The Gulch Hotels

The Conrad near Music Row is contemporary and sleek, and the lavender shortbread cookies they leave at turn-down are lovely.

Nashville’s hip factor reaches new heights at this hotel in the Gulch. The city’s relentlessly cool neighborhood is adjacent to both Music Row and Downtown, and the Thompson’s central location means there’s easy access to landmarks like the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and the Frist Art Museum. Inside, guest rooms epitomize rustic chic—hardwood floors, repurposed sliding barn doors, and subway-tiled bathrooms. And Marsh House draws in the locals with a menu of fried oysters, gumbo, and snapper crudo.

In a former mechanic’s garage in the Gulch neighborhood, this five-room gem revolves around Southern hospitality. The vibe—super comfortable but not overbearing as there’s no formal concierge or room service—is more like a well-appointed guest house rather than a traditional hotel. The rooms (some have spiral staircases leading to additional loft spaces) are decked out in Sferra linens, Malin + Goetz toiletries, and Turkish towels; the communal lounge area features vintage furniture and work from local artists. Sister restaurant the 404 Kitchen is just across the street.