Hermitage Hotel | Nashville

The Hermitage Hotel stands as Nashville’s most iconic and historic luxury hotel, embodying over a century of architectural grandeur, cultural significance, and refined hospitality. Located directly across from the Tennessee State Capitol in downtown Nashville, it opened its doors in 1910 as the city’s first million-dollar hotel and was hailed as the first in the South to be fireproof, dustproof, and noiseless, setting a new standard for luxury and safety.

Architectural and Design Significance

Designed by the distinguished architect J. Edwin R. Carpenter, who was trained at both the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and the prestigious École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, the Hermitage Hotel is a masterful example of the Beaux-Arts architectural style. This style is characterized by its grandiosity, symmetry, classical details, and elaborate ornamentation.

The hotel’s facade features massive paired Ionic columns that convey a strong classical influence.

Its exterior is adorned with polychrome glazed terra cotta, a distinctive material that adds both color and durability.

Inside, visitors find luxurious Italian marble floors, intricately carved Circassian walnut paneling, and ornate plaster moldings.

The lobby is distinguished by a stunning stained-glass ceiling skylight, which bathes the space in natural light filtered through colorful panes.

Other intricate details include hand-painted glass, decorative elevators with brass fixtures, and richly detailed plasterwork throughout public and private areas.

This blend of rich materials and fine craftsmanship creates an atmosphere of timeless elegance and grandeur.

Historic and Cultural Legacy

The Hermitage Hotel has played a pivotal role not only as a social hub but also as a stage for significant historical events:

Women’s Suffrage Movement: The hotel was a central location during Tennessee’s decisive ratification of the 19th Amendment in 1920, which granted women the right to vote nationwide. Both suffrage supporters and opponents used the hotel as their campaign headquarters. The famous “Jack Daniel’s Suite” on the 8th floor served as a meeting place where lobbyists, activists, and politicians strategized and socialized during this critical political moment.

Presidential and Celebrity Visits: Over the decades, the hotel has hosted numerous U.S. presidents, including William Howard Taft, Woodrow Wilson, John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson, and Richard Nixon. Cultural icons such as Amelia Earhart, Charlie Chaplin, and the Francis Craig Orchestra have also been guests, further embedding the hotel into Nashville’s rich social tapestry.

Broadcasting Milestone: In 1925, the radio station WSM broadcast its first live show from the hotel, cementing the Hermitage’s place in Nashville’s musical and broadcasting history.

Restoration and Modernization

After a decline in the 1970s, the Hermitage Hotel closed its doors but was subsequently rescued and restored beginning in the 1980s. A major, $17 million renovation, completed in 2022, revitalized the hotel for the 21st century while preserving its historic integrity.

Led by noted preservation architect Ron Gobbell and the restoration firm Forrest Perkins, the project refurbished all 122 guest rooms, public spaces like the grand lobby and ballroom, and the hotel’s infrastructure.

The restoration preserved original elements such as the hand-painted glass skylight, Tennessee marble, and ornamental plaster ceilings while introducing modern amenities, updated furnishings, and a refined color palette that balances classic elegance with contemporary comfort.

Modern technologies like high-speed Wi-Fi, Bose sound systems, flat-screen televisions integrated into mirror panels, and luxurious marble bathrooms were discreetly incorporated.

Sustainability initiatives and accessibility improvements were also part of the renovation, ensuring the hotel meets modern standards for comfort, efficiency, and inclusiveness.

Accommodations and Amenities

The Hermitage Hotel offers 122 spacious guest rooms and suites that average approximately 500 square feet, with select City Suites reaching up to 1,000 square feet. Each room blends historic charm with modern luxury:

Beds outfitted with Frette linens and a pillow menu ensure supreme comfort.

Bathrooms feature deep soaking tubs, marble countertops, and smart TVs embedded in mirrors.

Technology includes Bose sound systems, high-speed Wi-Fi, and convenient in-room dining options.

The hotel is pet-friendly, with amenities and packages tailored for guests traveling with animals.

Valet parking, 24-hour concierge, fitness center, boutique shopping, nanny services, and private car arrangements provide comprehensive guest services.

Dining and Social Spaces

The Hermitage’s culinary offerings reflect a blend of Southern tradition and modern gastronomy, largely under the direction of Michelin-starred chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten since 2021:

Capitol Grille: A signature restaurant serving refined Southern cuisine with a contemporary twist, emphasizing local ingredients and seasonal menus.

The Oak Bar: Known for its sophisticated atmosphere and an extensive 180-bottle bourbon selection, it provides live jazz and an inviting setting for both casual drinks and formal gatherings.

Drusie & Darr: A cozy café offering specialty coffee, teas, and light bites in an elegant, intimate space.

The Pink Hermit: A charming coffee bar that doubles as a social hub for guests and locals alike.

Unique Features

The hotel is famous for its historic Art Deco men’s restroom, which features striking black and lime green tilework, and a newly designed women’s restroom that echoes this distinctive style. These restrooms have garnered national acclaim, including finalist positions in “America’s Best Bathroom” awards.

The ballrooms and event spaces are prized for their ornate detailing and grand scale, frequently hosting upscale weddings, galas, and business conferences.

Awards and Recognition

The Hermitage Hotel was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975.

In 2020, it was designated a National Historic Landmark, becoming the only hotel in Tennessee with this prestigious status, largely due to its exceptional architecture and critical role in the women’s suffrage movement.

It has earned top-tier hospitality accolades such as the AAA Five Diamond Award (since 2007) and the Forbes Five-Star Award (since 2008).

Recognized by Southern Living magazine as one of the best classic hotels in the southern United States as recently as 2025.

Events and Experiences

The Hermitage Hotel offers a curated calendar of signature events and guest experiences:

Elegant afternoon tea service, especially popular during the holiday season.

Seasonal events including the Nutcracker Tea and Christmas tree lighting ceremonies.

Customized wedding and banquet packages that leverage the hotel’s historic elegance and premier service.

Curated guest packages such as game-day tailgates during football season, bed & breakfast stays, and pampered-paws packages for pets.

Personal concierge services assist guests with reservations, local recommendations, transportation, and event planning.

Summary

The Hermitage Hotel is a living monument to Nashville’s heritage, blending Beaux-Arts architectural splendor, profound historical significance, and modern luxury hospitality. It stands not only as a premier hotel but as a cultural landmark deeply woven into Tennessee’s political, social, and musical history. Through careful preservation and thoughtful innovation, the Hermitage continues to offer an unparalleled guest experience where tradition meets contemporary elegance-truly capturing the spirit and grandeur of Nashville across generations.