Fresh off the high of Blavity House Party, I was more than ready for a good night’s sleep. My feet were aching from wearing cowboy boots all weekend—when in Rome, right?
The relentless Nashville heat, which could only be described as a temperature so sinister that even Satan might avoid it, had me worn out.
All I could think about was kicking off my boots and hopping in bed. Thankfully, the ride from the Nashville Municipal Auditorium, where the festival took place, to my hotel, Motif on Music Row, was a swift 11 minutes. Perfect. There is nothing I hate more than a long commute standing in the way of me and my rest.
As my ride pulls off from the venue, I watch the theater’s bright marquee fade into the distance. But there’s plenty of sightseeing to enjoy before my arrival. Along the way, I pass by the Tennessee State Capitol and Supreme Court illuminated in vivid colors. Just a short distance away on Broadway is The Frist Art Museum, a museum known for its diverse exhibitions of contemporary and historical visual art. A massive pride flag marks the front entrance, fittingly for June.
Continuing down Broadway, I run into brief traffic as bustling crowds make their way from across the street to move between the bars and restaurants. One of the things I love most about Nashville is that no matter where you are or what time of day it is, you are guaranteed to hear music blasting somewhere. This is Music City, after all.
We make a left turn, paralleling I-40, the interstate linking Tennessee’s three major cities: Nashville, Memphis, and Knoxville. Then, a right turn leads us to Demonbreun Sts, a well known street that cuts through The Gulch. While ‘The Gulch’ isn’t the most appealing name, the neighborhood itself looks much nicer than it sounds. It lies between Downtown Nashville, where I was picked up from, and Music Row, my destination. At The Gulch, you can find more dining spots, bars, hotels, and high-end clothing boutiques. Think of it as a Nashville equivalent to like NYC’s Meatpacking District or Chicago’s West Loop.
Shortly after, I arrive on Music Row.
Further down the street is Motif on Music Row. It’s in a prime location that allows guests to immerse themselves in the city’s legendary music scene, with so many iconic spots just a short walk away. The iconic destination lies in the heart of Nashville’s Entertainment District. Sony Music Publishing, BMI, and ASCAP are just a few of the offices that call this street home. It’s also home to notable radio stations, including Lightning 100, Nashville’s oldest independent radio station.
As I pull up to the hotel, I’m dropped off at the complimentary valet parking lane. I used ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft to get around, but If you plan to drive, the onsite valet parking can provide convenience and peace of mind, especially in a busy area like Music Row.
The boutique hotel, which opened in March 2024, is 7 stories tall and located at 50 Music Square West. Thankfully, the address is easy to remember in case of an emergency. In addition to complimentary valet service, the hotel features a range of suites—1, 2, and 3 bedrooms—for both short-term visits and extended stays.
My stay was only three nights but had I opted for a longer stay, like three months, it wouldn’t be an issue. The hotel blends luxury and convenience well, making it an ideal spot for travelers like myself exploring the city or white-collar workers seeking a quiet retreat while in town for business. Despite its proximity to lively attractions, evenings and weekends remain quiet and free from the usual hustle and bustle from corporate offices nearby.
Motif on Music Row combines an array of modern amenities with the culture of Music City. As I walked in, I was immediately struck by its chic yet down-to-earth design. The expansive lobby features high ceilings, plush couches, large tv’s, table’s. Captivating photographs showcasing the city’s rich musical history. Across from the front desk is a stocked fridge with everything from refreshments to ice cream, while a nearby snack bar provides a range of everyday essentials such as tea, coffee, snacks, over-the-counter drugs, and unique souvenirs like a Dolly Parton t-shirt.
Upon my first day there, the check-in process was smooth and efficient. The staff at the front desk welcomed me with a comprehensive overview of the hotels amenities and were happy to answer any questions I had about the property and the area.
On the second floor, you’ll find the rooftop pool, poolside lounge, and fitness center. Despite not being very elevated, the 8-foot-deep pool was impressive and the lounge provided the perfect place to relax with a drink while soaking up the sun. The fitness center was well equipped with modern machines, weights, and yoga mats to cater to various workout routines.
As I made my way to my one-bedroom suite situated on the 7th floor, I passed by more photos paying homage to Nashville’s musical heritage. I appreciated the thoughtful design and attention to detail throughout the hotel.
My suite came with a stunning view of the Nashville skyline, with the prestigious Vanderbilt University visible in the distance. Contemporary furnishings and décor adorned the suite throughout. The spacious bathroom included a frameless LED mirror and a glass door shower. In the bedroom, a cozy queen-sized bed faced a 50” TV. Each room included a washer and dryer unit all your laundry needs. The living room had a 55” TV, a couch, chairs, and a coffee table where I often ate my meals. For those preferring a separate dining area, there is also a small dining table available. Adjacent to the living room is a fully furnished kitchen with dishes, utensils, cookware, a stove with oven, a fridge, a microwave, and a dishwasher.
For guests traveling with pets, the hotel’s dog washing station is a thoughtful addition.
The hotel’s atmosphere was both lively and relaxed, striking the perfect balance for guests like me eager to immerse themselves in Nashville’s energetic vibe during the day while also having a peaceful place to retreat to at the end of the night.
I can honestly say that my stay at Motif on Music Row was truly exceptional. The combination of its prime location, stylish accommodations, and great amenities make it a standout choice for anyone looking to enjoy a comfortable and fun time in Nashville. I love the hotel’s commitment to ensuring guests are well taken care of during their stay. For the property to be so new, they provide everything you’d want while staying at a boutique hotel and I can see it becoming a top choice for travelers looking to experience the best of Music City very soon.