grace Nashville’s skyline, Union Station today is a 125-room hotel located in what was once the main train station. Distinctions include magnificent ironwork and molding and an impressive marble-floored great hall that greets guests – all part of what makes this one of the National Trust’s Historic Hotels of America. The lobby has high ceilings and lofty interior balconies, but the guest rooms are cozy and it is remarkable just how quiet the spaces inside feel, just steps from Broadway.

Once known as the James Robertson Hotel, this 1929 art deco stunner has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1984. Give yourself time to take in all the period details of this historic Nashville hotel, such as brass hexagon lights, and the ornate exterior columns. Check out historic black-and-white photos of Johnny Cash and other Nashville music icons in the lobby, or head to the rooftop view to gaze out over Broadway.

The Fairlane is a different type of historic property, with a 1970s retro feel. An old bank headquarters, the building features both carpeted and terrazzo tile floors, mid-century furnishings, including some random signature pieces, and vintage Vanderbilt yearbooks. As a result no two rooms are exactly the same. Beds even have flip-down cup holders in their velvet headboards so that you can Netflix and swill. There are several restaurants, one with an outdoor patio, plus a light-filled lobby with street-facing windows for people-watching.

The historic Waverly Place area, part of the popular 12South neighborhood, is home to a very special restored bed and breakfast from 1921. Taking its name from Caroline Waldkirch, one of the matriarchs of the area, the inn features well-appointed rooms with ceiling fans, fluffy robes and private baths. From the outdoor porches and patios you can to take in the charm of the 12South neighborhood while sipping a daiquiri as you recline on an Adirondack chair.

Art deco stylings from its 1930 construction are combined with modern art at this glorious design hotel, the embodiment of Nashville’s creative class. The artwork in the guest rooms and public spaces is from Bryce McCloud of Isle Printing – who also runs a print shop/art gallery on the hotel’s ground floor, and highlights the men and women who made Nashville what it is today. The Trade Room bar in the lobby is an Instagram-worthy destination, as well as the site of some of the city’s best cocktails – and an impressive rotating selection of craft beers.

The exact date this brick building came into being is unknown, but many folk believe this place predates the Civil War (1861 to 1865). It is in Nashville’s oldest neighborhood, Germantown, and is a pocket of calm and respite in a busy part of the city. Today the inn has 10 suites, each named after a US president, resplendent with exposed brick, bright swathes of colorful paint and Frette linens, conspiring effortlessly to have you lingering in bed each morning.

You’ll be able to tell immediately that this East Nashville building used to be a church, thanks to the restored stained-glass windows, cathedral ceilings and repurposed church pews as headboards. The lobby is a stunner, what with those windows, its reading areas stocked with plenty to read from a neighborhood bookstore, and a podcasting studio. The Russell’s owners donate a portion of each room rate to homelessness ministries in the city, including supporting Shower Up, a truck that provides those living on the street opportunities for a hot shower.