City: Nashville, TN

Category: Accommodations

Telephone: (615) 244-3121, (888) 888-9414

Address: 231 Sixth Ave. N.

Insider Pick:

Description: Downtown Nashville’s Hermitage Hotel underwent a $17-million renovation in 2002 that was designed to transform the historic property into one of the world’s finest small hotels. Less than a year after reopening, the hotel earned AAA’s prestigious five-diamond rating. It’s the only five-diamond hotel in Tennessee. First opened in 1910, the hotel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is said to be the only remaining commercial Beaux Arts structure in the state. Over the years it has welcomed such luminaries as Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy, Richard Nixon, Al Jolson, Greta Garbo, and Bette Davis. Cowboy star Gene Autry once showed up with his horse Champion. Others who have called the hotel home include Jack Dempsey, Minnesota Fats, Al Capone, and Mickey Spillane.Today, the Hermitage Hotel features 122 spacious and luxurious guest rooms and suites, some of which have a view of the State Capitol. Each room includes a marble bath with double vanities, soaking tub, and separate shower; down-filled duvet; complimentary high-speed Internet connection; three 2-line telephones, DVD/CD player; and 27-inch television. The hotel offers concierge service, 24-hour room service, business center, laundry and dry-cleaning service, a fitness room, and many other amenities. Afternoon tea and evening cocktails are served in the grand lobby. Those who are traveling with pets will want to know that the hotel has an excellent pet program that includes custom pet beds, dog-walking service, and a room service pet menu prepared by hotel chefs. There is no weight limit for pets, and no deposit is required.