A bastion of finely polished, mid-century modern cool, the Thompson Nashville is the Gulch's see-and-be-seen seat of style, whether that be agonizing over which of the Third Man Records–curated vinyl collection to spin in the lobby, or where to sit at the immensely hip, open-air rooftop bar, LA Jackson.

Painstakingly curated local art fills in the blanks with restrained playfulness throughout the hotel. The 224 spacious rooms are rock-star-righteous, featuring custom-made everything from milk-toned subway-tile showers to rhombus-patterned wooden headboards, and are soundtracked by kitsch Marshall speakers. All in all, a devoutly design-forward, outrageously retro delight.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Frist Art Museum

0.38 MILES

A top-notch post office turned art museum and complex, hosting traveling exhibitions of everything from American folk art to Picasso, and as off-the-wall…

2. Music City Center

0.46 MILES

Opened in 2013, this convention and events complex looks up-to-the-nanosecond modern. It hosts everything from pool-and-spa expos to auditions for The…

3. Music Row

0.47 MILES

Just west of downtown, sections of 16th and 17th Aves, called Music Sq West and Music Sq East, are home to the production companies, record labels, agents…

4. Historic RCA Studio B

0.53 MILES

One of Music Row's most historic studios, this is where Elvis, the Everly Brothers and Dolly Parton all recorded numerous hits. The latter did a little…

5. Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum

0.57 MILES

This monumental museum, reflecting the near-biblical importance of country music to Nashville's soul, is a must-see whether you're a country music fan or…

6. Music City Walk of Fame Park

0.6 MILES

Glossy plaques honor songwriters and musicians who have made significant contributions to the Nashville music scene. Give a nod to Kid Rock, say howdy to…

7. Adventure Science Center

0.63 MILES

The centerpiece of this museum is the 75ft-high Adventure Tower, a multi-floor pyramid loaded with interactive features covering music, health and energy…