We had the address, but we needed to drive around the block before we noticed the Germantown Inn. That’s how seamlessly this six-room luxury boutique inn blends into its historic neighborhood.The building is in the classic Federal-style and dates back to the mid-1800s – think red brick and high ceilings – and manages to keep an old-style charm while still providing luxurious modern accommodations. If we weren’t looking for it, we would assume it’s another one of the beautiful period homes.
We were a little confused as to where to enter the Inn – there’s a beautiful blue front door that requires a key code for entry – we went through a gate in the side courtyard to find our way in. The courtyard has tables and chairs, heat lamps in case it’s a bit too chilly to be outdoors, and is a perfect spot for a glass of wine or morning coffee. We spotted a chipmunk scampering up a tree and heard birds chirping away, very peaceful.
Walking through the courtyard took us to an entry door to a sunroom. It too required a key code for entry, but we saw someone inside and knocked on the door. Hurray – we had entry! Our arrival was a few hours earlier than originally planned, and a couple hours earlier than scheduled check-in time, due to a change in flight plans. We wouldn’t have experienced this confusion if we’d arrived on our original schedule.
There are six rooms, three up and three down, named after a President. We stayed in the Monroe room, the others are Buchanan, Polk, Jackson, Jefferson, and Madison. The Monroe is one of the larger rooms, with a color scheme of gray, white, and hot pink, in an eclectic mix of vintage and modern decor. While the room is spacious, the high ceilings and large windows make it doubly spacious. The room has a king bed, a small sitting area, a bright pink fireplace (decorative only) with a portrait of President Monroe hanging above it, flat screen television, robes, complimentary water, and wi-fi. The bathroom is done in white tile, has a large shower (no tub), and features upscale toiletries.
I thought the room was comfortable, both for relaxing and sleeping. My husband raved about the bed and said that it was the best sleep he’s had on the road.
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All door entries, external and to your room, are with a key code. I love this idea as we one of those traveling couples who always manages to leave both of our keys behind us in the room, although my husband said he prefers a key. This is a luxury property, and I like the combination of blending into surroundings and effective security. I’m guessing that more than a few celebrities have stayed here and have appreciated the relative anonymity.
Tip: Take a photo of the piece of paper with the info and keep it on your phone. We were able to remember the code, but we didn’t want to forget it coming back late from a night out.
Breakfast is included in your room rate and is prepared by Veda, the charming manager of the Inn. There is a nice assortment that on our stay included quiche, yogurt and berries, fruit, juices, coffee, and more. Be sure to let her know if you have any dietary restrictions when you book your room. The weather was fickle during our stay, so we got to enjoy both the outdoor courtyard and the indoor sunroom for our breakfast.
Tip: Veda is a great source for information about Nashville. We met her in the evening while she was out walking her dog and had a great conversation about restaurants in the area. We took a couple of her suggestions for meals while we were visiting and she was spot on with her reviews.
The Germantown neighbor is hispter-ville meets establishment, with lots of brick homes and businesses, restaurants and cafes, and an all around good neighbor vibe. The Inn doesn’t have a restaurant on property, but who cares when they are so many food options within an easy walk in the ‘hood. The neighborhood is safe, although reasonable precautions are always important, and we felt comfortable wandering in this unfamiliar neighborhood.
A few restaurant recommendations within an easy walking distance: Cupcake Collection, directly across the street from the Inn (try lemonade cupcake); Jack Brown’s Beer & Burger Joint (with an extensive selection of beers); and Germantown Cafe (for dinner or for a late night glass of wine). Plan in advance if you are hoping to get into uber-trendy Henrietta Red.
Or, just pick up a bottle of wine and enjoy the courtyard.
If you want to head into downtown Nashville, it’s a short drive or an inexpensive Uber away.
The Germantown Inn is located at 1218 6th Avenue North, in the Germantown neighborhood of Nashville, Tennessee.
Rates start around $225 mid-week and $350 on the weekends. Expect the usual seasonal and holiday variations. Free parking is available in a small lot in the back or on the front street. Compare rates at Booking.com.
The Inn has only been open since December 2016 and availability can be tough to come by, especially on weekends, as the property is often booked for weddings, receptions, and group events. If you don’t have flexibility in your plans, you’ll need to book well in advance.
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Disclosure: The author received a complimentary stay at the Germantown Inn as part of an influencer trip to Nashville.
I love this property! It’s so gorgeous, and they’ve done a great job at restoring it while also adding a bit of contemporary pizzazz. Hoping you got to City House while staying there!
Thanks Kristin – glad to hear a local’s praise.
We did not, unfortunately. We stopped off a couple places in the neighborhood for food and beverages, and have on our on Henrietta Red for a return trip. That place looked amazing, even for us non-hipsters.