Our family makes it to Nashville a few times a year—sometimes to visit family, sometimes to enjoy the food and music scene, and occasionally to turn a regular visit into a mini-vacation. On a recent trip, my husband and I decided to check into the Graduate Hotel Nashville, a boutique hotel I’d seen splashed across social media for its over-the-top, Dolly Parton-inspired décor and rooftop hotspot, White Limozeen, known for its glittery pink aesthetic and skyline views.
Spoiler alert: the experience was memorable… though not quite in the way we expected.
🛎️ Check-In and a Room Switch
We were warmly welcomed at check-in, but our excitement quickly dimmed when we entered our first room—hit instantly by a strong mildew-meets-sewage smell. A quick call to the front desk prompted a silent room inspection and an equally silent relocation next door. The new room was odor-free, but the process felt oddly cold for such a personality-packed property.
🎀 Boutique Décor: Quirky, Kitschy, and Completely Nashville
The Graduate Nashville leans into maximalism. Bold patterns, retro touches, and an unapologetically feminine energy define the space. Think pink velvet, Dolly Parton portraits, and fringe for days. The lobby is a design-lover’s dream, with each corner offering something to admire—colorful seating, eccentric lighting, and music-themed artwork.
In the guest rooms, that same high-energy aesthetic continues, though it may not be for everyone. For us, the decor in the rooms felt more dated than anything. Solo business travelers may feel out of place in the ultra-feminine, themed decor, but fans of kitsch and storytelling will appreciate the whimsy.
🍔 Dinner at White Limozeen
Dinner at the White Limozeen (indoors) on our first visit was solid. The bread service was warm and hearty, the burger was “shockingly good,” and the charcuterie board served nearby was beautifully presented and generously portioned. Still, the atmosphere felt unexpectedly quiet for such a hyped venue—likely a weekday effect.
If you plan to visit, make a reservation, especially Thursday through Saturday when the rooftop scene is more vibrant.
🍸 Rooftop Revisited: Bachelorette Party Worthy and Instagrammable
After our initial quiet dinner, we returned to White Limozeen on a busier weekday evening to give it a fair shot. This time, we found a lively but not overcrowded scene. My cosmopolitan was excellent, and my husband’s local beer hit the spot. We took our drinks out to the rooftop pool deck and enjoyed the view of downtown Nashville.
The rooftop seating was charming—colorful couches and side tables arranged in intimate groupings, perfect for small gatherings or a fun night out. There was a great breeze and a relaxed vibe. The space felt ideal for girls’ trips or celebratory nights like a bachelorette party, and it’s easy to see why it’s an Instagram favorite.
However, the pool is… puzzling. Expecting a standard hotel pool, we were surprised to find what felt more like an oversized, decorative hot tub. It’s fun for photos but not practical for a real swim.
☕ Poindexter Coffee: Cozy and Convenient
Poindexter Coffee in the lobby is a welcome addition. This artsy café is great for breakfast or a casual work session. We enjoyed a breakfast sandwich and a classic plate—both quick and satisfying. Seating was tight, but the communal table gave it a collegiate charm.
💳 Billing Blunders
Unfortunately, our post-stay experience fell flat. A few days later, we noticed a double charge on our credit card—two nights for two rooms on the same date. The hotel had already refunded the mistake but hadn’t reached out to explain.
Despite requesting a corrected folio and a call from a manager (needed for a business reimbursement), no one followed up. For a hotel that markets whimsy and over-the-top personality, the follow-through was surprisingly lackluster.
🏨 About Graduate Hotels
Graduate Hotels is a boutique chain launched in 2014, designed to capture the spirit of college towns across the U.S. Each property pays homage to its city’s cultural and academic heritage. With locations near iconic universities like the University of Mississippi, University of Wisconsin, and now Vanderbilt University in Nashville, the brand blends nostalgia, kitsch, and local flair. The Nashville location, opened in 2020, is perhaps its most flamboyant—and most photographed.
💼 Booking Smart: Rewards, Points & Perks
If you’re a points enthusiast or just want to make the most of your stay, you’ll be happy to know that Graduate Hotels now participate in the Hilton Honors program.
That means you can earn and redeem Hilton Honors points at the Graduate Hotel Nashville, just like you would at any Hilton property.
🏨 How It Works:
- Members of Hilton Honors earn 10 points per $1 spent on eligible room charges.
- Hilton credit cardholders can rack up even more points—especially with co-branded AmEx or Citi cards.
- Hilton Gold and Diamond elite members enjoy room upgrades, late checkout, and a food & beverage credit—a great perk, especially with on-site options like Poindexter Coffee and White Limozeen.
📊 Redemption Tips:
- Award nights at the Graduate Hotel Nashville typically range from 70,000–90,000 Hilton Honors points, depending on demand.
- Booking five nights using points? Hilton offers a 5th night free on award stays for Honors members.
- Use Hilton’s flexible Points & Money slider to stretch your points further or combine cash + points.
✨ Pro Tip:
Maximize value by booking during high-demand events like CMA Fest or Titans games, using a Hilton Honors credit card, and stacking offers through the Hilton Honors app or loyalty partnerships.
🧳 Final Thoughts: Worth the Hype?
We wanted to love the Graduate Hotel Nashville, but our experience didn’t quite live up to the brand’s dazzling image. It’s a fun, flirty hotel perfect for bachelorette weekends, photo ops, or a girls’ getaway.
But when it comes to service, amenities, and billing accuracy? There’s work to be done.
If you’re going for the rooftop selfies, Poindexter lattes, and the Dolly-inspired design—go for it.
But for us? We’ll probably try a different Graduate location before we commit to the brand. It’s fun, flirty, and fabulous in theory—but even the most fabulous pink rooftops need the basics to shine.
📸 Don’t Miss:
- White Limozeen rooftop for cocktails and skyline selfies
- The Graduate’s lobby and rooms for colorful, over-the-top photo ops
- Poindexter Coffee for a quick breakfast or laptop session
📍 Location:
Graduate Hotel Nashville
101 20th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37203
Google Maps ➝
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