Vacation and travel plans have been mostly scraped in 2020 by the coronavirus pandemic. There's no reason to relegate travel memories to your backyard this year because there's an easy solution for Middle Tennesseans suffering from cabin fever. Book a Holiday Staycation at Nashville’s Hermitage Hotel.
Native Nashvillians fondly remember The Hermitage Hotel, undoubtedly one of Nashville's most prominent downtown landmarks. The hotel's history is as colorful as the hotel's grand lobby.
In 1908, some of the nation's most talented craftsmen – led by James Carpenter – began creating the hotel's unique architecture in the heart of downtown Nashville. Merging classical Italian with the famous French Renaissance style, the hotel quickly earned the reputation as one of the South’s classic, timeless, treasures. The $1 million project was initially financed by local Nashvillians and the Board of Trade by raising around $300,000 by selling stock.
When the 10-story structure opened in late summer of 1910, features such as mahogany paneling, running ice water, telephones, and private baths were in each guest room. On opening day, room rates started at a pricey $2.00, guaranteed to be "fireproof, noise proof and dustproof."
Soon the phrase, "Meet me at The Hermitage Hotel," was spoken by business leaders, politicians, and socialites having tea in the hotel's magnificent grand lobby. So many back-room political and business deals have taken place in the hotel's gorgeous rooms, lobby, or downstairs Oak Bar that they are too numerous to count.
"The grand dame," as the hotel was affectionately named, quickly attracted elite personalities from business, politics, entertainment, especially those coming through Nashville in the golden age of country music. Several governors stayed at The Hermitage prior to their inaugurations, which is only a few hundred yards from Tennessee's State Capitol. Presidents Taft, Wilson, Nixon, Kennedy, Johnson, Carter, Clinton, and Bush have either visited or stayed at the hotel.
Because Nashville has such a rich musical heritage, the list of who from the entertainment world that have graced the hotel's doors includes Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, Johnny Cash, and so many others. However, the property's most famous guests might be the renowned pool shark, Minnesota Fats, who made the hotel his home for over six years.
The hotel’s most significant, and least recognized achievement helped pave the way for the 19th amendment. Known as the suffrage movement, the hotel served as the headquarters for various groups seeking to influence the vote. Since Tennessee produced the final vote to ratify the amendment, the hotel even serves a signature cocktail to commemorate the victory.
After undergoing extensive renovations through the years, today the hotel features 112 guest rooms, three executive suites, seven junior suites, and a presidential suite, all with exquisite marble bathrooms. Each room features complimentary Wi-Fi, plush robes, nightly turndown service, and luxury bedding.
When you enter the property through Sixth Avenue's main doors, a marble staircase ushers you into the main lobby. To the right is the check-in desk, but before going to your room, take time to relax in one of the lobby's many sitting areas or at a table on the mezzanine level. The Hermitage lobby is ideal for people-watching, and you never know what celebrity might walk through the hotel's double doors.
While the lobby's breath-taking architecture will make you think you're traveling back in time to the nation's golden era, the hotel and basement offer visitors a glimpse of Nashville’s past, present, and future.
If you walk back down the lobby steps toward the main entrance, you'll find another staircase that takes you below. It's here you'll find the Capitol Grille, the Oak bar, and one of the world's most famous men's restrooms.
Throughout the hotel's 110-year history, the Capitol Grille restaurant has featured some of the South's finest cuisine. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Executive Chef Derek Brooks combines innovative techniques with the region's freshest produce and ingredients for a luxury farm-to-table experience.
Adjacent to the award-winning restaurant is the most historic watering hole in Nashville, if not the entire southeast. The Oak Bar was initially opened as a private gentleman's club in 1910. The bar's reputation further expanded during the prohibition years when teapots were filled with bourbon. Today, the dark, wood-paneled room features over 200 bottles of bourbon. When the legislature is in session, you'll often find lobbyists, staffers, and legislators continuing the day's policy discussions.
If the hotel's glorious history and fine dining and drinking aren't enough, the art-deco men's room located next to the bar is a must-see, even for the ladies. It isn't often that a restroom is famous for its design and color-scheme. Inside you'll find gleaming lime green and black tiles, terrazzo flooring, and a shoe-shine station. Ladies, just tell one of the servers or hotel associates you would like to visit the "men's room," and they'll make certain the coast is clear for your visit.
While there's plenty to do inside the hotel, Nashville offers tons of downtown restaurants, music halls, museums, and historic sites once you step beyond the lobby doors.
Across the street is the Tennessee Performing Arts Center, which hosts stage and musical performances. Just a short walk or ride and you're looking at the historic Ryman Auditorium. Only steps away is the area known as "lower Broadway," where you'll find Robert's, Tootsies, and numerous music venues. Some are owned by famous music celebrities such as John Rich, Kidd Rock, and Dierks Bentley.
There's no better time to book a "Staycation" at Nashville's Hermitage Hotel than during the holiday season. The hotel is offering several holiday specials, from Christmas Eve and day seating in The Capitol Grille, to-go meals, and a Nutcracker-themed signature tea series.
The decorations, ambiance, and luxury features will provide decades of memories for you and your family. To find the perfect package for your family’s needs, check the hotel website for specials and availability.
Note: Certain health mandates may be in place during this time, so it's a good idea to check with the hotel concierge or specific venues to confirm operating hours and serving limitations.
The property was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975, and earlier this year, awarded the 2020 Historic Hotel of the Year.
