Smart Stay: Kimpton Aertson, Nashville

by  Christina Garofalo | Dec 13, 2017

Helping you find the best value lodging experiences around the world, from budget to luxury and everything in between.

After six years of construction, Kimpton opened its first Nashville property. The Kimpton Aertson combines 350 high-end apartments and 180 guest rooms, a restaurant with the city’s first chef’s table (helmed by James Beard Award-winning chef RJ Cooper), and an upscale market—all of which help facilitate Kimpton’s goal to give guests a local experience. A brand new spa opened in November with nearly 75 service; combined with the rooftop pool, it is the ultimate urban oasis.

The Basics

Budget Level: Upscale to Luxe ($209 to $499)

Lodging Type: Large Hotel (100+ rooms)

What You Need to Know

The Look
Industrial meets organic — think herringbone tiled floors, exposed concrete and reclaimed wood ceilings — but not without an element of play. Contemporary installations by local artists -- like the hand-knotted, painted rope by artist Orly Genger that makes up the front desk, and an almost-digital-looking string installation opposite the elevators — complement the retro prints by historic Hatch Show Print shop.

The 17-story, LEED building is designed to make the most of natural light through open floor plans and floor-to-ceiling windows. The restaurant, Henley, has a glam Art Deco design, including gold geometric screens and marble countertops.

The Vibe
Communal luxury. The hotel and residences share a pool deck, where locals and guests mingle over cocktails. Cushioned beds, in-water lounge chairs, and cabanas are conducive to relaxing and chatting all day. Caviar and Bananas, an organic market on the ground floor, is a go-to for guests (and tenants) to grab a coffee and a quick (healthy) bite on their way out for the day. Now home to Nashville’s first chef’s table, Henley has become a fixture in the local culinary scene. Chef Cooper serves fresh takes on comfort foods, like chicken-fried mushrooms, and the bar has one of the city’s best cocktail programs.

Who Will Love It
Those who want a high-end experience that isn’t stuffy, as well as those who want to experience the local flare without being near the rowdy downtown Broadway strip.

Who Might Not
Those who are planning to just plunk by the pool and chill might not be wild about sharing it with a residential building, which means there are more people using it at any given time. Also, those who want to be in walking distance from the Honky Tonks might prefer to be downtown rather than midtown.

Best Amenity
As a part of Kimpton’s mission to give its guests a local experience, the hotel has partnered with the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) to host Songwriter Rounds. While we were there, we caught Little Big Town and Darius Rucker. Guests can buy tickets individually or by booking an event package. And, as with all Kimpton hotels, the Aertson welcomes pets.

Money Matters

What’s Included
Room rates include WiFi (sign up for Kimpton’s free rewards program to access it), Bloem bath amenities, and the “Forgot It? We’ve Got It!” menu of travel and vacation essentials. There is complimentary tea and coffee in the mornings in the living room as well as a wine happy hour from 5 to 6 p.m., which includes light bites, daily. Local boutiques, including Peter Nappi leather boots and Green Brier whiskey distillery, host pop-ups during happy hour and offer guests discounts on products. Yoga mats in the rooms and complimentary PUBLIC Bikes rentals are also included.

Fees and Extra Costs You Should Know About
You’ll pay standard taxes and fees on the room. Food and beverages in the minibar (which comprises locally made treats) and meals in the hotel’s restaurant cost extra. Spa treatments are not included in the room rate.

How to Get a Deal
The hotel offers various packages and deals throughout the year, which can be found here.

Getting There

In the Neighborhood
The Aertson is located on Broadway in the heart of Midtown — central to many important sights, yet far enough removed from downtown to avoid the Honky Tonk ruckus. It is within walking distance of Vanderbilt University, Music Row, and The Gulch—once the site of Nashville’s bustling railroad yard, turned walkable neighborhood flush with shops, restaurants, and entertainment. The hotel is less than 10 minutes by car from the Country Music Hall of Fame, Centennial Park, Bridgestone Arena, and the Ryman Auditorium.

Nearest Airport
Nashville International Airport is a quick 15- to 20-minute drive from the hotel, depending on traffic.

Nearest Public Transit
The hotel is less than a block from the number 7, 25, and 35 bus lines at Broadway and Division Street. However, most people find that the best way to get around is by Uber or Lyft, as a ride to almost anywhere in the city cost less than $10.

The Bottom Line

At the Aertson, Kimpton delivers on its ethos to provide luxury without the attitude. It's upscale, without being either stuffy or too sceney. The guest rooms are spacious, airy, and comfortable, and — especially with the introduction of its new spa — the hotel strikes a perfect balance between a relaxing getaway and a gateway to the city’s top attractions.

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