Dive Brief:
- Boutique brand Drift Hotels has expanded to Tennessee with the opening of Drift Nashville on March 1, according to a release obtained by Hotel Dive.
- The 87-room hotel in Nashville’s East Bank neighborhood features multiroom suites, a ground-level pool with cabanas, three food and beverage concepts and a penthouse with views of the city.
- California-based TMC Hospitality created the boutique hotel brand and launched its first location in San Jose del Cabo, Mexico, in 2021. Since then, the group has expanded in the U.S., with openings in Santa Barbara and Palm Springs in California last year. The brand chose Nashville — a popular market for activity within the burgeoning lifestyle hotel segment — for its first expansion outside of the West Coast.
Dive Insight:
In a statement, Philip Bates, TMC Hospitality’s co-founder and CEO, said Nashville’s “vibrant energy complements Drift's blend of well-designed accommodations, innovative tech, and community-centric ethos.”
TMC Hospitality developed the property in collaboration with Nashville-based architecture and interior design studio Dryden. Originally an inn built in the sixties, Drift Nashville highlights the property’s mid-century architecture while spotlighting local artisans with design touches, including locally made tile and custom wooden door handles.
Guests can opt for a king bedroom or a one-, two- or three-bedroom suite with a patio option. Suites feature kitchenettes, desks and spaces for both dining and lounging.
There is also a 1,800-square-foot penthouse on the seventh floor that plays homage to a former famous guest at the inn: Elvis Presley. The penthouse offers a large outdoor balcony and outside dining and lounge space.
Drift Nashville has three food and beverage options led by local restaurateur Alexis Soler: Dawn Cafe, a coffee and espresso bar with grab-and-go items; The Sun Room, a lounge with cocktails and Spanish-inspired plates; and Poolside at Drift, an al fresco bar.
The hotel also offers a pool and garden area with cabanas, which will grant day passes to local residents, and a fitness center.
According to the release, Drift Hotels describes itself as a “growing brand,” and the hotel group aims to offer “authentic travel experiences” and “engrain guests into the [surrounding] culture.”
Nashville has been a popular market for activity within the burgeoning lifestyle hotel segment in recent months.
Hilton opened the second location of its lifestyle brand Tempo by Hilton in the city last month. And last July, boutique Nashville property 21c Museum Hotel joined Hilton’s Tapestry Collection.
Meanwhile, hospitality management company Highgate grew its luxury and lifestyle portfolio with the addition of Nashville’s The Joseph.
