Hotel Preston Provides a Chic, Comfortable Stay in Music City, USA
When a girl starts dating the singer-songwriter of an alt-country rock band, it’s only a matter of time before she finds herself in Nashville. While visions of cowboy hats, fringed shirts, and a steakhouse on every corner danced through my Jimmy Choo-wearing, BCBG-clad, vegetarian mind, I never expected to find a pillow menu, Aveda products, and fabulous Italian dining all in one chic little boutique hotel. Happily, that is exactly what awaited us at Hotel Preston.
I must admit, I don’t think I’ve ever carried my own bags in a hotel – or even unpacked the car myself. But, after standing outside for several minutes with no curb service in sight, then registering and being given directions to the elevator by the front desk staff, I realized that I would be breaking new ground in Nashville. My expectations would have started at a low point, however the entry foyer and lobby of Hotel Preston were chic and charming, with sleek cushioned seating, a shiny black and white tiled floor, and the inviting contrast of minimalist modern lighting and floral arrangements playing against vintage photographs of music legends.
Our King Executive Room on one of the top floors was modest in size, yet comfortable and stylish, with rich espresso wood furnishings, red hand-blown glass lamps, custom carpet, organic teas and coffee, plush robes, and a large flat-screen television. The closet was well-stocked with sturdy wooden hangers, the bathroom with an array of Aveda products, and we were greeted with a welcome tray of bottled water and assorted snacks.
While the Hotel Preston is described as a boutique hotel, its 200-room size and long list of imaginative amenities defy that categorization. A full room service menu, range of pillow options, inspired choice of spiritual volumes, and signature ‘You want it, you got it’ button offer guests a perfectly customizable stay. We opted for the lava lamp and additional pillows, alas there was no response upon pressing the ‘You want it, you got it’ button. Availability of service was the one challenge with Hotel Preston – an indicator that perhaps its staff to 200 room ratio was a bit lopsided.
Whatever Hotel Preston may be lacking in quantity of staff, it makes up for in quality. A late-night trip to Café Isabella, the hotel restaurant, yielded relaxed, yet attentive and friendly, service. The menu selections, referred to as “Italian comfort food with southern roots,” offered everything from soups and salads to pasta dishes, steaks, and seafood. When asked for a recommendation between a steak or pasta option, our server replied, “Keep in mind, we aren’t a steakhouse.” Pasta it was, and it was the right choice – perfectly cooked noodles tossed with well-seasoned sauces offered generous enough portions to take leftovers back to our room.
In-room dining was just as enjoyable, with breakfast arriving right on time, hot, and delicious. Again, our server was friendly and talkative. We learned more about her, her vacation habits, and honeymoon than I know about some people I’ve known for months. Southern charm with a dash of oversharing thrown in to entertain the out-of-towners. The pizza delivery option also scored big points for Hotel Preston.
Situated just off the Briley Parkway, near the Nashville airport, Hotel Preston is a convenient drive to any of the city’s many attractions. But, if guests prefer a night in, they can soak up the local music scene, courtesy of the Pink Slip Lounge. A rotating schedule of musical talent, generously-sized yet moderately-priced cocktails, and a handful of local folks with whom to strike up conversation make this hotel lounge feel more like a hometown bar. And, in this reviewer’s opinion the quirks and comforts of home are exactly what Hotel Preston does best.
