Nashville area's extensive array of hotel and motel accommodation is in demand year-round, for both tourists in the summer, and convention business and trade shows throughout the year. As the music city capital of the world, the city welcomes thousands of country music fans every year, especially in June for the CMA Music Festival/Fan Fair. The airport and Opryland/Music Valley area have a vast selection of excellent hotels in all price ranges. Downtown offers hotels within walking distance of the main tourist attractions, while those in the Vanderbilt/Music Row area are closer to the best range of excellent eating-places. Many wonderful B&Bs are to be found close to Downtown and in the surrounding area of Greater Nashville.

Price categories for a standard double room are as follows:
$$$$ (over US$300)
$$$ (US$200 to US$299)
$$ (US$100 to US$199)
$ (under US$100)
Tax of 15.25% is extra. Check hotel websites for online specials. Breakfast is not included unless specified.

The Hermitage Hotel
The ultimate in opulence and elegant Southern old world charm, The Hermitage Hotel opened in 1910 and for much of its life has been the centre of Nashville's social, political and business circles. Artisans imported from Europe added Italian sienna marble in the entrance, Russian walnut panelling on the walls of the Grand Ballroom, and a cut, stained-glass ceiling in the vaulted lobby. The hotel underwent a US$17 million renovation in 2002, and is now Tennessee's only AAA Five Diamond hotel. The 123 luxurious guest rooms and suites are tastefully appointed in elegant furnishings, custom-built furniture, Florentine marble bathrooms with double vanities, deep garden tubs, down comforters, and all the extras like personal safe, mini-bar, DVD players, three telephones and high-speed Internet access. The 186 sq m (2,000 sq ft) Presidential Suite is the crowning feature, with stunning views of the Capitol and distant green rolling hills. Presidents, CEOs and celebrities have stayed at The Hermitage, including the notorious Al Capone. When Matinee idol of the day, Gene Autry, stayed here in the mid 40s, his horse was even given its own room on the fourth floor! The hotel is still pet-friendly, and pets are given their own special bed. Conference facilities for business travellers are the most elegant option in town, and weddings are popular. Many extra complimentary services, including afternoon tea and evening cocktails in the grand lobby, and overnight shoeshine service. Fitness room and massage therapy available. The Capitol Grille restaurant and the Oak Bar in the subterranean-style rathskellar offer fine dining in an intimate atmosphere. The hotel is located on Sixth Avenue in the heart of Downtown, within walking distance of Nashville's best in arts and entertainment.

231 Sixth Avenue North
Tel: (615) 244 3121 or 1 888 888 9414.
Website: www.thehermitagehotel.com  
Price: $$$

Loews Vanderbilt Plaza Hotel
Boasting one of the most modern looks in the Nashville hotel scene, Loews Vanderbilt Plaza has bedded many celebrities and country music stars. In the heart of Nashville's trendy West End, the hotel has 340 luxury guest rooms with great views, including 14 suites and three concierge-level floors with all business amenities. The Loews motto is ‘We don't say no', and the friendly staff can solve any guest need, even borrowing or buying clothing items for a special occasion. Pets and children are given a special welcome, with many extra services available. Carol G's Salon and Day Spa has many pampering packages. The on-site fitness centre and kids' video arcade is complemented with access to pool and additional facilities at the nearby Baptist Health Centre. Centennial Sportsplex is close by, with ice skating, tennis and swimming. 2,230 sq m (24,000 sq ft) of versatile meeting space is available for a variety of functions. The lobby restaurant features breakfast, lunch and dinner, and Sunday champagne brunch. Live nightly entertainment can be enjoyed in the lounge and patio bar. The adjacent Ruth's Chris Steakhouse satisfies the need for an exceptional meal. Savouring the flavour of Music City USA, the jukebox in the lobby of Loews Vanderbilt plays only music recorded by stars who have stayed in the hotel.

2100 West End Avenue
Tel: (615) 320 1700.
Website: www.loewshotels.com/hotels/nashville  
Price: $$$

Days Inn Nashville
The closest hotel to Opryland Hotel, Opry Mills Shopping Centre and the Grand Ole Opry, the Days Inn offers consistent value for travellers. Outdoor swimming pool, cable/satellite TV, coffee makers and unlimited local phone calls. Deluxe rooms have microwaves and fridges. Complimentary continental breakfast.

2460 Music Valley Drive
Tel: (615) 889 0090.
Website: www.musicvalleyhotels.com/redroof.html
Price: $

Fairfield Inn by Marriott
Conveniently located close to the Opryland Hotel and Music Valley attractions, the Fairfield Inn lives up to Marriott standards. The 109 rooms and six executive suites are comfortable, with crisp, modern furnishings and free Wi-Fi access in every room. The hotel has a heated indoor pool and fitness centre, and is popular with both tourists and business travellers needing to be close to the airport business district and Opryland Resort and Convention Centre. Complimentary deluxe continental breakfast, a comfortable lobby area with 24-hour fruit and coffee, and free access to fax, computer and Internet. Shuttle service package includes service to Nashville Airport, Gaylord Opryland Hotel & Convention Center, Opry Mills and surrounding restaurants and attractions.

211 Music City Circle
Tel: (615) 872 8939 or 1 800 228 2800.
Website: www.marriott.com/bnaop  
Price: $$