Travel Review: The Gallatin Hotel

Big swanky hotels are fun. They are full of optional add-ons and good people watching. Paid for conveniences. Valet. Maybe even signature cocktails and gift shops. 

The Gallatin is a different experience. It beats to it own beautiful drum and approaches vacation stays in a whole new way. It’s not a big chain system, there isn’t a concierge, no room service, or even an elevator. You’ll find cozy rooms with twin beds and even bunks. There are shared spaces for all guests, lots of color and all though its not your typical hotel, that doesn’t mean they are sacrificing comfort. 

Being a converted church building from 1925 sets The Gallatin apart at first glance. With a deeper look you’ll find that what really sets it apart is the mission of providing for the underserved in the community giving the majority of profits to local causes. Partnering with Room in the Inn, ShowerUp, People Loving Nashville, and Nashville Rescue Mission, stays at The Gallatin have provided over 100,000 warm meals, beds, and showers to those experiencing homelessness in Nashville. 

Recently, my twin sister and I stayed in Room 111, a double bunk suite. This room had two sets of bunks with full size mattresses. The beds were comfortably firm with quality linens and pillows. A large yellow velvety curtain separated the living area with colorful couch and arm chair and mounted flat screen tv. The suite also included a kitchenette with mini-fridge and a full size bathroom with double sinks (and a dyson hair dyer and clothes steamer!). Some other key amenities included a sound machine and portable fan. 

Upon arriving, each guest is given their own access code. There is private parking for registered cars. The Gallatin is set off of a busy road, but I was pleasantly surprised by how quiet the whole space was. Even without hotel staff present, there were so many welcoming touches. We especially loved the complimentary local snacks in our room, the hot beverage bar in the lobby, the sparkling water on tap, and photo booth! There are also luggage lockers if you arrive early for check-in.

Our room also had two drink tokens for The Lucky Duck Lounge, a dive bar situated under the attached event space (Emerson Hall). My sister and I both enjoyed The Lucky Duck - lots of drinks on tap and other drinks and food choices. The service was friendly and speedy and decor was fun and nostalgic. The bar is open to the public, but hotel spaces are off limits without guest code and there was no noise in the hotel areas from the bar.

Some things to consider before booking your stay: there is no guest elevator. If stairs are not an option for you, you’ll want to make sure you book on the main level. The Gallatin is in East Nashville which is very accessible to downtown events. My sister and I went to a concert at Bridgestone Arena which is about a 13 minute drive sans traffic. An Uber drive home after the concert (peek ride share hours) was $40. 

There are lots of great eating spots near by. For breakfast I headed less than 5 minutes down the road to Hearts where you’ll find all day food and drink. There’s also East Park Donuts & Coffee and Sky Blue Cafe (try the pbj stuffed french toast!). 

I went for a girls night for this stay, but The Gallatin is definitely a family friendly place, and I would 100% book them again and bring the family. The prices range based on room size but all are very affordable ranging from $130 for a cozy full room to $355 (combining a suite with attached room sleeping 6-8 people).  Make sure to check out all their current specials and offers to get the best deal!