Background
This hotel opened in 2016 in a newly constructed, glass-fronted building, located in an almost completely new-build development area. Since 2018, Thompson Hotels has been one of the luxury brands in the Hyatt portfolio.
Where is it?
Close to the centre of Nashville in The Gulch neighbourhood (it gets its name from being slightly lower than the surrounding area). It is located at the intersection of 11th and 12th Avenue South.
What’s it like?
The interiors created by Parts and Labor Design are lovely, with a slightly 1970s feel to them. There are tall bookshelves with a geometric design holding both books and vinyl along with a vintage turntable, while an eclectic collection of chairs and comfortable velvet-covered sofas encourage lingering.
More modern design is not forgotten, with features such as a cool mint green onyx check-in desk and, set in the floor of reception, a large wooden compass rose made from locally-salvaged wood. Crafted by Patrick Hayes of the 1767 Creative Collection, it includes the hotel’s geographical coordinates in brass (N36 degrees, W86 degrees).
Our room wasn’t ready at 3pm so we dropped our bags, walked round the corner to consider buying some cowboy boots at the Lucchese store, and got a text five minutes later saying our room was ready.
Corridors have thick patterned carpets, which help to deaden noise, and there are water fountains for refilling bottles, herringbone leather ottomans, and custom furnishings. Throughout the hotel you’ll find art pieces from Frances Berry, Amanda Brazier and Chris Coleman, curated by Art Advisory Services, plus photos including Neil Young in his wagoner and a young Woody Guthrie on a dirt bike.
Rooms
All 224 rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows, wooden floors, wallpaper from New York’s Flat Vernacular and rugs designed by two other NYC brands, Tailor- Made Textiles and Eskayel. The majority of the rooms are either King (155) or Queen twins (55). Our King room had a leather ottoman by the side of the wardrobe for sitting on to put on your shoes – or storing your bag – and lots of standalone furniture.
The minibar cabinet resembles something out of the 1920s, there was a Bluetooth Marshall amp to stream music, a flatscreen 49-inch LG TV over the freestanding work desk and a large geometric wooden headboard for the bed.
Bedside tables had both USB and mains charging, though there was no tea or coffee making facilities, something we missed, especially since the coffee shop didn’t open until 6.30am and we woke early with jet lag.
Bathrooms have an antique feel, with black and white graphic floor tiles and pale tiled walls with a large pentagon-shaped mirror and D.S. & Durga bath amenities (large ones – you’ll be charged US$50 for taking them home). There are thick robes, comfortable beds with 400-thread-count SFERRA linens and slippers.
Food and drink
You can get breakfast from the Killebrew coffee shop to the right of reception, or blow the budget at Marsh House restaurant. This is another attractive airy space with a grey, cream and charcoal floor and a ceiling painted in high-gloss green. We preferred to go here in the evening for a drink, enjoying the design even more when it was attractively and cleverly lit.
There’s also rooftop bar L.A. Jackson, with images of palm tree leaves on the walls, which gets busy at the weekend.
Meetings
The hotel has 570 sqm of meeting and event space on the second floor, comprised of three dedicated meeting rooms; a 115 sqm outdoor terrace, and a ballroom that seats up to 120 for a banquet.
Leisure
There’s a small fitness centre on the second floor with all the usual equipment, plus some Peloton bikes.
Verdict
A stylish choice in the up-and-coming area of The Gulch. Pack something stylish for the restaurant and bars, or even just to chill in reception.
FACT BOX
- Best For Fashionable Nashville – this isn’t the place to stagger in from an evening on Broadway wearing a newly-bought cowboy hat
- Don’t miss Evening cocktails at March House restaurant for some people-watching
- Price Internet rates for a flexible midweek stay in March start from £381 for a King room
- Contact 401 11th Avenue South, Nashville, TN, 37203-4525; +1 615 262 6000; hyatt.com
