Graduate Nashville Review: A Unique & Iconic Nashville Hotel

👉 Jump to: Quick Review Summary | Full Graduate Nashville Review | Final Verdict | Alternatives | FAQ

The Graduate Nashville is undeniably one of the most quintessentially-Tennessee hotels in Nashville. The entire hotel pays homage to Nashville’s musical roots with colorful decor and a welcoming atmosphere. Plus, it’s home to a Dolly Parton-themed bar. What could be more Nashville than that?

But is the Graduate Nashville worth the price tag and your precious vacation days?

As a Nashville local and someone people come to for advice on where to stay in Nashville, that’s what I came to find out. I recently had a staycation at the Graduate Nashville with my husband and baby to get down to brass tacks about the property.

Overall, my family had a great stay at the Graduate Nashville – the staff is exceptional and the decor lives up to its over-the-top glam notoriety. However, as someone who works from a laptop, I ran into a bit of a snag when I did a wifi speed test (more details on that below).

Let’s start with a quick review of the Graduate Nashville:

Disclosure: Travel Lemming is an independent reader-supported blog. You can support us by purchasing via the affiliate links on this page, which may earn us commissions. See our Advertising Policy for further explanation. Thank you!

Graduate Nashville Review Quick Summary

Overall, the Graduate Nashville shines when it comes to decor and atmosphere. It feels like a charming B&B mixed with the rhinestone glitz and glamor of the country music world. You won’t find another Nashville hotel quite like this. The Graduate Nashville is a great choice for a Nashville bachelorette party, a family vacation, or any other special occasion.

I’m someone with a lot of local Nashville pride, and I love how every decor detail highlights the city. A locally-created art installation in the lobby showcases species of plants found on the Vanderbilt University campus. Even the throw pillows crested with mistletoe represent the city because, fun Nashville fact, Nashville was founded on Christmas Day. 

However, my experience wasn’t perfect. I dive into the details below, but the working-from-the-hotel situation left a little to be desired. Still, I had a fantastic stay and will happily recommend the Graduate Nashville to most visitors to the city. 

Pros of Graduate Nashville

• Great location in Midtown
• Cool Dolly Parton-themed bar
• Lots of quirky Instagrammable decor
• Downstairs lobby with work and hangout spaces
• Karaoke bar open on certain nights
• Pet-friendly

Cons of Graduate Nashville

• Rooftop pool requires reservations
• No self-parking
• Slow wifi
• Moderately high price tag

Graduate Nashville is best for:

• Visitors who want the unique, over-the-top decor
• Bachelorette parties and girls’ trips
• Couples & honeymoons
• Family trips
• Dolly Parton lovers

Graduate Nashville might not be a fit for:

• Business travelers who need high internet speeds for video calls
• Budget travelers

Graduate Nashville Review (Full)

Now let’s get into all the details of the Graduate Nashville. The hotel has a great location and absolutely beautiful rooms and common spaces. The bar alone is a highlight of any trip to Nashville and should be visited even if you don’t decide to book a room.

There were a few features that surprised me – like the interactive Augmented Reality experience you can access with the Graduate app. As I mentioned, not every single feature was perfect, but I would happily go back. 

Here’s what you need to know.

Rooms

⭐ Star Rating: 5 / 5 stars

Most hotel rooms look fairly similar, but that’s not the case at the Graduate Nashville. The glam, eclectic decor continues from the lobby, through the hallways, and into the rooms. The design choices in the Graduate Nashville feature bright colors and a mix of textures that make the rooms feel fun while still being cozy.

We stayed in the Graduate Corner King, so there was lots of light from the windows on two walls. At night the blackout curtains did a good job of keeping the room dark.

Of course, there are a variety of room options at the Graduate Nashville. Groups, like bachelorette parties, would enjoy the duet two-bedroom option or the Graduate King Suite with one king bed and one sofa bed. Families who want privacy for parents and kids would appreciate the family suite. No matter what combination of king beds, queen beds, or twin beds you need, there’s a room type for you.

All of the rooms have TVs, walk-in showers, and refrigerators. The king bed I had was plush, but still firm enough that you don’t sink when trying to get out of bed. We didn’t notice any outside noise while we were there.

I’m always interested in which toiletry brands luxury hotels choose, and I was happy to discover the Graduate uses Malin + Goetz. In short, these products smell amazing and work as directed without leaving any film on your body. The hotel also provided an ironing board and hairdryer.

Lobby

⭐ Star Rating: 5 / 5 stars

The lobby in the Graduate Nashville features unique works of art and furniture. It’s also a good spot to visit with friends or catch up on some work.

The design team was inspired to include rows of couches based on an interview where Dolly Parton said she slept on friends’ couches when she first moved to Nashville. Thankfully, you’ll get to sleep in a comfy king bed in your room instead. 

Also, while you’re hanging out in your room or in the lobby, you can use the Graduate Hotels app to open an AR experience and scan the artwork for more information.

Normally, my plan when traveling is to spend as little time in my hotel as possible, but the Graduate Nashville is the kind of hotel you want to linger in.

Pool

⭐ Star Rating: 4 / 5 stars

A summer feature, the rooftop terrace pool at the Graduate Nashville wasn’t yet open for the season during our spring visit. The pool is only open from Memorial Day until Labor Day. Still, I was able to have a peek at the pool during my stay to check out the details.

The location of the Graduate’s pool is stunning because it overlooks the city. Plus, you can order drinks and snacks from the rooftop bar while you hang out poolside.

One thing to keep in mind is that you must reserve access to the pool through White Limozeen, the rooftop bar. Reservations are charged per person and are available in 3-hour time slots. This would be perfect to reserve for a special occasion or during a bachelorette trip to Nashville. The pool is 21+ only after 7 pm. 

Dining

⭐ Star Rating: 5 / 5 stars

The Graduate Nashville has three options for food – a cafe, a karaoke bar, and a rooftop bar. I ate at both the cafe and rooftop bar while I was there. The karaoke bar, Cross Eyed Critters, was closed for a private event during my stay.

Note that there is no room service and no continental breakfast at the Graduate Nashville. Grab-and-Go food and drink are available at Poindexter Coffee in the lobby.

Let’s dive into each of the dining options:

White Limozeen

White Limozeen, the rooftop bar, is a destination within itself. The bar is inspired by Tennessee’s most beloved star, Dolly Parton. Everything is pink, fun, and glamorous. 

The food is French-inspired and absolutely exceeded my expectations. The menu has a variety of small plates and entrees. Definitely make sure to get an order of the fries whether you’re there for dinner or just for cocktails.

Reservations open up 14 days in advance for indoor tables. The patio is open to walk-ins weather permitting. White Limozeen is 21+ only after 7 pm. We were able to enjoy dinner on the patio with our baby before 7 pm.

Poindexter Coffee

The Graduate’s lobby coffee shop made my list of the best coffee shops in Nashville, and that’s not a designation I take lightly. The decor is elegant and inviting. Thanks to the free wifi, you’ll frequently see people working, reading, or studying here.

The coffee is good and the cafe is a great place to hang out. However, it may not be the best option for breakfast. We had to wait a while for our food to come out of the kitchen, which is good to keep in mind if you’re in a rush. There are so many great brunch spots in Nashville that you might want to try out instead.

Cross Eyed Critters Watering Hole

Cross Eyed Critters Watering Hole is a karaoke bar with an animatronic backup band. It’s supposed to feel like a karaoke dive bar, which makes sense in Music City. The menu has staple dive bar options like burgers, tacos, tequila, and beer.

I wasn’t able to visit Cross Eyed Critters because it was closed for a private event. 

Location

⭐ Star Rating: 4.5 / 5 stars

The Graduate Nashville is centrally located in Midtown. It’s within walking distance of Downtown Nashville.

The neighborhood is home to Vanderbilt University and there’s a lively local nightlife scene. Centennial Park and Nashville’s Parthenon are also located in Midtown. Near the Graduate Nashville, you’ll find lots of casual restaurants including Hattie B’s, a hot chicken restaurant that is one of the best Southern restaurants in Nashville.

However, you’ll have to walk over a mile to get to the downtown honky tonks. For me, the more laid-back vibe of Midtown is more appealing, but some people might want to be closer to the action.

Customer Service

⭐ Star Rating: 5 / 5 stars

Southern hospitality shines at the Graduate Nashville. The staff is helpful and were incredibly friendly in all our interactions. The hotel is large with a lot of guests, but the staff never seemed hurried or rushed when we needed something.

Check-In / Check-Out Process

⭐ Star Rating: 5 / 5 stars

You know the scene – you arrive at a large hotel after a long day of travel and, womp-womp, have to stand in line for an hour trying to check-in. Thankfully, this is not the case at the Graduate Nashville. The check-in process is smooth and, despite so many guests coming and going, there often aren’t waits at the check-in desk. 

Of course, to make your experience go as smoothly as mine, have your booking confirmation, ID, and a debit/credit card or cash deposit ready for incidental charges.

Check-in at the Graduate Nashville is at 4 pm and check-out is at 11 am. For $75, guests can arrange for early check-in at 1 pm or late check-out at 2 pm. The price for late check-out and early check-in are subject to additional taxes.

Parking

⭐ Star Rating: 5 / 5 stars

A process that may catch visitors off-guard at the Graduate Nashville is that there is no option to self-park your car. Instead, there is only a valet parking option with in/out access. Parking is $50 per 24 hours for sedans and $60 for larger vehicles. 

This can seem steep, especially if you’re traveling to Nashville on a budget, but the rate and process are on par with other hotels in Midtown and Downtown.

Gym

⭐ Star Rating: 4 / 5 stars

The 24-hour fitness center at the Graduate Nashville has all the basic equipment most guests need. Peloton devotees will be glad to know you can still get in your daily ride. The gym also has a couple of treadmills, free weights, exercise balls, and a few other pieces of specialized equipment. 

Accessibility

⭐ Star Rating: 4.5 / 5 stars

As part of the evaluation process for Travel Lemming, I took the time to examine how the hotel might meet the needs of visitors with disabilities. 

Overall, the Graduate Nashville had the accessibility features I’d expect from a hotel that is very focused on visitor satisfaction. The hotel’s public spaces meet the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

• ♿ Wheelchair accessibility – The hotel seems fairly accessible with a wheelchair. We were comfortably able to fit a large stroller through doorways, hallways on elevators, and inside the room. Designated accessible rooms are available with a variety of bathroom designs and adaptations. The biggest issue would likely be finding a wheelchair-accessible path to attractions downtown.
• 👂 Vision and Hearing Accessibility – Several features are available to ensure rooms are functional for guests with impaired vision or hearing. Knock lights, adapted telephones, audible emergency alarms, and pillow alarms are a few of the features that can be requested.
• 🐕 Service Animals – Service animals are allowed in public areas. 

For more information about accessibility at the Graduate Nashville, I suggest contacting the hotel through email at info@graduatenashville.com or by phone at 615-551-2700. The hotel staff can answer specific conditions that apply to your needs. In fact, the property advises that you contact them in advance to ensure the best experience.

👉 Note: Please note that I am able-bodied. If you’ve had first-hand experience with this hotel you’d like to add that you think may be helpful for future readers, feel free to add it in the comments.

Free WiFi, Internet Speed & Remote Work Setup

⭐ Star Rating: 4 / 5 stars

The rooms at the Graduate Nashville have an attractive desk set-up that’s more than adequate for working. However, if you need a lot of space to spread out, the desks may not be ideal.

The Graduate Nashville does provide free Wifi for all patrons staying at the hotel. As a travel writer, I’m often on my laptop for work, and I found the wifi in the hotel is strong enough to get some basic tasks done.

However, as you can infer from the above image, if you need to upload or download large files or plan to do video calls, the internet speed could potentially be an issue. This is something to keep in mind if you’re primarily visiting Nashville for business.

Cleanliness

⭐ Star Rating: 5 / 5 stars

As one of the premier hotels in Nashville, the Graduate Nashville is as spic-and-span as you’d imagine. The rooms were clean upon arrival, and all of the common areas were free of trash, spills, and other mishaps.

Value for Money

⭐ Star Rating: 5 / 5 stars

The location and atmosphere make Graduate Nashville a good value for its price. While staying in a hotel with pink, frilly features may not be for everyone, the Graduate is definitely a unique boutique hotel. 

If ruffled canopies, Dolly Parton portraits, floral designs, and pin-stripe fabric are for you, then this hotel is the perfect fit. Staying at the Graduate is an experience in itself.

Of course, Graduate Nashville is on the higher end of the spectrum when it comes to the price point. While the hotel is a great option if you’re in town for a special occasion and willing to splurge a bit, it may not be the best fit if you’re on a budget.

Hotel Details & Information

• Hotel Website
• Google Maps
• Hotel Phone: (615) 551-2700
• Number of Rooms: 205
• Year Built: 2020
• Hotel Chain / Brand: Graduate Hotels
• Closest Airport: Nashville International Airport (8.7 miles)
• Nearby Attractions: Vanderbilt University, the Parthenon
• Nearby Restaurants: Hattie B’s Hot Chicken, 
• Check In Time: 4 pm
• Check Out Time: 11 am
• Pets Policy: Yes, pet friendly with an extra fee per pet per night and some restrictions

Hotel Amenities

Types of Rooms: 

• Graduate King Bed
• Graduate Queen-Queen Beds
• Graduate Premium King Bed
• Graduate Nashville Duet Two-Bedroom
• Graduate Junior King Suite
• Graduate King Suite
• Family Suite
• 9 to 5 Suite
• Graduate Twin-Twin
• ADA-compliant rooms

Room Amenities:

• Blackout curtains
• Air conditioning
• Heating
• Desk
• Housekeeping
• Interconnected rooms available
• Coffee / tea maker
• Electric Kettle
• Cable / satellite TV
• Bath / shower
• Safe
• Telephone
• Wardrobe / closet
• Iron
• Private bathrooms
• Wake-up service / alarm clock
• Refrigerator
• Flatscreen TV
• USB Outlet
• Complimentary toiletries
• Hair dryer
• Free in room wifi

Property Amenities: 

• Rooftop Pool (Reservation only)
• Valet parking
• Key card access
• 24 Hour Fitness Center with Gym
• Bar / Restaurant
• Karaoke Bar
• Pets Allowed 
• Banquet room
• Conference room
• Meeting rooms
• Free Wifi
• Coffee shop
• Luggage storage
• Non-smoking hotel
• Early check in available
• 24-hour front desk
• Elevators
• Dry cleaning
• Laundry service

FINAL VERDICT – Is Graduate Nashville Worth It? 

Overall, the Graduate Nashville is a one-of-a-kind property that encapsulates the charm and fun of the city. It’s over the top in the best kind of way. If you want a unique experience, the Graduate Nashville is the place to stay in music city.

To be completely frank, the Graduate Nashville is one of my favorite hotels that I’ve stayed in – like, ever. I’m already looking for an excuse to take another staycation so I can visit again!

⭐ OVERALL STAR RATING: 4.7 / 5 stars

Graduate Nashville Alternative Hotels

If the Graduate Nashville doesn’t sound quite right for you, here are a couple of other hotels that might be just what you’re looking for.

• Noelle – This beautiful hotel has Beaux Arts elements and an atmosphere that is equally as unique as the Graduate Nashville but with considerably less pink. Noelle has an ideal location in downtown Nashville.
• Conrad – Just like the Graduate Nashville, Conrad is located in Midtown. The vibe is a bit more traditional. The hotel also has a beautiful bar as well as an amazing restaurant with some of the best dishes you’ll find in Nashville.

For more alternative hotels, check out my full list of the 27 best hotels in Nashville.

FAQs About the Graduate Nashville Hotel

***

That’s it for my Graduate Nashville review! If this guide helped you decide the Graduate Nashville is right for you, consider using our affiliate links to make your booking, and let me know what you think in the comments.

Up next, I highly recommend reading my ultimate insider’s list of the best things to do in Nashville.