Hotel Review: DoubleTree by Hilton Nashville Downtown

DoubleTree by Hilton Nashville Downtown was the biggest DoubleTree property I’ve visited in the U.S. Photo by Hilton.

If you love live music, especially country and bluegrass, Nashville is the best city in the country to have a fun night out. The famous Broadway is filled with both local honky-tonks and establishments owned by renowned country singers such as Blake Shelton, Dierks Bentley, Luke Bryan, Kidd Rock, and Alan Jackson. It’s one of the most popular destinations for bachelor and bachelorette parties due to its vibrant performances and uptempo nightlife. As a result, downtown Nashville is surrounded by hotels to accommodate tourists and visitors from all over the states. I had a chance to stay at the DoubleTree by Hilton Nashville Downtown earlier this year, where the nightly rate was $227.26, including taxes and fees. The cost was undoubtedly higher than other DoubleTree properties where I’ve stayed but was understandable since the hotel was so close to famous attractions such as Nissan Stadium, Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum, and countless unique bars on Broadway.

The hotel was conveniently located to local attractions, making the high nightly rate justifiable.

What Card(s) Should You Use to Book?

American Express Hilton Aspire

The American Express Hilton Aspire card is currently offering a signup bonus of 150,000 Hilton Honors points after spending $4,000 in 3 months. Be aware that since this is an American Express (AMEX) card, you’re only allowed to receive the signup bonus once per lifetime. With a valuation of 0.6 cents per point, the signup bonus is worth about $900. The annual fee is $450, but cardmembers get a weekend night certificate (redeemable on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights at non-premium hotels), $250 incidental credit towards your airline of choice, $250 Hilton resort credit at select Hilton resorts, and Hilton Diamond status, the highest in Hilton’s member ecosystem.

The American Express Hilton Aspire is one of my favorite cards for its benefits and perks. Photo credit: www.americanexpress.com

The Aspire earns 14X per dollar spent on Hilton hotels and resorts when booked directly through Hilton and 7X on flights booked directly with airlines or amextravel.com, car rentals booked directly with select companies, and U.S. restaurants. All other purchases will earn 3X per dollar spent. As a Hilton Honors Diamond member, you’ll get a 100% points bonus and 10 extra points per dollar spent at Hilton properties. Therefore, the Aspire earns a total of 24X per dollar spent on Hilton properties when booked directly with Hilton, yielding a grand return of 14.4%. With Hilton’s frequent points promotions, you can rake in a serious amount of Hilton Honors points in no time. Even if you don’t stay at Hilton properties too often, this card is definitely worth the annual fee due to its amazing perks and benefits, and I strongly believe it’s the best hotel credit card available on the market right now. 

If you’d like to apply for the American Express Hilton Aspire, please consider using my referral link. It will continue to help fund my blog operations and help visitors make informed decisions to maximize their rewards. Thank you! http://refer.amex.us/EDWARSr3Jf?xl=cp01

American Express Hilton Surpass

Alternatively, I could’ve used my American Express Hilton Surpass card to book my stay. The Surpass is currently offering a signup bonus of 150,000 Hilton Honors points after spending $3,000 in 3 months, also worth about $900. Like other AMEX cards, the Surpass is subject to the once per lifetime signup bonus rule. The annual fee is $95 and unlike the Aspire, it doesn’t come with airline or resort credits. However, the Surpass can be a great workhorse card as it offers generous everyday multipliers. It earns 12X Hilton Honors points per dollar spent on hotel and resort purchases booked directly with Hilton and 6X at U.S. restaurants, supermarkets, and gas stations. All ​other purchases earn 3X points per dollar spent. Because cardmembers receive automatic Honors Gold status, you’ll get an 80% points bonus and 8 extra points per dollar spent at Hilton properties. As a result, the Surpass earns a total of 20X per dollar spent on Hilton properties when booked directly with Hilton, yielding a return of 12%.

The American Express Hilton Surpass can cover a wide range of daily expenses and still comes with a great multiplier for Hilton stays. Photo credit: www.americanexpress.com

If you’d like to apply for the American Express Hilton Surpass, please consider using my referral link. It will continue to help fund my blog operations and help visitors make informed decisions to maximize their rewards. Thank you! http://refer.amex.us/EDWARS5A0R?XLINK=MYCP

Lobby and Check-In Review

The hotel was larger than rural or suburban DoubleTree properties since it was in the middle of downtown Nashville. The entrance was a bit awkwardly designed; as soon as I entered the building, I had to walk upstairs or take the elevator to the right to access the lobby. The elevator was so small that my work colleague and I decided to carry our luggage and take the stairs.

I wonder why this particular DoubleTree was designed this way; many guests had to physically carry their heavy luggage up the stairs. Photo credit: www.hilton.com

The lobby that greeted us on the second floor was surprisingly barren. I wasn’t sure if the hotel intentionally allocated ample open space to accommodate a large influx of guests, but I wish it had been curated more thoughtfully.

The lobby seemed unfinished upon first glance. To the right was a concierge desk that received little to no attention during my visit.

Towards the left of the lobby was a small “business center” out in the open. If I were editing documents or writing emails on one of these computers, I would prefer the privacy of a quiet room where my screen wasn’t exposed to everyone around me.

The “business center” was underwhelming to say the least. I wouldn’t feel comfortable checking my email when my screen is exposed to passersby.

Walking further to the left, visitors were greeted by a Starbucks and restaurant called Fourth & U. A pianist was playing inviting live music in front of the restaurant. The check-in representative told me they have happy hours at the restaurant during most weeknights.

The Fourth & U had a live musician playing, a common trend among restaurants and bars in the Music City.

Bedroom Review

I originally booked a king bed and was upgraded to a king bed junior suite with a sofa bed, thanks to my Hilton Honors Diamond status. The room was bigger than I expected. The bed was comfortable and had nightstands and lamps on both sides. By the foot of the bed was an ottoman, which came in handy when I was getting ready to go out. To the corner of the room was a small coffee table and chair; I thought the placement was a bit odd since there was an entire seating area by the sofas.

The bed was the best part of the suite. The frame was a bit dated but the mattress was comfortable.

A TV sitting atop a functional stand was in the middle of the room along the wall. There was a little pocket in the stand where a K-cup machine was located. The stand extended to the right to serve as a desk.

There was a handy Keurig machine for coffee drinkers who are on the go.

On the other side of the room were two chairs, a sofa bed, and a small kitchenette. The sofa was comfortable enough to crash on for a night or two, and I appreciated the other seating arrangements and liked that the room was big enough to accommodate all of them in the event of guests.

The couch was comfortable enough to sleep another guest for a couple of nights, and the seating arrangements roomy and accommodating for multiple visitors.

Walking towards the bathroom, I found an odd table to the side. I could see the potential for this to serve as a standing “powder room” if it had a mounted mirror.

Having a mirror above the lone table or completely renovating this nook as a powder room would be an optimal use of space.

Next to the restroom, there was a huge walk-in closet that housed extra pillows, a safe, an iron, and an ironing table. Some guests may appreciate the option of having a large walk-in for their clothes and luggage, but its roominess felt somewhat out of place.

The walk-in closet was roomy and spacious for the most baggage-heavy of travelers.

Bathroom Review

The bathroom was spacious and well-lit. Due to the suite-level room configuration, I expected a double sink arrangement, but there was only one. Because I was in the most expensive room offered at this DoubleTree, I wish they had paid as much attention to the bathroom as they did to the bedroom area.

The bathroom didn’t meet my expectations given the suite arrangement.

The walk-in shower was roomy and clean. The toiletries were provided by Crabtree & Evelyn.

The walk-in shower was spacious, but I wish the lighting was better inside.

I understand I was staying in a DoubleTree property, but since the hotel was in the heart of Nashville, I thought it would’ve been charming if it featured a local toiletry brand.

I wish the hotel provided local Nashville brands to promote small businesses in Tennessee.

Gym Review

DoubleTree properties in suburban or rural areas typically have a slightly better gym than Hampton Inns, and they are not impressive. You’ll find maybe four cardio machines and a flat bench with a few dumbbells. The gym at this DoubleTree hotel was larger than what I was used to; there were multiple treadmills and bikes, and there was enough open flooring so other guests could perform HIIT workouts. I wish there were an all-in-one cable station for visitors who wanted to focus more on weightlifting, but I was happy overall with the facility given DoubleTree’s standards.

You won’t have difficulty finding an open cardio machine at this DoubleTree property. Photo by Hilton.

Summary

DoubleTree by Hilton Nashville Downtown was in a great location, strategically situated in the heart of downtown and close to famous attractions such as Broadway and the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum. The hotel was large enough to accommodate a high volume of guests. However, it felt empty and desolate when I stayed the night, employing an awkward lobby and business center configuration. I enjoyed my upgraded suite experience, though some room furniture and trims showed their age. I knew the DoubleTree brand largely remains an upscale version of Hampton Inns with a delightful cookie upon check-in, but the hotel could elevate the property by offering personalized local touches. While I enjoyed my spacious suite, I recommend choosing a unique hotel when visiting the Music City.