DoubleTree by Hilton Nashville-Downtown

Thanks to its location -- a brief walk to the city’s convention center -- and its 23 event rooms, this hotel bustles with business travelers and others who prefer to stay in the heart of this entertainment-rich city. While part of a large chain, this DoubleTree outpost has a lobby that's far more boutique in style. Despite its considerable size and traffic, the lobby features several rather dark, intimate, and quiet gathering spaces with distinctive, designer-quality furniture such as butterscotch-leather sectional sofas and round leather ottomans in bright colors. Books and record albums fill cases along walls that include exposed brick, and even the carpeting is an unusual mosaic layering earth tones in various patterns. The restaurant and lounge area is also distinctive, with dark, cozy brown-leather booths and floor-to-ceiling windows next to a stage where local musicians play almost nightly.

The DoubleTree is located on Fourth Avenue in the heart of downtown Nashville, just a two-minute walk from the Music City Convention Center. The hotel is surrounded by restaurants and some shops and the area is generally safe and well maintained. Many other downtown attractions are within reasonable walking distance as well, including Nissan Stadium (15 minutes), Tennessee State Capitol (seven minutes), Bridgestone Arena (nine minutes), Printer’s Alley (four minutes), and Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum (12 minutes). Additionally, the hotel offers a free shuttle service throughout downtown. Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center and Nashville International Airport are 15 to 25 minutes away by car, depending on traffic. Vanderbilt University is a 12-minute drive. 

Compared to the lobby's distinctive decor, rooms are decorated in a more subdued and darker style, though the look is still pleasant. Navy-and-gold patterned carpets, navy accent walls, and navy armchairs with gold piping bring in a boutique touch. But the granite countertops, tan drapes, and cherry-wood furniture feel much more in line with a chain-hotel. One nice touch for business travelers: Work desks have a two-piece configuration that rolls out to expand. Suites feature separate living rooms with dining tables, sleeper sofas, and second flat-screen TVs. All suites have mini-fridges and microwaves (though standard rooms do not), and all rooms have single-cup coffeemakers, two phones with data ports and voicemail, free Wi-Fi, electronic safes, 42-inch flat-screen TVs, and free remote printing. Bathrooms are outfitted with large black-granite vanities with magnifying mirrors, white shower/tub combos framed in clay-colored tile, tan-striped wallpaper, and laminate flooring that resembles hardwood. Views are mostly of downtown buildings and streets. Rooms are generally clean, although some past guests have complained about minor housekeeping and maintenance issues such as dripping faucets, slow-draining tubs, and noisy air-conditioning units. 

This DoubleTree outpost hits all the expected features for a mid-range hotel and tacks on a few extras. On-site features include a restaurant and bar that serves breakfast (for a fee), lunch, and dinner and has a covered outdoor patio and live music nightly. There's also a Starbucks on-site that opens early. The fitness center has various cardio and weight-training machines and free weights and it overlooks an indoor pool. Business travelers can make use of the 23 meeting rooms and a business center with four computer stations, Internet access, and free printing. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. The 24-hour convenience store sells sundries, gifts, and various drinks and snacks. Dry-cleaning and laundry services are available, and the hotel has its own coin-operated laundry facilities. There is a concierge desk and ATM in the lobby, plus free chilled water and DoubleTree’s signature warm chocolate chip cookies are on offer. Valet parking is the only on-site parking option, and it’s expensive, although there are slightly cheaper public lots nearby. The hotel also operates a free shuttle service throughout downtown.