As much as my wife and I love luxury retreats, we also have a soft spot for refined city hotels that capture the spirit of their surroundings. Being millennials, we are always drawn to experiences that combine comfort with a sense of place — and we have found that Thompson Hotels (Hyatt) consistently hit that mark. With their thoughtful design and connection to local culture, Thompson properties make it easy to feel like a part of each city.

Lately, we find ourselves heading to Nashville regularly for various reasons. After trying a few different hotels in downtown Nashville, we keep coming back to the Thompson Nashville, by Hyatt. It strikes the perfect balance between a restful escape and staying in the heart of the action, surrounded by hotspots like Broadway, Nissan Stadium, and the Convention Center. Whether you are in Nashville for a bachelorette party, a romantic getaway, or a work trip, I believe the Thompson Nashville is the ideal home base.

Hotel Award Booking (7/10)

The Thompson Nashville, by Hyatt is a Category 6 hotel in the World of Hyatt program (as of 2024). The standard rate for a room at this hotel is 25,000 points, but can range between 21,000 (off-peak) to 29,000 (peak). As a point of comparison, the average cash rate at the time of our stay for a standard room is over $400 per night. A solid point redemption opportunity. 

This booking is a little unique from a redemption perspective. For the first two nights, the employer for my wife covers the cash rate. A great way for us to earn some more Hyatt points. On the third night, I use my Hyatt points to cover the 25,000 point standard award redemption rate. Thankfully, Hyatt is a transfer partner for Chase, making it easy to convert Chase Ultimate Rewards points into free nights with Hyatt.

Related: The Best Ways To Earn World Of Hyatt Points

Hotel Location (8/10)

The Thompson Nashville sits in the heart of The Gulch, one of the most vibrant and rapidly developing neighborhoods in Nashville. I love spending time here — The Gulch is packed with fantastic restaurants, lively bars with live music, and unique shopping spots. Superica, one of my favorite Tex-Mex spots, is just around the corner! It is also home to the famous What Lifts You Wings mural, an iconic Nashville photo op. #instagramable

Plus, the Thompson Nashville is just a 15-minute walk from the buzz of downtown, making it easy to enjoy all that Nashville has to offer.

For those looking to map it out, here is the exact address:

401 11th Ave S.
Nashville, TN 37203

Vibe And Atmosphere (9/10)

The Thompson Nashville strikes a unique balance between the vibrant nightlife scene that characterizes downtown Nashville and the upscale comfort of a luxury hotel. Known for its chic, locally inspired interiors, the hotel pays homage to the music legacy in Nashville with touches that reflect the spirit of country music and the creative pulse of the city. Here, I know I can expect a high-quality stay while still enjoying a relaxed, down-to-earth atmosphere — whether I am unwinding with a local beer or savoring a thoughtfully crafted cocktail. This combination of energy and tranquility is exactly what my wife and I look for in a stay, and it keeps us coming back.

One thing worth noting is that, although the hotel is only a few years old, we start to see some signs of wear and tear on this stay. While everything functions perfectly, there are noticeable scuffs and marks on some furniture, which we have seen in our room, the gym, and the restaurant. They are purely cosmetic. Work hard, play hard?

Despite this, the Thompson Nashville remains impeccably clean, with housekeeping keeping all spaces spotless — a detail we definitely appreciate.

Hotel Check-In (10/10)

Upon arrival at the Thompson Nashville, I hand my car over to the valet, as there is no self-parking available at the hotel. Walking through the door, the check-in desk is straight ahead. The lobby is stunning, and it is clear that a lot of thought went into the design to ensure the hotel feels like an authentic part of the cultural scene in Nashville.

I am lucky there is no line when my wife and I check in, and the front desk staff helps us immediately. After handing over my ID and credit card, I mention to the agent that we have two separate reservations under each of our accounts. When my wife booked her portion of the stay, I had used a World of Hyatt Guest of Honor certificate. I hope my wife and I are able to enjoy the Globalist benefits across both bookings…

The front desk staff quickly links the reservations together, turning them into one seamless stay. This is crucial, as it ensures my wife and I stay in the same room during the entire three night stay. After confirming Globalist benefits for the duration of the stay, the front desk staff reviews the benefits in full. At the end of check in, my wife and I head towards the elevators and up to our room. A quick elevator ride lands us on the 6th floor. We walk to the end of the tastefully decorated hall and find our suite (upgrade courtesy of my Globalist status) – room 601. 

Note: As the hotel has no self-parking, you always have to call roughly 10 minutes before you want to leave with your car. This is plenty of time for the valet team to get your car and have it waiting in front of the hotel. My wife insists the Thompson Nashville has the best valet team in the city. 

Related: Save 50% With The Unique Hyatt Family Plan Rate

Thompson Suite – Bedroom And Living Space (9/10)

As soon as my wife and I step into our suite, we are immediately impressed by how spacious and comfortable it feels. Rather than a separate living room and bedroom, this suite has a large partition between the two areas, with TVs mounted on both sides. While there is no door to fully separate the spaces, we find it more than adequate for us, especially since the TVs face away from each other, helping to reduce sound transfer.

The Living Space

To the right, as I enter, is a table with a welcome amenity already placed on it, consisting of a bottle of water and a freshly baked cookie from the restaurant. I mostly use this table to store day-bags and room keys as I come and go. The entry way to the rest of the room is just past this table.

Further into the room, there is a tastefully decorated bookshelf that gives a nod to the culture in Nashville. My favorite feature in the entire room, however, is the record player, with several records expertly curated specifically for the hotel by award-winning musician, Eric Church. I spend hours listening to the many records, making it a great place to work for the day. It is a fantastic amenity, whether I am working in the room or simply enjoying the space. Truly one-of-a-kind, a perfect example of what makes Thompson Hotels so special.

Continuing along the right side of the room is a table with two chairs, positioned by floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook The Gulch neighborhood. This becomes my makeshift office for the duration of the stay, and I have no problem sitting here for hours on end. The chairs are comfortable, and the table is spacious enough to hold my laptop, mouse, and a glass of water.

On the left side of the room is the sitting area, which features a large TV, a couch, a chair, and a coffee table. While it is not overloaded with seating, I would have no trouble rearranging the furniture if the need arises.

Next to the sitting area is the wet bar, complete with marble countertops. This is in place of the traditional mini-bar. Here, I find bottles to refill at the water stations (more on this awesome amenity later), a complimentary Nespresso machine, a selection of glassware, and the minibar. The drinks and snacks are available for purchase, which is convenient if we need a quick snack or drink, but still crazy expensive. 

The Bedroom

Further into the suite is the bedroom itself. The king bed is the centerpiece of the space, and I sleep soundly at the end of each day. The mattress strikes the perfect balance between soft and firm, and I appreciate that it does not get too hot or too cold overnight. To the right of the bed is a chair that is perfect for reading, and just to the left is a full-length mirror — handy for getting ready in the mornings.

Across from the bed, there is a TV. There is only one issue: the TV does not turn off! The only way I manage to turn the TV off is by unplugging it directly from the wall. I tell management of this slightly comical issue, and they quickly work to resolve it. 

Next to the bathroom doors, on the opposite side of the room, is the closet. Inside, I find a safe, some shelving, an iron, a steamer, a luggage rack, and two bathrobes. The closet is not huge, but it works well for short trips. For longer stays, though, it would be a struggle with the limited storage. There are only a few shelves and no room to fully unpack more than one suitcase. 

Overall, the Thompson Suite is one of the top-tier room options in Nashville. 

Related: How To Get A Hotel Upgrade Without Status

Thompson Suite – Bathroom (9/10)

The bathroom in the Thompson Suite is top-notch. French doors open to reveal a beautiful clawfoot tub, surrounded by stunning tile work. On the tub, there is a wooden tray that is perfect for holding a glass of wine or a book, and the hotel provides scented bath salts for an extra touch of relaxation.

Note: The bath salts are replaced daily, but a word of warning: if you try to bring them through airport security, TSA might need some extra time with you. How do I know? Well… that is a story for another time… and maybe a beer or two!

To the left, there is a spacious his-and-her sink setup with marble countertops and stylish, quirky mirrors. Hand soap, lotion, and toiletries are provided, along with a convenient makeup mirror on the right side.

On the opposite side is the shower, and I really appreciate the thoughtful design here. It is equipped with a step and a full door, which keeps water from splashing out into the rest of the bathroom. There is also a built-in stool, which is handy for holding items or propping up a leg while shaving (and no, I do not shave my legs). The shower is generously sized, with excellent water pressure and the ability to reach a comfortably warm temperature. The hotel provides shampoo, conditioner, and body wash in large, eco-friendly containers featuring Bowmakers by D.S. & Durga — another luxurious touch that aligns with the Thompson Hotels brand.

Just to the left of the shower is the toilet, complete with a privacy door. This allows one person to use the facilities at the same time as another gets ready.

Hotel Amenities And Facilities (7/10)

The Thompson Nashville offers a range of amenities that make my stay more comfortable and convenient. From fitness facilities and unique local perks to hydration stations and an electric vehicle rental, here is a brief summary on each amenity; and my personal take on how much value they do (or do not) add to the overall experience.

Resort Fees

The Thompson Nashville charges a $25 destination fee per night, which covers a range of amenities, including:

• Premium internet access
• Hydration stations on each floor with filtered sparkling and still water (with refillable bottles provided in guest rooms)
• Local and domestic long-distance calls
• In-room Nespresso machines
• Fitness center access
• Welcome drink upon arrival
• Newspapers in the lobby
• Fresh fruit in the fitness center
• 20% discount at Q Clothier, an on-site clothing boutique for men
• 25% off a tour at Nelson’s Greenbrier Distillery, which includes a complimentary drink at the end (advance reservations recommended; the hotel provides a promo code)

While these amenities are nice to have, I do not find most of them particularly valuable; it feels more like a way to subtly increase the room rate.

One amenity I do appreciate, though — especially since I work from my room throughout the day — are the hydration stations on each floor. Each floor has a tap offering both sparkling and still water, and each room includes reusable bottles to fill up at these stations. I fill mine up several times a day, and as a sparkling water enthusiast, I stay incredibly hydrated throughout my stay.

Gym Facilities

The gym at the Thompson Nashville provides a solid space to get in a decent workout. Upon entering, I immediately notice towels and plenty of cold water bottles on the right— a convenient spot to grab a bottle before heading out for a walk around the city.

To the left, there is a HIIT workout station stocked with medicine balls, stability balls, kettlebells, and mats, ideal for core exercises like planks.

Along the window, there are four treadmills, two ellipticals, and a rowing machine, offering plenty of options for cardio. Against the far wall, I find two Peloton bikes, which come with the added perk of now earning Hyatt points for each workout — an easy way to stack up a few extra points.

The gym is also equipped with a range of weight machines, including two cable machines, as well as a set of dumbbells and a bench for free-weight exercises.

While I have seen more extensive hotel gyms, this one is definitely more than adequate to help me keep up with my usual weightlifting and exercise routine.

Other Hotel Amenities

There are a couple of additional amenities worth noting. First, in line with the destination fee, print newspapers are available every morning to the left of the check-in counter. Second, the hotel offers a unique option to rent an electric vehicle wrapped in Thompson Nashville branding. While I do not have time to try it out, it looks like a fun way to zip around town, hopping from one spot to the next.

My only real critique of the Thompson Nashville, is the lack of a pool. Right around the corner, there is a W Hotel (Marriott) with an inviting pool area that I see while waiting for the elevators. A pool would be an ideal place to relax during the day, especially given how hot Nashville can get for much of the year. There are a few nearby hotels on ResortPass that allow day access to their pools, but it would be much more convenient to have one on-site — without an added fee.

Breakfast (7/10)

There are two main options for breakfast at the Thompson Nashville. First is Marsh House, the main restaurant in the hotel, which serves brunch daily and is also open for dinner. The second option is Killebrew Coffee, the in-house coffee shop. As a Globalists, I can enjoy my free breakfast benefit at either spot.

On my first morning, with a long workday ahead, I opt for a quick grab-and-go breakfast from Killebrew Coffee. The coffee shop offers a range of barista-crafted coffees and teas, along with a cooler stocked with juices and other cold items. There is also a tempting variety of sweet and savory pastries, most of which are freshly made at Marsh House and wheeled over on a large pastry cart.

Note: Depending on your preference, the pastries can be heated to order.

I order a cappuccino, blueberry muffin, and a breakfast sandwich with eggs, sausage, cheese, pickled peppers, and hot sauce. The cappuccino is fantastic, as is the blueberry muffin. The breakfast sandwich, though, is warm on the outside but still cold on the inside—I would try it again, hoping for it to be evenly heated throughout the sandwich next time.

On my second morning, my wife heads out early, but I have time to sit down for more relaxed breakfast at Marsh House. This entire restaurant is absolutely gorgeous. 

The hostess seats me, and my server brings a water bottle and asks if I would like coffee. I order a coffee with cream, which arrives in a mini milk jug — a nice touch. For breakfast, I choose the maple bourbon-glazed fried chicken with a buttermilk waffle. Decadent, I know! The fried chicken is well-cooked, and the glaze with a sprinkle of sea salt adds a great flavor. The only downside is that it is bone-in, which makes it harder to eat. The waffle, however, is fluffy and perfectly cooked. I would very happily order this dish again, even with the bone-in chicken.

On-Site Dining Options (8/10)

The main on-site dining option is the rooftop bar and restaurant: L.A. Jackson. Open from early afternoon until late at night, with food served until 10:00 P.M., L.A. Jackson is a great spot to unwind with views of the city skyline. The views are especially stunning as Nashville lights up at night. On cooler evenings, like tonight, I appreciate the built-in heaters around the outdoor patio. The heaters keep the space comfortable, even as the temperature drops after sunset.

I visit L.A. Jackson twice on this trip. My first visit is in the late afternoon to finish up some work with a cocktail and a lite snack. I order a well-made tequila cocktail and a side of creole hushpuppies filled with andouille, okra, cheese, bacon, and served with roasted jalapeño aioli to enjoy while doing some writing. These little bites have the perfect ratio of breading to filling — a great snack to wrap up the workday.

My second visit is after dinner on my last night, where my wife and I go to unwind and enjoy the lively atmosphere. The rooftop has an electric crowd, filled with people getting ready for a night out in the famous nightlife scene of Nashville. We have no trouble grabbing a drink, finding a seat for some prime people-watching, listening to the DJ, and soaking up the views of downtown Nashville. It is the perfect place to start the evening, capturing the energy of the city without diving into the full bustle of Broadway. We also have some fun using the photo booth, receiving some fun souvenirs that I now use as bookmarks.

Note: Once breakfast is over, the Marsh House also opens for dinner. Like most major hotels, the Thompson offers quasi 24/7 in-room dining; there is no overnight menu on the weekends. I do not try either option on this specific trip.

Staff And Service (9/10)

I typically find that service at U.S.-based hotels is just fine, with higher standards often seen in other parts of the world. However, I can confidently say that the Thompson Nashville stands out with some of the best service in the city — and possibly, the entire region. From the valet to the front desk staff, restaurant servers, and housekeeping, everyone goes above and beyond to ensure my stay is seamless and effortless.

For example, when my wife and I check in, the front desk agent works her magic to ensure that, despite having two separate reservations, we stay in the same room throughout the three nights. She also makes sure that our suite upgrade applies to both reservations, making the process incredibly smooth.

Note: If I ever need to merge two hotel reservations again, I would work with my personal Hyatt concierge (another Globalist benefit) before arriving at the hotel.

Another standout moment involves the valet and housekeeping. Whenever I share any details (like telling the valet I will be back in 20 minutes to pick up the car or letting housekeeping know I will be out in half an hour), they actively listen and adjust their schedules to accommodate whenever possible. It is clear that the staff takes great pride in their work, and I really appreciate the exceptional service — especially since I spend a lot of time working around the property during my stay.

World Of Hyatt Status Benefits And Recognition (10/10)

The Thompson Nashville does an excellent job of recognizing World of Hyatt Globalist status and providing generous benefits. Here is a small sample of what I enjoy during my stay:

• Complimentary Breakfast
• Suite Upgrade (based on availability)
• Waived Destination Fees
• Free Parking On Award Night (including valet)
• 30% Point Bonus (on all non-redemption spend)

Note: The Globalist breakfast benefit at the Thompson Nashville is actually $30 per person, per night, but my wife and I found ourselves spending more than $60 without any extra charges.

For the first two nights, the hotel applies my Guest of Honor certificate to the reservation in the name of my wife. This ensures she (and therefore, me) get all the same benefits as a normal Globalist. 

Final Thoughts

Overall, I find the Thompson Nashville to be an ideal choice for anyone visiting the city, whether you are in town for work, a weekend getaway, or something in between. From its prime location in the heart of The Gulch to the upscale yet relaxed vibe, it strikes the perfect balance between luxury and accessibility. The amenities, while not without a few quirks, are thoughtful and enhance the experience — especially for someone like me who sometimes works remotely while traveling. The service here truly stands out, with the staff consistently going above and beyond to ensure a smooth, enjoyable stay. As a Globalist, I am impressed by the benefits and recognition, which make my experience that much better.

Whether it is a quiet breakfast at Killebrew Coffee, a drink at the rooftop bar, or simply enjoying a night in a spacious suite, the Thompson Nashville never disappoints. I look forward to returning on future trips to Nashville, knowing it will always be a place that feels like home, with the added bonus of world-class service, a top-notch location, and a sprinkling of the culture with makes Nashville, Nashville.