If you’ve been following the blog a while, you probably know at least two things: I love history, and I prefer hotels to vacation rentals. When I can combine the two, it’s like a match made in my own personal travel Heaven!

So, when I got the chance to stay at Union Station Hotel in Nashville, Tennessee, near where I grew up, it was a dream come true! I love when grand, historic buildings gain new life and have the chance to be reimagined, like Nashville’s 1900 train station that’s now a luxury hotel. If you’re planning a trip to Nashville soon, or if you just love historic places as much as I do, here is everything you need to know!

See also: The Ultimate Guide to Solo Travel in Nashville

The History

Originally built as a train station in 1900, Union Station has been a luxuy boutique hotel since 1986. Much of the original architecture remains, including stonework, the clocktower, stained glass, woodwork, and tile floors. Many people have come through this train station over the last 120+ years, long before it even became a hotel.

What are now luxurious hotel rooms were once offices, but nods to the building’s original purpose can be found everywhere. The doors out to what is now a verandah are still marked “Track 14 and Track 15,” the original, hand-painted train schedule is on display in what is now the bar, and each angel over the arches surrounding the lobby has a unique name and symbolizes a commodity that used to regularly come through by train.

More here: Nashville for History Lovers

The Location

The hotel is located uphill from downtown, near the trendy Gulch neighborhood. It’s within easy walking distance of shops, restaurants, Music Row, and the famous “What Lifts You” mural! You’re also right across the street from the Frist Art Center. Staying here, you’ll get to be right on Nasvhille’s famous Broadway, but far enough from the hustle and bustle that you won’t be up all night. (Unless you want to be!)

More here: What to Know Before You Visit Nashville

The Hotel

Aside from its history, the hotel itself is stunning. I couldn’t believe it when I was told that the floors, the stained glass, the woodwork, the artwork, and so much more was all original. It has truly retained its grandeur, even over 120 years later. The chandeliers are new (more glamorous, less utilitarian), and the interior decor is different, but overall, the original architecture still shines.

More to come: What It’s Like to Stay in a Haunted Hotel Room!

The Room

I booked my room using a FREE* night from Hotels.com, and I couldn’t have been more delighted! Union Station is a luxury property, and hotel room prices reflect that. This made it a perfect opportunity to use a reward night. I actually had the opportunity to stay in room 711, which is their haunted room! You can’t expect to stay in any historic property without there being a legend or two related to ghostly activity.

This is a Standard King Room, and while the decor is a bit different from other rooms in the hotel (the artwork and bed are more fitting with the ghostly theme of the room here!), it was spacious and beautiful.

Also helpful: *Why Hotels.com is Better than Hotel Brand Loyalty

The Bathroom

I like that the shower was completely enclosed, and no water spilled over onto the rest of the bathroom floor. I’m not a fan of mass-use toiletries in the shower or bath, but I usually bring my own toiletries anyway. I also liked that there was plenty of counterspace on either side of the sink, which is something not all hotel designers consider!

Read next: The Ultimate Guide to Solid Toiletries for Travel

The Fitness Center

The fitness center is located on the first floor (actually two floors down from the lobby level), and it’s quite large. I was impressed with the variety of cardio equipment, weight training equipment (beyond only free weights), and the amount of useable open space. I like to do crosstraining, and lots of the things I enjoy involve the need for open space!

Read on: The Best Fitness Apps for Active Travelers

Want more? Check out all my Nashville posts on my dedicated United States Page!

Love this post? Pin it for later!