- 1. Cover Charges Are $0: Virtually every honky tonk on Lower Broadway (from Robert’s Western World to Luke’s 32 Bridge and Morgan Wallen’s This Bar) has free admission from 10:00 AM until 2:00 AM+.
- 2. Always Tip the Band ($5–$20+ per set): Because there is no cover charge, the world-class musicians onstage play for tips! When the singer passes the tip bucket (or displays the band’s Venmo QR code), drop in at least $5 per person—or $20 to $100 if you want them to play a song request immediately.
- 3. Kids Are Welcome Until 6:00 PM–8:00 PM: Most Lower Broadway honky tonks allow all ages during the daytime (typically 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM or 8:00 PM) before switching to strictly 21+ with physical ID scans at the door.
- 4. Historic Gems vs Multi-Story Celebrity Mega-Bars: Visit 4th & Broadway for authentic history (Robert’s Western World, Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge, Layla’s) and 2nd–5th Ave for massive 4-to-6-story celebrity rooftops (Chief’s, Category 10, Jason Aldean’s, Miranda Lambert’s Casa Rosa).
- 5. Best Time to Visit Without Shoulder-to-Shoulder Crowds: 11:30 AM to 4:30 PM daily, or Tuesday–Thursday evenings.
Compare Live Nashville Hotel Rates & Availability
Stretching four neon-drenched blocks from 5th Avenue (Rep. John Lewis Way) down to 1st Avenue on the banks of the Cumberland River, Lower Broadway—universally known as Honky Tonk Highway—is the beating heart of Music City. Live bands take the stage starting at 10:00 AM every morning and play continuously across three to six floors per building until 2:30 AM.
Classic Traditional Honky Tonks vs Celebrity Rooftop Mega-Bars
Lower Broadway divides cleanly into two distinct styles of venues, and you should experience both during your stay:
- The Historic Traditionalists (400 Block of Broadway): Start at Robert’s Western World (416 Broadway)—home of traditional country, Western swing, and the famous “$6 Recession Special” (a fried bologna sandwich, chips, MoonPie, and a cold PBR!). Next door sit Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge (whose purple back door faces the Ryman Auditorium alley where Patsy Cline and Willie Nelson used to slip in between sets), The Stage on Broadway, and Legend’s Corner.
- The Multi-Story Celebrity Rooftops: Over the past five years, country superstars have transformed historic buildings into 4-to-6-story entertainment palaces with open-air rooftop decks, DJ floors, and Southern dining. Highlights include Eric Church’s 6-story Chief’s on Broadway (with Rodney Scott Whole Hog BBQ), Luke Combs’ Category 10, Morgan Wallen’s This Bar & Tennessee Kitchen (adjacent to the Ryman), Luke’s 32 Bridge, Lainey Wilson’s Bell Bottoms Up, and Garth Brooks’ Friends in Low Places.
- Where to Eat Right on Broadway: Skip overpriced bar food and cross the street into Assembly Food Hall at Fifth + Broadway—home to 30+ local food stalls including Prince’s Hot Chicken (the original inventor of Nashville Hot Chicken!), Hattie B’s, and rooftop live music decks.
Closest Hotels Within a 1-to-4 Minute Walk of Lower Broadway
| Hotel | Area | Price level | Walk to Broadway | Pool | Resort fee | Parking | Booking.com |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hilton Nashville Downtown | Core Downtown (1 Block off Lower Broadway) | Upscale | Half a block (100 yards) from Lower Broadway Honky Tonks (1-minute walk) | No pool — 100% all-suite hotel right behind Bridgestone Arena & Country Music Hall of Fame | None ($0 mandatory resort fee) | Self-parking $48/night; Valet $56/night | Check prices |
| Renaissance Nashville Hotel | Core Downtown (Adjacent to Fifth + Broadway) | Upscale | 1 block north of Lower Broadway & Ryman Auditorium (2-minute walk; connected to Fifth + Broadway) | Heated indoor glass-atrium pool & whirlpool | None ($0 mandatory resort fee) | Self-parking $48/night (Library Garage across street ~$20–$28) | Check prices |
| Four Seasons Hotel Nashville | SoBro (1 Block off Lower Broadway) | Luxury | 1 block to Lower Broadway & Ascend Amphitheater (2-minute walk) | 7th-floor heated infinity-edge pool overlooking the Cumberland River | None ($0 mandatory resort or destination fee) | Valet $58/night | Check prices |
| Holston House Nashville, in The Unbound Collection by Hyatt | Core Downtown (1.5 Blocks off Broadway) | Upscale | 1.5 blocks north of Broadway & Ryman Auditorium (3-minute walk) | Heated 12th-floor rooftop bungalow pool & Heirloom bar | $25 + tax per night (waived on Hyatt points stays) | Valet $52/night (Library Garage 1 block away ~$20–$28) | Check prices |
| Hyatt Centric Downtown Nashville | SoBro (2 Blocks from Lower Broadway) | Upscale | 2 blocks south of Lower Broadway & Pedestrian Bridge (3-minute walk) | 9th-floor Laulima heated rooftop pool deck & bar | $28 + tax per night (Destination Fee; waived on Hyatt points stays) | Valet $54/night | Check prices |
| Margaritaville Hotel Nashville | SoBro / Downtown Nashville | Upscale | 3 blocks south of Lower Broadway & Country Music Hall of Fame (5-minute walk) | Fins Bar heated rooftop pool deck with fire pits & live acoustic music | $25 + tax per night | Valet $50/night | Check prices |
| Drury Plaza Hotel Nashville Downtown | SoBro / Downtown Nashville | Mid-range | 3 blocks south of Lower Broadway (5-minute walk) | Indoor/outdoor heated rooftop pool & whirlpool with skyline views | None ($0 resort fee + FREE hot breakfast + FREE 5:30 Kickback dinner & drinks!) | On-site garage self-parking $38/night (cheapest major hotel garage in SoBro) | Check prices |
Room Sizes, Bed Configurations & Soundproofing Specs Compared
Before booking a Nashville hotel, compare the exact guest room square footage, bedding setup, bathroom hardware (such as freestanding soaking tubs vs. walk-in rain showers), and building acoustic insulation below:
| Hotel / Resort | Room & Suite Size (Sq Ft) | Bed Setup & Layout | Bathroom & In-Room Specs | Building & Location Profile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hilton Nashville Downtown | 525 sq ft (100% Two-Room Suites — every room is a full suite!) / 850+ sq ft (Luxury Suites) | 1 King or 2 Double beds in private bedroom + Queen sleeper sofa in separate living room (Sleeps 4–6) | Marble vanity, walk-in shower or tub combo, Crabtree & Evelyn toiletries + wet bar with mini-fridge & microwave in every suite | Refreshed two-room suites arranged around a sunlit 11-story central garden atrium |
| Renaissance Nashville Hotel | 360 sq ft (Standard King/2 Queen) / 620–900 sq ft (Hospitality & Executive Suites) | 1 King or 2 Queen plush Marriott beds with sound-insulated downtown windows | Backlit vanity mirror, walk-in glass shower, Aveda bath amenities | Completely remodeled rooms and lobby directly connected via indoor walkway to Fifth + Broadway |
| Four Seasons Hotel Nashville | 455–490 sq ft (Standard Deluxe Rooms — huge for downtown!) / 850–2,200 sq ft (Suites) | 1 King or 2 Queen signature Four Seasons beds (customizable plush/firm topper) | Full marble spa bathroom with deep freestanding oval soaking tub, separate glass rain shower, dual vanities & in-mirror TV | Flagship 40-story SoBro five-star luxury tower 1 block from Lower Broadway |
| Holston House Nashville, in The Unbound Collection by Hyatt | 310–350 sq ft (Standard Rooms) / 550–720 sq ft (12th-Floor Bungalow & Penthouse Suites) | 1 King or 2 Queen beds with tufted leather headboards and Art Deco architectural details | Subway-tile walk-in rain shower, vintage brass hardware, CO Bigelow bath products | Restored 1929 Art Deco historic tower on 7th Ave N just 1.5 blocks off Lower Broadway |
| Hyatt Centric Downtown Nashville | 325–365 sq ft (Standard King/2 Queen) / 620–850 sq ft (River View & Executive Suites) | 1 King or 2 Queen Hyatt beds with floor-to-ceiling windows two blocks south of Lower Broadway | Walk-in glass rain shower, Drybar buttercup hairdryer, BeeKind bath products | Modern SoBro boutique tower at 2nd Ave S & Molloy St near the Pedestrian Bridge |
| Margaritaville Hotel Nashville | 370–425 sq ft (Deluxe King/2 Queen) / 650–1,100 sq ft (Jimmy Buffett & 2BR Suites) | 1 King or 2 Queen beds with crisp white coastal linens and frozen concoction makers in suites | Walk-in glass rainfall shower with dual showerheads and Margaritaville bath amenities | 12-story upscale lifestyle hotel in SoBro just 3 blocks south of Lower Broadway |
| Drury Plaza Hotel Nashville Downtown | 365–410 sq ft (Deluxe King/2 Queen) / 520 sq ft (Two-Room Suites sleeping up to 6) | 1 King or 2 Queen beds (Suites add a separate living room with Queen pull-out sofa) | Spacious granite vanity and walk-in shower or tub/shower combo | Modern 20-story SoBro tower 3 blocks south of Lower Broadway with microwave & fridge in every room |
Rooftop Pools, Skyline Bars & On-Site Dining Breakdown
In Music City, rooftop pool access and skyline cocktail lounges are a major part of the stay—especially from April through October. Keep in mind that while rooftop bars like L.A. Jackson (Thompson), White Limozeen (Graduate), and Lou/Na (Grand Hyatt) welcome the public for drinks, actual swimming pool loungers are strictly reserved for registered overnight hotel guests with keycard wristbands:
- Hilton Nashville Downtown — Pools & Rooftop Bars: No swimming pool on-site (compensated by 100% two-room suite layouts located 100 yards from Lower Broadway and Bridgestone Arena). On-site dining & lounges: Trattoria Il Mulino (authentic Italian fine dining), The Palm (classic steakhouse attached), Symphony’s Cafe breakfast buffet, MarketStreet grab-and-go, Atrium Lounge.
- Renaissance Nashville Hotel — Pools & Rooftop Bars: Year-round heated indoor glass-atrium swimming pool, whirlpool hot tub, and sun terrace + 24/7 Peloton fitness center. On-site dining & lounges: Little Fib (Southern craft kitchen & bourbon bar), The Bridge Bar, Starbucks on-site — plus direct elevator/walkway access to 30+ eateries inside Assembly Food Hall at Fifth + Broadway!.
- Four Seasons Hotel Nashville — Pools & Rooftop Bars: 7th-floor heated outdoor infinity-edge pool overlooking the Cumberland River and Nissan Stadium with private cabanas, hot tub & full-service Four Seasons Spa. On-site dining & lounges: Mimo Restaurant and Bar (Southern Italian seafood & steak), Rivière Rooftop (7th-floor French Riviera-inspired pool bar), 24-hour Four Seasons in-room dining.
- Holston House Nashville, in The Unbound Collection by Hyatt — Pools & Rooftop Bars: Intimate 12th-floor heated rooftop bungalow pool and sun deck overlooking downtown Nashville. On-site dining & lounges: TENN (ground-floor Southern restaurant & whiskey bar), Heirloom (12th-floor poolside rooftop bar).
- Hyatt Centric Downtown Nashville — Pools & Rooftop Bars: 9th-floor heated outdoor rooftop pool deck and Laulima cocktail bar overlooking the Cumberland River and Nissan Stadium. On-site dining & lounges: ella’s on 2nd (coastal-inspired restaurant & bar), Laulima (9th-floor tropical rooftop pool bar).
- Margaritaville Hotel Nashville — Pools & Rooftop Bars: 4th-floor heated outdoor rooftop pool deck with private cabanas, fire pits, sundeck loungers, and Fins Bar. On-site dining & lounges: JWB Grill (upscale coastal steak & seafood), Fins Bar (rooftop pool bar with fire pits & live acoustic music), full Starbucks on ground floor.
- Drury Plaza Hotel Nashville Downtown — Pools & Rooftop Bars: Year-round heated indoor/outdoor swim-through rooftop pool, oversized whirlpool hot tub, and outdoor sun terrace overlooking downtown Nashville. On-site dining & lounges: FREE Daily Hot Breakfast Buffet (scrambled eggs, sausage, Belgian waffles, biscuits & gravy, fruit, coffee) + FREE Daily 5:30 Kickback (hot dinnertime food buffet + 3 free beer, wine, or mixed cocktails per adult!) + Kitchen + Bar on-site.
2026 True Nightly Cost: Destination Fees, Nashville’s 16.75% Tax & Parking
Every hotel night in Nashville (Davidson County) carries a combined tax of 16.75% plus a flat $2.50/night city occupancy fee (comprising the 9.25% Tennessee + Metro sales tax, 7.00% Metro hotel occupancy tax, and 0.50% convention center tax). If your hotel charges a mandatory daily “Destination Amenity Fee” ($25–$45/night), state law applies the 16.75% tax to that fee as well. Here is the real all-in nightly cost breakdown for 2026:
| Hotel | Typical Base Rate | Destination/Resort Fee (w/ Tax) | True All-In Nightly Rate | Self / Valet Parking | What the Fee Includes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hilton Nashville Downtown | $340/nt | $0 (None) | $399.45/nt | $48/night / $56/night | $0 Resort Fee! Free Wi-Fi for Hilton Honors members, 24-hour fitness center |
| Renaissance Nashville Hotel | $315/nt | $0 (None) | $370.26/nt | $48/night (Library Garage across street is $20–$28) / $56/night | $0 Resort or Destination Fee! Free lobby Wi-Fi (free in-room Wi-Fi for Marriott Bonvoy members) |
| Four Seasons Hotel Nashville | $650/nt | $0 (None) | $761.38/nt | Valet only / $58/night | $0 Resort or Destination Fee! Free high-speed Wi-Fi, luxury house car drop-off within downtown radius (subject to availability), shoeshine & morning coffee service |
| Holston House Nashville, in The Unbound Collection by Hyatt | $275/nt | $25 ($29.19 w/ tax) | $352.75/nt | Nashville Public Library Garage 1 block away ($20–$28) / $52/night | Welcome drink voucher, high-speed Wi-Fi, 24/7 fitness studio (waived on World of Hyatt points stays) |
| Hyatt Centric Downtown Nashville | $285/nt | $28 ($32.69 w/ tax) | $367.93/nt | Adjacent SoBro lots ($30–$35) / $54/night | 2 daily bottled waters, welcome drink voucher at Laulima, high-speed Wi-Fi (waived on Hyatt points stays) |
| Margaritaville Hotel Nashville | $289/nt | $25 ($29.19 w/ tax) | $369.10/nt | SoBro garages 1 block away ($28–$35) / $50/night | Welcome cocktail voucher, 2 bottled waters daily, high-speed Wi-Fi, rooftop pool & live music access |
| Drury Plaza Hotel Nashville Downtown | $265/nt | $0 (None) | $311.89/nt | $38/night (on-site covered garage) / Self-park garage on-site | $0 Resort Fee! Free hot breakfast daily, free 5:30 PM hot food & 3 adult drinks daily, free Wi-Fi, free evening popcorn & soda |
How to Cut $150+ Off Your Nashville Parking Bill
Downtown Nashville hotel valet charges have climbed to $52–$58+ tax per night. If you drive to Nashville and do not need in-and-out valet privileges, park at the city-owned Nashville Public Library Garage (151 6th Ave N, right across from Renaissance & Sheraton Grand) or the Music City Center Garage (701 Demonbreun St, right across from The Westin, 1 Hotel & JW Marriott) for $20 to $32 per 24 hours.
Detailed Hotel Profiles & Direct Booking.com Rates
Hilton Nashville Downtown
- 100% Two-Room Suites (separate living room + bedroom)
- NO Resort Fee ($0/night)
- 100 yards from Lower Broadway, Ryman & Bridgestone Arena
- Soaring sunlit atrium
The closest all-suite hotel to Honky Tonk Highway—located half a block off Lower Broadway across from Bridgestone Arena and the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Prices vary according to travel dates and availability.
Renaissance Nashville Hotel
- NO Resort Fee ($0/night)
- Directly connected to Fifth + Broadway & Assembly Food Hall
- 1 block from Ryman Auditorium & Bridgestone Arena
- Indoor heated pool
Connected directly to the Fifth + Broadway dining and shopping complex one block from Ryman Auditorium and Lower Broadway—with zero resort fees.
Prices vary according to travel dates and availability.
Four Seasons Hotel Nashville
- NO Resort Fee ($0/night)
- 7th-floor infinity pool over Cumberland River
- Mimo Restaurant & Bar
- 1 block from Lower Broadway & Country Music Hall of Fame
Five-star contemporary luxury just one block south of Lower Broadway, pairing a 7th-floor infinity pool over the Cumberland River with zero resort fees.
Prices vary according to travel dates and availability.
Holston House Nashville, in The Unbound Collection by Hyatt
- Restored 1929 Art Deco historic tower
- 12th-floor heated rooftop pool & bar
- 1.5 blocks from Broadway & Ryman Auditorium
- TENN restaurant & Whiskey bar
A 1929 Art Deco gem in the Unbound Collection by Hyatt located 90 seconds off Broadway, crowned by an intimate 12th-floor heated rooftop pool.
Prices vary according to travel dates and availability.
Hyatt Centric Downtown Nashville
- Laulima 9th-floor heated rooftop pool & bar
- 2 blocks from Lower Broadway & Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge
- ella’s on 2nd restaurant
- Easy walk to Nissan Stadium
Modern boutique-style Hyatt two blocks south of Lower Broadway featuring the 9th-floor Laulima rooftop pool bar and easy access to the Pedestrian Bridge.
Prices vary according to travel dates and availability.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much is the total hotel tax in Nashville, Tennessee in 2026?
In 2026, Nashville (Davidson County) hotels charge a combined percentage tax of 16.75% (9.25% sales tax + 7.50% hotel/convention occupancy taxes) plus a mandatory $2.50 per night flat city fee. Any mandatory daily hotel destination or resort fee is also taxed at 16.75%.
Do I need a rental car when visiting Downtown Nashville?
No. If you stay in Downtown, SoBro, the Arts District, or The Gulch, you can walk to Lower Broadway, Bridgestone Arena, the Ryman Auditorium, the Country Music Hall of Fame, and Nissan Stadium (via the Pedestrian Bridge). For trips to the Grand Ole Opry, Midtown, or East Nashville, a 10–15 minute Uber or Lyft ($12–$28) is far cheaper than paying $55–$58/night for hotel valet parking. See our BNA Airport & Nashville Transportation Guide.
What is the difference between staying on Lower Broadway vs SoBro vs The Gulch?
Lower Broadway / Core Downtown puts you 1–2 blocks from the honky tonks and Ryman Auditorium. SoBro (South of Broadway) sits 2–4 blocks south of Broadway and features Nashville’s newest luxury glass towers, rooftop pools, and convention access with less street noise. The Gulch is an upscale, walkable boutique neighborhood a 12-minute walk (or 4-minute Uber) southwest of Broadway, famous for murals, high-end shopping, and trendy restaurants. Read our full Where to Stay in Nashville Neighborhood Guide.
Which downtown Nashville hotels have no resort fees and free breakfast?
Drury Plaza Hotel Nashville Downtown in SoBro charges $0 resort fees and includes both a free hot breakfast buffet every morning and the free 5:30 Kickback evening reception (hot food + 3 complimentary alcoholic drinks per adult). Other top $0-resort-fee hotels include Hilton Nashville Downtown, Renaissance Nashville, AC Hotel Downtown, Virgin Hotels Nashville, Four Seasons, and The Hermitage Hotel.
