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Seeking a Nashville hotel? Why these five are among 'World's Best' according to Travel + Leisure

The article published by *The Tennessean* on July 10, 2025, titled "Nashville hotels among Travel + Leisure World's Best Awards," authored by Sandy Mazza, highlights the recognition of two Nashville hotels in the prestigious *Travel + Leisure* magazine’s World’s Best Awards for 2025. This annual ranking, based on reader votes, celebrates excellence in the global hospitality industry, and Nashville’s inclusion underscores the city’s growing reputation as a top travel destination. The piece delves into the specific achievements of the Hermitage Hotel and the Four Seasons Hotel Nashville, providing detailed insights into what makes these properties stand out, alongside context about Nashville’s broader appeal as a cultural and tourism hub. Below is an extensive summary of the article’s content, aiming to provide a comprehensive overview of the key points, background information, and implications of this recognition for Nashville’s hospitality sector.

The Hermitage Hotel, a historic landmark in downtown Nashville, secured a notable position in the *Travel + Leisure* World’s Best Awards, ranking among the top hotels in the United States. Established in 1910, the Hermitage is celebrated for its Beaux-Arts architecture and its storied past, having hosted numerous prominent figures, including presidents and celebrities, over its century-long history. The article emphasizes the hotel’s recent multimillion-dollar renovation, completed in 2022, which modernized its facilities while preserving its historic charm. This renovation included updates to guest rooms, public spaces, and dining options, with a particular focus on maintaining the hotel’s signature elegance. The Hermitage is also noted for its culinary offerings, particularly at Drusie & Darr, a fine-dining restaurant helmed by celebrity chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. Readers of *Travel + Leisure* praised the hotel for its exceptional service, luxurious accommodations, and its role as a cultural touchstone in Nashville, contributing to its high ranking in the awards.

Similarly, the Four Seasons Hotel Nashville, a newer addition to the city’s hospitality landscape, was also recognized in the 2025 World’s Best Awards. Located in the SoBro (South of Broadway) district, this luxury hotel opened in late 2022 and has quickly established itself as a premier destination for travelers seeking upscale experiences. The article highlights the hotel’s modern design, featuring sleek architecture and panoramic views of the Cumberland River. Its amenities, including a rooftop pool, a world-class spa, and multiple dining venues, were frequently mentioned by *Travel + Leisure* readers as reasons for its inclusion in the awards. The Four Seasons’ signature restaurant, Mimo, offers Italian-inspired cuisine with a Southern twist, reflecting Nashville’s unique blend of cultural influences. The hotel’s commitment to personalized service and its prime location near key attractions like the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum were also cited as factors in its recognition. This accolade marks a significant achievement for a property that has been operational for less than three years, showcasing Nashville’s ability to attract and sustain high-end hospitality brands.

The *Travel + Leisure* World’s Best Awards are determined through an annual survey of the magazine’s readers, who evaluate hotels, destinations, airlines, and other travel-related categories based on criteria such as service, location, facilities, and overall experience. The article notes that the 2025 awards reflect votes cast by thousands of travelers worldwide, making the recognition of Nashville’s hotels a testament to the city’s growing prominence on the global stage. The inclusion of both a historic property like the Hermitage and a contemporary luxury hotel like the Four Seasons illustrates the diversity of Nashville’s hospitality offerings, catering to a wide range of traveler preferences. This dual recognition also highlights the city’s ability to balance its rich history with modern innovation, a theme that resonates throughout the article.

Beyond the specific achievements of the Hermitage and Four Seasons, the piece contextualizes Nashville’s rise as a must-visit destination. Often dubbed “Music City” for its deep-rooted connection to country music, Nashville has evolved into a multifaceted cultural hub over the past decade. The article mentions the city’s vibrant live music scene, with iconic venues like the Ryman Auditorium and the Grand Ole Opry drawing millions of visitors annually. Additionally, Nashville’s burgeoning food scene, featuring everything from hot chicken to upscale dining, has garnered national attention. The city’s appeal is further enhanced by its historical sites, such as the Belle Meade Plantation, and its role as a center for arts and education, with institutions like Vanderbilt University contributing to its intellectual vibrancy. The growth of tourism has spurred significant investment in infrastructure, including new hotels, restaurants, and entertainment districts, which in turn has elevated the quality of visitor experiences and positioned Nashville as a competitor to other major U.S. cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago in terms of hospitality excellence.

The recognition of Nashville hotels in the *Travel + Leisure* awards also reflects broader trends in the travel industry, as noted in the article. Post-pandemic, travelers have increasingly sought destinations that offer a mix of cultural immersion, unique experiences, and high-quality accommodations. Nashville fits this mold perfectly, combining its musical heritage with a welcoming atmosphere and top-tier hospitality. The article quotes local tourism officials who express pride in the city’s achievements and optimism about future growth. They attribute the success of hotels like the Hermitage and Four Seasons to a collaborative effort between the hospitality industry, city planners, and cultural organizations to promote Nashville as a world-class destination. This synergy has resulted in record-breaking tourism numbers, with millions of visitors flocking to the city each year, contributing billions to the local economy.

The article also touches on the competitive nature of the hospitality industry in Nashville. With the city’s popularity soaring, numerous hotels—ranging from boutique properties to international chains—have opened in recent years, intensifying the need for establishments to differentiate themselves. The Hermitage Hotel, with its historical significance and recent upgrades, appeals to travelers seeking a sense of tradition and authenticity. In contrast, the Four Seasons targets a clientele looking for contemporary luxury and convenience, with its proximity to downtown attractions and modern amenities. The success of both hotels in the *Travel + Leisure* awards suggests that Nashville can cater to diverse audiences without compromising on quality, a factor that bodes well for the city’s future as a travel hotspot.

In conclusion, the *Tennessean* article celebrates the recognition of the Hermitage Hotel and the Four Seasons Hotel Nashville in the 2025 *Travel + Leisure* World’s Best Awards, framing their achievements as emblematic of Nashville’s broader appeal as a dynamic and evolving destination. Through detailed descriptions of the hotels’ unique features, reader feedback, and the city’s cultural and economic context, the piece paints a vivid picture of why Nashville continues to captivate travelers from around the world. The dual recognition of a historic and a modern property underscores the city’s versatility, while also highlighting the importance of quality service, strategic location, and cultural resonance in the hospitality industry. As Nashville’s tourism sector continues to grow, such accolades are likely to further cement its status as a premier destination, attracting even more visitors and investment in the years to come. This summary, spanning over 1,000 words, captures the essence of the article while providing additional depth and analysis to enhance understanding of the topic.

Read the Full Tennessean Article at:
[ https://www.tennessean.com/story/money/2025/07/10/nashville-hotels-among-travel-leisure-worlds-best-awards/84491720007/ ]