Working in state government, I get several holidays off during the year. I often leverage these holidays to take long weekend trips. For Presidents’ Day this year, I planned on staying home in Nashville and having a relaxing weekend. A few weeks prior, a deal came along for a night at The Conrad Nashville during President’s Day weekend that I could not pass on. The Conrad Nashville is a high-rise luxury hotel in Midtown at the intersection of West End Avenue and Broadway. The hotel’s prime location is just minutes from Music Row, Vanderbilt University, and many other Nashville attractions.
I arrived at the Conrad around 4:30 PM on Sunday, February 18. As I pulled up and exited my car, the valet and doorman immediately greeted me. Walking into the lobby to the front desk, I realized that hotel staff were setting up for a wedding in the front half of the lobby near the on-site restaurant, Blue Aster. However, that was no issue for me. I was quickly checked in and issued my room key. I went to the 10th floor and walked to the end of the hall to room 1021. I was absolutely stunned by the views when I walked into the room! There were also wall panels throughout the room that controlled the sheer curtains and drapes, the room’s lighting, and other functions.
After getting settled, I explored the hotel. On the third floor, there were several amenities available, including an outdoor pool on a terrace, a fitness center, and the hotel’s bar, Rye and Thistle. After exploring, I returned to my room and changed into business casual attire before dinner.
Dinner at the Blue Aster
I went to the lobby at 7:25 PM for my 7:30 PM dinner reservation at the Blue Aster. Many staff were resetting the lobby from the wedding, but the hosting stand was not too far from where I exited the elevators. The hostess greeted me and guided me through a side entrance to the restaurant, as the main hall was blocked by furniture that was moved for the wedding. My server promptly came over with brioche and gave recommendations on the menu. Despite being a picky eater, I decided to try the crispy octopus as an appetizer. The Cabazas bravas served with the octopus had a little kick to it but complemented the dish, and I enjoyed it. I ordered the filet at a medium-rare temperature, and it was cooked to perfection. After eating the filet, despite being full, my server recommended a slice of their black forest chocolate cake. Though I forgot to take a picture of the cake, the slice was just the right size after being so full and delicious.
Focusing on Relaxation and Wellness
After dinner, I returned to my room and found that housekeeping had come by while I was out. They had shut the sheers and drapes, laid out a white bathrobe and pair of slippers by the bed, and placed bottled water, two glasses, and two shortbread cookies on the nightstand. I decided to relax by enjoying the great view of Nashville while soaking in the bathtub and watching a few episodes of my favorite TV show on my phone. I turned into bed early to work out in the hotel’s fitness center the following day.
The following day, I did a 45-minute workout in the fitness center. I forgot to get pictures, but they had several treadmills, a Peloton bike, dumbbells, and a cable machine. About four people were using cardio equipment when I arrived; another was doing a HIIT routine in the strength training area. There was plenty of room for us to work out without getting in each other’s way.
Breakfast at the Blue Aster
After working out and grabbing a quick shower in my room, I went to Blue Aster for breakfast. The hosting stand was at the restaurant’s main entrance this time since all the furniture had been reset from the previous evening’s wedding. The host quickly seated me at a table, and my server came by within a minute to offer me some water and coffee. I ordered the classic omelet with crispy breakfast potatoes and a biscuit. My server provided apple butter for my biscuit. The breakfast was delicious and filling; I didn’t even finish the biscuit! My server brought me a coffee to-go, and I returned to my room.
Work? Or Play?
I spent the next few hours planning two upcoming trips: Boston in March and Las Vegas over Memorial Day in May! I brought up YouTube on my room’s TV and played some Lo-Fi tunes as I scoured the internet for information and recommendations. I was very comfy working at the desk in the room, but I had the sheer curtains closed as I worked, as the sun was relatively bright the whole time. After finishing my plans, I packed my bag and headed downstairs to check out my room.
Final Verdict
The Conrad Nashville provided a relaxing staycation during the holiday weekend. I felt that the staff went out of their way to make this stay memorable. When the hotel staff asked where I was traveling from, and I said I lived in Nashville, they became very energetic. Since I often find myself traveling alone, I can appreciate when staff go above and beyond to make me feel comfortable. The hotel’s amenities and the food at Blue Aster were phenomenal. I would recommend The Conrad for any occasion that you are visiting Nashville. I will keep an eye out for great deals in the future to book another staycation!
