Review: Noelle Hotel Nashville

I checked into a grand old dame in the Music City and it didn't disappoint. 

A Tribute Portfolio hotel, this downtown Nashville stunner is a unique space for creatives in a city filled with them.

Songwriters, musicians and artists of all kinds meet here to absorb the decades of charm that exist under its roof. Live music and happy hours, with bars on three levels mean it’s always humming with energy.

The Noelle Hotel in Nashville is a neo classic boutique stay

The low down

This neo classic boutique hotel, circa 1930, seems straight out of a movie - all pink Tennessee marble and art deco features. Ceiling roses, copper drinking fountains, solid bronze bannisters, and decorative arched windows, remind guests of the building’s grand past. Porters sweep open the doors as you enter, and ask about your day. It’s posh and makes every guest feel special. 

Noelle's rooftop terrace

Location

The Noelle is a few blocks from downtown and Broadway which means you are right in the heart of this vibrant music loving city. The sound of laughter, woo-hoo-ing and the strumming of guitars is a companion most evenings as the hotel is situated adjacent to Printers Alley and some of Nashville’s jazz and rock bars.

The hotel is close to the city's iconic bars

Set the scene 

The Noelle was originally built as a hotel just at the beginning of the Great Depression and stayed in operation until the 1970s. It was repurposed as a banking and financial centre before being restored for use as it was originally intended by 55 local Nashvillian artists, makers and designers. Slip into a time warp when you order a martini at the long wooden Trade Bar or meet with friends in the lounge furnished with reupholstered vintage armchairs and sofas, where light streams in from the enormous arched windows.

Meet with friends in the lounge furnished with reupholstered vintage armchairs and sofas, where light streams in from the enormous arched windows

The room 

The enormous rooms are painted a contemporary dark grey, contrasting with the hickory hardwood floorboards. The panelled walls, art deco lamps, ornate ceilings and freestanding wardrobes give a cozy yet deluxe vibe. Sheets are elegantly monogrammed with the hotel’s name and the bathrooms are luxurious with marble benchtops and tiles. Sadly, there is no bath in my room but the spacious shower makes up for it. Automatic blockout blinds allow guests to set their own hours. When you’re honky-tonking all night, an early morning is not always on the agenda. The lights dim and return to brightness slowly, another plus for a tired traveller.

A room at the Noelle Hotel Nashville

Dining

The interiors at restaurant Lona are colourful and Mexican design elements include blue walls, a bright mural and cacti in pots. With chefs Richard Sandoval and Pablo Salas (both notable for their contribution to Latin and Mexican cuisine on a global stage) at the helm, the menu at Lona is a deep dive into the nuances of Mexican cuisine. Butter poached Atlantic lobster in a flour tortilla with garlic aioli is a real highlight of my meal, and nachos with chipotle cheese sauce, pickled red onions, queso fresco and guacamole are delicious, especially after 24 hours of travelling. The sweet strawberry margaritas complement the food well. 

For a sophisticated drinking experience, a prohibition style speakeasy waits downstairs. Cleverly called Hidden Bar, punters need to open the door marked ‘Storage’ to enter. It’s dark and seductive and the cocktail list is dynamite. I had a Bees Knees (gin, lemon and honey). My friends went for Whiskey Sours because we are in Tennessee.

A prohibition style speakeasy waits downstairs

The rooftop bar, Rare Bird (referencing the blue heron, a bird indigenous to Tennessee) is a Nashville favourite. In winter, wrap yourself in one of their cosy jackets or grab a blanket and gather with friends in front of the outdoor fireplace and load up on s’mores or a plate of hot wings. There’s an appealing mocktail list and even a list of cocktails that include CannaCane THC enhancer, 

For breakfast, the Drug Store Cafe in the foyer has bagels (plain, everything or fruit) and coffee each morning. You can order food to take away but I suggest perching in the window to watch the city wake up and the people of Nashville stroll by on their way to work in their well cut suits and cowboy boots. 

Get in front of the outdoor fireplace and load up on s’mores on the rooftop

The extras 

The foyer has a very tempting gift shop with sequin suits and gold plated letter openers, high end makeup offerings and coffee table books. It’s hard to walk through without a detour to look at this divine collection - especially when they’re serving Bellinis on a sip ‘n’ shop day.

What’s hot 

There’s a coffee/tea station on every level of the hotel. Also, the robes here are the best - plush on the inside, waffle weave on the outside.

The robes here are the best

What’s not 

The covers on the beds here are light. The air conditioning works well to warm the room but if you like weight on you while you’re sleeping, ask reception for an extra blanket (or add another layer with the dressing gown). 

The verdict: 9/10

Super stylish, fabulous food, bougie bar and easy access to Broadway. Loved it!

Rooms start at $U239 ($379). Suites from $U691 ($A1096).

The writer was a guest of Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp - Visit Music City

Originally published as Review: Noelle Hotel Nashville