I Stayed There: Virgin Hotels Nashville

Travel insights from Dr. Terika L. Haynes, CEO and founder of Dynamite Travel

Dr. Terika L. Haynes Published November 07, 2023

The Vibe

This hotel aligns with the Virgin brand which is fun for all ages. The hotel lobby had a nice lounging area including a section with various children’s books. There were a few interactive menu items that could appeal to all ages (such as s'mores for dessert). The hotel is also pet friendly as I saw staff members petting dogs that were traveling with the hotel guests, making them feel right at home. The hotel was buzzing with energy but laid out in a way that it never felt crowded. The musical decor was a highlight throughout the hotel and definitely was eye-catching. Each day there were live musicians and a DJ, so the energy of the hotel was always electric. The target audience is lovers of music, and those that are fun at heart.

How I Felt

Welcomed. From the moment that I arrived, I was greeted with a smile and personally escorted to my room by the hotel ambassador. I felt like a valued guest throughout my stay. Whenever I entered back into the hotel, I was always asked how my day was going by one of the front desk staff members. I found the service at the hotel to be very intentional and personal.

The Digs

The room was cozy and modern with eclectic decor. There were touches of marble throughout the room as well as in the bathroom areas. Bathroom fanatics would enjoy the room as there was a large shower and a grand vanity area. The room also included a daybed section which allowed me to take in beautiful views of the city. There was an expansive offering of minibar items to choose from (available for purchase). The room had pops of red colored furniture and appliances which aligned with the brand. It felt like I was a guest at a London flat.

bed in a hotel room at The Virgin Hotel in Nashville — *Photo by Dr. Terika L. Haynes*

The Agenda

The Agenda I did a city tour which showed the highlights of downtown Nashville and nearby neighborhoods. I toured Fisk University and spent some time at the National Museum of African American Music. I spent time on the world famous Broadway Street entertainment district taking in all of the options for Honky Tonks! I observed stunning sights of the city while enjoying specialty cocktails from the Thompson Hotel’s rooftop bar. I also enjoyed a spa day at the Joseph Hotel.

The Eats

Pool Club at Virgin Hotels Nashville: Great option for lunch with a vibrant DJ that features indoor and outdoor seating near the rooftop pool.
RH: Opulent dinner experience in a courtyard setting.
Biscuit Love: Great option for brunch with great service.
Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack: Historical dining experience as Prince’s is known as the founder of Hot Chicken.
Twelve Thirty Club: Sophisticated supper club owned by Justin Timberlake.
LA Jackson Rooftop Bar: Stunning views of the city with tasty cocktails and an energetic DJ.
Roasted Salemtown: Lively brunch option with an interactive DJ.

lobby The Virgin Hotel in Nashville — *Photo by Dr. Terika L. Haynes*

Why I Would Go Back

The staff is truly the heart of the Virgin Hotels Nashville property. I appreciate that the staff went above and beyond to make sure that I was comfortable. I would go back because of the staff and how they worked hard to ensure that I felt welcomed and comfortable. I also liked that the hotel was not right in the middle of all of the action because it allowed me to have a break away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Last, the hotel can truly be a one stop shop. There are activities and events throughout the day and by having dining, pool club and speakeasy venues onsite, you essentially wouldn’t have to leave for anything if you didn’t want to.

About the Author

Dr. Terika L. Haynes is the CEO and Founder of Dynamite Travel, an award-winning, five-star rated, luxury travel and media consultancy that has been providing travel planning service excellence to clients for 15 years. Dr. Haynes, a savvy business professional, sought out to create a company that would not only assist clients with curating customized vacations, but would also assist clients with creating unforgettable travel experiences.

Breaking glass ceilings and creating unique opportunities is a specialty of Dr. Haynes. She is the recent recipient of the 2023 ASTA Travel Advisor of the Year Award. In addition to superb travel planning execution, Dr. Haynes has utilized the opportunity to engage the masses of travel enthusiasts by extending her services as a travel expert and contributing to notable media outlets. As such, her knowledge and expertise have been featured in leading media publications such as: Travel+Leisure, The Washington Post, USA Today, TripSavvy, Fodor’s, BRIDES, CNN, Real Simple, BBC, Reader’s Digest, Travel Noire and more.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is a strong passion for Dr. Haynes Under her leadership, Dynamite Travel is certified by the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC), the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC), and U.S. Black Chamber of Commerce (USBC). Dr. Haynes serves as a Board Member and Treasurer of the Central Florida chapter of the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA). Additionally, she is a member of IGLTA, The Pride Chamber (Central Florida’s local LGBT Chamber of Commerce), the ForbesBLK community.