The Hutton Hotel

Though it’s located in the business end of midtown Nashville (a short drive to downtown’s Broadway), once you walk into The Hutton Hotel, the vibe is anything but uptight. The inviting lobby is the perfect mix of old and new (buttery leather couches, a black stone concierge desk, metal sculptures, striped blue cowhide rugs, and bamboo floors.) And the open floor plan that connects the hotel’s restaurant, The West End Kitchen and Bar, keeps the casual groove. Oh, and hope you like dogs because The Hutton Hotel is dog-friendly; you may just find a Golden Retriever sitting next to you as you grab your morning coffee.

The hotel was absolute perfection for a girls’ trip I recently took to Nashville. We were close enough to the action but could return to a more peaceful sanctuary after a long day (or night) out on the town.

Jam Time

Even though you may not have a honky tonk bar blasting next to your hotel, you are actually right in the epicenter of Music Row and there are constant reminders of this, like the impeccable vintage record collection in a smaller wing off the lobby. Guests are encouraged to grab an album and play it on the turntable.

If you go further into this wing, you’ll find The Hutton’s new 5,000 square foot music venue and cocktail lounge, Analog, as well as their stunning Writers Studio. These creative spaces were developed in partnership with GreenLight Media & Marketing as part of a major redesign in 2017, spearheaded by Studio 11 Design, to make the hotel provide not only beautiful accommodations (there are 247 guest rooms and suites), but also an established and exciting artist’s residence.

Country music artist Dierks Bentley, as well as OneRepublic’s Ryan Tedder, collaborated with Studio 11 on the Writers Studios and they are exquisite, providing everything a recording artist needs to lay down a track (including room service, of course). Bentley’s room features Saltillo tile, deep rich blue walls and Navajo rugs (clearly showing his Arizona roots) as well as a display of some gorgeous guitars. Tedder’s has more of a raw urban feel with vintage leather couches and swanky green velvet curtains.

Both Analog and the Writers Studio aren’t just for show. The hotel has provided a true, creative space for musicians. Opening weekend at Analog had The Shadowboxers, Allen Stone and Maren Morris performing and currently, Lee Brice is doing a three-part residency. Morris and Zedd also recorded their hit song ‘The Middle’ in the Writers Studio.

Periodically the Writers Studio holds retreats for new songwriters where artists come and stay at the hotel for 3 days and study in workshops led by some of Nashville’s best songwriters, explore the city’s musical history and work with a sound engineer to record a demo. The Hutton Hotel’s Writers Studio is a part of what makes Nashville one of the greatest music cities in the world.

Accommodations

Standard rooms have subtle rock n’ roll influences and the glass-screened showers with massage-pressured, oversized rain showers absolutely have to be mentioned. The hotel is also super family-friendly with cots free for the kiddies; I should mention that the three of us were quite comfortable sharing two queen-sized beds.

Where you really see inspired design talent is in The Hutton Hotel’s two signature Penthouse Suites – the two one-bedroom units are outfitted in a stunning blue-gray palate with white marble, rich bamboo woods and a sleek fireplace. The Warhol-like portraits of Dolly Parton and Elvis in the hallway must be studied. If you’re seeking a more residential vibe you may want to consider the three-bedroom duplex Hutton Suite, which has a full kitchen, multiple lounging areas and baths, and a beautiful grand piano.

And though you’ll be busy rocking the town, there is a petite but fully-equipped fitness center including treadmills, ellipticals and Peloton bikes. Need to get around? Just grab the free shuttle service that takes you anywhere within a 3-mile radius.

Dining and Drinking

Sure, there are plenty of fun bars in the area with Vanderbilt University just down the street, but the West End Kitchen and Bar in the hotel is pretty lively. The restaurant, which is under Executive Chef Chris Anderson, offers new takes on traditional Southern cuisine. From cola-glazed bison ribs to pickled chili to barbequed octopus, this is not exactly a run of the mill hotel restaurant. Naturally, the bar mixes an exquisite whiskey cocktail.

If you’re headed to Nashville for either business or pleasure, you may just want to put The Hutton Hotel at the top of your list.