The moment you walk in the door you see the Graduate Hotel celebrates the city of Nashville and its country music legacy. The giant pink Minnie Pearl wall hanging behind the check-in desk immediately puts a smile on your face. The colorful lobby is sensory pleasing and an adventure so powerful it diverts you from the check-in process as you wander through the entire lobby pointing at unique items you’ll never find in any other lobby. The lobby also doubles as the seating area for Poindexter Café’ and because Vanderbilt University is a short walk away, it has a high-end study hall vibe.
The colors don’t stop in the lobby. The hallway to our room had black doors and trim which nicely accented the sparkling lavender walls. In keeping with the Graduate Hotels college town locations nationwide, the room key playfully shows the student id of a major Country Western star.
The rooms are clearly meant to excite and the attention to detail will have you saying “did you see this” when you discover each unique detail. The beds are comfortable and the rooms are quiet. But hey this is Nashville so don’t expect to be hanging out in your room.
Downstairs off the lobby in a hallway to the bathrooms is a somewhat hidden, speakeasy-like entrance to Cross-Eyed Critters the karaoke bar that is so much more! Channel your inner singer or sit back and marvel at how good the karaoke can be in a town full of artists. Prepare to share the stage with Critters’ very own anatomical backup band. The Bar has its own main entrance from outside so you never get the hotel bar vibe.
A second bar and restaurant Miss Bessie’s on the rooftop opens in February 2020. Take in skyline views as you lounge poolside on a fuchsia-fringed daybed or pull up a seat indoors at the rosy onyx bar. With both high end indoor and outdoor seating areas this will quickly become a Midtown favorite.
A new residential building is currently under construction right next door and early morning construction noise can spill into rooms on that side so be sure to request a room on the front side of the hotel to avoid any unpleasant experiences.
Service and staff are excellent and much of the already trained staff come from other Graduate Hotels around the country.
Nothing says Nashville like “citywide parking problems”. If you have a vehicle, plan on using the hotel’s valet parking because street parking is mostly unavailable. Include $40 a night in your travel budget to solve this problem.
For retirees who want to feel young again, this is a great atmosphere and returning alums attending football games, you are a short walk to the stadium and will feel right at home on campus.
Graduate Hotel Story
Because some parts of the hotel are still getting their finishing touches in early 2020 – pools, restaurant and conference areas are currently unavailable but are offset with rates 25% below comparable hotels in the area. Check out prices and availability!
