The Inn at Fontanel

This stunning property is built in the style of a Tennessee farmhouse. Six separate suites housed in different buildings are all joined by a central deck with comfortable patio furniture. Inside, the lobby is done in soft shades of gray and cream with chunky wooden furniture and homey touches like wicker baskets full of magazines and open fireplaces. The scene looks straight out of a home decor magazine. The Great Room in the main building has a dining room -- where the free breakfast is served daily -- living room, and kitchen. There's a peaceful courtyard with gardens, a pond, fountain, and waterfall. The hotel has a country vibe with an elegant and modern twist, and it draws plenty of guests, most of whom are couples, for its wealth of on-site activities. 

The property sits off a two-lane country highway in a wooded area. It has the feel of a secluded rural estate, and the numerous on-site attractions allow many guests to simply stay put for all of their eating, drinking, and entertainment needs. Guests looking to change up the pace, though, can reach the bars, restaurants, shops, and music scene of downtown Nashville in 20 minutes by car. It's a 15-minute drive to Opryland, and Nashville International Airport is about a 25-minute drive from the hotel.

Like the rest of the property, the decor in the guest suites at the Inn at Fontanel certainly have that "wow factor." These rooms are rustic and elegant at the same time, with a style that goes way beyond the idea that many people have of a country inn. Individually decorated in shades of beige and white, sometimes with a hint of blue, all rooms are light and spacious with premium bedding and stylish furnishings. From deep walnut hardwood floors lain with stylish throw rugs to clean off-white carpets, and chic wood antique nightstands to light bedside furniture, the attention to detail is striking. The six separate suites vary in size and amenities, but all include coffeemakers, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, room service, and free bottled water. The King Guest House has a fireplace, the Grand Southern Suite has a huge walk-in closets, and the Carriage House has a rooftop patio. Bathrooms also vary in style, from white marble to mosaic tiles to country wallpaper, and include stand-up showers or separate showers and tubs plus toiletries and generous counter space. 

Within the 184-acre Fontanel site are lots of attractions, making it a destination in itself. There's a cafe serving Italian and American cuisine, and a casual bistro that's open for breakfast and lunch. There's also a convenience store and gift shop, an amphitheater that hosts a range of shows, a whiskey and rum distillery, a wine tasting room, hiking trails, and ziplines. The former home of country singer Barbara Mandrell is also within the grounds, and guests can book tours of the house. There’s a small fitness center, and guests can also borrow bikes and golf carts at no cost to explore the grounds. Parking, Wi-Fi, and newspapers are free, as is the continental breakfast served in the Great Room. For guests not willing to trek across the property for a drink, there's an honor bar in the Great Room as well.