As the urban epicenter of country music, Nashville, with its neon-decked honky-tonks, has always had a certain glamour. Today, as an entertainment hub and a booming center of tech and industry, it’s no wonder that it's home to a handful of chic, high-design hotels that cater to the town’s many glittering guests. None of those hotels, though, quite compare to the Thompson Nashville, the hotel that helped set the city’s very high bar for comfort and style when it opened in 2016. Here’s why this property should be your Nashville smart splurge, even if it’s just for a night or two.

The Basics

Budget Level: Luxe ($300+/night)

Lodging Type: Large Hotel (224 rooms on 12 stories)

What You Need to Know

The Look

Cool, calm, and collected—with a few flashing metallic touches—is the whole story of this hotel’s aesthetic. Leather armchairs, richly upholstered sofas, crisp white bedlinen, and the occasional glimpse of velvet and wood make for an opulent scene that, thanks to smart Midcentury-inspired styling, never once feels stuffy or overdone. A nicely curated selection of books, vinyl, and small art pieces line the lobby. Staying here feels like you’ve stepped into a beautiful city apartment, albeit with room service.

The Vibe

Young and not-so-young urban professionals, many of them traveling for business and pleasure alike, swarm to this hotel. You’ll see them (casual but chic in expensive t-shirts and button-downs) in the hotel’s grand lobby and in its bar and restaurant spaces. Head up to the rooftop, with its enormous potted trees and a covered section for rainy days, in the late afternoon to rub elbows with locals grabbing an after-work drink or starting a date night.

Who Will Love It

If you’re craving luxury that doesn’t feel forced or too in-your-face, this is a perfect place to stay. Service is casual and offered with a smile. There are no white gloves here.

Who Might Not

This hotel feels far removed from any idea of the Antebellum South. If you’re looking for old-fashioned style and service, this hotel isn’t for you.

Best Amenity

It’s hard to beat the rooftop bar, and not just for its views across the city. L.A. Jackson serves a host of fun drinks, including frozen rose, $100 concoctions that are meant to be shared with a minimum of six people, a roster of Nashville-brewed beers, and even a selection of draft cocktails. The snacks, most of which don’t require a fork, include beer cheese whiz, venison poppers, and fried artichoke hearts. Cocktails cost $12-$13 with snacks ranging from $6 to $16. 

Money Matters

What’s Included

Just the room is included in your nightly rate. All food and drink cost extra, though you might find a surprise sweet or snack left in your room during your stay. We also love that the rooms have Marshall speakers that easily connect to your device.

Fees and Extra Costs You Should Know About

Local and state taxes will apply to your stay. Valet parking costs $40 per night.

How to Get a Deal

Stay in the sweatiest, quietest days of summer. In August and September, you can find occasional midweek rates for around $300 per night. By October and November, when Nashville enjoys blissfully temperate weather, those rates easily bounce up to $600 per night on weeknights and $700 per night on weekends. And of course, always check the hotel’s offers page for promotions, especially on multi-night stays. 

Getting There

In the Neighborhood

Thompson Nashville is situated in the heart of The Gulch, an area of new development that’s sprung up in the past decade. This upscale neighborhood is home to dozens of restaurants and bars, breweries, and one of the city’s most renowned music venues, The Station Inn, which hosts live bluegrass music seven nights a week. (Cover ranges from about $12-$20, depending on the show.) Broadway, the city’s famous strip of music bars, is easy to reach from the hotel. Walk there in about 15-20 minutes, or hop in a ride-hailing service to arrive in about 7-10 minutes, depending on traffic. 

Nearest Airport

Nashville’s airport is an easy hop from the hotel. Expect a 15-20-minute trip in a taxi ($20-$25) or with a ride-hailing service ($15-$20).

The Bottom Line

Stylish travelers rejoice. You’ll fit right in at this plush Nashville hotel.