Music City Nashville is not just the ultimate musical pilgrimage for country music lovers, but it’s a fabulous destination for anyone looking for a good time. We were excited by the prospect of all that the capital of Tennessee had to offer, which was plenty, by the way. Not only is Nashville one of the country’s oldest cities, but it’s also home to many trendy restaurants and bars downtown and boasts a fantastic nightlife. And there was nothing better than recharging our batteries than jumping into a pool after a day of exploring the city, but guess what? We found many hotels in Nashville, TN, with rooftop pool – yes! Imagine sipping decadent and inventive cocktails while taking in the vibrant city views; now that’s what we call the cherry on top.
What was even better was that these rooftop pools weren’t limited to just luxurious hotels; we found them across hotels with all kinds of budgets. Another reason we were interested in a rooftop pool hotel was that since nightlife is a huge part of Nashville, it’s super convenient when there’s a little bit of the action where we were staying too. By staying at Nashville hotels with rooftop pools and maybe even rooftop bars/restaurants, we ensured that we could have fun right where we were staying, along with epic views of the city’s skyline. So, what are you waiting for? Here’s a detailed
Table of contents
- The Westin Nashville
- Grand Hyatt Nashville
- Bobby Hotel
- JW Marriott Nashville
- Graduate Nashville
- Virgin Hotels Nashville
- Hotel Fraye Nashville
- Holston House Nashville
- Kimpton Aertson Hotel
- W Nashville
- The Joseph
- Our Verdict!
- Where to Stay in Nashville, Tennessee?
- Recommended Restaurants / Bars in Nashville, Tennessee
- Recommended Activities in Nashville, Tennessee
The Westin Nashville
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Best indoor and outdoor pool. We begin with the rooftop pool at the Westin Nashville, which is something out of this world. Tucked on the 27th floor of the skyscraper hotel, the pool, which is an infinity one, offered unobstructed views over Music City. So, when we swam, we really got the feeling that we were flying high above the city, especially since it had a glass wall on one entire side. The rest of the rooftop was also stunning, especially the comfortable plush loungers where we’d unwind after an infinity swim. The gorgeous mosaic flooring was Instagrammable, but the real ticket was the rooftop lounge L27, which also boasted a spacious lounge area. While the rooftop pool was reserved for us guests, the lounge was open to the public. So, the outdoor space had a great mix of localities and out-of-towners like us.
But that’s not all, is it? This is one of those rare Nashville hotels that had not just an outdoor pool but also an indoor one! Despite being indoors, this pool was also heated and open throughout the year. What could be better?
The rest of the hotel was no less impressive, especially other amenities like the fitness center, the spa, and the two restaurants downstairs, a steakhouse and an airy restaurant/bar. What’s more, the cozy rooms featured flatscreen TVs and Wi-Fi, but the suites were fabulous, with some even featuring butler service, whirlpool tubs, and pool tables.
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Grand Hyatt Nashville
10
If you’re looking for a touch of luxury in the heart of Music City, the Grand Hyatt Nashville is the very epitome of upscale elegance. That’s because it boasts the distinction of having one of Nashville’s highest outdoor rooftop bars, the Lou/Na. But that’s not all; it’s home to a gorgeous and expansive pool deck, complete with loungers and a sun shelf. What’s more, there are even cabanas for those who are looking for a little more privacy, which we did after a midday swim. What we also loved was that the pool was heated, so we could enjoy a dip even when there was a nip in the air. Plus, we could even order food and drinks from the Solstice poolside restaurant, which made the rooftop one gorgeous refined retreat.
Besides the pool, this Grand Hyatt outpost boasts a rejuvenating spa and wellness center and an American restaurant on site, aside from the rooftop options. You’ll love the rooms and suites too, which come with amazing floor-to-ceiling windows that not only flood the digs with natural light but also offer superb views of the city and beyond.
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Bobby Hotel
9
We were looking for something hip and eclectic when we stumbled across the Bobby Hotel in downtown Nashville. Its standout feature is the glittering 10th-floor rooftop pool, which is a daytime oasis that was exclusively reserved for us hotel guests. After a languorous swim at the seasonal pool, we’d get some downtime on the daybeds or the cabanas, followed by light bites and refreshing drinks at the rooftop bar. The lounge, which is open to everyone, boasts comfortable seating areas and excellent skyline views. However, the highlight is the retrofitted 1956 Scenicrouser Greyhound Bus, an unforgettable and unique experience where we could dance the night away under the stars. Since we were here during summer, the rooftop came alive with the soulful tunes of the Backyard Sessions, which only made the atmosphere all the more vibrant and better.
Aside from the rooftop bar, the hotel has four more restaurants and bars offering all meals, including decadent breakfast spreads. Moreover, all rooms and suites have Netflix TVs, spacious bathrooms with bespoke bath products, and even fully-stocked minibars.
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JW Marriott Nashville
8
Most luxurious. We enjoyed a lavish Nashville experience at the JW Marriott Nashville, where luxury reached new heights, literally. We’re talking about the JW’s expansive pool deck, which went through a multi-million dollar upgrade in 2023. Today, with an area of 12,000sq ft, it’s the largest pool deck in Downtown Nashville! On days when we wanted to unwind, we’d head straight up to the spacious poolscape, which boasted lots of daybeds and loungers, superb poolside service, and spectacular skyline views. After a swim in the freshwater swimming pool, which is heated during winter, we’d relax on the daybeds or the private cabanas and order delicious drinks and food from a revamped F&B program. You can reserve a cabana or a daybed here.
The pool and rooftop bar isn’t the only amenity at this JW Marriott outpost. For one, it has three onsite restaurants, as well as 24/7 room service. What’s more, it also has Nashville’s only private outdoor event lawn and a full-service spa. We loved the polished rooms and suites, which came with coffeemakers, mini-fridges, flatscreen TVs, and sitting areas. Do you want to indulge yourselves? Suites have separate living rooms, and upgraded rooms come with fabulous city views.
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Graduate Nashville
7
Most exclusive. The Graduate Nashville might be one of Nashville’s best boutique hotels, but its pièce de résistance is its rooftop. It’s not only home to the rooftop bar, White Limozeen, but it also introduces the unique concept that is the Governor’s Pool. The pool is actually an extension of the rooftop bar rather than a traditional hotel pool, with the pretty Nashville skyline making for the perfect backdrop. Besides spectacular views, what makes this place exclusive is that reservations are the golden ticket here, whether you’re a hotel guest like us or a day tripper.
However, we didn’t have to worry because, as hotel guests, we got priority access to the pool reservations for 8 – 11 am between Mondays and Thursdays. Also, do note that the pool is open seasonally, usually between Memorial and Labor Day. Coming to the poolscape, the space is an extremely photographed spot in a hotel full of photo-worthy spots. After a swim, we’d relax on the floral daybeds under the white-and-pink poolside umbrellas, drink cocktails, and dig into salads and seafood dishes from the poolside menu.
Like all Graduate stays, the lobby is a designated hangout space. The rooms and suites are no less amazing, with four-poster beds with decorative canopies, plush carpets, small fridges, and great Midtown views. If you’re a big spender, the 9-to-5 Suite doubles down on all things Dolly Parton and has fabulous views of Midtown.
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Virgin Hotels Nashville
6
When we think of Richard Branson’s Virgin group, the only things that come to our minds are flamboyance, style, and decadence. Virgin Hotels’ Nashville outpost is no different, especially since its famed Pool Club is one of the most popular rooftop pools in the entire city. Located on the 14th floor, it was our escape from the sights and sounds of the city below. Plus, it offered us fantastic views of the surroundings. After a refreshing swim, we could relax in the cabanas or on the sunbeds and even order food and champagne cocktails from the rooftop restaurant and bar. Finally, this poolscape is a little different from the others in the city as it’s open to not just hotel guests but also the public. The pool is open from 4-11 pm on Mondays-Thursdays, 11-1 am on Fridays-Saturdays, and 11 am-11 pm on Sundays.
Besides the pool, the hotel also has a restaurant, a terrace, and a fitness center, along with the fact that we could enjoy an American breakfast everyday. Moreover, all rooms have plush beds and luxe bathrooms, and our room even had a balcony with spectacular sea views.
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Hotel Fraye Nashville
5
We found an eclectic and intimate escape in the heart of Nashville’s iconic Midtown in the form of the Hotel Fraye Nashville. The crown jewel of this elegant and glamorous hotel is the seasonal pool, with its refreshing waters providing the perfect respite from a humid day in Music City. It sits on the seventh-floor rooftop, thus offering a unique rooftop pool experience. After a swim in the sparkling and heated waters, we could unwind on the comfy daybeds or even the luxurious cabanas, accompanied by stunning views of the city. This elevated hotspot is so popular that daytime dips in the pool are reserved only for hotel guests. In fact, there are even summer weekend DJ pool parties – what could be better, right? We’ll tell you what was better – we could even order delicious bites and re-imagined cocktails from the neighboring Eddie Ate Dynamite rooftop bar!
Staying at this hotel was an absolute pleasure, as the contemporary rooms not only have eclectic design elements but also all the mod-cons we needed for a comfortable stay. Besides the pool, the hotel also has a fitness center, a shared lounge, free Wi-Fi, and even an American restaurant, along with room service.
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Holston House Nashville
4
Imagine chilling on a rooftop pool next to what is the only penthouse garden in the whole of Nashville – that’s the Holston House Nashville for you! This boutique Downtown hotel boasts a stylish and glamorous rooftop pool and lounge area, whose tranquil setting we absolutely loved. After a languorous swim, we’d lay on the daybeds while soaking in the views of Downtown Nashville – as well as order specialty drinks from the seasonal rooftop bar Heirloom, which is open to the public.
We loved staying at the hotel aside from the pool, too, if you’re wondering. The timeless structure with an Art Deco twist even has a 24-hour fitness center, a lobby bar, and even a Southern restaurant where we were able to enjoy many local delicacies. After a long day of exploring anything and everything, the rooms and suites were an absolutely welcome respite. Beyond a pair of rustic-chic sliding barn doors, the elegant rooms had Keurig coffee machines, mini-fridges, flatscreen TVs, and free Wi-Fi, with upgraded rooms even featuring skyline views and suites coming with balconies.
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Kimpton Aertson Hotel
3
The modern and chic Kimpton Aertson Hotel in midtown Nashville is home to some of the city’s best nightlife scenes. Its pool scene is rather unique; it boasts a huge outdoor seasonal rooftop pool on the eighth-floor terrace of the hotel. Open only to hotel guests, we could easily spend more than a few hours here, swimming, sunbathing, eating snacks, and sipping on drinks from the rooftop poolside bar, which adds a dash of indulgence. The real stars of the show, though, are the fabulous views of Nashville, especially the Vanderbilt campus. And since it’s one of the very few downtown hotels with a rooftop pool, it’s no wonder that people want to flock here.
The pool’s not the only good thing about this trendy and chic Kimpton outpost. Breakfasts and dinners took place at the modern American brasserie, and there was even an everyday-changing snack cart. Of course, no matter where we were during the day, we’d make it back in time to enjoy the complimentary evening wine reception, followed by local craft beers at the bar. Albert they’re on the cozier side, the rooms and suites boast huge windows and are stark white with blue accents. Plus, they have a whole lot of in-room extras like yoga mats and free bicycles to explore around.
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W Nashville
2
Best party pool. You can’t talk about the best pool hotels anywhere without talking about the W group of hotels, can you? We’re talking about the inimitable W Nashville in the Gulch neighborhood, which is home to the 10,000 sq ft huge decadent space that is the WET Deck. It not only featured daybeds and cabanas that we could rent, but also Wi-Fi, towel service, F&B service, and more. The heated pool sits at the center, open every day between 11:00 am and 6:00 pm, and happens to be the largest hotel pool area in the city. In fact, the Wet Deck parties are legendary, with DJs spinning tunes and beautiful people milling all around, with the cool waters and the stunning city views to top it all.
“We’ve always loved the W’s Wet Decks, and the Nashville one was no different!”
WOW Travel
Complementing the pool space are the two rooftop spots, Sunset Bar, which is popular during the day, and Proof for late-night tipples. Two restaurants and a coffee shop complete the F&B scene here, and there’s even an in-house boutique. The rooms and suites, which are famously named Fabulous, WOW, and whatnot, are stylish and boast the most impressive views. Do note that some of the best suites have large soaking bathtubs sitting right next to floor-to-ceiling windows. Sigh.
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The Joseph
1
The upscale Joseph has, without a doubt, the absolute best rooftop pool in the whole of Nashville. This refined, Italian-made saltwater pool is the hotel’s year-round crowning jewel, with its waters heated to 85 degrees and offering breathtaking views of Nashville. But there’s a lot more to this 21st-floor jewel, which also boasted stylish white cabanas, which we rented for that elevated experience. Actually, the pool is part of the stylish rooftop bar Denim, from where we could even order seasonal-inspired craft cocktails as we lounged about after a swim. The best bit is that Denim hosts many DJs, even during the day, so ensure that you see the schedule; there may be a fun guest DJ, too.
Right next to the bar and the pool sits yet another wellness space, the Rose Spa, where we could connect with restorative powers Tennessean in nature, high above the SoBro where the hotel sits. A fitness center, two other sleek bars, and two restaurants downstairs, an American and an Italian one, complete the amenities here. The rooms and suites are some of the best in the city, though, offering spectacular views of the Nashville skyline. Did you know suites here come with record players, and all rooms have 24/7 room service? Yep.
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Our Verdict!
While we loved all Nashville stays with rooftop pools, here are some of our absolute favorites:
- Best indoor and outdoor pool: The Westin Nashville
- Most luxurious: JW Marriott Nashville
- Most exclusive: Graduate Nashville
- Best party pool: W Nashville
Where to Stay in Nashville, Tennessee?
It might seem so, but Nashville isn’t a small city. So, there were many lovely neighborhoods we could choose to stay at. Our first recommendation is Downtown and the Gulch, the hub and the beating heart of the city. Not only does it have some of Nashville’s best shopping, dining, and entertainment, but it’s also home to SoBro, i.e. South of Broadway. It’s where all the city’s best musical venues, parks, and more are located. Secondly, there’s bohemian East Nashville, which has everything from eclectic and vintage stores and boutiques to chef-owned restaurants serving delicious Southern fare.
Another neighborhood that interested us was Midtown, a bustling area that lay west of the city center. Home to Vanderbilt University, it has a fun and exciting nightlife, too. When you want to nosh and kick back with a spa treatment, head straight to North Nashville and Germantown, the latter also being Nashville’s shopping and dining hub. Music Row is all about luxury boutique hotels, and fans of country music will recognize it as the place where most famous music studios lie. Finally, there are the lush green areas of Belle Meade and Green Hills, which are all about the greenery.
Recommended Restaurants / Bars in Nashville, Tennessee
- International Market: Siblings Arnold and Anna Myint of Top Chef fame are known as the late Patti Myint’s kids in Nashville, where she ran a Thai restaurant for more than four decades. Right opposite that now sits International Market, where the siblings pay homage to their mother and her excellent work. This casual lunch eatery serves everything from fried chicken and Patti’s Pad Thai to house salad and other delicious Thai cuisine favorites.
- The Station Inn: This storied venue in Gluch hasn’t just been Nashville’s best bluegrass club for more than four decades; rather, it’s the best in the entire country. Think roots and Americana music, with food being a noteworthy mix of concessions-stand favorites like nachos and hot dogs and Southern fare. However, what really sets it apart is that anybody with a bluegrass instrument can take a Jam Class with a professional instructor or join the free Bluegrass Jam on Sundays!
Recommended Activities in Nashville, Tennessee
- Nashville Night Tour of Music City: What better way to explore Music City’s musical roots than a musical night tour? We discovered Nashville’s different music genres and famous locations on this trolley tour at night, led by an extremely talented performer and guide. It was an extremely enjoyable evening filled with history, music, and fun!
- Discover Nashville Fully Narrated Half-Day City Tour: We got to see Nashville’s amazing sights and highlights on this fully narrated half-day tour of the city. It also included admission to the Ryman Auditorium and the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum. Plus, we got to see where the country music stars actually worked and played.