Downtown Hotels

The 1 feels like a real escape: It’s airy and modern, and it has a really good spa.

The Joseph is in SoBro, just steps away from some of Nashville’s best museums and music venues. The staff is attentive, the rooms are sleek, and there’s a pool with a bar and views of the city’s skyline. While you’re here, go for the Abruzzo-inspired tasting menu at the restaurant, Yolan, which is helmed by James Beard Award-winning chef Tony Mantuano.

Noelle is a 1930 Art Deco gem of a building. Located steps from Printers Alley, it’s a few minutes’ walk from places like the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and the Frist Art Museum. Stellar location aside, it’s great for those who like their hotels beautifully designed but without a lot of fussiness. A night in one of the sparse guest rooms feels like staying at the apartment of your most stylish Danish friend—hardwood floors, marble side tables, and custom-made fabric headboards. There aren’t a ton of bells and whistles, but none are needed when the place looks this good. And come morning, you don’t have to go far for an excellent cold brew—the in-house café, Drug Store Coffee, is one of Nashville’s best, which is saying something.

In the middle of downtown Nashville’s arts district, the polished, mid-century-inspired Fairlane Hotel fits perfectly amid the area’s urban charm. The overall design is striking—original travertine columns, terrazzo floors, and plenty of brass finishes. And guest rooms are pleasantly pared back and uncluttered, with marble bathrooms and floor-to-ceiling windows that look over the cityscape.

Part hotel, part contemporary art gallery, 21c Museum Hotel occupies a massive warehouse from 1900 (formerly the headquarters of a wholesale hardware company). The whole art aspect hits you immediately: There’s over 10,500 square feet of exhibition space, filled with rotating shows and installations. Guest rooms are spare but comfortable, each featuring prints from local photographers. Spring for a terrace suite and you get your own (huge) outdoor space, complete with sofas and dining table for alfresco meals. Three of the suites were designed with artists: one by actor Adrian Grenier, another a collaboration between painter Sebastiaan Bremer and musician-composer Josephine Wiggs, and a third by Yung Jake.

This is the swankiest hotel in town and drips in old-world charm. The food at Druise & Darr and The Pink Hermit (both under Jean-Georges) is pretty traditional, but it’s fun just for the atmosphere. Be sure to check out the gorgeous Art Deco men’s bathroom that women are allowed to peek into, and the Oak Bar, which features an extensive whiskey collection.

Though this Downtown property is part of the massive Omni Hotel family (great if you’re traveling with kids and need all the comforts of a corporate-y resort, such as a pool, on-site restaurants, and a spa), it goes to great lengths to embrace the rich history of the city. For one, the hotel is within shouting distance of the Music City Center and attached to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.