Where to Stay in Nashville? Hotels & Rentals (2026)

Where to stay in Nashville depends a lot on what you want to experience while you’re here. See my full guide on what to do in Nashville here. From affordable hostels to luxurious hotels and private VRBO rentals, Nashville offers a range of lodging options in some of the city’s most sought-after neighborhoods. In this guide, we’ve rounded up the best places to stay for every budget, so you can rest easy while you explore Music City.

Your budget will play a big part in where you stay. There are straightforward, affordable hotels if you mainly need a comfortable place to sleep, while Nashville also has plenty of upscale hotels and stylish private rentals if the accommodation itself is part of the experience. Personally, I’d choose the neighborhood based on what you actually want to do during your trip rather than simply picking the cheapest or most popular hotel. Nashville is spread out enough that saving a little on your room isn’t necessarily worth it if you end up spending extra time and money getting everywhere.

Budget Accommodation in Nashville

Red Roof Inn Nashville Music City

If you’re looking for an affordable hotel near Broadway and downtown Nashville, look no further than the Red Roof Inn Nashville Music City. It’s close to the Johnny Cash Museum and even has a 24-hour fitness center!

The Hayes Street Hotel (West End)

The Hayes Street Hotel is a good option if you’re looking for a no-frills hotel in West End with a convenient location for exploring Nashville. It offers easy access to Broadway and the museums, while the surrounding lively area has plenty of bars and eateries within easy reach. This makes it a practical choice if you want a straightforward place to stay without paying for a lot of extra amenities.

Best Western Plus Music Row

The Best Western Plus Music Row is a good choice if you’re looking for an affordable stay in Music Row and want to be close to some of Nashville’s biggest attractions. It’s near downtown and the Johnny Cash Museum, while its location in the heart of Nashville’s music scene makes it a great base for exploring the city’s music hub. It’s especially convenient if you want to spend your days sightseeing and exploring Music Row without paying downtown hotel prices.

Nashville Mid-Range Accommodation

Hutton Hotel (Midtown)

The Hutton Hotel is a trendy, upscale hotel near Vanderbilt that gives you a comfortable place to stay without being right in the middle of the downtown crowds. It offers a nice balance of affordability and luxury, while still giving you easy access to downtown attractions and everything Nashville has to offer.

Drury Plaza Hotel Nashville Downtown

The Drury Plaza Hotel Nashville Downtown is a mid-range gem in downtown Nashville, especially if you want to stay within walking distance of the city’s biggest attractions. It’s near the Country Music Hall of Fame and Broadway, and the free breakfast and evening snacks are a nice bonus that can help keep your overall trip costs down.

The Hermitage Hotel (Downtown)

The Hermitage Hotel is an elegant hotel in downtown Nashville for travelers looking for a little more comfort and luxury without going completely overboard on price. Its central location puts you within a short walk of Nashville’s historic landmarks, making it a convenient base for exploring the city on foot.

Luxury Accommodation in Nashville

Conrad Nashville (Downtown)

The Conrad Nashville is a top luxury hotel in downtown Nashville, with spacious rooms, polished design, and high-end dining for a more upscale stay. Its downtown location also puts you near Broadway and the Country Music Hall of Fame, making it easy to combine a little luxury with Nashville sightseeing.

The Thompson Nashville (The Gulch)

The Thompson Nashville is a chic boutique hotel in The Gulch, one of Nashville’s most popular neighborhoods for dining, shopping, and nightlife. You can enjoy drinks at the rooftop bar with skyline views, then step outside to explore the neighborhood’s many shops and restaurants.

The Omni Nashville Hotel (SoBro)

The Omni Nashville Hotel is a luxury stay in SoBro, putting you close to some of Nashville’s best-known attractions and entertainment. It’s near the Country Music Hall of Fame, Broadway, and other downtown landmarks, while the hotel itself offers premium amenities and plenty of entertainment for when you want to spend some time closer to your hotel.

Private VRBO Rentals in Nashville

Charming & Stylish 12th South Loft

This detached loft in 12th South is a great choice if you want to stay somewhere with a more local feel while still being close to the action. You’re just steps from shops, bars, and cafes, but the loft itself offers a quiet, stylish, local vibe that feels a little removed from the busier downtown areas.

Studio Loft in Downtown

This private loft in downtown Nashville puts you right in the middle of the city, making it easy to explore without relying on a car. You can walk to Broadway and the Country Music Hall of Fame, with many of Nashville’s other major attractions also close by.

Modern Luxury in The Gulch

This luxury home in The Gulch is a good option if you want more space and a residential feel without giving up a central location. The home offers skyline views and is within walking distance of restaurants and shops, while Broadway and the Nashville Arena are about a five-minute drive away.

FAQs about where to stay in Nashville

What is the best area to stay in Nashville for first-time visitors?
If you’re visiting Nashville for the first time and want to see the main attractions, staying close to Broadway and downtown is probably your best bet. You’ll be within easy reach of many of the city’s most popular sights, restaurants, and nightlife.

Is it better to stay downtown or outside downtown Nashville?
Downtown puts you closer to the action and many of Nashville’s main attractions, while staying outside downtown can be cheaper and sometimes quieter. The better option really depends on your budget and what you want to do during your trip.

What are the best neighborhoods to stay in Nashville?
It depends on what you’re looking for. Downtown is convenient for sightseeing and nightlife, while areas like The Gulch, Music Row, Midtown, and 12th South offer different atmospheres and may suit you better depending on your plans and budget.

How many days should you stay in Nashville?
For most visitors, two nights is probably ideal. That’s enough time to experience some of Nashville’s main attractions, explore Broadway, and get a feel for the city without needing a long stay.

Is Nashville expensive for hotels?
It depends on where you stay and what type of accommodation you choose. Nashville has options for every budget, from more affordable hotels to upscale properties and private rentals.

Do you need a car when staying in Nashville?
Not necessarily, especially if you stay downtown. Many of the main attractions are within walking distance, and having a car can actually be more of a hassle downtown because of parking and restrictions. If you stay farther outside the city center or want to explore attractions beyond downtown, however, a car can be useful.

Final Thoughts on where to stay in Nashville

There’s no single best place to stay in Nashville. It really comes down to what you want from your trip. If this is your first visit and you want to spend most of your time sightseeing, staying downtown puts you close to Broadway, the Country Music Hall of Fame, and many of Nashville’s biggest attractions. Music Row and Midtown can be a good middle ground, giving you easy access to downtown while offering a slightly different atmosphere. The Gulch and 12th South are great choices if you’d rather stay somewhere with plenty of restaurants, shops, and a more neighborhood feel.

Post originally published on November 3, 2023, and last updated on August 22, 2026.