The Luxurious Journey

Nashville is a lot.

The last time I was in Nashville, I was still in law school. This was before its economic boom in the 90s-a time when Nashville seemed to me to be the fast food capital of the world. Sure it was always the home of country music and the Grand Ole Opry, but it definitely wasn’t the “destination” that is is today. And while it’s now considered the top spot for bachelorettes, Nashville is much more than that. It is a thriving city with great nightlife, fabulous dining and hands down the best place to get a pair of cowboy boots!

Uniquely Nashville

I’ve been to New Orleans. I’ve been to Charleston and Savannah. But I didn’t quite know what to expect when we walked over to the heart of downtown Nashville on lower Broadway. This is Nashville’s entertainment district, known for its many “honky tonks.” Lined with bars, shops and crowds of people filling the sidewalks, lower Broadway is where the action is. Even at 2 pm on a Friday afternoon.

Most of Nashville’s honky tonks allow kids until 6 p.m., so if you go with your family, you can still enjoy some great music. After 6, things get crazy when Broadway closes off so the streets can accommodate the thousands of people milling around. Music emanates from every space. And not just music- REALLY good music.

What I love about Nashville is that it’s more than just Broadway. There are many distinct neighborhoods with their own personalities. And if the cranes scattered around the city are any indication, this town is just going to keep booming.

What We Ate

You all (Y’all?) know a trip isn’t a trip for me without some amazing meals and Nashville does not disappoint. Best known for its hot chicken, its biscuits and its brunch, that’s just the tip of the iceberg. We started our trip with a visit to the famous Pancake Pantry for breakfast. If dessert for breakfast is your thing, this is the place for you. And don’t miss the candied bacon.

We had a great “farm to fork” meal at Adeles in the Gulch, a neighborhood not too far from downtown. The Gulch has a slightly more trendy and upscale vibe. The best meal of the weekend was at Justin Timberlake’s Twelve Thirty Club, right In the heart of lower Broadway. Spanning 3 floors, including a huge rooftop bar, the swanky Supper Club is a not to be missed steakhouse dinner. This venue took dinner and a show to a whole new level.

Where We Stayed

So where can you go to catch your breath? Just 3 short blocks from that bustling crowd, we found our oasis. The Joseph Hotel, part of the Marriot Luxury Collection, is the perfect respite from all the noise. A member of American Express Fine Hotel and Resorts, The Joseph stands above many urban hotels with top notch amenities and unmatched personal service. 

Like any hotel, service starts at the front desk. Maybe it’s because we were in the south, but we felt welcomed throughout our stay. Everyone made us feel valued and made a point of accommodating any special requests.

Art in all its forms is displayed throughout the hotel. From the paintings to the plantings to the chandeliers, this hotel has a keen focus on the details that make a difference.

Our suite was spacious and well-appointed. There was a subtle cowboy vibe, with the rich leather sofa and horsehair arm rests (think Rip from Yellowstone). Our favorite part of the suite? A record player with several albums. A nice touch.

The bedroom had everything we needed, including a large armoire and plenty of space. I loved the bathroom, which had a cool, separate area for the tub and shower.

We didn’t hear a sound during the night. No slamming doors from the hallway, no cars zipping by. Our interior view wasn’t some back alley, but rather our room overlooked two rooftop swimming pools from neighboring buildings.

The Joseph boasts 2 restaurants, Yolan, fine Italian dining on the main floor helmed by the Michelin-starred, James Beard award winning chef, Tony Mantuano. Yolan serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. (Don’t miss the parmesan tasting in the lobby every afternoon!) There’s also a quick grab and go coffee shop with the most decadent baked goods and delicious coffee. 

If you’re looking for a little swagger, head up to the 21st floor to Denim, a glamorous rooftop bar, complete with wraparound views of the Nashville Skyline.

After a long day of shopping and partying, there is no better place to unwind than the Joseph’s rooftop outdoor pool. There is ample chaise seating and fire pits if it gets cool.

Let’s not forget the full service spa, Rose, also on the 21st floor. This 5,500 sf spa has everything you could want in a spa. The steam rooms and showers with their “multi-sensory features” are a must.

If you like to work out when you’re away, the gym at The Joseph is one of the nicest hotel gyms I’ve ever seen (notice I didn’t say used…). This 1,500 sf fitness center has it all and is accompanied by stunning Nashville skyline.

I’ve stayed in my fair share of nice hotels. What sets The Joseph apart form other urban luxury hotels is the service. From the front desk, to guest services, every request was met with a yes and a smile. They all seemed genuinely interested in making us happy and ensuring that we become repeat customers.

And repeat customers I hope we will be. Nashville has so much to offer. We really just scratched the surface. Until next time Nashville!