Nashville’s Hermitage Hotel first opened its doors in 1910 – nearly 115 years ago. It was Nashville, Tennessee’s first million-dollar hotel. At the time, it was considered to be “fireproof, noise proof, and dustproof.”
The hotel served as the headquarters for the Suffrage Movement in 1920 when Tennessee cast the critical vote that gave women the right to vote. Fast forward a bit to 2003, and the hotel underwent a $19 million renovation. So, today this stunning hotel boasts restored architectural details and traditional décor yet is outfitted with 21st-century amenities.
Designated a Historic Landmark
The Hermitage boasts one of the most stunningly beautiful lobbies in the United States including a gorgeous stained-glass ceiling. Throughout the years the hotel has welcomed many famous guests. These include famous country singers and well-known Hollywood players, as well as a few US Presidents. President Taft was a guest in 1911, followed by Governor Woodrow Wilson in 1912. And in more recent decades, John F. Kennedy, Lyndon Johnson, and Richard Nixon also stayed at the hotel.
In August 2020, the Hermitage Hotel was designated a National Historic Landmark for its decisive vote regarding women’s rights. So, the hotel had already been listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975 for its architecture. It is also a member of Historic Hotels of America which is a program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
Hermitage Hotel – Lap of Luxury
The rooms at the Hermitage offer an average of 500 square feet per room. Some guest rooms still feature historic details, such as crown molding and marble bathrooms.
So, the rooms are also completely modernized, clean, and bright with in-mirror televisions and state-of-the-art technology. Other subtle touches include stationery with the guest’s name printed on it and robes for after showers or just lounging.
Dining and Drink in and Around Hermitage Hotel
Celebrity Chef Jean-George Vongerichten opened his first restaurant in the South at the Hermitage in 2021. So, the spaces have the same feel as the city has come to know, but more open, with cleaner lines, and brighter colors.
The restaurant, Drusie & Darr, was named after the children of the hotel’s former manager who happened to grow up in the famous building. So, the meticulously curated menu also features Tennessee-grown ingredients.
The Hermitage Hotel Area
The Hermitage is located across the street from the Tennessee Performing Arts Center and the Tennessee State Capital building is a part of downtown that is busy and bustling. But the area has a much different vibe than the bars and honkytonks scattered along Broadway nearby.
The area has plenty of bars and restaurants and relatively close proximity to green spaces and other major Nashville attractions. Stay up to speed on all the hot spots and sweet destinations. Return to Travel Hop regularly for all the latest travel news and updates.