We are driving to Nashville this weekend and need help picking a hotel in the right area of town. A friend recommended the Opryland Hotel but I've been reading past posts and am wondering if this is the best location to be staying at. We're not too much into country music, we will probably be doing the normal tourist things, and like upscale/artsy shopping. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you!

We always stay at the Loews Vanderbilt which is located across the street from the University. From there it is about a 10 to 15 minute drive to downtown. There may be hotels in the heart of downtown, but I can't recommend any. I too would avoid Opryland Hotel. It is on the outskirts of the city and is a huge convention type hotel. If you have time it's probably worth a visit, but it's not centrally located. Hope this helps.

We're going to Nashville next month and staying at the Hermitage. I've never been to Nashville before, so I can't share any personal experiences, but I understand that Loews and the Hermitage are about the best in town. Think there's another good one too, but not so centrally located. I just like the look of the Hermitage better on the website. It's an old beaux arts building and has the most fantastic interior. Also it has good restaurant reviews and the rates seem very reasonable.

Kate.

If you want to stay downtown, try the Hermitage for charm, the Renaissance for nice basics, or the Hilton for the amenities. Downtown mainly has nightlife, and is easily (and safely) walkable from any of the above properties. Loews Vanderbilt is closer to the "West End". The West End of town features more shops that are less touristy. Also, Broadway (coming from the river heading west) splits into 21st Avenue on the left, and West End Avenue to the right. Try the area around 21st called Hillsboro Village. Both streets will have more of the shops and galleries that you're looking for I think. I'm backtracking towards downtown here, but also Cummins Station is a refurbished warehouse with some galleries and shops. It is pretty easy to find. There are also a few decent funky furniture shops on 8th Ave. across from Zanies Comedy Club. And even though downtown has some great clubs and live music venues, I wouldn't plan on eating there. Try Vanderbilt/West End or Hillsboro Village for food. And here's one last tip - you'll hear people suggest Loveless Cafe for a local type meal. Skip it. The food is average at best, and it's definitely out of the way. If you want a good simple meat n' three "local fare" type place for lunch try Sylvan Park (the restaurant, not the neighborhood) in Green Hills. The food is simple, freshly cooked southern fare.

Rachel:
The friend that recommended the Opryland Hotel gave you good advice. As a native Tennessean I have visited the Opryland Hotel many, many times and never tire of it. It's often referred to as the eighth wonder of the world.
Its decor is world class magnificent with its atrium, restaurants, exhibits, shops, and other attractions too numerous to name here. Your not being into country music has nothing to do with the Opryland Hotel. It just happens to be in country music land. It compares with any attraction you've ever visited in any part of the world. I do not exaggerate.
I would suggest headquartering there and then visiting the other sites as recommended in the posts above. You won't be disappointed.
John
Jackson, TN

Sorry, I have to disagree about the Opryland Hotel, especially the last post. Yes, it is a large hotel with a nice atrium throughout most of it. And there are overpriced bars/restaurants throughout. Although it is not too awful far from downtown, it is in an out of the way location. I believe you can take a river taxi downtown if you prefer that to running the gauntlet down I-65. However, it is comparable to a large, mediocre property in Vegas. Comparing it to. As a native Nashvilian, I must say that I have never heard of it referred to as the "Eighth Wonder of The World". Let's just say this: it's touristy in a Branson/Biloxi/Pigeon Forge kind of way.

Well I love the Orpyland Hotel to visit and you should definitely do so. Take an afternnon walk through the beautiful gardens and have lunch or dinner there, but I would not locate myself there for the trip. It is on the northeast outskirts of the city and is a pretty good drive to downtown. I second or third the Hermitage as a place to stay. It has great Old World charm adn is convenient to all sights. It is right next door to the Tennesse Performing Arts Center, but do visit Opryland Hotel.