The US may be known for the glamour of Miami, the celebrity of L.A., and the go-your-own-way of New York, but Nashville is a world of its own—and one that’s increasingly becoming a must-visit destination. We recently checked into The Gallatin to see what the city had to offer.

While this stay was complimentary, all thoughts and opinions are our own.

Review of The Gallatin

Let me be very clear: The Gallatin is going to be unlike any other hotel you’ve stayed at. Tucked away in the local residential neighbourhood of East Nashville—a comfortable 15-minute drive from the cover bands and rowdy bachelorette parties of downtown and the Honky Tonk Highway—this boutique bolthole is as unique as the city that houses it.

First impressions

Firstly, the hotel is located in a hidden cul-de-sac, behind the main strip of Gallatin Avenue. It’s a little tricky to find, and when I pull up—at 8pm, after a delayed flight—I hesitate to get out in front of the deserted building until I see the hotel’s name emblazoned in neon.

Second, there’s no traditional check-in desk. Instead, the day before I arrive, I receive an email with my assigned room number, a pin code for the hotel’s entry doors, and another for my room. Translation: when I arrive, there’s no one in sight and I’m in my room in about two minutes.

The Gallatin lobby
Enter into a fun-filled stay at The Gallatin

To get there, I enter the white-tiled lobby—brightened with a cheery patterned carpet, plush seating, a textured ceiling, and a big sign encouraging guests to “Stay joyful”—and pass the completely self-service coffee bar, luggage store, and photo booth. Entering the main building, I’m greeted by long corridors that seem vaguely institutional. These are where the rooms are located, and I can’t help but feel like I’m back in a university dorm—albeit one with an eye for fun, spunky design.

I admit that not seeing any staff—or guests—onsite during my arrival is a little unnerving. But I assume most guests would be out for dinner, and I later find out why check-in, check-out and almost everything else is automated. The aforementioned email also had a number to call or text, so I’m reassured I can reach someone if necessary.

Pillar of the community

I soon learned that The Gallatin is a hotel with heart. Plenty of properties walk the walk about sustainability and supporting their communities, but this Nashville hideaway actually talks the talk and lives up to its tagline: Stay here, change lives. It sinks the majority of its profits into its “Room for Rooms” programme, an initiative that provides much-needed beds, food, and essential supplies to the city’s most underserved communities.

In a way, this is an extension of the building’s legacy. The Gallatin was once the Eastside Church of Christ, which had offered refuge to locals since 1925.

I’d hazard a guess that the self-service check-in and check-out, and the policy of no housekeeping during stays, are a way to save on costs and channel that profit into doing even more good for those that need it the most. You can’t argue with that.

The room

The Gallatin guestroom
Bright colours and contemporary fixtures make for fresh guestrooms

There are more than a handful of rooms here, each one individually designed in bright hues and unique configurations. Top digs are the Deluxe King Suites, which offer more space and bathtubs, though the Bunk Rooms, which feature two sets of bunk beds, comfortably accommodate up to four guests.

The Gallatin doesn’t have elevators, so I drag my suitcase up the (mercifully easy-to-climb) stairs to check into Standard King Room 312. At a cosy 275sq-m, the room is perfect for my one-night stay.

I immediately notice the Instagram-worthy splashes of bright red, and the Warhol-esque portrait of country crooner Johnny Cash—this is Music City, after all. There’s a dry bar with some local snacks, a plush king-sized bed flanked by charging ports and nightstands, and in the corner, a comfortable armchair with a small table that folds away for extra space. I’m also thrilled to find a Dyson hairdryer in the red-tiled bathroom.

A few extra notes

I wasn’t quite sure what to expect at The Gallatin, especially when I first pulled up. It’s not an opulent five-star property, so don’t roll up expecting to be putting on the Ritz. But it’s clear that the team has thought everything through and is making the guest experience as smooth as possible.

There were no problems whatsoever with getting into the hotel and my room when I arrived. And, because the hotel had also sent me their bespoke guide to Nashville—listing their favourite restaurants, bars, and attractions in the city’s most popular neighbourhoods—I knew exactly where to go to grab a late dinner of pizza and local beer. The next morning, my request for a late checkout was quickly approved by text, and this process only involved sending another quick text saying I’d left.

If you’re here for a weekend to hit the bars on Honky Tonk Highway or take in a show, The Gallatin may not be your most convenient option. But, if you have a few days—and even better, access to a car—you’ll love being ensconced in a local neighbourhood, The Gallatin’s colourful personality, and the fact that your stay is doing some good.

Find out more about The Gallatin or Book through Booking.com

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