W Hotels unveils a hotel in Nashville

W Hotels Worldwide, part of Marriott International, opened W Nashville. Nestled in the vibrant and diverse Gulch neighbourhood, the 14-story, mirrored tower offers unparalleled, voyeuristic views of the hotel’s social spaces, creating a destination within a destination where global guests will be immersed in a locally-charged cultural scene. W Nashville was designed from the outside in, with six street level entrances that offer unparalleled access to hotel guests and locals alike. 

“The W experience has always been centred on a local, social scene but W Nashville takes it to the next level. Today’s global traveller is not content staying at a hotel with superficial neighbourhood references and locals are not embracing of hotels that ignore the social fabric of the community. W Nashville is different as it weaves itself into the Gulch seamlessly and authentically through the brand’s distinct lens,” said Tom Jarrold, Global Brand Leader, W Hotels Worldwide.

The thoughtful programming and design direction of W Nashville was led by hospitality veterans David Tessier and Anna Gomez of Hospitality Gaming Advisors along with local partner Mark Bloom, and developed by 12th Ave Realty Holding Company LLC. The public spaces and guestrooms were realised by the award-winning Rockwell Group, honouring both Nashville industry and artisanship through the use of historical, rugged local materials like iron, steel, wood, leather and polished and raw concrete. The spatial experience is brought to life by HKS Architecture. It includes over 26,000 square feet of outdoor space, an impressive amount for an urban hotel.

W Nashville features 286 rooms and 60 suites including two Extreme WOW (Presidential) suites. The distinct room design blends industrial polish with warm, soothing tones as well as a mix of raw materials including leather and exposed concrete. The brand’s signature Mix Bar is a focal point, illuminated in a gold, mirrored cage to encourage in-room entertaining. All WOW and Extreme WOW Suites have balconies as well as seductive overhead views of the Wet Deck. Extreme WOW Suites also feature a discreet music booth, dining area, lounge and a pantry kitchen. Every guestroom at W Nashville features an original, commissioned artwork by Brooklyn-based studio FAILE. 

The Spanish steps, 42 flights of concrete stairs interlaced with warm wood seating platforms that act as a meeting place and amphitheatre (a nod to the iconic meeting spot in Rome) with a live music stage below. Perched above and seemingly floating in the sky is the 10,000 square foot Wet Deck, featuring an impressive, 2,000 square foot, L-shaped pool with private cabanas. A short walk from the pool is the manicured yoga lawn which leads to Fit, W Nashville’s spacious fitness centre, which, unlike many hotel gyms that are remote and tucked away, sits right in the heart of the action, making fitness a social activity.

In addition to the Wet Deck bar, there are six other drinking and dining venues at W Nashville. It begins with Nashville-born coffee shop Barista Parlor, with a “Coffee Courier” to deliver right to guest rooms, as well as a Secret Garden for a quiet respite. Behind Barista Parlour’s copper wire draped curtain is the sophisticated and moody Living Room, which features subtle, respectful nods to music including a ceiling of pyramidal acoustic panels and a two-way mirror box chandelier. 

Rounding out the street level selection are two restaurants by Chef Andrew Carmellini is an all-day dining venue with a laid-back American comfort menu and a bar terrace overlooking the 25-foot Hendrix mural; and Carne Mare is an evening-only, fine dining, contemporary Italian chophouse which draws from Carmellini’s experience working in some of the finest restaurants around the world.

Soaring high atop the 14th floor is Proof, W Nashville’s striking rooftop bar that takes inspiration from the Gulch’s expansive, historical rail yard. Four sliding garage doors line the outdoor terraces, providing a jaw-dropping,360-degree view of the city and, when open, access to outdoor seating and a hidden sunset catwalk.