W Nashville
"Why book? It’s fun to be in the center of a scene, and W Nashville always feels like it is, even when there isn’t something special going on. Set the scene W hotels are known for catering to a young clientele. That background, plus the surrounding Gulch neighborhood’s reputation as a place for bachelorette late nights and mimosas the next day, makes for a young crowd at The W. But this isn’t the cram-six-friends-into-bunk-beds crowd (there are other places for that). This is the well-dressed, ready to go-and-out-and-tip-big crowd, folks who want to have fun, and also appreciate coming back to a hotel with a hopping bar (or two) and a good view. The backstory When Marriott opened the Nashville outpost of its W brand in 2021 it announced a new direction for the hotel chain. The idea was to attract people—both hotel guests and locals—to the hotel for events, including pool parties, live music performances, and places to (and reasons to) hang out. The rooms The guest rooms feel like you are in the home of your most stylish friend, with comfortable, upholstered couches, brightly patterned pillows and rugs, funky light fixtures, modern art, artfully tiled bathrooms, and a mirrored bar (above the mini bar) outfitted with whatever is needed to mix a cocktail as you look out at the impressive view. Some suites have large soaking bathtubs. Leave time to curl up in the provided plush robe before you head out. Food and drink James Beard Award-winner Andrew Carmellini has his name on two restaurants in the W, the more casual The Dutch and Italian chophouse Carne Mare. Carne Mare is a dark, clubby getaway that you enter from the side street (not from the hotel lobby). The menu is laden with indulgences, from oysters to mozzarella sticks topped with caviar to wagyu steaks reliably cooked to perfection. Sunset Bar is the popular destination on the WET pool deck for a drink, followed by another at Proof, the late-night rooftop spot. The lobby is home to Barista Parlor, one of Nashville’s favorite locally owned coffee shops, bedecked with art from Isle of Printing.The neighborhood/area The streets of the Gulch are lined with restaurants, bars, boutiques, and Nashville’s largest collection of outdoor murals. You won’t be bored here and can spend a good part of a vacation checking out music venues such as the world-famous Station Inn. A small dog park across the street attracts the neighborhood’s apartment dwellers as well as hotel guests traveling with dogs. When you want to venture out to Lower Broadway, you’re an easy 15-minute walk away. The service If you have a special request—tickets to the Grand Ole Opry or whomever is playing at the Ryman—the concierge will be able to help you out. They’ll also point you to all of the hotel’s in-house programming. Eco effort Electric car-charging stations Accessibility The hotel complies with ADA standards, with ramps, elevators, Braille signage, and more. Anything left to mention? The in-house boutique is more than a place to buy the toothbrush you forgot: It’s a good stop for tasteful Nashville-themed gifts and clothing. Check out the schedule for acoustic live music on the hotel’s “Spanish steps.”" - Margaret Littman
