The Hermitage Hotel

When the Hermitage Hotel opened in the heart of downtown Nashville in 1910, its rooms were billed at “$2 and up,” a statement which is technically still true today, at least the “up” part. Back then, two dollars is what you could expect to pay for the finest of hotels, at least in this town, admittedly a bit cheaper than New York or Chicago.

The figures may have changed but the Hermitage is still the place with the Italian marble entryway, the stained glass ceiling in the lobby, and the Russian walnut paneling — and it's still the most prestigious place to stay in Nashville, just as it was in the days of William Howard Taft and Woodrow Wilson, not to mention such characters as billiards legend Minnesota Fats and local Democratic strongman Edward “Boss” Crump.

And although 96 years of inflation have seen the room rate increase by a factor of 100, it's still well worth it — these rooms, all newly renovated, average 475 square feet, and feature such conveniences as 24-hour room service and complimentary high-speed internet connections. The Hermitage also boasts the grandest conference and meeting facilities in the city, and the excellent Capitol Grille, serving traditional American fine dining in a charming and historical setting.

Every American city should have a place like this, as an alternative to the drab and lifeless airport hotels and those dreadful in-between places, not quite a boutique, yet not a luxury hotel either. The Hermitage is luxury all the way, going so far as to offer etiquette classes, afternoon tea in the lobby, and a dog walking service. Add to that an authentic sense of history, and you have a hotel with true personality — not bad for $2 and up.