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Dolly Parton Enterprises knows no stopping. The country music superstar had been working on her namesake hotel for years, only for it to open in September 2026, just a month after her death. Like the theme park Dollywood before it, the Songteller Hotel was a deeply personal project; she handpicked the former office building off of Nashville’s infamous Lower Broadway, even though it wasn’t officially for sale. But who can say no to Dolly?
While the nearby strip is populated with bars named in honor of the current wave of country stars, Dolly is the only star to have a 240-room hotel in her name. It’s a classy proposition too, not nearly as camp and flashy as it could have been. It’s more like a big city Hilton that’s been given a subtle girly glow-up and a decent dose of sparkle.
Excitingly, it’s also home to Dolly’s Life of Many Colors Museum, a sprawling tribute to the star’s music, film work and philanthropy. It takes up the entire third floor of the hotel, and is home to various stage and screen costumes, as well as her recently rediscovered wedding dress.
What are the rooms like at Songteller?
The guest rooms aren’t quite as razzle-dazzle as the common spaces, notwithstanding the giant photo of Dolly on the sliding bathroom doors and a feature wall made up of a montage of concert tickets from Dolly shows collected by a British fan. There are lots of fun Dolly touches too—each bathroom mirror is also a Bluetooth speaker, and while ours is a little glitchy, we manage to pump out ‘Jolene’ as we get ready to go out for the night. There’s also a powder pink Bose speaker in each room, pink details on the robes, Dolly-branded tea bags, custom floral bath products based on Dolly’s favorite scents, and the words “wig dryer” emblazoned on the hair dryer bag. Cute.
The high-end “acoustic suites” are the most luxe in the property, but the most fun are the sisters’ suites. The slumber party-inspired suites come with three double beds, a nod to Dolly's five sisters. You get the feeling they’ve been made specifically for the numerous bachelorette parties that hit up Nashville every week (there are at least two groups of bachelorettes on our nine hour direct flight from London). The ritzy bathrooms in the sisters’ suites come with hair-stylers, two showers, and two toilets. It’s a sweet idea, even if the reality of sharing a room with five other people would in all likelihood be absolute chaos.
What are the facilities like at Songteller?
There isn’t a pool or a spa, but come on—you haven’t come to Nashville to unwind, have you? Each floor does have a handy “hydration station”, with a tap offering fizzy or still chilled water and a freezer with prepackaged bags of ice. Dolly would never let her guests go without a nice cold drink.
The main amenity, if you can call it that, is Dolly’s Life of Many Colors Museum, which is a truly fantastic tribute to the star. I spent two hours there and could easily have stayed for another. Do make sure you book tickets in advance, however—it’s fast becoming one of Downtown’s most popular attractions.
What is the food and restaurant like at Songteller?
There are plenty of options, with an all-day coffeeshop and a lobby restaurant and bar only open to guests of the hotel. Hotel residents are also invited to a free happy hour—known as “sip and sparkle”—in the lobby lounge from 4-5pm, every day. All comers are allowed to visit the purple and pink velvet-clad Jolene’s on the top floor, which boasts epic views of the Cumberland river and live music in the evenings. Parton’s Live is much more of a gig venue, with table service and food and regular songwriters rounds and stand-alone shows. Want more of a snoop around the hotel? There’s a free daily tour for guests.
What is the area like around Songteller?
If you’re a first-time tourist in Nashville, the hotel couldn’t be better placed. The legendary bars of Lower Broadway are seconds away, and though the strip can often feel wildly busy, there are ways to make the whole experience feel less chaotic—and staying at the Songteller is one of them.
The undisputed king of the strip is Robert’s Western World, a cowboy-boot lined honky tonk which has recently expanded. Come for authentic old-school live music and the greatest deal in America, their “recession special”—a beer, fried bologna sandwich, bag of chips and Moon pie for just $6. Layla’s, Legend’s Corner and Tootsies also rock a similar old-school vibe, as does the newer Buddy’s Tiny Tonk which you’ll find off the main strip in a restored 1930s art deco arcade. The 1902-built arcade is also home to a H Bar C Ranchwear outlet, where you can pick up perfect cowboy shirts.
Country music fans will also want to check out the Johnny Cash Museum (you will cry), and the Country Music Hall of Fame Museum, an incredible place, even if you don’t like country music (but if you don’t, what the hell are you doing in Nashville?). Check out what’s happening at the Ryman Auditorium too, which is hands down one of the best places to see music in North America.
DETAILS
Address: 211 Commerce St, Nashville, TN 37201, United States
Price: Rates start at $280 per night
Closest transport: Nashville International Airport, 15 minute drive
Book now: via Booking.com
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