If a weekend getaway is what you need right now, head to Grand Hyatt Nashville, the city’s stunning new property.
I took a road trip to Nashville and stayed in a hotel suite that had never been stayed in before.
Have you ever done that? It was like being on the maiden voyage of the Titanic. “The sheets had never been slept in…” That whole bit.
The bellman opened the door to our room and said, “No guest has been in here yet. Kinda cool right?”
“Yes, Ralph. That’s pretty cool,” I replied.
The Grand Hyatt Nashville debuted in October 2020, and my husband and I arrived only 10 days after the luxurious 591-room hotel opened its doors. Nashville is the perfect four-hour road trip from Atlanta. It’s six hours from Charlotte, and only three hours from Birmingham and Memphis too.
There’s something so incredibly extravagant about staying in a brand-new property where everything is shiny, modern and cutting edge. I’m still trying to figure out if it was the TV remote control still in its plastic or knowing I was the first person to soak in the tub that really sold it for me.
What I do know that the stunning 25-story property in The Gulch downtown neighborhood will anchor Nashville Yards, the hip 18-acre live, work, play, shop development where Amazon is busy moving into a new high-rise next door. Moreover, Grand Hyatt Nashville’s art deco decor and nods to the train history of the neighborhood are showstoppers upon arrival. At check-in, I couldn’t stop ogling the two-story gold, silver and brass structure behind the front desk (it’s an Insta-worthy moment) or Aurum, the lobby lounge behind voguish see-through gold beads dangling from the ceiling. I took photos so I can someday tell a decorator this is what I want my mansion to look like.
The lobby is nothing short of, well, grand. But when you’re up on the 25th floor, the views of Frist Art Museum and the historic Union Station Hotel across the street are tough to beat. But here are a few other things not to miss:
1. Nashville is for Foodies
The Continental restaurant on the first floor is in partnership with renowned James Beard Award-winning chef Sean Brock. His concept is a throwback to the days of refined hotel dining and is a welcome respite for those looking for something sophisticated. It wasn’t quite open yet when we were there, so we enjoyed room service in our spanking fresh new digs.
There is an upscale version of grab-n-go lobby concessions for those who love that sort of thing. The Hummingbird Coffee Market has addictive Stay Golden brews (a local fave) and pastries. With five other on-site dining options, you could try a new one every day and not run out. Lou/Na, the indoor-outdoor rooftop lounge on the 25th floor, is fast becoming one of the most coveted spots for nighttime views in the city. We enjoyed dirty martinis and a ridiculous N.C. Mountain smoked trout dip that came with homemade crackers and pickles.
This is a foodie town, for sure. So if you want to get out and experience another chic local restaurant, snag a reservation at 5th and Taylor. We met my cousin Scott and his wife there. He’s the pitching coach at Vanderbilt and recommended the joint. So aside from winning National Championships, he also knows how to eat well. The duck, foie gras and beef pot roast was quite the indulgence. Everything is seasonal at this stunning restaurant, but get the beer can chicken if it’s on the menu.
2. Shop at Unusual Spots
We walked over to Third Man Records. It’s the home studio of Jack White and The Raconteurs. Countless other musicians record there as well. Peruse the novelty shop-slash-record store and find great souvenirs and one-of-a-kind albums. For all the American Pickers fans (obsessed!), I made my husband swing by their Antique Archaeology Nashville store. I loved looking through all the pieces Mike Wolfe had curated from the show. The shop anchors Marathon Village, which is chockablock with interesting boutiques and little shops. Both are short drives from the hotel.
3. Get Spa-ah Time
Back at Grand Hyatt Nashville, plan a day at the beautiful new on-site spa, R+ R Wellness. The spa director can help you with a custom experience, a full spa day (don’t we all deserve one of those?) or even quick 30-minute experiences if time is tight. Incorporating meditation into your stay is seamless with its Meditation Experience Lounge. And the spa is located right across from the fifth-floor outdoor pool overlooking Broadway if sunny pool days are on your itinerary.
4. See Some Touristy Music Stuff
For nightlife lovers, one of my favorite things is being steps from downtown Nashville and how it easy it was to walk to any of the attractions, bars or restaurants on Broadway. It is a short stroll to the new National Museum of African American Music (which just opened in January 2021) and Ryman Auditorium, the “Mother Church of Country Music.” The concierge helped arrange a backstage tour of The Ryman to see the dressing rooms where Minnie Pearl, Johnny Cash and Hank Williams were regulars. (Sigh.) It was magical…
If you have a day to spare while in town, book the Studio B Tour. Get picked up outside the Country Music Hall of Fame (the tour is is only optional with admission). The short guided drive ends at the “temple of sound” where Elvis, Dolly and Willie all banged out their hits. While there is much to see and do involving music, this was definitely my favorite. It’s a special, intimate experience.
Nashville is like nowhere else in the South. For those needing a quick get-out-of-town jaunt, it’s tough to beat laying your head down in a beautiful new hotel. If that hotel is in a city filled with true originals, incredible music and Southern hospitality.
