Nashville is a vibrant city in Tennessee, famous for its incredibly rich music history. It’s also a big city, and deciding where to stay is not easy unless you’re acquainted with the different neighborhoods. After visiting Nashville a couple of times (the most recent being just a few months ago), I think I have a good idea of the area and can easily help you figure it out with this guide on the best places to stay in Nashville!
First, you need to know which part of the city works best for your trip. The central area is best for a first visit, but not great if you’re on a tight budget. If you are looking to save some money, then maybe look into the Mid-town area. It may be a little more no-frills, but it is also much cheaper than Downtown. Music Row is where we usually stay when we are in Nashville. We love the vibe there, and you are still within walking distance of most of the cool things to do in the city.
Best Places To Stay In Nashville
Throughout this guide, we will break down 8 of the best places to stay in Nashville, including hotel recommendations, the pros and cons of each area, and a good description of what to expect if this is the area you choose to stay in the Music City. All of these recommendations are our personal suggestions after spending a good amount of time in the city. Read on, and you will find out why we fell in love with Nashville and visit again and again.
1. Downtown
Downtown Nashville is the best area for first-time visitors. It’s the city center with all the top tourist attractions and landmarks, including the Tennessee State Capitol, the Frist Art Museum, the Johnny Cash Museum, and much more.
The district encompasses several neighborhoods, including Sobro, The Gulch, Pie Town, and Capitol View. Any of these smaller neighborhoods is great for a stay in Nashville, and it’s only a 45-minute walk from one end of Downtown to the other. The district is walkable, and you can quickly move between the popular Nashville attractions.
I recommend this area to travelers who are willing to pay a bit more for a nice hotel room. Few hotels in this part of the city are affordable, so you might want to consider a different part of Nashville if you’re traveling on a tighter budget.
Luxury: W Nashville
The W Nashville is a fabulous five-star hotel in the center of The Gulch. The location is excellent if you want to be within walking distance of the best attractions in the city, but also great restaurants and live music bars. The hotel features an outdoor pool, a rooftop bar, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and even a yoga lawn.
Stay at the W Nashville if you like extra-large and comfy beds because all the hotel rooms have them. All the rooms feature spacious ensuite bathrooms, desks, and seating areas. Also, all guest rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows so you can wake up to spectacular city views.
Mid-Range: Dream Nashville by Hyatt
Dream Nashville Hotel is set in two historic buildings in Printer’s Alley. It features spacious art-deco rooms with large double beds and colorful furniture. I like that the guest rooms have some character, and it’s not just white and beige decor throughout.
Every hotel room at the Dream Nashville Hotel has a private bathroom, a seating area, and a desk. Also, with six options for dining and nightlife, some of Nashville’s best bars and restaurants will be mere steps away from your bed. The hotel has a modern fitness center and 24-hour room service, but unfortunately, there’s no pool on the grounds.
Budget: The Capitol Hotel Downtown
The Capitol Hotel Downtown is one of the most affordable hotels in Downtown Nashville, with a central location. It features clean and spacious rooms with ensuite bathrooms, dedicated workspaces, and coffee makers. The hotel has a 24/7 reception desk, but the rooms are easily accessible through exterior corridors.
There’s a small fitness center at this modern hotel, as well as a laundry room and a bar. But there’s no pool, and overall the amenities offered by the Capitol Hotel Downtown are quite scarce. It’s a three-star hotel with a nightly rate that starts at around $190, which is as cheap as it gets for Downtown Nashville, barring any special deals.
Pros of Staying in Downtown
- Walking distance to popular attractions
- Lots of things to do in the neighborhood
- Great bars and restaurants
- A safe area for tourists
Cons of Staying in Downtown
- Hotels and restaurants are quite expensive
- Crowded with tourists
- Few budget accommodation options
2. SoBro
SoBro is a neighborhood in Downtown Nashville that deserves its own entry on this list. It’s one of the best parts of the city for tourists because it’s home to many of the city’s best sights. You can quickly walk to Downtown Nashville’s Country Music Hall of Fame, and Music City Center is just minutes away from the heart of SoBro.
SoBro is a launchpad on the outskirts of Nashville’s Downtown area, perfect for experiencing a different atmosphere yet still being next to all the best attractions. Head to live music venues like Mercy Lounge, walk into Downtown Nashville for a day of sightseeing, catch a show at The Bridgestone Arena, or sample some local cuisine at one of the surrounding neighborhood restaurants.
Known for neon lights and countless honky tonks, SoBro is also home to many of Nashville’s best name-brand hotels. Staying here won’t be cheap, but it will be a fabulous experience because all the hotels in SoBro are top-notch.
Luxury: The Joseph
The Joseph is one of the best five-star hotels in the entire city. It boasts an outdoor pool, private garden, fitness center, restaurant, and bar, so you’ll have everything you need. And the decor throughout the entire place is flawless, with lots of nods to the significance of music in Nashville.
I love that every hotel room has a vintage radio, and the luxe suites even have record players. Every room at The Joseph has its own bathroom, desk, and seating area. The beds are extremely comfortable, and you can make coffee or tea in the room as soon as you open your eyes every morning.
Mid-Range: Omni Nashville Hotel
Omni Nashville Hotel is a great four-star hotel in the heart of SoBro. It’s adjacent to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, so you can’t get any closer to Nashville’s best sights. And it’s truly a fabulous hotel with designer rooms, a large outdoor pool, and five restaurants.
The hotel rooms are impeccable. The decor features lots of dark wood, which makes the rooms feel more sophisticated. You will have access to everything they need because every room has a private bathroom, flat-screen TV, desk, seating area, and coffee maker.
Budget: Sentral SoBro
Sentral SoBro is an interesting option in this premium neighborhood. The hotel doesn’t have traditional rooms but instead offers studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments. They’re surprisingly affordable considering the location and equipped with all the essentials for a longer stay in Nashville.
Consider this hotel if you’re staying in the city for a while and you want to be centrally located without spending a fortune on accommodation. The apartments are beautifully decorated and actually feel like homes. Also, all the apartments have a full-sized kitchen and laundry room, as well as roomy bathrooms.
Pros of Staying in SoBro
- Central location in Nashville
- The city’s best attractions are all close by
- Great for luxury hotel stays
Cons of Staying in SoBro
- Pricey accommodation
- A busy area of Nashville
- Parking is usually not included in the room rate
3. Midtown/West End
The West End, also known as Midtown, is the area surrounding Vanderbilt University. This district is adjacent to Downtown Nashville, so you can still be within walking distance of the city’s best attractions.
Also, the West End has plenty of its own landmarks, from The Parthenon at Centennial Park to Church Street with the best live music venues. It’s Nashville’s nightlife hub and the place to be if you want to just a short stroll from the best parties in the city.
Midtown is also home to some of the best hotels in Nashville, and you’ll have plenty of options for mid-range and luxury accommodations. This neighborhood still isn’t great for budget travelers as hotels aren’t cheap, but you generally get more bang for your buck in the West End than Downtown.
Luxury: Conrad Nashville
The Conrad Nashville is an excellent five-star hotel in the West End. It’s only a 10-minute walk from Downtown Nashville, so if you were to stay at this hotel you could easily explore most of the city’s attractions on foot. It boasts an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center, room service, and free WiFi throughout the entire property.
The room options at the Conrad range from a classic King Room to a huge Superior Suite. All the rooms have a private bathroom, workstation, and a seating area. Most rooms are also equipped with a kitchenette complete with a dishwasher, which might just be my favorite thing about this hotel.
Mid-Range: Graduate Nashville
Graduate Nashville is probably the most unique hotel in Nashville, at least in terms of the decor. I immediately fell in love with all the pink furniture and accents, so you might want to consider a different hotel if that’s not a color you particularly enjoy. Pink permeates even into the shared spaces, which made me like the Graduate even more.
Apart from the vibrant decor, the hotel is known for spacious bathrooms that make getting ready in the morning much more enjoyable. The beds are very comfortable, and you’ll get a flat-screen TV, a seating area, and a desk in every room. Oh, and I almost forgot to mention that every single room is uniquely decorated, whether it be with gorgeous artwork or guitar-shaped beds.
Budget: Hayes Street Hotel Nashville
Hayes Street Hotel Nashville is an affordable three-star hotel a short distance from the Downtown. If you’re on a tight budget but still want to be centrally located in Nashville, this is one of the best budget hotels in Music City.
The rooms are basic but feature extra-large beds and some color accents. Every hotel room has a flat-screen TV, coffee machine, and free WiFi. The hotel has a small fitness center, lounge, and bar, plus there are dozens of restaurants within a five-minute walk. You won’t be impressed with the facilities at the Hayes Street Hotel, but you will be impressed with the price!
Pros of Staying in Midtown/West End
- Hotels and restaurants are more affordable
- Easy access to the city center
- Best for nightlife in Nashville
Cons of Staying in Midtown/West End
- Fewer things to do in the neighborhood
- Can be loud because of the hospital
- The university area is very busy during the day
4. Music Row
Music Row is home to many radio stations and record label offices, which makes it immensely popular with tourists. It’s no surprise that some of the city’s best hotels are precisely in this neighborhood. We stayed here and have found it to be our favourite area to suggest to people when they are looking for the best areas to stay in Nashville.
Music Row is adjacent to both Midtown and Downtown, so you can easily get around Nashville’s best neighborhoods. Most hotels in this area are within walking distance of the city center, plus there are quite a few interesting places to explore in the neighborhood itself.
Overall, this is probably the second-best neighborhood to stay in Nashville, right after Downtown. Especially in terms of value for money because the hotels in Music Row are significantly cheaper than those with a more central location but offer equal amenities.
Luxury: Virgin Hotels Nashville
Virgin Hotels Nashville is the nicest hotel in this neighborhood, and where we have stayed multiple times, so I’m counting it as a luxury hotel even if it has “only” four stars. It makes up for the lack of the fifth star with an excellent rooftop pool, contemporary rooms with high-end appliances, and fabulous landscaping in the hotel’s mini garden.
The hotel rooms are spacious and beautifully decorated. All have a private bathroom, desk, and seating area, while some rooms even have private balconies. Also, some rooms on higher floors offer sea views, which is pretty rare for Nashville. This hotel is even pet-friendly, making it the top option for those who are traveling with their furry friends.
Mid-Range: Kimpton Aertson Hotel
The Kimpton Aertson is an excellent four-star hotel in Music Row, roughly a 20-minute walk from Downtown Nashville. It’s got an amazing rooftop pool with a sun deck and a wellness center with modern gym equipment.
The rooms at this boutique hotel are spacious, with extra large double beds and pristine ensuite bathrooms. All hotel rooms have a minibar, a flat-screen TV, a desk, and a Bluetooth sound system. Guests have access to multiple lounge areas, a modern American restaurant, and an excellent on-site bar with a fantastic collection of Tennessee whiskies.
Budget: Best Western Plus Downtown
Best Western Plus Downtown is one of the best budget hotels in Nashville. It’s a three-star hotel located in the north of Music Row, just a few minutes away from Downtown. The hotel is very close to the city center, and it’s great value considering the location.
The rooms are unusually sleek for the price. You won’t be wowed by the decor, but you won’t feel like you’re in a cheap, run-down hotel either. The beds are very comfortable, every hotel room has a desk and a flat-screen TV, plus breakfast is included even in the cheapest nightly rates. The hotel even has a pool, albeit a very small one with views of the road.
Pros of Staying in Music Row
- A historic area of Nashville
- Not too busy
- Very close to the city center
Cons of Staying in Music Row
- Not many bars and restaurants
- Fewer hotel options
- Tourist attractions are scarce
5. East Nashville
East Nashville is a vast residential neighborhood northeast of the city center. It’s the best option for travelers on a tight budget because this is where you’ll find all the most affordable Nashville hotels. However, I must point out that the majority of this neighborhood is quite far from the city center, so I recommend staying in East Nashville only if you have access to a car.
While the area might not have countless tourist attractions and landmarks, it is home to many trendy restaurants, bars, and interesting boutiques. This district is also known for street art, which you can discover on casual evening strolls. And if you can drive around Nashville, you’re just 10 minutes from the Downtown with all its museums and landmarks.
Stay in East Nashville to save money on accommodation while still experiencing the unique vibe of the city. Even in this residential neighborhood, there are plenty of bars and other venues where you can enjoy live music performances pretty much every night.
Luxury: The Russell
The Russell is a three-star hotel, so it’s not a proper luxury hotel, but it is very special. It is set in a former church, and staying here is a one-of-a-kind experience. Also, this is a three-star hotel because it has no restaurant or fitness center, but that’s to be expected because the building is so limited in space.
The rooms are exquisite, though. They boast clean, modern furnishings that create a beautiful contrast with the exposed brick of the church building. Every room has an ensuite bathroom, a flat-screen TV, and a coffee maker. So, even though you’re staying in a historic building, you will still have access to all the modern essentials.
Mid Range: Waymore’s Guest House and Casual Club
Waymore’s Guest House and Casual Club is an awesome hotel with inexpensive rooms. Best of all, you don’t even need a car to stay at this hotel because it’s very close to East Bank and Downtown. There’s a bus stop practically in front of the hotel, and you can be in the city center in just 5-10 minutes.
The hotel rooms are beautifully decorated with comfortable beds, desks, coffee machines, and free WiFi. Every room has a private bathroom, and guests can choose from a myriad of room types, ranging from single rooms to family suites. There’s also a restaurant on-site that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner and doubles as the hotel bar.
Budget: Sleep Inn Nashville
Sleep Inn Nashville is an affordable two-star hotel situated in the far north of East Nashville. It’s quite far away from the city center, but if you have a car, you can be in Downtown Nashville in roughly ten minutes. So it’s a great option if you’re on a tighter budget and don’t mind staying a bit farther away to save money.
The rooms are surprisingly spacious and equipped with all the essentials. You get a comfy bed, an ensuite bathroom, a dedicated workstation, a coffee machine, and a flat-screen TV – not bad for a two-star hotel. There’s even a seasonal outdoor pool that all guests are welcome to use, plus free breakfast and parking are included in the stay, which starts at $110 per night.
Pros of Staying in East Nashville
- The hotels are more affordable
- Lots of venues with live music
- Excellent bars and eateries
Cons of Staying in East Nashville
- Fewer landmarks and attractions in the neighborhood
- Not within walking distance of the center
- Very few hotels
6. Airport
Hotels close to the airport are great for travelers who have an early flight or are in town for a very short time. Plus they’re generally cheaper than hotels in other neighborhoods and you’ll get better value for money.
If you have a car in Nashville, you can be in the city center in less than 15 minutes. Otherwise, I don’t recommend staying near the airport because the public transport is painfully slow, and there’s hardly anything to do here other than visit the other hotels.
Luxury: Sonesta Nashville Airport
Sonesta Nashville Airport is a four-star hotel with spacious and clean rooms. A hotel room like this in the city center would be at least double the price, especially with those huge windows and panoramic views.
All guests staying at the Sonesta will have access to a private bathroom, seating area, and a desk in the room. Also, the hotel has two swimming pools and two restaurants, so you get excellent facilities for little money.
Mid-Range: Sheraton Music City
Sheraton Music City is a great hotel close to the airport with two swimming pools, a bar, two restaurants, and a fitness center. This is a pet-friendly hotel with a sprawling garden, and it’s one of the best mid-range hotels in Nashville for travelers with pets.
Guest rooms are quite spacious with big, comfortable beds and a separate seating area. Every room has a desk, TV, and private bathroom, and I will say that the decor is nice for the most part. Also, double and quadruple rooms are priced the same, so the Sheraton offers great value for families and groups.
Budget: Alexis Inn and Suites Hotel
Alexis Inn and Suites Hotel is one of the cheapest hotels near the airport. The rooms are surprisingly nice for the price, and hotel facilities include a restaurant, fitness center, and breakfast bar.
Amenities at the guest rooms are fairly standard. Everyone gets an ensuite bathroom, TV, desk, and a coffee maker. I will say that some rooms have a sink opposite the bed, which is a little weird. But hey, there’s free WiFi and an ironing board, so I can get past that.
Pros of Staying at The Airport
- Cheap hotels
- Great for short stays and early flights
- Just a 15-minute drive from the city center
Cons of Staying at The Airport
- Hard to get around without a car
- No proper luxury hotels
- No things to do in the area
7. East Bank
East Bank is a waterfront area of Nashville. It’s in development so it’s not the most pleasing part of the city to look at, but it is adjacent to the Downtown. If you stay here, you will be super close to all the top attractions and things to do in Nashville, plus East Bank hotels tend to be cheaper than those in the more central city neighborhoods.
The Nissan Stadium is here, making East Bank one of the best neighborhoods for people traveling to Nashville for concerts or NFL games. After the concert or game, you can easily walk back to your hotel, or you can just walk across the bridge to the bars and restaurants in Downtown Nashville.
Mid-Range: La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham is a nice three-star hotel just a couple of minutes away from the Nissan Stadium. It’s also just a 20-minute walk from the best attractions in Downtown Nashville, so you’re still super close to the center. The hotel features surprisingly big rooms with comfortable beds and ensuite bathrooms, plus it has a swimming pool and a fitness center.
Breakfast is included in the nightly rate, which is just under $200. All the rooms are air-conditioned, and equipped with a coffee machine, a flat-screen TV, a seating area, and a desk. On top of that, the hotel has a bar and a restaurant on-site.
Budget: Clarion Hotel Downtown Nashville – Stadium
Clarion Hotel Downtown Nashville is a great option for travelers looking for cheap hotels in Nashville. A night at this three-star hotel starts at around $160, which buys you a spacious room with two queen beds (or a king bed) and a buffet-style breakfast. Guest rooms all have a private bathroom, flat-screen TV, desk, and a coffee machine.
And it gets better. The hotel has an indoor saltwater pool, which means it’s accessible year-round. There’s also a fitness center, as well as a business center complete with conference rooms. Best of all, this hotel is merely 10 minutes from the city center by bus, so you’re still very close to all the best attractions in Nashville.
Pros of Staying in East Bank
- The hotels are affordable
- Walking distance to the city center
- Close to the Nissan Stadium
Cons of Staying in East Bank
- Very few bars and restaurants
- No landmarks in the neighborhood
- Extremely busy during concerts/NFL games
8. Music Valley
Stay in Music Valley if you’re traveling to Nashville for a relaxed vacation or a musical event. This is where you’ll find the best and most elaborate resorts in Nashville, as well as the city’s best golf courses and even some hiking trails.
Another advantage of Music Valley is that it’s one of the safest neighborhoods in Nashville. While you might not have a lot to do here in the evening other than visit a bar or go out to a restaurant, at least you’ll feel comfortable walking around at night, even if you’re alone.
Grand Ole Opry is naturally the highlight of this entire neighborhood. The home of country music is open for tours every day, and it’s the main reason why so many tourists will go out of their way to visit Music Valley, even if they’ve booked a hotel in SoBro.
Luxury: Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center
Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center is so decked out with features that you could spend half your trip to Nashville just touring the resort. It is absolutely massive with 4 bars, 15 restaurants, and several retail shops.
The hotel rooms are sleek and modern, with comfortable beds and roomy private bathrooms. All guests will have access to a desk and flat-screen TV in their room, and some will even have a private balcony. However, I must say that the rooms seriously lack character, so you might want to consider a different hotel if you’re not a fan of the all-white hotel room decor.
Mid-Range: Club Wyndham Nashville
Club Wyndham Nashville is a great option for longer stays in Nashville. The hotel offers suites and condos for groups of 4-6 people, and they’re incredibly affordable. It comes down to roughly $50 per person, which is insane when you consider that the hotel has three swimming pools!
The suites aren’t the prettiest, but they’re clean and equipped with all you might need for a longer trip. You’ll have either a kitchenette or a full kitchen, a separate bedroom, and a private bathroom. The hotel also offers laundry facilities.
Budget: Best Western Suites
Best Western Suites is an affordable hotel in Opryland. It’s got a pool and a fitness center, which is honestly a bit surprising considering how cheap the rooms are. If you’re traveling to Nashville to visit the Grand Ole Opry and need an inexpensive room close by, this is a top option.
The rooms are basic but include all the necessities. You’ll have an oversized desk, a TV, and a private bathroom, plus breakfast is included in the nightly rate. Parking is also free for all guests, making this hotel excellent value for the money.
Pros of Staying in Music Valley
- A very safe neighborhood
- Great for visits to the Grand Ole Opry
- Lots of resorts
Cons of Staying in Music Valley
- Far away from Downtown Nashville
- Few things to do in the area
- Not a good place to stay without a car
Best Areas To Stay In Nashville FAQs
What is the best part of Nashville to stay in?
Downtown is the best part of Nashville to stay in, especially for first-time visitors. East Nashville is a close second, especially if you’re looking for better deals and have access to a car.
Is it better to stay Downtown or Music Row in Nashville?
It is generally better to stay in Downtown Nashville. The area has more attractions that are within walking distance and a much wider selection of hotels than Music Row.
Is Downtown Nashville a walkable city?
Downtown Nashville is an easily walkable neighborhood. It’s only 45 minutes from the far end of one end of the neighborhood to the other.
Which side of Nashville is the best?
According to the locals, the East side of Nashville is the best. Although the Downtown is most popular with tourists, East Nashville is one of the best areas for residents.
Where Not To Stay In Nashville
Nashville is a very big city, and just like every other big city, it has safe areas and those that aren’t. Neighborhoods to avoid in Nashville are the Bordeaux Area, Capitol View, and North Nashville. Even East Nashville has some pockets that aren’t entirely safe, but I made sure not to include hotels in those areas.
Instead, stick to the districts recommended in this guide. The city center, along with Midtown and Music Valley, is the safest for tourists. Sure, the hotels are a bit pricier, but I don’t think you can put a price on your own safety.
Why We Love Nashville
We love Nashville because the city has a soul. The locals are very friendly, the city’s food scene is amazing, and the music here is off the charts. It’s one of the best places to visit in the United States, especially for (country) music lovers.
Stop by Nashville during a US road trip, or come here for a romantic getaway – I don’t doubt you’ll have the time of your life. And you’re bound to get inspired to give your travel playlist a complete overhaul!
