Hilton Garden Inn Nashville Franklin / Cool Spring

The inviting lobby has a modern yet homey ambiance, with brightly colored upholstered furniture. Sheer and shimmering curtains in orange and yellow hang from a two-story atrium for a breezy effect, and mod pendant lighting in the center is a focal point. A corner lounge has oversize armchairs facing a flat-screen TV, and there's more clustered seating in a separate space set in front of a double-sided fireplace. Outdoors, cushioned couches in lime green flank a fire pit, providing the business and leisure travelers who frequent the hotel a pleasant spot to sip evening drinks served from the hotel's restaurant and bar.  

The Hilton Garden Inn is in a safe suburban area, set back off busy Carothers Parkway in a relatively quiet spot. There's a small shopping center in front of it that includes a Dunkin’ Donuts, Walgreens pharmacy, and Indian and Thai restaurants. Other restaurants are a short walk away, including a Starbucks and an Irish pub. There's also Cool Springs Galleria, only a five-minute drive from the hotel, which has dozens of restaurants and shops. Access to Interstate 65 is a few minutes’ drive and once on the Interstate, it’s a 20- to 30-minute drive north into downtown Nashville and about 20 minutes to Nashville International Airport. Downtown Franklin is a 15- to 20-minute drive southwest.

Guest rooms are comfortable and contemporary, done in soft earth tones. Olive- and light-gray-striped carpeting coordinates with light-tan walls and olive-print drapes. Low lighting, the lack of vibrant colors, and wood furniture with an espresso finish make the rooms a bit dark, but they’re spacious enough to avoid feeling gloomy. Standard Kings and Double Queens include desks with office chairs and lime green upholstered armchairs with butterscotch ottomans. Some of the Kings feature in-room whirlpool tubs, while others include sleeper sofas (as do the Junior Suites). Amenities are a definite plus, and include Keurig coffeemakers, mini-fridges, microwaves, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi. Many past guests have reported that beds are comfortable. Bathrooms are an average size, but they have wide vanities with a generous supply of Neutrogena products. The Kings have showers with sliding glass doors, while Double Queens feature shower/tub combos. Both styles are framed by beige tiling that resembles natural stone. Units are quiet, but views of the surrounding area are unremarkable. 

Features are a highlight at this hotel, with a well-rounded amenities package that provides business and leisure travelers enough for a comfortable stay. The Garden Grille & Bar offers a hot buffet and a la carte menu for breakfast for a fee. American classics are on the dinner menu, and there's bar service to the outdoor patio (weather permitting), which has a fountain, fire pit, and comfy couches. The restaurant isn't open for lunch, but evening room service is available.For wellness, the fitness center has everything for a complete workout, featuring several pieces of modern cardio equipment, free weights, and a strength-training machine. There's also a heated indoor pool and whirlpool housed in a pleasant room with a few tables and chairs. A 24-hour business center is on-site with multiple computers and printers and an ATM, and the hotel’s 2,600 square feet of meeting and event space can host up to 175 people. Fresh coffee, beer, wine, snacks, and frozen entrees for in-room dining are sold at the 24-hour Pavilion Pantry. A guest laundry room is on-site, and valet dry cleaning and laundry services are available. Freebies include on-site parking, Wi-Fi throughout, and weekday newspapers.