"Why book? In an age of kitsch, there’s something compelling about a straight-up traditional luxury hotel, with no artifice and no gimmicks—just gleaming floors and welcoming staff. Set the scene The extra-high ceilings, sweeping staircase, and horseshoe-shaped motor entrance combine to make the Conrad’s lobby feel like a sleek, big-city hotel where you rush in to drop off your packages from a day of shopping before running out to the theater. While Conrad guests, of course, are doing all the Music City things, from honky tonk hopping to book shopping, the vibe is more refined than many of the other Nashville hotel options. This is perhaps the loveliest hotel lobby in the city to sit and people watch over a glass of whatever you prefer. The backstory The Conard is a gleaming high-rise in the Broadwest complex, where West End Avenue and Broadway meet in Midtown. This new construction development was delayed for many years, and locals referred to the hole in the ground where it sat as “Lake Palmer.” All evidence of the construction and excavation are long gone, and now the hotel leans into the chain’s reputation as a luxury hotel for international travelers. Think business travelers and stylish tourists, all here for the sleek rooms, attentive, service and high-end dining. The rooms Lots of hotels in Nashville have floor-to-ceiling windows, and the Conrad's benefit from the high-rise’s positioning, which offers unobstructed views that include the expanse of city to the north (an uncommon perspective here). Some rooms even have balconies looking out on the hotel’s green roof. Inside the room you’ll find the best uses of technology, including buttons that open and close sheer curtains and blackout shades. Guest rooms are carpeted and feature sleek, modern furniture, with additional seating areas and work desks. Suites have giant soaking tubs separate from the walk-in showers, as well as multiple spacious seating areas and a pull-out couch in the living room. Food and drink You’ve got several choices for where to eat and drink at this Conrad. Lobby-level Blue Aster serves some of the city’s best steaks and seafood for a high-end evening, with attentive servers and a creative menu. Ask for a table in the nook away from the kitchen; it's not as visible from the lobby, the lighting is not as harsh, and it offers a more intimate experience. Upstairs bar, Thistle & Rye, is the place for a craft cocktail among a lively crowd before heading out on the town—and both dining venues offer a decent selection of Tennessee whiskeys. The spa No spa, but the hotel has an outdoor rooftop pool that's stylish and sure to be buzzy in summer. The neighborhood/area The Broadwest complex is a small new development with some green space and other restaurants and offices inside. Some evenings there are live music performances or yoga sessions outside. The surrounding Midtown neighborhood isn’t particularly interesting for visitors; this is a stretch of blocks that simply connect to places you want to go. But you’re just a few blocks from historic Music Row and an easy walk from Broadway and downtown's honky tonk bars and event venues. The service Conrad hotels are known for luxury service, and Nashville lives up to that reputation. This feels like a traditional luxury hotel, where you’ll find concierge willing and able to make reservations, snag tickets, and make recommendations. A bellman will escort you to your room and show you how everything works, pointing out small details such as French press and espresso machines in the room. Accessibility From lower buttons in the elevator so those in wheelchairs can reach, to phones and alarms with strobe lights to Braille room numbers, the hotel is fully ADA accessible. Anything left to mention? The art throughout the hotel blends with its neutral color scheme and shiny brass detailing. The artists behind the works are local and a book in each guest room gives insight to the thoughts behind the pieces." - Margaret Littman
