My husband surprised me with a Romance Package at this historical hotel last night for our anniversary. The lobby of the hotel is exquisite with amazing architectural details, especially the ceiling. The ballroom and veranda are both spectacular. Our room was vey nice and very well thought out, with thoughtful details such as a shoe horn, an umbrella, robes, a book rack in the big bath tub and a nice little bag that held the newspapers on the door in the morning. There was nice relaxing music playing when we arrived. We had a spectacular view of the TN State Capitol and War Memorial and my husband enjoyed a gorgeous sunset while I went downstairs for my massage. The spa was small but sufficient. It is next to the workout facility and there is a locker room with a shower and toiletries for before or after your spa treatments. There is a small spa lobby and then I saw 2 treatment rooms. I enjoyed a 90 minutes massage that was very relaxing. We were happy to not be leaving the hotel but if you were here to see our beautiful city, the Hermitage Hotel is very close to TPAC, The Ryman, War Memorial and the Capitol. We went downstairs to the Capitol Grille for dinner. The Capitol Grille grows much of its food on in a sustainable garden about 5 miles from the hotel on a plot of land owned by the Land Trust for TN. Because we were using the Romance Package, our table was covered in rose petals. We had a onion bisque that was insanely delicious! The Fall Farm pear and pumpkin seed salad was also very good. The Coho salmon was great, served with bok choy, pearl onions and a lonely little slice of grapefruit. The buttermilk potatoes were eaten quickly and the fall vegetable crumble was good as well. My husband enjoyed his steak. They insisted we have a dessert on the house so we split a chocolate creme brûlée which was, of course, divine. Later, they brought champagne, chocolate covered strawberries and truffles to our room. I have never met a chocolate covered strawberry that didn't make me happy. Because the hotel is smack in the middle of the city, there was some noise that reached our room. The street cleaner came around midnight and then again at 4:10am. It sounded like a ghost both times and I was glad I had earplug to pop in. The bathroom is stone and had nice toiletries. We woke up very late and figured we had missed our breakfast that was included but they were happy to bring us up a very very satisfying breakfast that included eggs, potatoes, croissant, toast, turkey bacon, coffee and fresh squeezed OJ. They were very gracious about extending our checkout time. The valet was a little slow and our vehicle was not ready after calling ahead and waiting about 15 minutes but as soon as we mentioned it, they got it immediately. We had a really fun stay and I hope we will go back next time we need a little R&R, a great meal and a chance to sleep in!

The only thing I am sorry about with my stay at the Hermitage is that is was only for one night. The service is exceptional without being overbearing. The staff is friendly and ready to take care of you because they seem to truly want to do it - not because they are forced to. Everything is exceptionally clean, the lobby is great and the rooms are comfortable. We didn't have a chance to eat in either restaurant but hopefully we will on our next trip.

Excellent hotel. Don't stay by an elevator, can be noisy, but otherwise first class all the way! Would stay again. For the price compared to the other nearby hotels, it can't be beat. Maybe see a celeb while you are there.

Forget the Grand Ole Opry ( looking very, very tired and in need of management who care ), this hotel alone is worth the trip to Nashville. It's got history, tradition, style, and exudes a sense of good, old fashioned hospitality. Sitting in the lobby on our 4th and final day as I write these notes, enjoying the usual afternoon complimentary cup of hot spiced tea and cookie in front of a glowing fire in vaulted marble elegance. Lovely !