Why book?
It's an ideal location for those who want to stay near Music Row or the Vanderbilt and Belmont campuses, but don’t want to miss out on a buzzy, Music City vibe.
Set the scene
Every Virgin hotel has a signature red staircase, and Nashville’s is no exception. It’s one of the first things you’ll see upon entering the building, surrounded by windows, looking out at Music Row and contributing to the vibe-y, scene-y experience of the property. And that’s the atmosphere Virgin wants (why else would they have hired Hannah Crowell, Johnny Cash’s granddaughter, to make their speakeasy unspeakably good?). Meandering up and down this very red staircase, you’ll see an affluent cross-section of Nashville visitors, from bachelorettes to musicians to record executives.
The backstory
Sir Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin Group, paid $11 million for the land alone for Virgin Nashville. It was originally intended to have condos as well as the hotel itself. After years of planning, Virgin worked with Hastings Architecture, a Nashville architecture firm, to create the space, which opened in 2020.
The rooms
Virgin calls its rooms “chambers.” Each of these chambers has blonde wood accents, velvet furniture, and sliding doors that create separate dressing rooms, so there is a sense of privacy between the sleeping area and the lounging area. In the lounge/dressing room space, you’ll also find full, lit vanities for your makeup application needs, perfect for getting ready for a night out in Nashville. Located in the heart of Music Row, this area is known for its brick houses converted into music labels, and The Virgin Nashville rises 14 floors over the neighborhood, offering views of the famous street and the Vanderbilt University campus from the large windows in the chambers.
Food and drink
You’ve got lots of options in one hotel. Commons Club is the lobby-level all-day eatery, with plenty of Southern dishes on the menu. The Pool Club is, you guessed it, the restaurant on the roof that serves drinks and bar bites by the pool. In winter, the area morphs into a wonderland with themed drinks and opportunities to canoodle by the fire. The Late Great is arguably the coolest spot in the city. The speakeasy was designed by Hannah Crowell, Johnny Cash’s granddaughter, and is packed with great decor, drinks, and music. Funny Library is the coffee shop in the lobby, making for good drinks and great people-watching. Colorful SMEG fridges serve as the in-room minibar.
The neighborhood/area
Music Row is the neighborhood where Nashville gets its most exciting work done—and, of course, where the record labels are located. It isn’t flashy. It’s the center of the economic engine. For the most part, it isn’t touristy. So, a stay at a high-end hotel towering above the Music Row traffic circle will make you feel like you are in the center of the actual action. But, this is not a boring business hotel (as if Richard Branson could ever!). The location, walkable or bikeable to many restaurants and bars in Midtown, and a short ride to downtown, makes it an excellent spot for a party, too.
The service
Staff do their best to learn names and remember faces of guests so that you feel known and seen. In general, whatever you want, the concierge will figure out how to make it happen. Need to book a session in a nearby Music Row recording studio? No problem. Restaurant reservations? You got it.
For families
Families traveling with neurodiverse members can request a visitor’s guide that highlights potential sensory concerns and provides recommendations for navigating crowds and noise.
Eco effort
Virgin Nashville participates in the carbon offset project, Rimba Raya Biodiversity Reserve Project (as do all Virgin hotels), and encourages guests to “Green Their Stay” by donating $1 when they visit, which goes toward a Verified Carbon Standard–approved REDD+ project. (REDD+ stands for reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation.)
Accessibility
ADA standards are in place, including ramps, elevators, and a lift for the pool.
Anything left to mention?
Lots of hotels have digital keys, but Virgin’s Lucy app not only lets you open your door, but also turn off lights, turn on the TV, control the A/C, and order room service from the app. This is great for those times when you just don’t want to get out of bed.
1 Music Square W, Nashville, Tennessee 37203
United States
https://virginhotels.com/nashville/
(615) 667-8000