Located near the inferior Sheraton Nashville Downtown, this nine-story beaux-arts hotel dating from 1910 is one of the South's true belles, a gracious traditional hotel with a sensational architectural heritage that awes even the most jaded traveler. Guests with St. Petersburg stamps in their passports will see similarities in the two Hermitages; gilt is a badge of honor here. Thankfully, arrivals also encounter service and dining to match the building's stellar style.
The restored exterior of this grand building, with its Corinthian columns and discreet awning over the entrance, is tepid compared to the exquisite period detailing inside. The dazzling lobby displays an ornate coffered ceiling framed with Tiffany skylights. Below are marble columns and pilasters and a lovely carved mantel. Above the latter's flickering hearth rests a rare ormolu mirror that reflects the room's alabaster chandeliers, antiques and comfortable reproduction furniture. The room is broken into two areas, with the commodious fireplace lounge set underneath a more intimate conversation area that proves perfect for discreet
people-watching. Coffee, tea and muffins are served here in the morning, and seasonal treats like hot mulled cider in the evening. The superlative staff aims to please, and its professionalism is commendable.
Near the street entrance, Capitol Grille is a refined redoubt that hosts Nashville's gentry and visiting dignitaries. It is set in a lovely room with unique groined arches and tables planted with sterling lanterns. The expensive, well-presented southern fare is highly regarded, and the waiters are the pride of the city. Pre- and post-dinner cocktails are enjoyed in the beloved, exquisitely restored Oak Bar, where burnished paneling, stained glass, paintings and supple leather appointments blend with impressive results. Equally impressive is the selection of bourbon and whiskey.
The hotel lacks a pool, but the newly upgraded gym offers free weights and cardiovascular equipment with LCD TVs. Also new is the opportunity for guests to practice yoga and 
Pilates under the guidance of a personal trainer. Two treatment rooms are set aside for massage, facials and body wraps. Guests seeking out more strenuous exercise can pick up discounted passes at the concierge desk for a nearby health club.
Meeting space is relegated to four traditional function rooms and the elaborate ballroom that can host up to 185 for banquets. Business services are offered, the gift shop keeps lots of gum and cigarettes on hand, and swift valets handle all parking needs.
Elegantly appointed elevators, with marble floors and brocade walls, are a sample of what awaits upstairs. The accommodations are the most luxurious in the state, with the smallest standard rooms measuring a whopping 500 sq ft. The guest quarters are as chic as they are spacious, with roomy sitting areas furnished with armchairs or loveseats and wonderful mahogany butler's tables, firm king or paired double beds with chenillelike spreads and monogrammed throw pillows, and fine desks 
with task lighting. Plush textured carpeting, framed architectural prints, crown molding and thoughtful lighting show attention to detail. Technology is just as impressive, with newly added wireless Internet access available throughout the hotel at no charge. Flat-screen TVs are making their way into all guest rooms, and 12-inch flat-screen TVs are slowly being added in the baths. All rooms are also equipped with DVD and CD players, minibars, coffeemakers, and irons and ironing boards. The glamorous baths show hair dryers, stall showers, soaking tubs, dual vanities, Molton Brown toiletries and wide mirrors equipped with antifogging devices. Be sure to request a Capitol view, which is best enjoyed at night. Nightly turndown, complimentary shoeshine, 24-hour room service and a 24-hour concierge speak of the high standards one can expect here.
For celebrities, CEOs, royals and those who want to feel like one, this is the best bet in the country-music capital.