The Hermitage Hotel

Where do I even begin with the beauty and history of the Hermitage Hotel? My husband and I recently spent our anniversary there and it was an experience we’ll never forget. Though relatively small in size, it’s truly massive on charm and sophistication. Just a short walk from the Tennessee State Capitol, it’s no wonder why it was at the hub of the women’s suffrage movement and has attracted former dignitaries such as Taft, Wilson, Kennedy, Bush and more. Naturally, the hotel is named after Andrew Jackson’s estate located only 16 miles away.

Built in 1910 and designed in the Beaux-Arts style by James E. R. Carpenter, the Hermitage was Nashville’s first luxury hotel. Carpenter was born in Columbia, TN and studied at Good Ol’ Rocky Top before moving on to M.I.T. to earn his degree in architecture. He then expanded upon his education in Paris. Carpenter blessed his home state with a number of iconic public buildings prior to putting his stamp on the streets of New York City, for which he is more well known.

Walking into the grand lobby, there’s no shortage of little details to admire and yet its soft color pallet allows you to take it all in cohesively. The stunning tray ceiling with coffers & stained glass, the arches with gilded geometric patterns and the marble pillars with a nod to the doric order… I absolutely love its classic elements balanced with touches of a more subtle, modern take on lighting and furnishings. We learned that the most recent renovation was masterfully designed by ForrestPerkins and they can now count me as one of their many fans.

The Lobby is divided into several distinct areas, inviting you to sit & read by the fire, grab a drink & socialize, enjoy some music or move to the upper seating area for a more private conversation.

It’s apparent that the designers were intentional in their use of metals, balancing the brighter gold tones with deeper coppers which feels warm, timeless and in-keeping with the Beaux-Arts aesthetic. While much of today’s trends shift drastically from all gray to all beige, or all nickel to all brass, I appreciate the combination of gray with beige and the mixed metals as well. Touches of black, from the iron railings to the high gloss grand piano, are strategically spread throughout the room for contrast. It’s thoughtful details like this and so much more (scale, symmetry, line, form, texture…) that a talented designer achieves so beautifully.

The luxurious walnut panelled walls in the ballroom mimic the doric order from the lobby, but this time in a stain instead of white. Once again, the extravagantly patterned carvings are balanced with smooth panels and more modern furnishings, art & lighting. Just outside its doors, a small space is carved out for displaying collections significant to the hotel and to Tennessee history.

The veranda, with its huge palladian windows and arched sky-painted ceiling offers another spot to sit and visit or just enjoy the city views. Note the incredible detailed tile work on the arches. Craftsmanship at its best.

Charm and a bit of history are waiting around every corner. As we explored the upper level and visited with a staff member, we learned that Minnesota Fats took up residence at the hotel for 6 years, sharing colorful stories with guests in the lobby.

Stunning details and flawless arrangements grace the hallways & guest rooms as well. Our time there was nothing short of perfection and we marvel that we get to call Nashville home, with architecture and history like this just 20 minutes from our doorstep.

Thank you for joining me in appreciating this incredible hotel and all the highly skilled architects, designers and crafts-people who made it what it is! If you have a chance to visit the Hermitage Hotel when in Nashville, I highly recommend it. If you don’t have the opportunity to see it in person, I hope you’ve enjoyed getting a virtual peek inside!

Historical Information Thanks to:

Hermitage Hotel Nashville | Historic Hotels In Nashville

Hermitage Hotel | Tennessee Encyclopedia

Hermitage Hotel | Tennessee Encyclopedia

The Hermitage Hotel Nashville and Its Role in Women’s Suffrage