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So, you’re heading to Music City—which means you need a place to crash between honky-tonk hopping 🪕 and hot chicken feasting 🔥🍗. Whether you’re visiting for the live music, the nightlife, or just an excuse to wear cowboy boots indoors 🤠, Nashville offers a wide range of hotels and short-term rentals to match your style and budget.
But let’s be honest, someone will always recommend Drury Hotel 🏨, even when it’s nowhere near what you actually need. Looking for luxury suites? “Drury is great!” Need an Airbnb in East Nashville? “Have you checked Drury?” Craving a boutique hotel with rooftop views? “Drury’s nice!” (It is nice, but let’s be real—it’s not a boutique). Want a rocking rooftop bar? Somehow, Drury’s still the answer (ugh). Come on, guys—let’s mix it up a little! 🫢
See also: [Drury: Nashville’s Most Recommended Hotel (Even When It Shouldn’t Be)]
From skyline penthouses 🌆 to budget-friendly crash pads 💸, this guide helps you find the perfect Nashville stay based on your trip style—with plenty of options beyond just Drury (don’t worry, I’ll still mention it 😉).
So, let’s dive in and find the best place for your Nashville adventure! 🎸🏨
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.
If you’re like most visitors, sooner or later, you’ll find yourself inside a honky tonk on Lower Broadway—whether you planned it or simply followed the neon lights and boot-stomping fun. 🪕🎶
When that happens, your best bet is to stay close to the action. After all, once the whiskey starts flowing, the idea of riding a mechanical bull while doing shots might feel too tempting to resist (no, they won’t let you do that… but you can dream). 🤠
Did I mention the Drury yet? 😅😂🤣 And, yes, it is in this section. LOL
Now let’s take a look at a downtown map. NOTE: SoBro extends further south by a couple of blocks, with the Hyatt Place and a couple of short term rental buildings.
📍 Where to Stay Downtown (in order of convenience)
🪕 Lower Broad (A) – Right in the thick of the action! If you want honky-tonks at your doorstep, this is the spot.
🌆 SoBro (B) – Flat walk, tons of hotels, and super convenient for exploring downtown.
🎭 Printer’s Alley (C) – Slight uphill climb, but next to another fun destination full of nightlife.
📈 Broadway (D) – Uphill trek (not ideal after a few rounds of whiskey), but still a solid stay option.
🎨 Arts District (E) – Also uphill and quieter at night—check out Essential Tips for a Secure and Enjoyable Nashville Visit for safety info.
Numbered Listings (with brands)
If you want to be right in the action, these hotel picks will keep you close to Nashville’s best spots—whether it’s concerts, nightlife, or skyline views.
🏨 Hilton (1) – Nestled on Walk of Fame Park, just half a block from Lower Broad at 4th & 5th Ave. Perfect for concerts at Ascend Amphitheater and Assembly Hall.
🌆 Moxy (2) – Found on 3rd Ave S, sandwiched between Kid Rock’s Big Ass Honky Tonk and Goo Goo Cluster. If you haven’t stayed at a Moxy before—heads up, it’s a bit different. Ironing happens in a community room, and check-in is at the bar (which, honestly, is kind of brilliant). This spot has two bars, including a rooftop.
✨ Four Seasons Nashville (3) – A luxury hotspot near the Pedestrian Bridge, making it the easiest way to reach the stadium. Expect big bucks, but also enjoy a rooftop bar and infinity pool overlooking the river.
🏙 Renaissance & Holston House (4) – Located near the 5th & Broad complex, with Assembly Hall access straight into the Renaissance. Renaissance is ideal for meetings, and higher-level rooms offer great views. Meanwhile, Holston House is an art deco boutique hotel with a rooftop bar & pool, perfect for a more stylish, intimate stay.
🛏 Studio 154 (5) – A boutique luxury hotel on 2nd Ave N, offering loft-style rooms and river views. If you’re driving, note that this section of 2nd Ave is closed to traffic. (More on the Christmas Bombing renovations in a future article.)
🏡 Short Term Rentals in the Area – There are a few Airbnb options here, but availability is limited, so booking early is your best bet. Stay tuned—I’ll be sharing tips for Airbnb stays in an upcoming article! The absolute closest to the action are above Boot Barn – also a 2 unit combo for larger parties, up to 10. If you have a car, there is also a loft for up to 4 with free parking.
SoBro (South of Broadway) is the second most popular area for accommodations, thanks to its fairly level walk from Lower Broadway. It boasts more hotel rooms and short-term rentals than any other downtown district.
From luxury stays and rooftop pools to boutique hotels and extended-stay options, here’s a breakdown of the best hotels in SoBro by amenities:
🍳 Free Breakfast
🍽 Hotels with Kitchens
💎 Luxury Hotels
🏨 Boutique Hotels
Printer’s Alley is one of Nashville’s most historic and vibrant nightlife districts, packed with boutique hotels that blend modern luxury with old-world charm. Whether you’re looking for rooftop bars, stylish accommodations, or unique amenities, here are some of the best hotels near Printer’s Alley:
Printer’s Alley is the perfect spot for travelers looking for boutique charm, nightlife, and upscale accommodations. Let me know if you need more details! 😊🏨🎸
Along with its unique boutique hotels, the area also offers short-term rental options like Printer’s Alley Lofts (1 bed, 4 Bed – each bedroom can sleep 4), featuring spacious, stylish apartments with exposed brick and modern amenities, as well as the Southern Turf building, which provides historic luxury stays in a beautifully restored property. And if you’re feeling brave, keep an eye out—legend has it that the ghost of Ike Johnson still haunts Room 300, lingering from Nashville’s bygone days. NOTE: If you go to the window in the turret at night, you might see a ghost tour staring back at you.
These hotels are situated uphill from the famous honky-tonks on Lower Broadway, offering a mix of boutique charm, luxury amenities, and great views of downtown Nashville. Just keep the hill in mind if you are going to tie one on.
🏊 Rooftop Pools & Stunning Views
🍽 High-End Dining & Bars
🛏 Boutique & Historic Hotels
💪 Fitness Centers & Wellness
🍳 Free Breakfast
🎶 Live Music & Entertainment
These hotels are great options for staying close to Broadway while enjoying elevated amenities and a quieter atmosphere.
Nashville’s Arts District is a cultural hub filled with historic landmarks, theaters, and galleries. It’s home to the Tennessee Performing Arts Center, the Frist Art Museum, and several boutique hotels that offer a quieter, more refined stay. Since the area is a bit more isolated, it experiences less traffic during the week, making it a peaceful retreat while still being uphill from Lower Broadway’s honky-tonks.
🏛 Historic & Boutique Hotels
🏊 Rooftop Bars & Stunning Views
🍳 Free Breakfast
💪 Fitness Centers & Wellness
🍽 High-End Dining & Bars
The Arts District is perfect for travelers looking for a quieter, upscale experience while still being close to Nashville’s entertainment scene.
What do you think—Is Drury really Nashville’s most recommended hotel, or is the hype overblown? Let’s hear it! Drop a comment and share your experience, or reach out with suggestions for future posts. Whether you’ve stayed at Drury, considered it, or just have strong feelings about hotel recommendations, I’d love to hear from you! 🏨🎸
Other areas of the city will be covered in future posts.
Peace and Grace,