Clarion Hotel Nashville Downtown – Stadium

While the hotel draws a good share of football fans attending games at nearby Nissan Stadium, it also caters to tourists in town to explore Music City. Weekends can be festive and lively, and the bright, playful decor reminiscent of a Las Vegas casino reflects this. Black-based carpeting with bold stripes or busy swirling patterns of several neon-bright colors line the floors of the lobby, hallways, and breakfast area. Equally bright colors are used in the ultra-modern furniture, contemporary artwork, and the surface of the popular square bar, where distinctive, polished steel pillars are nearby. Whimsical, hand-painted portraits of country music legends, such as Roger Miller, decorate various public spaces. Miller first opened the hotel in 1968 and named it King of the Road Hotel, after his big hit.

The hotel is located in a light industrial area just across the Cumberland River east of downtown Nashville, about three minutes off Interstate 24. There are a few restaurants within a five-minute walk, and Nissan Stadium is about a 10-minute walk away. But the immediate area is not an attractive area to walk around, and downtown isn't within walking distance. The hotel operates a free downtown shuttle service that puts Music City Center, Ryman Auditorium, Bridgestone Arena, and the Country Music Hall of Fame within a seven-minute ride. The Tennessee State Capitol is 10 minutes away, and Vanderbilt University is a 10- to 15-minute drive. Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center and Nashville International Airport are 15 to 20 minutes away by car. 

Guest rooms at this Clarion were renovated in 2014, with funky, ultra-modern decor apparent in its bright, neon-like colors. The fuchsia carpet with black and tan swirls is akin to carpeting typically seen on a Las Vegas casino floor. It's accented by bright orange armchairs, fuchsia ottomans, solid neon-green drapes, and padded headboards with fuchsia and neon-green squares. Bright gold or multicolor bed throws and bolster pillows accent white bedding, and walls are painted light gray. Matching dark-wood furniture includes nightstands, dressers, and desks with stainless steel trim. Despite the bright colors, the overall motif is rather dark. The bedroom area is not large, and Double-Queen Rooms are a bit tight. King Rooms have more space around the beds. Bathrooms have more traditional decor, with roomy, dark-wood vanities with tan granite tops, beige tile floors, and beige walk-in showers with clear glass doors. Rooms are clean, and guests consistently praise the beds for their comfort. Many guests, however, have complained about noise from neighboring rooms and the nearby highway. Some rooms offer nice views of the city skyline, while others overlook the parking lot and adjacent industrial lots. All rooms come with microwaves, mini-fridges, coffeemakers, flat-screen TVs, magnifying mirrors, ergonomic desk chairs, and free Wi-Fi. 

The Clarion Hotel Nashville Downtown-Stadium packs in the freebies, which include breakfast, parking, and shuttle service. Breakfast includes eggs and other hot items, and the restaurant and bar serves casual fare for lunch and dinner. The lobby pantry sells frozen dinners, snacks, beverages, and sundries. Free coffee and tea are available all day. Laundry facilities are also available. Event space can accommodate up to 300 people and includes an outdoor plaza. The business center has two computer stations with Internet access and a printer. The heated indoor saltwater pool is eight feet deep, with plenty of loungers surrounding it. Several cardio and weight-training machines are offered in the fitness center, along with free weights. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel.