Best for: aesthetic-minded travelers
Upon entering the lobby of Drift Nashville, I immediately felt a sense of Palm Springs nostalgia. The mid-century modern décor, accented by lush greenery and rich, jewel-toned furniture, created a desert-inspired atmosphere so convincing I almost expected to see cacti outside. In reality, I was just a block away from I-24, nestled among the construction cranes of the city’s East Bank. Despite the nearby interstate and ongoing development, this property—a transformed 1965 roadside motel—proved to be one of the most tranquil stays I have experienced in my own city.
Perfect for travelers who prefer a low-touch experience, Drift Nashville merges the convenience of an Airbnb with the sophistication of a boutique hotel by utilizing a fully contactless check-in process. The 114 guest rooms vary from simple, minimalist studios to large, apartment-style suites that highlight industrial elements like raw wood and exposed concrete. My suite, which faced the downtown skyline, felt entirely shielded from the noise of the traffic outside and included convenient features ranging from integrated USB-C ports to well-equipped kitchenettes complete with ice machines and cocktail kits.
The lobby serves as the social hub of the hotel, housing an all-day café called Dawn and the Sun Room, a terrazzo-topped bar that is an ideal spot for a drink or getting some work done on a laptop. Although the neighborhood is currently in a state of transition—situated right beside the developing NFL stadium site—it remains an excellent base for exploring the city.
Time Out tip: Cut through the stadium complex to the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge, which links to downtown Nashville.
Address: 10 Interstate Dr, Nashville, TN 37213
Price per night: starting from $270 per night
Closest transport: Bus routes 4, 14, 18, 23, 34, 41, 56, 87, 89, 94
