Downtown Nashville’s Indigo Hotel: A Modern Take on a Historic Site
Between Nashville’s 3rd and 4th Avenues is the historic Printers Alley. Once home to a young Andrew Jackson’s law practice and stables for his horse, this little back street by the 1890s became the printing and publishing capital of the world. Alongside these flourishing businesses sprouted saloons and speakeasies to cater to after-hours thirsts for entertainment. The presses are no longer running, but the bars and music carry on.
Abutting the alley but facing a quiet stretch of Union Street is the trendy Hotel Indigo, a one-of-a-kind boutique hotel by IHG. It’s an elegant former bank building converted with Southern hospitality for a modern-day clientele. The location is a short walk from the Bridgestone Arena, Schermerhorn Symphony Center, Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Johnny Cash Museum, Honky Tonk Row, Nashville Visitor Center and many more key attractions. A block away is the Cumberland Riverfront Park.
The 130-room Hotel Indigo keeps its heritage alive with architectural details like original travertine floors, arched windows and mail drops in the hallways. The lobby is printer-themed with a back wall fabricated to resemble a typesetter’s tray. Close at hand are a business center with computers and printer, beverage station, water-refill spigot, and doggie treat station. Forgot Fido’s leash? You can borrow one here.
The softly lit library is furnished with leather sofas and velvet-wrapped chairs. Behind the reception desk is the high-ceilinged combination cocktail lounge and restaurant. Live music performances are given nightly by local artists and songwriters. The hotel also has a fitness center and complimentary Wi-Fi.
I stayed in Room 1318 as a guest of Visit Music City during a recent media tour. It’s a vintage-inspired suite, with two wood-floored rooms and a spacious bath. The front room had a sofa, lounge chair with ottoman, dresser with flat-screen television, desk and coffee station. Old-time photographs hung on the walls.
A wall mural depicting the gears of a printing press defined the sleeping area. The bed, which was exceptionally comfortable, was dressed in a leather headboard, luxe linens and menu of pillows. A second flat-screen television faced the bed. The bathroom had a large LED-lighted mirror, oversized shower with subway tile surround, and a generous complement of Aveda toiletries. The plush terry robe and slippers added a touch of richness.
Overall, Hotel Indigo gave me every convenience and amenity I needed for a downtown foray: Location, connectivity, and a splendid night’s sleep.
HOTEL INDIGO NASHVILLE DOWNTOWN
301 Union Street
Nashville, TN 37201
615-891-6000
Hotel Indigo participates in the IHG Rewards Club.
