The Hermitage Hotel

The Hermitage Hotel, an anchor in downtown Nashville, sits across from the Tennessee State Capitol and the Tennessee Performing Arts Center, and is within walking distance of many other attractions. Its location a few blocks north of Lower Broadway means it is insulated from the honkytonk noise and hubbub. President Andrew Jackson's home, The Hermitage, is 16 miles to the east; specify that you want the hotel when in taxis.

This Beaux Arts beauty combines several styles, leaning toward classical Italian and French Renaissance details, with marble columns, ornate mirrors and original art. If you only appreciate a minimalistic aesthetic, Hermitage Hotel might not be to your personal taste. But the traditional look shouldn't be mistaken for dated — the décor is thoroughly high end. The lobby's painted and stained-glass ceiling is a draw for tourists, regardless of whether or not they are staying in the hotel.

The historic look and feel of the hotel may turn heads, but it is the service, at both the hotel and in the restaurant, that makes Hermitage Hotel a standout. This is the kind of place where seemingly effortless attention to detail happens: A guest drops a fork from a table; a suit-clad member of staff is there to grab it as it hits the floor. Turndown service includes robes laid out on the bed and a towel mat for your shoes. Doormen are friendly and anticipate your every need. The spa is concierge-style, so appointments must be made in advance and technicians will be brought in. A handy map of the area is tucked in with your key holder.

Upgraded rooms have modern detail but traditional décor, including patterned curtains, four-poster beds and deep carpets. Bathrooms have showers and tubs. Choose from buckwheat, memory foam or latex pillows. All rooms have desks, comfortable beds and views of the city.

Capitol Grille is one of Nashville's most respected restaurants, nestled in the basement of the hotel. It is not all that unusual these days for a restaurant to own its own farm, as Capitol Grille does, where it can source local herbs and vegetables. But the restaurant also has its own cattle, so you know the ribeye ($45/£35), filet ($50/£39) and New York Strip ($40/£31) are top quality.

The adjacent Oak Bar started during prohibition, and still has a clubby, secretive feel (and a men's bathroom with a shoeshine stand). Sip a classic cocktail made with a selection from the bar's bourbon library. At breakfast the corned beef hash casserole ($15/£12) features the house's Double H beef. Other options include hearty dishes such as egg white frittata ($12/£9), omelettes ($10/£8) and buttermilk pancakes ($12/£9).

Double rooms from $349 (£271) year-round. Breakfast from $11 (£9). Free Wi-Fi. Valet-only parking is $35 (£27) per night.

The hotel's public areas are accessible and there are lifts to each floor.

Cots are available and rooms are large enough to accommodate them. The hotel is also pet-friendly (Gene Autry's horse Champion famously stayed in his own room in the hotel in 1941), with pet turndown service, dog walking, a pet masseuse and a room service menu dedicated to pets. The pet fee is $75 (£58).