I’ve spent a night in a jail (not as an inmate) and one in a bank (not as a security guard). I’m just a sucker for historic buildings turned hotels. So when Hotels.com named Nashville’s Union Station Hotel one of its top 10 “Salvaged Stays” in its Unpack ’26 travel trends, I felt smugly validated. Housed in a gorgeously restored 1900 train station and steps from Broadway, this boutique beauty blends golden-age glamour with modern comfort. I loved it so much on my first visit that I burned precious Marriott Bonvoy points to return. Yup. It’s that good.
Union Station Nashville Yards Highlights
- Stay in a meticulously restored historic landmark
- Enjoy a prime downtown location with easy access to Nashville’s top attractions
- Choose from luxurious and well-appointed guestrooms and suites
- Indulge in Southern classics at the hotel’s signature restaurant
- Relax and unwind with the hotel’s modern amenities, including a fitness center
First Impressions
On my first stay, prior to a 2016 multi-million dollar renovation, the grand lobby of the Union Station Nashville Yards totally blew me away. The soaring barrel dome ceiling features 128 panels of curved stained glass, manufactured by The Luminous Prism Company, a competitor of the Tiffany Glass Company.
The ceiling and charming architectural details remain, but the vibe has changed. The clubby lobby bar is gone, replaced with a sleeker lounge and the station’s old departures board has been relocated from behind the front desk.
Live music in the lobby is a daily highlight, beginning at 5 pm. It’s fun, but loud. The front desk clerk and I had to holler back and forth during check-in.
Expect a 24/7 party vibe in Nashville, the unofficial bachelorette capital of the world.
Guest Rooms
The Union Station caters to a variety of guest needs with a selection of tastefully appointed rooms and suites. Choose from standard guestrooms offering plush king or queen beds, or opt for a more spacious suite featuring a separate living area and stunning city views. All guestrooms are outfitted with luxurious linens, bathrooms with rainfall showers, and high-tech amenities like flat-screen TVs and complimentary wifi.
My King guest room on the sixth floor had dramatically high ceilings and windows with a view of the Nashville Yards train lines. Worried about noise? I couldn’t hear a thing, not the band downstairs nor the busy party scene on Broadway. My room furniture, including a very cool standalone armoire, were vintage Art Deco. The burnished brass globe chandelier and slatted bench at the end of the bed felt very much like features you’d find in a train terminal.
The lobby hallways are carpeted in a pastel menswear plaid but the room flooring, thankfully, was a light-hued luxury vinyl plank. I think I’ll be telling my grandkids about the olden days when hotels had room carpeting and they’ll react in horror.
One of my favorite features from my earlier stay was the Union Station’s plush bathrobes. I bought one when I got home. It’s a great robe that’s lightweight but absorbent. There wasn’t one in my armoire when I checked in, but a quick call to the front desk rectified the situation.
I wasn’t familiar with the hotel’s American-made ROAM toiletries crafted with farm-to-shower ingredients like Maine blueberries. But the light scent is very pleasant. so I’ll look for the brand when I get home.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Surprisingly, there were no other bathroom amenities like makeup remover, Q-tips or cotton balls. I always expect them in Autograph Collection properties so I didn’t travel with my own. Pack accordingly.
On-Site Dining
When it comes to food and drink, The Union Station offers an on-site restaurant, lobby bar, room service and morning beverage station.
Stationairy
The hotel’s signature restaurant boasts an open-concept design and serves up modern cuisine crafted from fresh, locally sourced ingredients. I had biscuits and gravy for breakfast which came served with extra crispy, extra delicious potatoes.
SheBuysTravel Tip: If you’re a Marriott Bonvoy member, you’ll have a choice of breakfast or extra points at check-in. If you choose breakfast, you’ll get a voucher, but it’s not valid for the entire Stationairy breakfast menu.
The Bar Car
Grab a casual bite at the hotel bar, which features an extensive selection of craft cocktails, local beers and wines. The bar is a dramatic arc that extends out into the lobby so you feel comfortable taking your drinks and moving to the plush seating areas which have classic board games like checkers and Scrabble available for play.
Room service is available from 6 am – 11 pm and complimentary morning coffee and tea is served in the lobby.
Hotel Amenities
The Union Station offers a variety of amenities to ensure a relaxing and enjoyable stay. The hotel features a state-of-the-art fitness center where you can maintain your workout routine.
Although the Union Station Hotel does not have an on-site pool or spa, guests can get day passes to use the rooftop pool at the Grand Hyatt across the street.
Nearby Attractions
You can’t beat the location of the Union Station Nashville Yards. It’s a 10-minute ride from the airport and a 10-minute walk to the heart of downtown Nashville where you’ll find dozens of bars owned by music stars including Blake Shelton, Garth Brooks, Miranda Lambert and Kid Rock. They’re loud, crowded and fun.
Here are some of the top attractions you can easily walk to from the hotel when you need a break from the bar scene or if you’re visiting Nashville with kids:
- The Frist Art Museum hosts a rotating series of exhibitions inside the city’s old post office building
- If you like spice, try Hattie B’s famous Nashville hot chicken that ranges in intensity from mild to “Shut the Cluck Up!”
- The Country Music Hall of Fame traces the history of American music from its Appalachian roots to today’s top artists including Morgan Wallen and Taylor Swift
- Make your own gooey good Goo Goo Cluster candy
- Catch a concert or game at Bridgestone Arena
- A variety of tour options are available to learn about the history of Ryman Auditorium, the original home of the Grand Ole Opry
Leave a Reply