Tennessee’s Only Forbes Five-Star, AAA Five Diamond Hotel Offers a Pampered Paws Program

Story by Lyda Kay Ferree, The Southern Lifestyles Lady. Photography courtesy of The Hermitage Hotel.

The Hermitage Hotel, an American landmark since 1910 and the epitome of Southern elegance and five-star luxury, has been one of my favorite hotels for many years. My late mother adored this hotel and often while I was traveling across the state for a Tennessee governor she was a guest there.

Mother never met a stranger! When I returned to the hotel in the evening, she regaled me with wonderful stories about her conversations with guests like Minnesota Fats, legendary pool player who lived in the hotel for eight years.

I have so many happy memories of The Hermitage and its lovely rooms with luxurious amenities. On Christmas Eve a few years ago I was a guest in The Presidential Suite, a deluxe suite. It was perfect! From my living room which felt like a penthouse apartment, I had a view of a large Christmas tree at the Capitol. The rooms were tastefully decorated and comfortable. My suite was so gorgeous I wanted to inquire about living there. I made mental notes on where I could place my baby grand piano and a small New York-style kitchenette.

Memories of visits to The Hermitage also include a pianist playing my favorite song, “Funny Valentine,” in the Veranda; Thanksgiving meals; fascinating interviews I conducted in the lobby of John Berendt, New York Times bestselling author of “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil,” and the charming late Congresswoman Lindy Boggs, author of “Washington Through a Purple Veil” and ambassador to the Vatican.

Fast forward to The Hermitage today where five-star luxury blends with Southern comfort. Now 106 years old, The Hermitage Hotel has been woven into the fabric and rich history of Nashville, defining the service and details that make hospitality synonymous with the South.

Ideal Location

Nashville has been named the “Destination of the Year 2016” by Travel + Leisure readers, Top 10 Cities in the World by Lonely Planet and #1 U.S. destination for international travelers by TripAdvisor.

Nestled in the heart of downtown Nashville, The Hermitage, an independent boutique hotel, offers access to many of Music City’s top attractions, historic sites and live music venues. It is within walking distance of the Nashville Convention Center, the financial district and historic 2nd Avenue. The State Capitol and the Tennessee Performing Arts Center (T-PAC) are located across the street, while the famous Ryman Auditorium (the original home of the Grand Ole Opry) is only a few blocks away.

Both Bridgestone Arena and LP Field are also within walking distance, offering a variety of activities ranging from sporting events to concerts. The hotel is only 15 minutes from the Nashville International Airport (BNA) and 5 minutes from Vanderbilt University.
Whether in town for business or pleasure, guests of The Hermitage Hotel will experience an historic sanctuary in the middle of a thriving city.

Executive Suite Bedroom, Hermitage Hotel

Rooms & Suites

Each of The Hermitage Hotel’s 122 guest rooms including 22 suites boasts an elaborate and elegant design woven together with traditional sophistication. An average size of 500-650 square feet provides each room with a generous and comfortable living space.

Many of the hotel’s rooms and suites offer spectacular views of the Tennessee State Capitol building and downtown Nashville.

In-Room amenities include spacious Italian marble bathrooms with double vanities, a deep soaking tub, separate shower, enclosed water closet and a 20-inch LG Flat Panel bathroom television; Molton Brown London bath gels and soaps, lush robes and oversized towels; luxurious Frette linens and down-filled duvets; custom-made Hypnos beds; 65-inch flat panel televisions; iPod alarm clock docking stations; DVD/CD player; complimentary high-speed wired and wireless Internet; nightly turndown service with complimentary water and fresh baked pastries; complimentary newspapers delivered to your door each morning; luxury magazines in every room; in-room pillow menu with selections of memory foam, buckwheat, latex foam and down pillows; and On-call Bath Concierge.

Pampered Paws Program

“The Hermitage Hotel lends itself to a Five-Star standard of luxury for each of our guests—and occasionally our guests happen to be pets,” said Lisa Field, Director of Marketing for The Hermitage Hotel. “We would be remiss if we did not show the same care and level of detail to our furry friends as we do our human guests.”

“The Hermitage Hotel lends itself to a Five-Star standard of luxury for all of our guests—and occasionally our guests happen to be pets! We would be remiss if we did not show the same care and level of detail to our furry friends as we do our human guests…”

— Lisa Field, Director of Marketing, The Hermitage Hotel

“When we launched our Pampered Paws Program, we wanted to afford our pet guests all the comforts and indulgences of luxury travel. From our nightly Pet Turndown to all-natural treats and concierge service, we strive to give our pets a truly exceptional experience. The program, which has shown huge popularity, has not only delighted our pet guests but delights pet owners and our staff as well.”

When a pet checks in, it receives a welcome letter addressed to the pet andit describes the pet amenities throughout the hotel.

In the guest room there is a specialty pet bed: medium, large or extra large. There are welcome treats like the all-natural Nutro treats. The pet also receives a bottle of Hermitage brand spring water, a pack of individual Nutro food, but the hotel will also accommodate special dietary requests for pets. Water and a water bowl are in the room.

A nightly pet turndown service is a new amenity. Now The Hermitage provides a turndown mat with a doggie treat, spring water and rolled towels.

The menu for pets includes the following: Howlin Burger Steak, Bark Back Bone In Rib Eye Steak, Houndy Ham and Turkey 3-Egg Omelet, The Tummy Scratch Club Sandwich, Healthy Pooch Grilled Chicken, Sniff Milk Infused Salmon, Healthy Kitty Grilled Chicken and Rice and Mountain Valley Spring Water. A “Paw”-ticular Menu and a “Claw”ticular Menu are offered to the visiting pets.

Pet care includes Walking Services for $30 and a Pet Massage and Grooming are available upon request.

Along with a pet registration form a handout is given to guests with pets that includes nearby parks, pet day care and grooming services, pet stores and a list of veterinarians.

Pets are allowed in all public areas excluding the Capitol Grille and Oak Bar, private meeting rooms and the fitness center. This exclusion does not apply to service dogs. There is a $75 pet fee per day for each pet.

Hotel Services

The Hermitage Hotel’s Concierge staff offers the utmost in personalized attention, extensive knowledge and contacts with some of Nashville’s most exclusive entertainment and dining venues.

Business Services include personal computer stations, printers, copier, typewriter, fax machines and notary services. Complimentary high-speed Internet is included with all stays.

Fitness and Massage Therapy

A sun-lit fitness room features state-of-the-art cardio machines with personal LCD screen television and individual strength equipment. In-room fitness programs and personal trainers are on call to customize a workout.

Massage therapy suites offer a space for ultimate relaxation. Massage appointments may be made in advance by calling the hotel at 888-888-9414.

Other hotel services include valet parking in a covered garage, on-call limousine service, on-site shoeshine services, laundry and dry cleaning services, and Rachel’s Boutique for unique gifts (What a treat it is to shop in this small but quaint shop!)

Farm To Plate Dining
Capitol Grille

Relaxed and inviting, the hotel’s four-star signature Capitol Grille restaurant offers an exquisite farm crafted menu created with a commitment to cultural sustainability. Executive Chef Cory Untch spends his time overseeing the hotel’s own 25-acre Double H Farms, while coming up with innovative ways to incorporate seasonal ingredients into his ever-changing menu. Double H Farms is also home to one of the largest cattle ranches in Tennessee, allowing Capitol Grille to serve the highest quality, ethically raised beef in the city.

“Our hotel focuses on a modern version of Southern cuisine,” said Lisa Field,” Director of Marketing for The Hermitage. “We offer Southern classics in the Capitol Grille. Some of our most popular signature items are filet, pork shank and lamb, but our guests also enjoy gnocci, and seared scallops. The emphasis is on Red Poll beef, market fresh seafood and fresh ingredients” she said.”

Among the popular desserts are coconut cake, cobbler, and miniature lemon, cranberry and lavender pies. The pastry chef makes fudge and macaroons and plates of these decadent goodies are placed on the night stand in the guest rooms.

Reservations are recommended in the Capitol Grille and for Sunday Brunch.

Oak Bar

Next door to the Capitol Grille, the Oak Bar offers a private and worldly retreat to begin an evening or bring it to a satisfying close. The bar’s extensive wine list, bourbon list, fully stocked bar and unique environment have earned it the title of “Best Bar in Nashville.” It is considered one of the top bourbon bars in the United States. Happy Hour is offered daily in the Oak Bar from 4:30-6:30 pm.

One of the signature drinks in the Oak Bar is called Jack’s Mule made with Jack Daniels single barrel whiskey, which is served in a copper mule mug with fresh ginger and fresh lime and topped with a sprig of mint.

Mouthwatering bar food is offered with the beverages in the same locale that Mick Jagger and Sheryl Crow once visited.