When I arrange trips myself, you know I always book hostels. I just like how sociable and easy-going hostels are compared to hotels.
But when I’m on press trips, they’re usually run by a tour company or tourism board that want you to have the best possible experience, which they believe will be in a fancy hotel. But on the Trek America #iTrekHere trip, I was really happy there was such a mix of accommodation on the tour. I mean, the majority of nights we were in lovely hotels and suites, but we also got a chance to stay at a hostel in Nashville, in Nashville Downtown Hostel! Which conveniently gave me the chance to review it for you fine folks…
Nashville Downtown Hostel
The hostel is located in a pretty neat location, just down the street from the infamous Broadway street where all of the nightlife is in Nashville. Think live music, neon lights and cowboy boots. It’s tacky but awesome and such a good night out. Nashville Downtown Hostel is also walking distance from some of the sights such as the Country Music Hall Of Fame. So it’s a big tick on the location front for this one.
The hostel has one big open-plan area for the common areas, on the Ground Floor as you enter. The lobby, kitchen, dining and lounge area are all here in one place. And there are good vibes here. It helps that the whole place is COVERED in fairy lights. I don’t know about you, but that’s another big tick for me. I know, I’m a cheap date, all I need is fairy lights.
The best part is that there are musical instruments everywhere, which is what you want in Nashville right? This is the city that is famous for music, so it makes sense for them to have guitars hanging on the walls and a piano for guests to play. This adds to the vibe in this hostel, when you have the sound of someone strumming on a guitar instead of playing video games.
It’s also very sociable here with the pool table and table football and lots of board games. I liked it a lot.
My only drawback for Nashville Downtown Hostel is that they didn’t have a luggage room. So when we had to leave our suitcases before our room was available, they were just in a pile by the piano. Just a minor thing, but I prefer to know my stuff is safe, you know?
Otherwise, it’s thumbs up from me.
Now. The thing I really wanted to tell you guys about, is the room. Because we got a chance to stay in one of Nashville Downtown Hostel’s brand new suites.
These suites are designed for groups as they have 3 dorm rooms connected to their own lounge and kitchenette with another exterior door that you can lock. This means you can hang out with the people you are travelling with and spread your stuff out in the common area without worrying about theft.
And there was SO MUCH ROOM. Like, enough for everyone to have their suitcase open without clogging up the hallway. And an ensuite bathroom with two showers and two toilets, just for people in the suite. So no queueing for the showers! Plus, a perk that I really appreciated, there’s a communal hairdryer to use. Which was ideal as I totally forgot mine didn’t have worldwide voltage! Silly sausage.
But anyway, I really liked this concept and it’s not something I’ve ever experienced before. It was certainly perfect for the Trek America gang on this trip!
Overall, I very much enjoyed my stay at Nashville Downtown Hostel and would recommend a visit if you’re in town. There’s no curfew so you can party all night and it feels like the kind of space you could easily find some new pals, you know?
Rates start at $32 a night for a dorm bed and you can find more info over here.
What do you think of this group suites concept in hostels? Would you stay there?
Let me know in the comments below or tweet me @HeelsInBackpack!
Total Blogger Transparency: I enjoyed a complimentary stay at Nashville Downtown Hostel but all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I wouldn’t play you like that, shorty.
MORE INFO ON THIS TRIP:
Trek America Tours: http://refer.trekamerica.co.uk/hjHCS (Deep South BLT)
Alabama Travel: http://alabama.travel/ (Birmingham & Fort Payne)
Visit Tennessee: https://www.tnvacation.com/ (Gatlinburg & Nashville & Memphis)
Visit Mississippi: http://www.visitmississippi.org/ (Natchez)
Louisiana Travel: http://www.louisianatravel.com/ (New Orleans)
British Airways: https://www.britishairways.com/en-gb/destinations/new-orleans/flights-to-new-orleans