Why book
Noelle, tucked inside a completely renovated 1930s building, isn’t your standard new-hotel-in-an-old-building. Rather, it doubles as an art experience.
Set the scene
Much of the hotel's design pays homage to its nearly 100-year history; architect and designer Nick Dryden cleared plenty of breathing room for the past. From the towering pillars of original Tennessee marble preserved in the lounge area to the archive of the original Noels' personal artifacts transforming the mezzanine into an intimate, dark academia library, the Noelle is littered with Easter eggs to the past. The intention is there, and the execution is flawless.
55 local artists were recruited to design the space and the art, drawing on inspiration from notable Nashvillians. You'll realize the vibe is different as soon as you walk in and see cool art and playful displays mingling elegantly with the original architecture. The check-in desk is inside the Keep Shop in the lobby where guests and visitors in the area can shop for artisanal cutlery and genuine leather cowboy boots. The coffee shop is a work of art in itself (as are the directional signs). Floppy hat–wearing women and suspenders-wearing men mill about.
The backstory
Located in Printers Alley, the Noelle is situated in Nashville's historic legacy media hub. In its heyday in the early 20th century, the neighborhood once housed newspapers, print shops, and publishers. Nowadays, the district is a lively corner downtown packed to the gills with bars, restaurants, and shops that feel a titch more elevated than SoBro's honky tonk scene.
The rooms
Noelle is one of the few hotels in Nashville that feels like it's in New York City, with rooms that range from 245 square feet to 483 square feet, marble bathrooms, and armoires with locally crafted essentials. The tech works seamlessly, from the blackout shades to the air-conditioning. Hallway water dispensers make flat and bubbly available for free. Should you need a little more pep in your step in the morning, the hallway coffee bar also comes equipped with an espresso machine.
Food and drink
There are several food and drink outlets in the Noelle. The lobby's Drug Store coffee counter is run by the folks who operate the Barista Parlor shops. The basement restaurant is an offshoot of Lona by chef Richard Sandoval, serving reliable Mexican classics that I can easily see as a refueling or pre-gaming station for a night out in Nashville. The Rare Bird rooftop deck, Trade Room, open lobby bar, and Hidden Bar are all Gatsby-style gathering places for guests and locals to listen to live music and sip on sophisticated tipples.
The neighborhood/area
There are four other new hotels on this block (and more to come), and Noelle is the most refined of the bunch. There are local artist events, and the gift shop is poised to become a holiday-shopping destination, even for non-guests.
The service
The staff is efficient, polite, and friendly. Lots of the amenities, though (like the custom newspaper that tells you what to do in the area), are designed for self-sufficient guests. If you need something, like help making an appointment, the staff will make it happen.
Eco effort
As part of their environmental and social commitments, the Noelle provides reusable plastic water bottles in all rooms for guests to fill at their discretion, and the building does not have single-use plastics—meaning it's all paper straws and stirrers here. The hotel also regularly makes donations of food, clothing, and surplus bath products to Room In The Inn and Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee.
Accessibility
The Noelle is an ADA-compliant hotel with additional thoughtful touches like a publicly accessible restroom, mobile check-in, and braille signage throughout the building.
Anything left to mention?
The second-floor gym has Peloton bikes and tons of natural light. The workspace on the second floor is well designed, providing a healthy distance from the crowds. Noelle is in the center of the downtown action, but insulated from light and noise. The emphasis on local art and design will help you get to know Nashville.
200 4th. Ave N., Nashville, Tennessee 37219
United States
https://www.roomintheinn.org/
(615) 649-5000