Let’s be honest—Nashville has a reputation. Broadway, biscuits, bridesmaids in cowboy hats screaming to Taylor Swift. And spoiler alert – you will hear “Any Man of Mine” within the first hour – which, not gonna lie…I kind of love. But beyond the neon and honky-tonks, this city also delivers a design lover’s dream: aesthetic Nashville hotels, restaurants, and bars that feel as stylish as any you’d find in New York or LA.

The boots are sequined, the drinks are strong, and the music is constant. It’s fun. It’s chaos. It’s… a lot. And yeah, sometimes the clichés hit. There’s a certain magic to getting pulled onto a dance floor by a cowboy who knows what he’s doing. But beyond the neon and the noise, there’s a city with some real taste.

You don’t need another list of basic brunch spots and “hidden gems” that aren’t actually hidden. If you’ve landed here, chances are you care about the vibe. You’ve got taste. You don’t want to waste a night out at a place with bad lighting and worse cocktails. You want the fun—but you also want the follow-through.

I’m here to show you another side of Nashville—one built on good taste, not just good times. I design hotels, restaurants, and bars for a living—so if I’m telling you a spot is worth your time, it’s because it actually is.

Now before we saddle up, take a minute and grab the full Nashville Aesthetic Travel Guide—because no one wants to be Googling “cool Nashville bars” while sweating in cowboy boots on Broadway. You’re better than that. 🤠

Once you’ve downloaded your aesthetic Nashville guide to the best hotels, restaurants, and bars, you’re all set.

Boots up, let’s go!

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Restaurant: Union Station Hotel | 1001 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203

Ghosts, Glamour, and Gothic Charm at Union Station Hotel

Some hotels boast luxury. Some have history. And then there’s Union Station Hotel—which has both… plus a ghost named Abigail. Once a grand railway station, this Nashville landmark has seen countless travelers come and go—but one, apparently, never left.

The legend of Abigail is the hotel’s most famous ghost story. As the tale goes, she fell in love with a soldier who departed from the station below. Heartbroken after watching his train vanish, she tragically jumped from the tower. Ever since, guests have reported flickering lights, eerie whispers, and even glimpses of a shadowy figure in a flowing white dress, drifting through the corridors. Some say she’s still waiting for him to return.

Creeped out yet? Don’t be—this hotel is just as stunning as it is spooky. This hotel is drop-dead gorgeous (sorry – pun intended). With its soaring stained-glass windows, dramatic stonework, and vintage-meets-modern suites, it’s the perfect blend of historic charm and contemporary elegance.

My friend, Christy (*shoutout*) was the lead designer on the renovation, and she made room 711 extra chic and special in honor of Abigail. So if you wanna splurge with a suite treat, that’s the room to request. I love the femme tufted curves in the sofa and that epic window seat.

And speaking of suites, check out this one with its ultra-high ceilings and softly curved corners. These lovely details make it the perfect place to snuggle up after taking in the sites of Nashville.

If you go: Snag a bite at Stationairy. The soaring ceilings and original arched windows are worth it alone—but the fries are also kind of excellent.

In Case you’re Wondering…Answers to your FAQ’s about the Union Station Hotel.

Q: Is Union Station Hotel a good place to stay for a bachelorette weekend in Nashville?

A: You can—but this isn’t the pedal tavern crowd. If your crew wants design-forward suites, great lighting, a glam lobby moment, and a more grown-up take on the weekend, it’s a yes. Think matching silk sets, not sashes and tequila.

Q: Is Union Station Hotel a good spot for a romantic weekend in Nashville?

A: Absolutely. She’ll love it. You’ll look like you have taste. And no, you don’t have to light any candles or say anything deep. Just book it. You’re welcome.

Q: Which historic guest room suite at Union Station should I stay in—and what makes each one special?

A: Room 711 (Abigail’s Room): Legendary and atmospheric, this is where the ghostly legend lives—if you’re into silent ceilings that might echo. It’s moody, mysterious, and utterly unforgettable. Conductor’s Suite: All the space, all the drama. Two-and-a-half baths, a functional kitchen with island seating, a fireplace, and room to gather. Perfect if you brought the gang or just need more room to roam.

Q: Is Union Station Hotel in Nashville part of a hotel brand?

A: Yes—but it doesn’t feel like it. Union Station is part of the Autograph Collection by Marriott, which means you get all the perks (hello, Bonvoy points) without sacrificing style or personality.

Q: I’m not staying at Union Station Hotel, Nashville —still worth a visit?

Absolutely. Grab a cocktail, stare up at the ceiling, and let yourself have a main character moment. It’s one of the most stunning spaces in the city—and you don’t need a room key to enjoy it.

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Restaurant: Drusie & Darr — The Hermitage Hotel | 231 6th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37219

Velvet, Vaults, and Bathroom Bragging Rights

The Hermitage Hotel is old-school Nashville elegance—the kind of place where the ceilings are gilded, the columns are carved, and the staff might call you “miss” with full sincerity. It’s grand without being stuffy. Which makes the fact that Drusie & Darr lives just downstairs feel like the best kind of plot twist.

The restaurant is all soft arches, velvet curves, and chandeliers with a warm champagne glow. Designed by Thomas Juul-Hansen and helmed by Jean-Georges, it’s basically a design lover’s fever dream—with a menu to match.

Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s menu is full of flexes: yellowfin tuna tartare with avocado and ginger dressing, crispy sushi topped with spicy tuna, truffle-dusted fontina pizza, and the kind of ethereal soft scramble that makes you rethink your entire egg strategy. There’s also a killer cacio e pepe and perfectly balanced grapefruit brûlée—yes, it counts as a fruit serving.

Come for the ambiance, stay for the soft scramble with crème fraîche and caviar—because this is not your hangover brunch (unless it is, and then I love that for you).

Also: the bathrooms. Yes, I’m going there. The women’s room is a soft pink dream; the men’s is…wait for it mint green toilets and urinals. Of course I had to see it (with full permission and an all-clear, calm down). Obviously, there will be a “Who wore it better – Blush or Pistachio?” moment on Instagram. Follow me and stay tuned.

If you go: Sit beneath the arches. Get the cacio or the tuna rice. Order the cacio. Say yes to dessert (always). And if you’re into interiors? Use the restroom(s). Both of them.

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Hotel: The Virgin Hotel, Nashville — 1 Music Square W, Nashville, TN 37203

The Virgin Hotel – For the Guys + Gals Who Like a Little Glam With Their Grits

If Nashville is boots and biscuit energy, Virgin is the rhinestone-studded stiletto kicking the saloon door open. While some hotels whisper, the Virgin Hotel struts. It’s glossy, cheeky, and a little unhinged—in the best way.

From the moment you walk in and spot guitars hanging from the ceiling above check-in, you know this place isn’t shy. It’s bold, cheeky, and having a lot more fun than some of its more “serious” neighbors. But here’s the thing—it works.

Virgin Hotel doesn’t try to blend in—and why should it? In a city full of boots and whiskey barrels, this place is lipstick red, fully styled, and unapologetically extra.

The Commons Club is part living room, part party waiting to happen. There’s a velvet swing (because why not), plenty of space to sink in with a cocktail, and the kind of eclectic-meets-polished design that makes you want to stay for more than one round. Order something strong and sit somewhere plush. You’ll probably end up staying longer than you meant to. And if you’re here before a night out on Broadway, this is a perfect pre-game spot

The guestrooms (actually called “chambers” – that’s a flex!), are smartly laid out: one side for getting ready, the other for winding down. Expect views over Music Row or of Vanderbilt, depending on your room.

But the real showstopper? That rooftop. The Pool Club is part scene, part skyline, part espresso martini factory (if we’re being honest). It’s equal parts party energy and laid-back lounge, depending on when you show up—and who you show up with.

Whether you’re actually staying here or just popping up for a drink and a shameless selfie in the elevator mirror, Virgin is a full-on vibe. Slightly over the top? Yes. But sometimes, so are you.

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Hotel: 1 Hotel Nashville — 710 Demonbreun St, Nashville, TN 37203

1 Hotel Nashville: The Eco It-Girl of Nashville Hotels

If Soho House and a national park had a love child, it’d probably look like 1 Hotel. All soft neutrals, sexy textures, and the kind of greenery that makes you want to drink chlorophyll and say things like “gut health” with a straight face. In a city full of loud prints and louder parties, 1 Hotel is a soft exhale. It’s all organic textures, muted tones, and the kind of styling that makes you want to Marie Kondo everything in your life immediately.

Everything here is intentional. The materials, the textures, the plants that somehow look happier than yours ever do at home. It feels like lounging in the middle of a 5-star forest that hired a world-class architect. There are wooden ceiling rafters, slatted screens casting shadows across the walls, sculptural beams that divide space without ever closing it off. The light filters in soft and dappled, like it knows it’s part of the design, too.

Even the hallways have that hushed, tucked-away energy—like you’ve stepped out of the city and into a perfectly edited version of peace. You don’t rush here. You move slower, sip slower, scroll less.

The public spaces are beautiful, sure—but the guestrooms? That’s where I fully fell in love.

Warm, rich woods. Soft, sculptural lighting. Matte black hardware that feels intentional, not trendy. The mix of natural textures and refined craftsmanship hits this perfect balance—modern but earthy, minimal but rich. It’s the kind of room that doesn’t just look good, it feels good.

Everything is built-in and beautifully considered. The lines are clean, but the vibe is soft. You notice the quality without needing to name it. It’s not trying to impress you—it just has nothing to prove.

There’s a quiet luxury to it. The kind that makes you slow down without even realizing. For a full tour of the hotel, check out my blog post here.

1 Kitchen & Bar – Eating Clean Never Looked This Good

There’s always a little hesitation when a hotel restaurant leans “farm-to-table.” You brace yourself for overpriced beets and menus that read like a Whole Foods label. But 1 Kitchen? This isn’t that…It actually works, really well.

The food is seasonal and fresh in a way that feels effortless—not like it’s trying to “cleanse” you. It’s the kind of place where you don’t even notice you’ve ordered vegetables until they show up and you’re genuinely excited to eat them. Plant-forward, yes—but not in a “guess you’ll be hungry later” way.

Let’s talk about the restaurant space—because 1 Kitchen is gorgeous. Burlap-wrapped beams stretch across the ceiling, softening the architecture and warming the entire room. Oversized glass lantern lights float overhead, casting a glow that’s somehow both flattering and grounding. There’s a peekaboo mix of wood slats and rope-wrapped columns that divide the space just enough to feel intimate, without ever feeling closed off.

1 Kitchen Bar: The Layover I Didn’t Know I Needed

Tucked just off the dining room, the bar at 1 Kitchen glows like a secret you’re glad you found. Slatted wood screens filter the light, creating soft shadows that move as the day shifts. It feels like someone curated a jungle, a liquor archive, and a sculpture studio… then lit it just right.

The backbar is a layered installation of spirits and botanicals: shelves of amber-lit bottles, trailing greenery, and woven panels suspended like sculpture. It’s architectural but still earthy—designed down to the last detail, but not at all fussy.

My flight got delayed, so I stayed for a drink. I couldn’t choose between cocktails (shocking, I know), and the mixologist—bless him—offered to build me a flight so I didn’t have to decide. Love that! He made that flight delay one of my favorite moments of the trip with the flight and also his witty banter sprinkled in the mix. That’s the art of true hospitality – making a great bar feel like a private club you never had to apply to.

Answers to your FAQ’s about the 1 Hotel in Nashville:

Is there a coffee shop at 1 Hotel Nashville?

Yes—Neighbor’s Café, aka your new morning obsession, is the lobby-level spot for lattes that don’t skimp on style (or flavor). Whether you’re team oat, almond, or pistachio milk (yes, really), they’ve got you.

Must-tries:

• The Hive Latte with honey sea salt syrup, cinnamon, and pistachio milk.
• Café de Olla Frío, a rich, spiced iced coffee with chocolate bitters and coconut whip. Basically dessert with an alibi.

If you need a quick caffeine hit before exploring the city, this is your spot. And yes, it’s extremely photogenic.

Does the 1 Hotel Nashville have a gym, and what’s the fitness scene like?

Yep, they’re all about that health and wellness thing. Even cooler, they’ve got “Body Architects” – They’re the hotel’s version of personal trainers—just with a cooler name and a better playlist. You’ll find them at Anatomy, the on-site gym, offering curated one-on-one sessions that feel more like high-design fitness than bootcamp. Less yelling, more sculpting.

What are the actual sustainable features at 1 Hotel Nashville?

Let’s count the ways: in-room water filtration taps (no plastic bottles in sight), key cards made from recycled wood, energy-efficient systems, organic linens, reclaimed materials throughout, and a zero-waste mentality in the kitchen. It’s earthy—but elevated. Like if your favorite tree-hugger also had impeccable taste.

Is 1 Hotel Nashville one of the most aesthetic hotels in the city?

Without question. It’s giving neutral luxury in the best way—raw wood, linen everything, soft lighting, and enough plants to make you rethink your entire apartment. It feels like the kind of place an eco-heiress would retreat to for a digital detox. Every corner is camera-ready, but somehow still chill about it. Yes, the lobby’s Instagrammable. Whether you check-in or just stop by to check-it-out, it’s worth the visit.

Does 1 Hotel Nashville use biophilic design?

Oh, absolutely. This isn’t just a fiddle leaf fig in the lobby—biophilia is the whole vibe. There are living green walls between guest room doors in the corridors (yes, actual plant walls in the hallways), plus reclaimed wood, organic textures, and 56,000 ivy plants draping the building’s façade. It’s like staying in a luxury treehouse—only with room service and very good lighting. You can click here for my full tour of biophilic interior design inspo from the hotel!

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Hotel: Dream Hotel — 210 4th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37219

Dream Hotel + Stateside Kitchen: Brunch, Beats, and Bold Moves

If 1 Hotel is all linen pants and herbal tea, Dream Hotel is sequins and espresso martinis. It’s not trying to be subtle—and honestly, that’s half the charm. With mirrored ceilings, dramatic lighting, and just enough edge to feel like something might happen tonight, this is where you go when you’re still in your going-out era (or want to borrow one for the weekend).

The energy hits the second you walk in—mirrored ceilings, bold velvet furniture, and lighting that says, “You will take a selfie here.” It’s unapologetically extra… and kind of fabulous for it.

Stateside Kitchen delivers the signature sparkle: oversized booths, a buzzing open dining room, and the now-infamous Brunch N Beats scene. It’s where pancakes meet party. The DJ starts spinning before you’ve finished your coffee, and somehow it works. The energy’s high but controlled, the food’s solid, and the cocktails? Dangerous—in a good way.

As for the guest rooms—they’re dark, moody, and designed for after-dark energy. It’s all black accents, sultry lighting, and sleek surfaces. But let’s be real: the black-and-white striped tile in the shower? Slight prison vibes. That said, the beds are plush, the minibar is stocked, and the noise stays in the lobby where it belongs.

If you’re looking for a quiet retreat, this isn’t your spot. But if you want to pre-game in style, stay out late, and maybe make a questionable decision or two—Dream’s your jam. Just don’t expect to get to bed early.

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Retail: The Golden Slipper — 314 Madison St, Nashville, TN 37208

The Golden Slipper Boutique: Candles, Local Quirk, and Curated Southern Sass

If Anthropologie had a Nashville-born cousin with better stories and a stronger candle game, it would be The Golden Slipper. This shop is part cozy boutique, part design dream—and every inch is styled to stop you in your tracks.

A full-on shrine to Southern eccentricity, complete with a wallpaper of pug portraits, a cheeky altar of candles, vintage cookbooks, hot sauce, and just enough Dolly Parton nods to remind you where you are—without tipping into tourist trap.

It’s designed to make you stay longer than you planned. And it’s exactly where you’ll find that one thing you didn’t know your coffee table needed—but now can’t live without. This isn’t about souvenirs. It’s about style. With a wink. And a little sparkle.

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Restaurant: June — 809 Meridian St, Nashville, TN 37207

June: Minimalist Mood, Maximal Experience

You won’t stumble into June. It’s the kind of restaurant that finds you. Tucked above Kál’īōs (shoutout to the sister downstairs), June feels like you’ve stumbled into a secret—part supper club, part dinner party hosted by someone who probably forages on the weekends and pairs wines better than most sommeliers. The tasting menu leans hyper-seasonal and wildly inventive, but in a way that’s still warm and welcoming, not precious or stiff.

The space is minimalist in the most deliberate way. No clutter. No unnecessary flair. Just clean lines, warm wood, and an energy that feels like someone lit a candle and whispered, “stay awhile.” It’s dim, but not dramatic. Quiet, but never cold. More gallery than dining room, but in a way that welcomes you in.

The experience flows like a conversation. There’s no giant menu to scan, no drink list to stress over. You trust the team—and they reward that trust with plates that are thoughtful, layered, and beautifully restrained. Nothing shouts. Everything speaks.

Dinner at June feels like time slows down. You’re not rushing to get to the next thing. You’re here. In the moment. Bite by bite. Sip by sip. It’s one of those rare places that makes minimalism feel indulgent. And if you didn’t know that was possible—now you do.

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