Summary
The Four Seasons Introduces Luxury in Nashville
The Four Seasons brings a new level of luxury to downtown Nashville. “I didn’t realize the Four Seasons was open,” my driver said during our ride from the airport to downtown Nashville. “Actually, it’s not,” I noted.
The Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences Nashville was opening the very next day, Nov. 1, and I was on my way to get a sneak peek before it welcomed its first official guests.
I thought the hotel’s location in downtown’s SoBro neighborhood would feel quite familiar to me—during my first trip to Nashville nearly a decade ago, I stayed at a property just two blocks away. However, Nashville has grown exponentially over that time, making the area nearly unrecognizable. The Four Seasons is housed in one of the newest skyscrapers added to the Music City skyline; the hotel comprises the first 14 floors, with the residences filling the rest of the sleek glass tower.
A quick stroll around the block refreshed my memory—all the major landmarks were still there, from the Schermerhorn Symphony Center and Bridgestone Arena to the Johnny Cash Museum and Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. The Four Seasons is centrally located, just two blocks south of Broadway (hence “SoBro”) and its lively honky-tonks, while being incredibly close to the scenic Cumberland River and within walking distance of Nissan Stadium.
Unique Guest Experience and Design
Despite being in the midst of lively action, the Four Seasons feels like a sanctuary—at least in its guest rooms. My one-bedroom suite showcased a warm, industrial-meets-midcentury aesthetic, adorned with a muted neutral palette and a few bold patterns, including houndstooth wallpaper in the powder room. Succulents added a touch of greenery, complemented by panoramic views of Tennessee’s rolling hills from the floor-to-ceiling windows.
The hotel’s general manager, Richard Poskanzer, a veteran of the Four Seasons, highlighted some clever design touches in the rooms. For instance, “The activity table in the guest rooms symbolizes a record player, and the light fixtures over the chaise lounge represent various microphone styles,” he said. To enhance the music experience, there’s a Tivoli Bluetooth speaker and wireless charging port on the nightstand. Poskanzer also mentioned the dark walnut used throughout both the guest rooms and public spaces, native to Tennessee.
After a long travel day, I was delighted to find a stand-alone soaking tub in my bathroom, complemented by aromatic Grown Alchemist toiletries, creating the perfect wind-down experience. Interestingly, despite being so close to the Halloween revelers on Broadway, I enjoyed a peaceful night’s sleep.
Exclusive Suite Sounds Experience
On opening day, I gathered in the lobby with hotel staff who had been preparing for this moment for a year and a half—cheers erupted as the revolving front door was ceremoniously unlocked. “It couldn’t be a better fit for the Four Seasons,” Poskanzer had remarked about bringing the brand to Nashville. The combination of genuine Southern hospitality with Four Seasons’ intuitive service creates a unique experience.
Later, I explored the city with the hotel’s director of PR, Robert Chinman, stopping at local favorites like Merchants for a fried green tomato grilled cheese, boot store Tecovas for a shoe shine, and Robert’s Western World for live music. These vibrant activities illustrate a non-stuffy, welcoming Four Seasons experience.
While enjoying the band at Robert’s, I received a text from the hotel staff. I had accidentally left the “do not disturb” light on in my room, and Darius from housekeeping wanted to let me know that I could request service anytime. I appreciated this intuitive service, truly indicative of the hotel’s commitment to guest satisfaction.
Exquisite Dining at Mimo
Upon return to the hotel, I noticed a lively atmosphere; cars were arriving at the valet, and guests were enjoying drinks at Mimo, the on-site restaurant just off the lobby. Given Nashville’s musical heritage, a band was preparing to play.
I opted for a unique experience: Suite Sounds, a collaboration with local business Songwriter City that allows suite guests to enjoy a private acoustic concert by a Nashville-based songwriter. Kelly Archer, who has written for well-known artists, serenaded me and shared insights into her creative process and experiences in the industry.
Suite Sounds complements the concert experience with pre-show snacks and cocktails crafted in-suite by one of the hotel’s talented mixologists.
Mimo is a Southern Italian-meets-Southern American restaurant led by chef Aniello “Nello” Turco, a Noma alum. Choosing the chef’s recommendations rewarded us with an incredible culinary journey. We started with a mini lobster roll adorned with gold leaf, and indulged in scallop gratin, grilled strip loin, and the highlight, the signature caviar linguine. Chef Turco’s expertise in fermentation brought invigorating flavors to the creamy dish, complemented by the perfect crunch of fried okra. The drink menu featured seasonal cocktails, but I opted for a refreshing mocktail, the Nashvegas, a delightful combination of citrus, coconut milk, and orgeat.
Looking Forward to Future Visits
As the evening wrapped up, I graciously declined an invitation to a nearby bar for a late-night show, given my early departure. However, I look forward to returning, eager to explore more of the property, including the rooftop pool and the hotel’s spa and salon. My next visit to the Four Seasons in Nashville is anticipated with great excitement.