Hotel Indigo Nashville Review

Nashville has its hooks in me! In the past 18 months I’ve visited over half dozen times, and it’s turned into a great way to split up the drive between Atlanta ( my homebase ) and Indiana where my parents live. I’d seen the Hotel Indigo many times on my search, and it just so happened, that my mom had a Chase IHG Rewards Select credit card free night certificate expiring at the end of the December and it was good for properties up to 40k a night. The Indigo was pricing in the low 30k IHG points per night, and I booked it.

The long story short…I’d 100% come back to this hotel for the lobby bar and have a great meal while listening to music. The staff universally was welcoming, attentive, and very polite. However, the rooms are too old for my taste and Nashville has a plethora of other options so I doubt I’d stay again unless there was a deal on the penthouse suites.

Other Nashville Reviews:

• The Thompson Nashville ( Hyatt )
• The Joseph Nashville ( Marriott Luxury Collection )
• The Hermitage ( Amex FHR )
• The Harpeth Hotel in Franklin, TN
• The Kimpton Aertson

Hotel Indigo Location:

The Hotel Indigo is in a very good location just a short walk from all the action on Broadway and the riverfront and is across the street from the courthouse. The Dream, Bobby, and Noelle are all within a couple of blocks as are a few Starbucks. The vibe gets noticeably better walking away from the courthouse.

Stay Details:

• December 2022
• IHG Status: The account it was booked under has Platinum, but they recognized and extended my Diamond benefits
  • This included free breakfast
• Pet Policy – $50 fee
• Rate: 32k points, but I used a free night certificate
  • Cash rates were around $210 to $220 after tax
• Parking: Valet at $50

Arrival

I arrived at sundown and since I was traveling with a pet and staying free I valet parked to make things much easier. I could have used Parking Spot or Parking Whiz to find a nearby lot. I was promptly greeted by a valet and was checking in within a couple minutes.

Check In and first impression

I had long admired the hotel’s official lobby pictures and wondered if reality would live up to my expectation and it really did! The hotel took over the American Trust Building and they’ve been able to sustain much of its character. The lobby and restaurant exude an old school Nashville country vibe with high ceilings, leather couches, and a bar that faces a stage featuring live music.

The hotel was booked under my mom’s name with me added as a guest. I inquired about receiving my diamond benefits, and without even a question, they were extended. I was also upgraded to a King City View room facing the courthouse.

The Room

I’m not going to sugar the pill. It feels old. The hotel, I believe, opened in 2010, and while it’s still clean, Nashville is a town that parties, and this room as seen it’s revelers. It had tons of light, and while $200 +/- isn’t an expensive room by Nashville terms, it was pricing about the same as the Kimpton, and the Kimpton offers nicer rooms. Everything just felt a bit dated and worn.

The Bathroom featured a single vanity and loud color combos

There was no tub, and as you can see around the ceiling there is some grime.

It did offer individual bath products

In all honesty, the room felt more like an older Holiday Inn than a 4 star hotel in one of the coolest cities in America. The rooms also aren’t on the same level as the energy and vibe of the lobby.

One positive part of the room was lots of light due to being on the corner.

Much to my surprise the room had a tablet that offered various tidbits about the hotel like restaurant hours, gym hours, and the ability to order food.

The Gym

The gym was a good size and had a series of windows providing quality light.

The Bar/Restaurant was fantastic

After seeing the room, I didn’t know if I’d really want to dine at the hotel or not. I’m so glad that I did. Not only was the live music absolutely phenom, but the dinner was fantastic

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Dinner

I had an Old Fashioned which was superbly made and started with these fried green tomatoes, chutney style jam, and a spicy butter.

I followed that up with a Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwhich which was uber juicy and just the right amount of kick. It was the perfect, sit back, relax, and enjoy the amazing music that was on stage that night kinda food.

And for dessert I had a slice of pecan pie which was just ok

Breakfast

Dinner was so good that I was excited to try breakfast. And…it didn’t disappoint. Was it the best breakfast I’d ever had? No, but the pancakes were light, fluffy, and I ate right at the bar with a great waitress. While I wouldn’t go out of my way to have breakfast here like I would dinner, I’d definitely take advantage of it if you’re staying and get it free.

Overall

I’m very happy that I tried the Hotel Indigo Nashville when I was on my own. It’s in a solid location, it’s pet friendly, and the dinner was great. In fact, this was my first ever Indigo stay, and it was really enjoyable. The only downside was the age and quality of the room, but if you’re able to snag sub $200, you probably won’t mind, nor will you spend much time in it. Nashville is a city that you’re spending most of your time out on the town, enjoying live music, and odds are not in the room.

With that said…if the price was competitive, and you’re wanting to stay within the IHG umbrella,  I’d choose the Kimpton over the Indigo.