Living like a local has a great ring to it, doesn’t it? Immediately, thoughts come to mind of being in the center of the action, being close to the city’s vibe, being a part of all the things that make that city attractive. So when offered the opportunity to try out Nashville’s newest digs, I jumped at the chance.
Music City Loft, at 162 E. 4th Street N. is truly in the center of what’s happening in downtown Nashville. You’re just minutes away from Printer’s Alley and all the great restaurants on 2nd Avenue N. Another block and you are down on the riverfront. Head the other direction one block and you’re at the Ryman Auditorium.
Entering the Music City Loft, you actually enter into a former office building complete with pushbutton access for late night entry. Walking down the lobby and into the elevator, you realize you have the convenience of two eateries on either side of the hallway during business hours.
Up to the second floor, I found my way to unit 207 – the Waylon Suite. Each of the units is named after a former Nashville legend. Punching in the code they had mailed me, I let myself in – no reception desk procedure – just like a local in my own condominium.
The Waylon suite was a one-bedroom unit, smartly decorated with many Waylon Jenning’s theme items. A big Outlaw logo hung over the desk in the bedroom, a posterized image of him hung over the TV in the living room and numerous art pieces made a colorful collection next to the bed. You’ll never find a floor plan like this in a hotel.
The building has some great original finishes which have been cleaned up and left uncovered. The exterior walls are a worn brick and the columns are actually sturdy wooden poles used back in that time period. Ceilings are rough sawn 2 x 12’s supporting exposed ductwork and conduit.
Many of the second floor units look out onto a fire escape and/or a cinderblock wall. Interior suites have only skylights. The building has two Wi-Fi networks, but I could only locate one from my suite and it wasn’t working. (Comcast was reportedly having some “pole” issues, whatever those were.)
A full kitchen with giant refrigerator, stove, microwave and dishwasher would enable you to set up housekeeping for an extended stay if needed. Plates, dishes, pans, etc. were all available in the abundant sized kitchen.
The Music City Loft is a fun place to stay and the 16 units are frequently booked months in advance, so if you want to stay, check them out as soon as practical. Prices depend on number of bedrooms and vary from $250-300 up to $525 per night for the two-story units.
Upon registering you’ll be sent the rules of the house – since this is actually a private building. You’ll put down a deposit and must abide by some very common-sense regulations. (Suspense killer – no wild parties are allowed.)
Upon leaving, you’ll also need to do a load of laundry with your towels and run the dishwasher as well. Strip the beds, take out the trash and you’re complete. You’ll get your deposit back.
Living like a local in every which way – welcome to Nashville!