I need advice on a hotel to stay in between Vanderbilt and Bridgestone Arena. I am thinking downtown would be a better location? ( Close to Arena than Vandy?) But not really sure. Thanks for your help.

It depends. Are you coming for the usual touristy stuff, plus the above? If so, yes, I'd definitely stay downtown. You'll be able to walk to a lot, including the arena. But if you're doing a college visit or otherwise planning to spend a lot of time on campus, I'd stay at a Vandy area hotel. The areas are a very short drive or cab ride apart - it's just what you want to be able to walk to.

Also - what's your budget? Both areas have a variety of hotels at different budgets.

I'd like to keep it 150-180/night, we do have AAA. Hilton and Renaissance are both booked. Seems there are a few conventions, of course. Previously we stayed at the Ren. and liked the walkability of the location. We will have our car so can drive. Monday morning is the only time we need to be on campus. Thanks.

I'd stay downtown, then, if you plan to do the touristy things. There's a Hampton Inn that's in a good location. I can't help much with specifics - I live here, so I haven't stayed in the hotels! My understanding is that any of the major chain hotels downtown are fine. What dates are you coming? There may be some major event going on.

Thanks, I'll check the Hampton. Does anyone know anything about Indigo Hotel West End Ave.? Travel Advisor reviews are extreme-LOVED IT vs HATED IT.............

Any information about Indigo?

I've not stayed at the Indigo...it had just opened a couple of years ago, right before our trip. The location is good, close to lots of restaurants and just down the street from Vanderbilt I think.

The Courtyard downtown is cool...it's in a renovated bank building so it has some unique and wonderful architectural details. I used to recommend the downtown Hampton Inn, especially for someone traveling with a car because they offered free parking, but I read on their website that that little perk has disappeared. It still is a nice hotel, good location, very clean and quiet.

Thanks. Courtyard is booked. It was my understanding that the Hampton still offered free parking but who knows. The Indigo reviews were so extreme, I'm not sure about that one. (And parking is $20/day)

We got the Loews Vanderbilt on Priceline once and it was nice (but there was a fee for parking there too...I really hate paying for parking...) Also got the downtown Doubletree on PL, but it was quite awhile ago. It was nice and in a great location as well.

Did you look at the Homewood Suites downtown?