Nashville's Most Recommended Hotel: Why Drury?

If you’ve ever asked “Where should I stay in Nashville?”, chances are someone—maybe even multiple people—have enthusiastically recommended, “Drury!” as if it were the only hotel standing in the entire city. Need a luxury suite? ✨ Drury. Want an Airbnb in East Nashville? 🏡 Drury. Looking for a rooftop bar with skyline views? 🌆🍹 Well, have you considered… Drury?

Is the Drury a perfectly fine hotel? ✅ Absolutely. Is it always the right hotel for your trip? 🤔 Not necessarily. And yet, its name gets tossed around more often than a cowboy boot at a honky-tonk dance floor 👢💃. Why? Who started this? Is there a secret Drury fan club we don’t know about?

In this guide, we take a deep dive 🏊‍♂️ into the infamous Drury phenomenon, exploring why it’s Nashville’s most recommended hotel—even when it makes zero sense. Spoiler alert: It’s gonna be Drury. 😂

Brichar60, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

This content is taken from the upcoming book Nashville Local’s Guide for Visitors and Newbies, which you can support on Kickstarter by clicking the link above. This article may contain affiliate links, which compensate me a bit for my time at no extra cost to you.

History of “Nashville’s Most Recommended Hotel”

It all started with a few ads, some slick marketing, and—boom!—Drury became the default answer to every “Where should I stay in Nashville?” question. At first, it was actual guests sharing their experiences, but soon, people who had never set foot in the place started preaching the gospel of Drury. Like an urban legend, it spread, and now, even first-time visitors confidently recommend it as if they’ve been longtime regulars. Is there a secret society? A Drury cult? Who knows. But one thing’s for sure—you’re going to hear about it. 😂

When “The Drury” is a Great Answer

I talk more about amenities in the article Where to Stay in Nashville: Best Hotels & Short Term Rentals for Every Traveler, but the Drury has the following things going for it.

🏨 Prime Location – Situated at 300 Korean Veterans Blvd, it’s just steps from Broadway, Bridgestone Arena, and the Country Music Hall of Fame. As a bonus, no walking up or down one of Nashville’s hills.

🍽 Free Food & Drinks – Guests enjoy free hot breakfast, plus the 5:30 Kickback®, which includes complimentary evening snacks and cold drinks—yes, even beer and wine!

💦 Rooftop Pool & Hot Tub – Relax with skyline views while soaking in the outdoor pool or hot tub.

🛏 Spacious Rooms – Each room includes free Wi-Fi, a microwave, refrigerator, and cozy bedding. Some suites even offer Cumberland River views.

🎶 Live Music & On-Site Bar – The Kitchen + Bar @ SOBRO on the 8th floor serves up craft cocktails, local beer, and live music nightly.

💰 Great Value – With free meals, drinks, and entertainment, the Drury offers more bang for your buck compared to many downtown hotels.

🚗 Secure Parking & Safety Features – The hotel has keycard access for elevators and parking, adding an extra layer of security.

🛁 Jacuzzi Suites Available – Some rooms come with private in-room Jacuzzi tubs, perfect for relaxing after a long night on Lower Broadway.

🔮 And… You Can Join the Cult – Somehow, Drury has become Nashville’s most recommended hotel—even when it makes zero sense. Stay here once, and suddenly, you’ll feel compelled to tell others. What is this power? We may never know. Feeling an urge to go to Buc-ee’s now. 🦫

To start your booking, click here and add your dates and number of people and rooms.

When to Get Freedom from the Cult

Drury Plaza Hotel has perks but lacks high-end luxury, celebrity sightings, and unique boutique experiences for a premium stay. Here’s why you might want to skip Drury—and where to stay instead:

Hotel Types

💎 Luxury Hotels – If you want top-tier elegance, Drury might feel a bit too standard. Instead, check out the Omni Nashville Hotel or The Joseph Nashville, both offering high-end accommodations, spa services, and upscale decor.

🏨 Boutique Hotels – If you want something stylish and unique, Drury’s standard hotel vibe might not cut it. Instead, check out Holston House or Kimpton Aertson Hotel, both offering art deco charm and rooftop lounges.

🏛 Historic Hotels – If you love history and architecture, Drury won’t give you that grand, old-world feel.

Instead, book The Hermitage Hotel, a Beaux-Arts landmark from 1910. Or choose Union Station, a restored railway station with stained-glass ceilings and marble floors.

👻 Haunted Hotels – If you’re into ghostly encounters, Drury won’t give you chills. Instead, check out The Hermitage Hotel, where guests have reported phantom cries from Room 912 and sightings of a mysterious woman in white. Or stay at Holston House, a historic building with rumored paranormal activity. For a truly eerie experience, Union Station Nashville Yards is said to be haunted by the ghost of Abigail, a woman who tragically lost her love during World War II and now lingers in Room 711.

Amenities

🍹 Rooftop Bars – Drury has a rooftop pool, but if you want a true rooftop bar experience, head to Bobby Hotel or The W, where you can sip cocktails with stunning skyline views.

🏊 Infinity Pools – Drury’s rooftop pool is nice, but if you want a luxurious infinity pool, check out Four Seasons Nashville or The Westin Nashville, both offering stunning rooftop infinity pools.

🍽 High-End Restaurants – Drury’s free meals are great, but if you want Michelin-level dining, stay at The Joseph Nashville, home to Yolan, an Italian fine-dining experience.

🍳 Cook-to-Order Breakfasts – Drury’s buffet breakfast is solid, but you can get a cooked-to-order breakfast at Embassy Suites and not have to forgo a free happy hour.

Other Factors

🎤 Celebrity Sightings – If you’re hoping to spot country music stars, Drury isn’t the go-to. Instead, book a stay at JW Marriott Nashville or The Hermitage Hotel, both known for hosting celebrities and VIPs. Lately, the buzz has been around The Thompson, as well. Disclaimer: Celebrity sightings are not guaranteed, but far more likely at these hotels than the Drury. 😂d

🌆 Excellent Views – If you want breathtaking skyline or river views, Drury might not be your best bet. Instead, check out The Westin Nashville for panoramic city views, 1 Hotel Nashville for floor-to-ceiling windows, or Grand Hyatt Nashville for sweeping vistas of downtown. The JW Marriott Nashville also has great views, including from its Michelin-starred Bourbon Steakhouse.

Drury is great for budget-conscious travelers, but if you’re looking for luxury, exclusivity, or a more curated experience, these alternatives will elevate your Nashville stay! 😊🎸🏨

As a side note, I will eventually talk about the Buc-ee’s cult on this blog.

Final Thoughts

Drury Plaza Hotel Nashville continues to be one of the city’s most recommended stays, offering affordable rates, great service, and solid amenities. While it may not always measure up to luxury hotels or trendy boutique spots, its consistency and value keep travelers coming back.

For those seeking a no-frills, reliable place to stay, Drury is hard to beat. But if you’re looking for a high-end Nashville experience, it might not be the perfect fit. No matter where you stay, Music City delivers plenty of hospitality, charm, and adventure!

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Peace and Grace,