The Capitol Hotel Downtown Nashville

A short walk from bustling Broadway and Bridgestone Arena, this former motel was transformed in 2015 into a fun and stylish hotel. It’s becoming increasingly popular with locals and visitors seeking a downtown base for a night on the town that won’t bust their budgets. The modest lobby is hip and playful, with bright aqua-blue walls and illuminated glass wall partitions. Lovely tile floors made to resemble light striped wood hold modern sectional sofas and armchairs in black, white, and bold-orange tones. Colorful music-themed art hangs on the walls near the small convenience store and the kiosks that serve as the reception area. And the music-themed artwork continues in the sleek bistro and bar, which is nicely decorated with polished steel tables and chairs. 

The Capitol is on a hill in downtown Nashville near the Tennessee State Capitol, which is a six-minute walk away. The Bridgestone Arena and other attractions along bustling Broadway are a 10- to 12-minute walk, and the nightlife along Printer’s Alley is nine minutes on foot. The Music City Convention Center is a 10- to 15-minute walk, as is the Music City Walk of Fame. Nissan Stadium is a five-minute drive or around 20 minutes by public transit, and there's a bus stop a minute away from the hotel on foot. The area surrounding the hotel is generally considered safe and is within a short walk of several restaurants, a grocery store, and a pharmacy. Vanderbilt University is a 10-minute drive or bus ride, and the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center and Nashville International Airport are about 20 minutes away by car, depending on traffic. Bus service to the airport takes about 25 minutes. Be aware that while the walk back from the heart of downtown is not a long one, it does require trudging up a hill. 

Rooms were completely renovated in 2015 and have fresh and punchy decor, with distinctive dark-brown and gray carpet pairing nicely with bright-orange upholstered armchairs and matching accent walls backing comfortable beds. Other walls are painted light beige to match the drapes. Chocolate-brown padded headboards with matching bolster pillows, bedskirts, and bed throws contrast with the crisp white bedding. Most rooms have dark-brown armoires, desks with black leather office chairs, nightstands, and dressers. Abstract art, matching the orange-and-brown theme, adorns the walls. Standard amenities include flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers, mini-fridges, safes, and free bottled water. The bathrooms also are on the small side, with spacious rectangular wood vanities with light granite tops and slate-gray tile floors and walls that frame shower/tub combos. The state capitol building can be seen from some rooms, while others see surrounding streets and buildings. Some past guest have made a few complaints regarding noise, but nothing major.  

As part of its 2015 renovation, the hotel opened a sleek new bar and bistro that serves cocktails and a limited bar menu nightly. A free hot, expanded continental breakfast is served on the second floor. Free coffee and tea are offered throughout the day, and the lobby convenience store sells snacks, sandwiches, sundries, and beverages.

The hotel's small fitness center was closed for renovation when we visited it, but it's scheduled to re-open sometime in 2016. There's also a computer with Internet access and a printer for guest use, and Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. Dry cleaning services are available, and there's an on-site guest laundry facility. Free daily newspapers are available on weekdays in the lobby, where there's an ATM. The hotel is completely nonsmoking, and pets are not allowed. Valet is the only parking option at the Capitol, but it’s reasonably priced for a downtown hotel.