Top 20 Cool and Unusual Hotels in Nashville 2023

Nashville, the ultimate pilgrimage for country music lovers, beckons millions of toe-tapping, cowboy-booted party enthusiasts every year. This Southern gem, with a big heart and even bigger soul, ranks high on the list of the most fun and hip places to visit in America. What’s more, Nashville boasts a plethora of hip and characterful neighborhoods where quirky galleries cozy up to thrift stores and stylish restaurants. In a city as hip as this, choosing one of their fantastic hotels promises an unforgettable experience.

From retro-chic boutiques to grand celebrity haunts, I’ve rounded up my favorite cool and unusual hotels in Nashville, Tennessee, for your ultimate stay. Let’s dive in!

1. Westin Hotel – Where Luxury Meets Instagrammable Vibes

Nestled just across the street from the iconic Music City Centre, the 4-star Westin Hotel Nashville is a modern high-rise that promises mid-level luxury like no other. Its cozy bedrooms feature Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs, with funky and contemporary decor that keeps boredom at bay. But here’s where it gets interesting – the exceptional suites offer private living rooms, whirlpools, and even butler service. Some even throw in a pool table for that authentic Nashville sporting vibe!

At the Westin, you can dine at the Decker & Dyer restaurant and bar, immerse yourself in contemporary art at the onsite gallery, break a sweat at the private fitness center, sip craft cocktails by the trendy rooftop pool, or unwind at the Rhapsody Spa. It’s a haven for those seeking luxury with a touch of Instagram-worthy flair.

2. The Graduate – Quirky Design Meets Lively Locale

The Graduate, a wildly popular quirky hotel brand, has its roots in university cities across the US. In Nashville, it’s nestled in the Heart of Midtown, a vibrant neighborhood surrounded by trendy bars and cafes. It’s a riot of fun, with a funky and colorful design that’s bound to catch your eye.

The rooms at the Graduate Nashville are nothing short of electric. Retro decor with floral furnishings, sitting areas, Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and minifridges make for a comfortable stay. But what sets it apart are the unique features, including an animatronic karaoke room, a ritzy cafe with funky velvet seats, a rooftop restaurant boasting breathtaking city views, a pool and bar, a 24-hour gym, and complimentary loaner bikes. It’s an unforgettable hotel for all the right reasons.

3. Moxy Downtown – The Music Lover’s Paradise

When you want to be where the music truly lives, Moxy Nashville Downtown on Honky Tonk Row/Lower Broadway is the place to be. It’s a stone’s throw away from famed attractions like the Johnny Cash/Patsy Cline Museum, the Country Music Hall of Fame, and the Bridgestone Arena. Plus, it’s surrounded by all the bars and clubs that make Nashville’s nightlife legendary.

The decor at Moxy is as upbeat as its name suggests, with a Nashville twist. You’ll find plenty of music-related artwork and accents that set the stage for your musical adventure. The urban-chic rooms come with exposed brick walls, super-comfy beds, and all the tech you could need.

The hotel also offers an ironing room and a fitness center to keep you in shape, and the Bar Moxy hosts live music while serving up coffee or cocktails. If you’re a foodie, the Moxy Rooftop restaurant is your go-to spot for upscale American and Southern favorites.

4. The Dive Motel & Swim Club – Retro-Chic Relaxation

For those seeking a hip and laid-back experience, look no further than The Dive Motel & Swim Club. Nestled on Nashville’s Dickerson Pike, this friendly boutique hotel offers a refreshing and affordable alternative to the city’s upscale boutique hotels.

The Dive Motel exudes a classic motel vibe, complete with vintage furniture and retro ornaments, including shiny disco balls that add a touch of nostalgia to many of the bedrooms and communal areas.

But there’s more to this place than meets the eye. The hotel boasts an on-site dive bar that serves up delectable food and drinks seven days a week. You can also take a dip in the swimming pool or lounge on the sunbathing terrace during the summer months. And if you’re feeling peckish late at night, fear not – there’s a late-night kitchen to satisfy your cravings.

What sets The Dive Hotel and Swim Club apart is its open-door policy. The bar, pool, and kitchen are open to the general public, providing a fantastic opportunity to strike up a conversation with some of the friendly locals.

5. Gaylord Opryland Resort – A Grand Oasis

Just a short 14-minute walk from the Grand Ole Opry, the Gaylord Opryland Resort is the epitome of upscale accommodation. This 4-star gem is what you’d expect from a top-tier American hotel.

The resort is situated beneath a sprawling and breathtaking glass atrium that has to be seen to be believed. The rooms are equally impressive, boasting stylish and modern design.

It’s like a piece of Nashville merged with the magic of Disneyland. The grandeur and opulence of the resort are evident, offering an array of facilities that can keep you entertained without ever leaving the compound. With over 15 bars and restaurants to choose from, you might never want to step outside – although, remember, you’re in Nashville!

The Gaylord Opryland Resort features an exercise room, an 18-hole golf course, two outdoor pools, an indoor pool, over 9 acres of stunning gardens, and even elegant ballrooms. This resort truly lives up to Nashville’s reputation for big and bold experiences, all conveniently located under one roof.

6. Dream Nashville – Where Luxury Meets Entertainment

Dream Nashville is more than just a hotel; it’s a destination in itself. Situated next to the historic Printer’s Alley and in close proximity to Nashville’s top attractions like the Country Music Hall of Fame, Ryman Auditorium, and more, it’s a magnet for those seeking entertainment.

Live music and pop-up events make the nightclub Dirty Little Secret and the Snitch Speakeasy favorite hangouts for both locals and guests. The hotel’s restaurants and bars, including Stateside Kitchen, Natura Nashville, Vatos Tacos, and the Parlour Bar, add to the vibrant atmosphere.

Dream Nashville also stands out as a design landmark, merging Art Deco style with high ceilings and harmonized decor that balances dark and bright jewel tones.

The rooms offer a blend of classic and contemporary design, but for a truly extravagant experience, consider staying in The Guest House or the Terrace Suite, complete with an outdoor grill and a dedicated BBQ Butler.

7. Union Station Hotel – A Historic Gem

Steeped in history, the Union Station Hotel is a unique and iconic piece of Nashville’s past. This turn-of-the-century train station has been transformed into a characterful and utterly distinctive accommodation that seamlessly marries vintage Americana with modern comforts.

This 4-star gem, part of the prestigious Autograph collection, sits on Broadway, a short stroll from the Ryman Auditorium, the Country Music Hall of Fame, and the Ascend Amphitheatre. Despite its central location, it manages to provide a quiet haven away from the noise of all-night parties and late-night revelers.

Each bedroom in this trendsetting Nashville accommodation offers top-notch technology and a unique layout due to the building’s unusual shape. The rooms are adorned with sumptuous touches like funky cowhide pattern headboards and vintage pieces that exude Nashville’s charm and splendor.

8. Virgin Hotel – The Ultimate Trendy Playground

If you’re looking for the latest and greatest in Nashville, the Virgin Hotel is where you need to be. This modern hotspot has already become a sensation in Music City. Located on the historic Music Row, it’s an architectural marvel on the outside, sleek and modern with plenty of glass. Step inside, and you’ll be greeted with an equally striking and upbeat atmosphere.

Virgin Hotels Nashville boasts contemporary design with standout features and amenities that cater to every taste. The Virgin Commons Club is a signature space perfect for both work and relaxation, featuring the ‘Funny Library,’ the ‘Kitchen’ dining experience, the Club Bar and Lounge, and even the ‘Shag Room’ for added flair.

Other highlights include the Pool Club, offering a rooftop bar, an infinity-edge pool with incredible views, an exercise room, and chic guest rooms complete with minibars, flat-screen TVs, Wi-Fi, and comfortable sitting areas. It’s not just a hotel; it’s a place to see and be seen, and of course, to party!

9. Thompson Nashville – Designer Chic in the Heart of Music City

Nestled on the same block as the beloved Bluegrass music venue, The Station Inn, the 4-star rated Thompson Nashville is a vibrant addition to the ultra-hip Gulch neighborhood. The hotel’s trendy interiors exude Southern charm and offer floor-to-ceiling windows that frame breathtaking views of Music City.

With sleek contemporary design elements softened by hardwood floors, sliding barn doors, and premium linens, the Thompson Nashville sets the stage for an upscale boutique experience. For those seeking a touch of romance, the upgraded rooms and suites feature funky claw-foot tubs, wet bars, and spacious living areas.

The spirit of Nashville comes alive in the hotel’s fun rooftop bar, perfect for sipping on cocktails while taking in the cityscape. The modern in-house restaurant promises a farm-fresh menu crafted from locally sourced, artisanal produce. This ultra-stylish Nashville hotel also boasts a prime location for exploring all the major attractions in the city.

10. W Nashville – The Hip Haven for Millennials and Gen Z

Nestled in the revitalized former railroad yard neighborhood of The Gulch, W Nashville is a haven for the young and the young at heart. It’s in close proximity to all the action in the LEED-certified community, from live music to street art murals, breweries, and mouthwatering southern cuisine, including the famed Nashville Hot Chicken and biscuits.

W Nashville’s interiors are highly Instagrammable, adorned with music and Music City-related artwork. Each room proudly features a print of the specially-commissioned Southern Skies by FAILE, celebrating the tough and gritty road to success in the world of music.

The luxurious rooms, some with balconies, offer stunning views of the city. The hotel also boasts a fitness center and the WET Deck with its swimming pool, private cabanas, bar, and music spun by DJs.

When it comes to dining, options abound. Carne Mare Steakhouse and The Dutch, both by James Beard Award-Winning Chef Andrew Carmellini, serve up American classics with flair. Plus, you’ll find a variety of bars and lounges scattered throughout the hotel. W Nashville is not just a hotel; it’s a lifestyle and the perfect spot for party-loving Millennials and Gen Zs.