When you ask about "famous hotels in Tennessee," inevitably a Tennessean will answer "The Peabody Memphis" or "The Hermitage in Nashville." Sometimes hotels take on a life and fame of their own, becoming landmarks that are fused inextricably with local history and well-known personalities. That could easily be said about both of these historic hotels, although they feature different styles and atmosphere. Who can write about Tennessee fame without mentioning the Grand Ole Opry? Ask a Nashville native for a famous Tennessee hotel and he may refer you to the resort-style Gaylord Opryland Hotel. It stands gloriously like a small town unto itself, conveniently near one of the greatest icons of country music.
Blues City (Memphis) is home to the four-star, AAA four-diamond Peabody Hotel. This historic hotel is conveniently located downtown. Stroll to famous attractions such as Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum, National Civil Rights Museum, Sun Studio, Beale Street or Memphis Cook Convention Center. One of the city's best attractions, Peabody Hotel Memphis started a Memphis tradition back in 1933 that continues today.
The Peabody Ducks march upon a red carpet into the Grand Lobby of the hotel at 11 a.m. daily. Here, they will swim in the fountain throughout the day and delight and amuse guests. The famed ducks depart the lobby at 5 p.m. for their "palace" on the roof of the hotel.
A legendary venue, Peabody Hotel Memphis often hosts debutante balls, cotillions and special occasions of all types. Built by Robert Campbell Brinkley in 1869, the hotel was named for George Peabody, a well-known and respected Southerner. Jefferson Davis, president of the Confederacy during the Civil War period, lived in Peabody Hotel Memphis during 1870. His new job was president of an insurance company. The original building was closed in 1923.
The current hotel building on Union Avenue was built in 1925. It was built on the site of Fransioli Hotel, a look-alike structure of the original Peabody Hotel. The current hotel building was designed by Walter W. Ahlschlager in Italian Renaissance style.
The plush rooms are decorated with antiques but feature all the modern luxury amenities you'd expect in a four- diamond hotel. The Peabody is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Chez Philippe is the hotel's popular four-star restaurant for fine dining.
Peabody Hotel Memphis
149 Union Ave.
Memphis, TN 38103
(901) 529-3600
www.peabodymemphis.com
Nestled in the heart of Nashville ("Music City"), the Hermitage Hotel is one of the few remaining grand hotels in the country. It is distinguished as the only commercial Beaux Arts structure in Tennessee. The city's first million-dollar hotel, the Hermitage opened in 1910. It was designed by J.E.R. Carpenter. This resplendent hotel was named for Andrew Jackson's home, The Hermitage, located near Nashville.
Enjoy elegant furnishings, a truly grand foyer leading into a remarkably beautiful lobby and an ideal downtown location close to attractions. The lobby is known as one of the finest public areas in the country.
Select from 123 oversize guest rooms or suites, with luxury bathrooms and modern amenities. Rooms at the Hermitage Hotel range from $299 to ultra-lavish suites for $2,000 nightly, although prices are subject to change.
Hermitage Hotel
231 Six Ave. N.
Nashville, TN 37219
(615) 244-3121
www.thehermitagehotel.com
The Hermitage plays a large role in the history of Nashville. A favored gathering spot for Nashville's socialites, "The Grille Room" (now the site of the hotel's restaurant) was also the official meeting spot for leaders of the 1920s suffragette movement. During the '30s and '40s, the Hermitage was the popular local scene for big band music. Minnesota Fats, the famous pool player, lived at the Hermitage for eight years and often challenged guests to a game on his personal table.
Located in Nashville, this hotel offers 600,000 square feet of flexible meeting space and the largest non-gaming exhibition space in a hotel worldwide. Stroll through nine acres of lush indoor gardens, cascading waterfalls and an indoor river replete with a Delta flatboat. Enjoy everything from fine dining to a 20,000-square-foot spa, shopping outlets and Fuse Nightclub.
Select from 2,881 guestrooms or 174 suites with modern amenities in a resort-style atmosphere. Most guests take in live performances at the Grand Ole Opry during their stay at Gaylord Opryland. The hotel offers various specials and packages, including a fantastic "Country Christmas" entertainment, food and accommodations package that has been featured in major media.
Gaylord Opryland Hotel
2800 Opryland Dr.
Nashville, TN 37214
( 615) 889-1000
www.gaylordhotels.com/gaylord-opryland
