W Hotels debuts in Nashville

W Hotels has announced the opening of W Nashville. Nestled in the dynamic Gulch neighbourhood, the 14-story mirrored tower offers 286 guestrooms, 60 suites and two Presidential Suites (‘Extreme WOW Suites’) and is designed to become an integral social hub in the neighbourhood.

Conceptualised by David Tessier and Anna Gomez of Hospitality Gaming Advisors and developed by 12th Ave Realty Holding Company, W Nashville was designed from the outside in. The hotel’s six street-level entrances welcome access from both guests and locals, while the guestrooms provide views of the hotel’s social spaces, designed to create a destination within a destination. Thanks to HKS Architects, this indoor-outdoor flow not only emphasises the 26,000ft² of outdoor space designed by Texas-based TBG Partners, but signifies W Hotels’ ambitions of creating welcoming spaces that weave themselves into the fabric of their communities.

The public spaces and guestrooms were realised by Rockwell Group, honouring both Nashville industry and artisanship through the use of historical, local materials such as iron, steel, wood, leather and polished and raw concrete. This rugged aesthetic is complemented by the warm, soothing palette of the decor, seen in the gold of the in-room Mix Bars and the copper curtain of the Barista’s Parlor. Meanwhile, furniture pieces are evocative of vintage stereo equipment, featuring stud details and speaker cloth. Each guestroom also features an original artwork celebrating the city’s musical history, commissioned by Brooklyn-based studio, FAILE.

“The W experience has always been centered on a local, social scene but W Nashville takes it to the next level,” comments Tom Jarrold, Global Brand Leader at W Hotels Worldwide. “Today’s global traveller is not content staying at a hotel with superficial neighbourhood references and locals are not embracing of hotels that ignore the social fabric of the community. W Nashville is different as it weaves itself into the Gulch, seamlessly and authentically, through the brand’s distinct lens.”

The hotel offers a range of social spaces, including The Spanish Steps, an amphitheatre-style meeting place surrounding a stage for live music; and the Welcome Den, a new concept by W Hotels to provide a communal space for guests to relax. Facilities include the WET Deck, the largest hotel pool area in Nashville featuring a 2,000ft² rooftop pool and private cabanas, as well as FIT, the hotel’s health and wellness centre, which features a yoga lawn with unobstructed views of the city.

With the brand’s desire to create a day-to-night social space in mind, there are six food and beverage spots on offer. In addition to the WET Deck’s bar, Barista Parlor is a Nashville-born coffee shop, whereas the Living Room and Sound Room are bars. Located upon the hotel’s rooftop, the third bar, Proof, features a 360-degree view of the city behind sliding garage doors.

In addition, W Nashville offers two dining concepts by Chef Andrew Carmellini: The Dutch, an all-day dining venue serving laid-back American comfort food; and Carne Mare, a fine dining restaurant providing a modern take on an Italian chop house.

“Authenticity was at the heart of this project,” explains David Tessier, President of Hospitality Gaming Advisors. “Every decision and choice we made on design, materials, finishes, art and our collaborators took this into consideration.

“As a result, the hotel has a very tactile quality and at every turn there is something visually provocative. All of our amenities and offerings have a unique character and identity. We feel our guests will be engaged and inquisitive, discovering places that evoke diverse emotions.”