The moment I stepped into the lobby of Drift Nashville, I was struck by a wave of Palm Springs déjà vu. The mid-century modern design, softened by plants and plush, jewel-toned upholstery, evoked the desert’s style aesthetic so perfectly that I half expected to see a cactus out my window. Instead, I was just a block off I-24, one of Nashville’s busiest interstates, with a view of the skyline and famed Batman Building from my living room.
Though the East Nashville hotel has been open since 2024—the building has lived multiple lives as a roadside motel since 1965— it somehow flew under my radar, tucked amid the cranes and construction reshaping the city’s East Bank. Despite the surroundings, though, Drift Nashville turned out to be one of the quietest, most peaceful stays I’ve ever had in my hometown.
Why stay at Drift Nashville?
For a hands-off stay. Part of Marriott’s Design Hotels collection, Drift Nashville blends the ease of an Airbnb with the polish of a boutique stay. Check-in is fully contactless, allowing for a seamless, low-interaction experience, though the lobby’s café and bar give the option for social encounters. There is no valet, but there’s easy self-parking (for a nightly fee) just steps from the front door, and housekeeping is available by request.
It’s also ideal for travellers who want to check off all the top attractions in Nashville during their stay: you’ll be just a 30-minute walk from downtown but removed from the nonstop crowds and noise of Lower Broadway (aka Honky Tonk Row). Sports fans will appreciate the hotel’s prime location—steps from Nissan Stadium and just across from the fast-rising new NFL complex that will soon take its place. Bridgestone Arena, home to the Nashville Predators hockey team, and First Horizon Park, where the Nashville Sounds play baseball, are less than a five-minute Uber ride across the river.
What are the rooms like at Drift Nashville?
Drift Nashville offers 114 accommodations which run the gamut of minimalist studios to multi-bedroom suites. My one-bedroom suite felt expansive—almost apartment-like—with separate quarters for living, dining and sleeping, plus a connecting door that makes it possible to link adjoining suites for groups or families. Drift Nashville also has standard king rooms, as well as two-bedroom, three-bedroom, and penthouse suites that feature three king beds and a private balcony.
The interiors balance comfort with a raw, industrial edge: Rough-hewn wood, exposed concrete walls and clean mid-century lines give the hotel its distinctive, unfussy charm. All rooms include robes, TVs with streaming services and premium toiletries.
Despite its proximity to the interstate, the rooms are impressively quiet: my downtown-facing room felt completely insulated from the traffic outside. Thoughtful details—USB-C and USB ports built into bedside tables (a rarity even in newer hotels); well-stocked kitchenettes featuring ice machines, cocktail kits, microwave ovens and dishware—layered atop Drift’s effortless design aesthetic made this hotel stay a dreamy one.
What is there to eat and drink at Drift Nashville?
The entire lobby level of Drift Nashville is a mishmash of food and beverage options. I’ve always loved the independence of vacation rentals—the privacy, the extra space—but often miss the availability of an on-site hotel bar or café. Drift offers the best of both worlds.
At the entrance is Dawn, an all-day café serving espresso classics, seasonal drinks and a short but satisfying menu ranging from granola parfaits to broccolini chopped sandwiches. During my stay, many items were sold out, but the vegetable quiche more than made up for it, paired with an exceptional seasonal iced coffee.
Anchoring the first floor, the Sun Room centers on a terrazzo-topped bar and plush L-shaped sofas; I took advantage of the daily Sundown hour and settled in with a cocktail and my laptop. I was pleasantly surprised when a singer-songwriter duo set up shop for the evening and learned that they frequently host events like movie nights, pop-up markets and live music. The menu leans towards small and shareable—oysters, cassoulet, chicken pot pie—while Poolside at Drift is open seasonally with frozen drinks, beer and wine.
What is the service like at Drift Nashville?
Service at Drift Nashville is intentionally low touch, in keeping with the hotel’s self-sufficient design. Beyond quick, friendly encounters at the bar and café, my interactions with staff were minimal, which suited me perfectly. A front-desk attendant was available when needed, and a dedicated text line made it easy to reach a team member if anything did arise.
What are the pool and gym like at Drift Nashville?
The 24-hour fitness center at Drift Nashville is small but smartly equipped, featuring free weights, strength machines and yoga mats. Visitors can also take advantage of the hotel’s FORM movement kits and guided workouts, which bring a touch of studio-level training to the hotel gym experience. The outside pool is open seasonally with cabanas available for rent and the option for non-guests to purchase day passes.
What’s the area like around Drift Nashville?
Transitional. A decade ago, this side of the river was somewhat of a wasteland; today, it’s being prepared for a full-blown renaissance with the building of the new NFL stadium and the forthcoming East Bank, a 550-acre area adjacent to the Cumberland River. Though the area isn’t walkable—yet—Drift’s location is prime for Ubering around Nashville. Those up for a bit of a hike can cut through the Nissan Stadium complex by foot and walk over the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge, which links directly to downtown Nashville.
Why you should you book a stay at Drift Nashville
Because you want a hands-off experience while still enjoying the novelty of being adjacent to downtown Nashville. Prices at Drift Nashville are generally lower mid-week with discounts offered for multi-day stays.
DETAILS
Address: 10 Interstate Dr, Nashville, TN 37213
Price per night: starting from $139 per night
Closest transport: Bus routes 4, 14, 18, 23, 34, 41, 56, 87, 89, 94
Book now: via Booking.com
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