Hermitage Hotel

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Are You Hip Yet?

Commissioned by 250 Nashvillians in 1908, The Hotel Hermitage (named after Andrew Jackson's Hermitage estate) opened its doors on Saturday, Sept. 17, 1910. The new hotel, which would change its name in the 1940s, advertised its rooms as "fireproof, noiseproof, and dustproof, $2.00 and up."

Only the finest materials were used: Italian sienna marble in the entrance; wall panels of Russian walnut; a cut, stained glass ceiling in the vaulted lobby; Persian rugs; and massive, overstuffed furniture.

Downstairs, adjoining the Oak Bar, was the Grille Room (now The Capitol Grille), which was originally planned as a rathskeller. The room was built by craftsmen imported from Germany and emerged as a private club for men only.

As Nashville's first million-dollar hotel, it was the preferred gathering place for the city's socialites. It was the national platform for both pro- and anti-suffrage forces, and a national radio program originated from its famous dining room.

The Hermitage Hotel was a symbol of Nashville's emergence as a major Southern city. For its first 50 years, it flourished in the heart of a city that repeatedly earned its rightful place in the nation's history books. The hotel became a social center for Nashville and a frequent stop for some of the nation's most prominent figures, from presidents and war heroes to actresses and gangsters. From the early 20th century through the '30s and '40s, "Meet Me at The Hermitage" could have been deemed the city's slogan.

The hotel changed hands several times in the '80s and '90s. Then, in June 2000, Historic Hotels of Nashville, LLC, purchased The Hermitage Hotel with the goal of creating one of the finest small luxury hotels in the world through an extraordinary renovation of the guest rooms and public areas, and a commitment to achieving an uncompromising level of warm and friendly service.

Room Details

Our restoration allowed us to create the finest luxury guest rooms and suites to be found in any city. The average size of our new guest rooms is 475 square feet - large even for a luxury hotel. Each of the 122 spacious guest rooms and suites present a rich tapestry of elegant furnishings and appointments, with many of them offering spectacular views of the State Capitol and the Nashville skyline. Every room is exquisitely decorated and features fine, traditional furnishings and lavish new amenities.

Wine & Dine

The hotel's restaurant, The Capitol Grille, was named one of the best new restaurants in America by Esquire magazine. The 106-seat restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and is a true celebration of southern taste. A private dining room is available.

Spa & Fitness Facilities

A sun-lit fitness room featuring treadmills, cross-trainer and stationary bike each with personal televisions, as well as individual strength equipment

Massage therapy suites with locker rooms.

To Do

Nashville runs on creative energy. Country songwriters and symphonic musicians… classical sculptors and digital artists… recording stars and opera divas… hip hoppers and ballerinas… all thrive here. This receptivity to creativity and creative people may be why Nashville has been voted one of the friendliest cities in America. There’s just something in the air here.

Arrival Details

From the north on I-24 Take exit 48 (James Robertson Parkway) and go one block to Woodland Street. Turn right onto Woodland Street. Continue on Woodland Street over the bridge. The street name changes to Union Street. Continue on Union to 6th Avenue. Turn left. The hotel is immediately on your right at the corner of 6th and Union.

Additional Details

Hotel Leaves a Musical Heritage
The Hermitage Hotel was the cornerstone of social activity in Nashville during the '30s and '40s. The Francis Craig Orchestra entertained Nashvillians from the Oak Bar and Grille Room from 1929 to 1945 - the longest running hotel musical act on the books. Craig's orchestra was also the first to broadcast over WSM and enjoyed phenomenal success with a 12-year show that was aired over the entire NBC network. In 1949, he introduced a newcomer, Dinah Shore, who entertained his audience with a new song entitled, "Near You."

Where the Famous Flocked
The guest book reads like a Who's Who in American History. Six presidents have made their way to The Hermitage Hotel along with such celebrities as Bette Davis, Greta Garbo and Al Capone. An autographed photo of Gene Autry in full cowboy garb at the hotel desk now hangs proudly on the wall of the hotel's lower level. Local World War I hero Sergeant Alvin York is said to have hung his hat at the hotel while touring Nashville.

Shortly after its opening, The Hermitage Hotel played host to a variety of political figures. President William Howard Taft came to Nashville on Nov. 9, 1911, and was entertained at the finest room in the city - the main dining room of The Hermitage Hotel. Women were permitted to attend the banquet - a first in Nashville history. The following year, Woodrow Wilson, then governor of New Jersey, attended a banquet there held in his honor.

The Hermitage Hotel really made its mark on political history when Memphis' own Edward H. (Boss) Crump headquartered his statewide political machine there. The stalwar