Homewood Suites Nashville Vanderbilt

A diverse mix of business and leisure travelers keep this hotel bustling year-round. Its location next to Vanderbilt University and area hospitals attracts students, patients, and families here to visit, or to sightsee. The hotel’s bright and inviting lobby features a mix of contemporary and traditional decor, with dark-wood paneling complementing polished steel pillars, and handsome, steel-encased chandeliers. There are several spots to relax or work, and plopping down on the white leather sofas set in front of a shimmering water wall is especially appealing. Breakfast is the busiest time, but the weekday reception with free wine and beer can also be lively affairs, as guests unwind after their days of business and pleasure.

The edge of Vanderbilt University’s sprawling campus is just across the street from the hotel, with the university’s medical center a 13-minute walk away. The property is surrounded by other hotels, and several restaurants, including a Starbucks, are less than five minutes on foot.Two other major medical complexes -- Centennial Medical Center and Saint Thomas Midtown Hospital -- are both about a 10-minute walk from the hotel. The Parthenon, which was built for the city's 1897 Centennial Exposition, is 13 minutes away on foot, and many of Nashville’s other top attractions are within a short drive. It's roughly an 11-minute drive to Nissan Stadium, and 20 minutes by car to Gaylord Opryland Hotel & Convention Center. Tennessee State Capitol, Bridgestone Arena, Music City Center, Printer’s Alley, Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum, and Music City Walk of Fame Park are all within a 10-minute drive. Bus service is available between Vanderbilt and points downtown. Nashville International Airport is roughly a 15-minute drive.

Suites at this property are contemporary, dressed in soft earth tones, with designer touches that add polish. Furniture has an espresso finish, couches and drapes are done in a deep red, and walls are dotted with music-theme prints. Bright orange table lamps with a hint of Hollywood Regency style complete the look. All units have two flat-screen TVs (Two-Bedrooms have three), sleeper sofas, and kitchens equipped with full fridges, dining tables with chairs, microwaves, coffeemakers, cooktop burners, dishwashers, and utensils, and free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms have lovely white tiling and exceptionally large granite vanities that are en-suite. Some have walk-in showers with glass doors, and others feature shower/tub combos. The hotel offers an excellent choice of units, including King Studio (smallest), King One-Bedroom, Two-Queen, One-Bedroom, and Two-Bedroom (with two full bathrooms). Views vary by location of the room, but some offer nice views of Vanderbilt University’s campus. Street noise can be heard from most rooms, but it’s not significant.

This hotel is chock full of all the amenities typically found at the chain. There's no on-site restaurant, but a free hot breakfast buffet is served daily, and guests are treated to dinner entrees, with wine and beer, for free at weeknight receptions. Wellness features are equally impressive, with a heated indoor saltwater pool, and a 24-hour fitness center with a range of up-to-date equipment, including treadmills with video screens. Other highlights include a 24-hour business center with multiple computers, three meeting rooms for up to 125 people, valet dry cleaning and laundry, a laundry room, and a 24-hour minimart that sells frozen entrees, soft drinks, and sundries. Free shuttle service within a two-mile radius that runs downtown is a perk, and Wi-Fi is free throughout. Valet and self-parking are available, but it’s expensive for a property that isn't downtown. Pets are welcome at the hotel with a surcharge.