Hotel Preston

The 200-room Preston Hotel in Nashville, Tennessee is an affordable modern property with a funky edge that’s part of the Provenance Hotel chain. The lobby is decorated with an artsy vibe, featuring modern paintings, bold splashes of color, and unique light fixtures. Businesses travelers who want to be minutes from the airport stay here as do many couples, especially those traveling with dogs, as the hotel is quite pet-friendly, offering not only treats but also information on everything from dog parks to pet psychics.

The hotel isn't ideally-located for those who prefer Music Row outside their doorstep, but the location can't be beat for those who want to be near Nashville's airport, which is a short drive away to the east. The Preston offers free transfer services to and from the airport while also providing a shuttle to Opryland, a 10- to 15-minute drive away. There's no shuttle to the downtown area, with its bustling nightlife, restaurants, and famous live music venues, but it's still only a 15-minute drive west.

Rooms here are fairly quiet and big with beige walls and colorful if somewhat dated carpets, bright white bedspreads, small computer tables, flat-screen TVs, and Sunbeam coffeemakers. Double units have two double beds while King rooms have one king-sized bed. The largest room category here is the Suite, which contains a parlor living space. Bathrooms, containing shower/tub combos and sinks with marble counter tops, are very small. General spaces overlook either a parking lot or the highway beyond. A quirky feature some might appreciate is the "pillow menu," which guarantees guests get the type of head cushion they want for sleeping. Keep in mind that there have been complaints from past guests of hallway noise from revelers as well as moldy odors from the rooms themselves. 

With its close proximity to the airport and the nature of its amenities, the Preston is clearly geared toward the business traveler. Separate, small meeting rooms offer plush leather chairs and big tables. Larger conference rooms can comfortably seat up to 30 people and a 4,400-square-foot ballroom is available as well -- although with its low ceilings, colorful but well-worn circular-patterned carpet, fluorescent lighting, and deep maroon chairs, some may not be impressed. There's also a business center with two computers and a printer, but be warned Internet access is only free for the first 15 minutes.  

The property has a small but well-equipped gym with basic equipment like a treadmill, an elliptical, weight machines, and a stationary bike. Outdoors, guests can relax at the large common pool with lounge chairs and a couple of umbrellas. 

The Preston also provides on-site eating and drinking options. The Pink Slip is a large pink-walled bar, more like a small nightclub, with seating for couples as well as larger groups, a small stage area for live music acts, and a fairly large bare wood floor for dancing. Cafe Isabella, with large windows, funky light fixtures, and dark-paneled walls, is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and can seat parties of most sizes. The pricey menu is extensive and focuses on Italian cuisine with Southern touches.