The Hermitage Hotel in Nashville is one of my favorite hotels in the US. We have stayed here several times on our cross country treks. At a recent work conference I decided not to stay at the convention center and opted for my favorite resting place. The service is fantastic and the Lobby is superb! I even talked a co-worker into joining me and now they are also a fan.
- Social: Score 4
- Business/Professional Score: 5
- Family: Score 4
OVERALL SCORE: 13/15
For the Business/Professional:
- Outlets: can you recharge conveniently? There are several locations on the upper level to plug in and get work done. Being on the upper level of the lobby also gives you a great view of the comings and goings below.
- Noise Level: There is the usual hustle and bustle of a busy lobby but the overall background noise doesn’t distract from being able to get work done.
- Wifi: There is wifi in the lobby.
- Beverages: There is coffee in the mornings for free at the in hotel restaurant downstairs.
- Amenities: I didn’t find any need for using a business center during this visit. Sorry y’all!
- Could you meet up with out of town clients for a business meeting or an interview? This lobby has a lot of little nooks and crannies that you could meet with a small group and have a meeting.
For the Socialite:
- Natural Light: Overall this lobby is a little dark. In the mornings on the upper level there is some natural light that comes in but the historic decor is a little heavy. I find the heaviness comfortable and cosy.
- Food and Drink: Is it in close proximity to available cocktails, snacks or an easy transition to a meal? The whiskey bar downstairs has a great selection of drinks. Try a whiskey flight if you can’t select just one. The hotel itself is within walking distance of several nice restaurants.
- Size of Group: Is it good for couples or can it accommodate a large group? Maximum group size would be 6-8 on some of the area couches. Anything more would have to commandeer several seating areas. The lobby is large however and you could spread out.
- Indoor and Outdoor Spaces: Is it nice in all seasons or does it shine in the middle of winter? No outdoor space. Just indoor.
- Entertainment: Is there live music? A jazz band or the local teenager with a guitar? During my stay there was no live music available. But its Nashville. Less than a mile down the road you can find an excellent open mic night.
- Is there a lobby happy hour? No happy hour.
Family:
- Clientele: It is a mature crowd that enjoys the Hermitage. While there are children and younger people around, they are usually well behaved. No spring breakers here. There was a loud wedding party one evening, but overall not too rambunctious.
- Is the area safe for small children: Very safe. I wouldn’t recommend letting them run amok, but there isn’t much trouble to get into in the lobby.
- Is there room for kids to run around and play games: There are tables for board games in the lobby. Ask the front hotel staff for checkers or chess.
- Are there games or televisions for entertainment: No televisions in the lobby. If you want stats on your favorite sports team you must retreat to your room or head to the bar.
- Does the lobby boast beautiful but expensive and fragile decor (art, vases, glass etc) that would be at risk from small rowdy hands. Most of the decor is sturdy. Most toddlers are able to find SOMETHING that they could possibly destroy, but the Hermitage has been in business a while. They have minimized what can be destroyed.