Tennessee whiskey in cocktail form at the new Four Seasons in downtown Nashville, TN
Nashville, Tennessee is undoubtedly one of the hottest cities in the country right now. Over the past decade the downtown population has increased by more than 20%. And though it’s becoming more cosmopolitan by the day, the community works hard to retain the regional charm that made it so alluring to begin with. Its newest luxury hotel is a commendable example of this sort of commitment.
The Four Seasons Nashville opened last November, just a block off of Broadway, along the scenic Cumberland Riverfront. It’s housed in a modern tower, featuring 235 rooms and suites—and additional residences. In terms of hospitality it boasts the brand’s signature five-star pampering throughout. Sleek and stylish common spaces, full-service spas and outdoor hot tubs with a view, are perks that will be quite familiar to anyone who has frequented its sister properties across the globe. But a number of flourishes have been artfully incorporated to make it clear that this place belongs to Music City. For example, you can arrange to have in-person performances in your guest suite, from local songwriters. Observant guests will notice that tables are shaped like vinyl players and lighting fixtures evoke recording studio microphones. For fans of food and drink, the neighborhood connection is even more obvious.
At Mimo, the property’s signature bar and restaurant, the menu deftly weaves cosmopolitan elegance through the fabric of native Nashville flavor. On the beverage side, standout selections leverage Tennessee whiskey to wondrous ends. The Southern Charm balances Luxardo cherry liqueur and smoked figs against the nutmeg and spice of Uncle Nearest. What results is a deeper, more soulful spin on a classic Manhattan.
17 Steps from Rye-Man references the neighborhood in flavor and name; Ryman Auditorium (an iconic venue dubbed the "Mother Church of Country Music”) is just a block up the street from the hotel. Its namesake cocktail is a curious combination of Dickel Rye and house made ginger syrup, topped with a local beer.
Mimo restaurant and bar in the lobby of the new Four Seasons Nashville
And speaking of suds, guests get to select from a craft beer list highlighting producers from across the city. The Homestyle IPA from Bearded Iris Brewing is a notable standout. It’s brewed solely with mosaic hops, delivering a citrus-rich sort of bitterness. But there’s oats in the mix, lending a refreshing softness to the drinking experience.
There’s also an expansive list of spirits on pour, including harder-to-find craft offerings collected from across the state. All in all, the venue endeavors to raise the bar for hotel beverage programs in Nashville and succeeds by walking the tightrope strung between creativity and approachability. The approach is mirrored over in the open kitchen, where Michelin-starred chef Aniello Turco is fusing his Southern Italian cuisine with Southern hospitality.
An evening here perfectly encapsulates the big-city bonafides of contemporary Nashville. Indeed, you’ll discover plenty to compare favorably against Four Season counterparts in places like Lower Manhattan or the West End of London. But you’ll also appreciate a certain small town charm you can’t get in those other places—not to mention far friendlier pricing on overnight stays. Rooms here typically start at under $600 a night.
The new Four Seasons property towers above the Nashville skyline directly abutting the Cumberland ... [+]
