The Noelle’s interior shows evidence of its previous role as a 1920s bank.
As a former Nashvillian, I’m always a little skeptical of all the newness there; it might be the only city in America with more cranes in the sky than Atlanta. I’m especially weary of downtown; outside of Broadway, there wasn’t much to do in that part of town when I was living there. And there was always the problem of a hotel shortage anytime anyone wanted to come visit me—options were surge-priced Holiday Inns or subpar name-brand chain hotels. However, thanks to a slew of hotel openings and the revitalization of Printer’s Alley, that’s changing.
Noelle was one of the first to bring its brand of artful elegance to this Renaissance of downtown Nashville, and the hotel leans into the building’s history—and its city. What was a 1929 hotel and then a bank now has a resplendent second act, outfitted with over 55 makers and businesses that call Music City home. Locally based Dryden Design and Architecture Group led the charge, including artisans like Emil Erwin, Electra Eggleston and New Hat. For such a tourist-heavy town, Noelle—named after the Noel family, the original owners—aims to make locals feel at home too.
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The Rare Bird rooftop offers an uncompromised view of East Nashville.
Food and beverage options abound: There’s Makeready L&L, the all-day dining option on the lower level; there’s a lobby bar dubbed the Trade Room if you’re more inclined to drink in the history of the building. Drug Store, a Barista Parlor outpost, turns out delicious coffee and snacks. Upstairs, the rooftop bar, Rare Bird, provides one of the most spectacular views of east Nashville for playing a game of Count the Cranes (get whatever is frozen—we had frozen French 75’s and frozen spicy Palomas); and through a secret door and a Yayoi Kusama-esque vestibule, there’s the Hidden Bar that’s sexy and dark.
No matter what you travel to Nashville for—a weekend getaway, an eating expedition or the almighty bachelorette party—know that Noelle is one of the most exciting places you can stay. Classic rooms from $269 per night, @noelle_nashville
A cozy room beckons late night bar-hoppers.
Additional Eats
There’s also a hot lineup of new dining options in town. Check these out.
Tailor Nashville
Home chef Vivek Surti found a permanent home for his Indian American take on Indian food. Already featured in The New York Times, the tasting menu-only restaurant is downright lovely, made even more so by Surti’s personal tales that punctuate the meal. @tailornashville
The Ribbon Room
The restaurant inside Downtown Sporting Club occupies the former Paradise Park and is a haven downtown for locals or the locally minded. New from hospitality behemoth Strategic Hospitality, it’ll be a hit. @downtownsportingclub
Photography by: Noelle
