Graduate Nashville Review: A Hotel of Many Colors

From Dolly Parton-inspired details to one of Nashville’s most recognizable pink rooftops, Graduate Nashville offers a colorful stay in the heart of Midtown.

Written By: Amanda Tempel

Last Updated: September 6, 2026

Graduate Nashville pays homage to one of the town’s (and world’s!) most beloved treasures, the iconic Dolly Parton. Hues of pink, shabby chic décor, and vintage vibes swarm the building, making it a natural hub for bachelorette and girlfriend getaways. Whether you are a frequent road tripper to Music City or just jetting in for the weekend, the whimsical atmosphere makes it one of the trendiest and best new places to stay in Nashville, Tennessee.

Take advantage of the $40 per-night valet service with in-and-out capabilities; self-parking is limited in the area. Upon entrance, a larger-than-life portrait of Grand Ole Opry matriarch Minnie Pearl hangs above the front desk area, insinuating a signature welcoming “Howdy.” Check-in is a breeze; the staff was ready to give all the property's pertinent layout info before they handed over the fittingly themed room keys. And yes, you can take them home as a memento!

Before you drop your bags, you will want to explore the spacious lobby. It hosts nooks of Instagram-worthy backdrops for all your selfie shots and Polaroid-perfect pictures. Whether you’re into glitzy glam or simple Southern charm, you’ll appreciate the mix of inviting and luxe comfort this attractive hotel offers.

Graduate Nashville pays homage to one of the town’s — and world’s — most beloved treasures, the iconic Dolly Parton. Hues of pink, shabby chic décor, and vintage vibes swarm the building, making it a natural hub for bachelorette parties, girlfriend getaways, and country music fans looking for something beyond a traditional Nashville hotel.

Now officially known as Graduate by Hilton Nashville, the 205-room hotel is located in Midtown near Vanderbilt University and less than a mile from Lower Broadway. Whether you are a frequent road tripper to Music City or just jetting in for the weekend, its whimsical atmosphere makes Graduate Nashville one of the city’s most distinctive places to stay.

Graduate Nashville Quick Facts

Official Name: Graduate by Hilton Nashville
Address: 101 20th Ave. N., Nashville, Tennessee
Neighborhood: Midtown
Rooms: 205
Check-In: 4 p.m.
Check-Out: 11 a.m.
Parking: Valet parking; currently $55 per night
Dining: Poindexter Coffee, Cross-Eyed Critters, and White Limozeen
Pool: The Governor’s Pool at White Limozeen; reservations required
Lower Broadway: Approximately 0.8 miles
Nashville International Airport: Approximately 9.4 miles

Graduate by Hilton currently offers valet parking with in-and-out privileges but does not offer self-parking. Parking rates and other hotel fees can change, so check current rates before your stay.

Inside Graduate Nashville

Upon entrance, a larger-than-life portrait of Grand Ole Opry matriarch Minnie Pearl hangs above the front desk, offering a fitting Music City welcome.

Check-in was a breeze during my stay, with the staff ready to share information about the hotel before handing over the fittingly themed room keys. And yes, you’ll probably want to take the key card home as a memento.

Before you drop your bags, you will want to explore the spacious lobby. It hosts nooks of Instagram-worthy backdrops for all your selfie shots and Polaroid-perfect pictures. Whether you’re into glitzy glam or simple Southern charm, you’ll appreciate the mix of inviting and luxe comfort this attractive hotel offers.

The detailed touches appear everywhere. Lavender glitter-embellished walls and golden antique-like mirrors accent the hallways as you wander toward your guestroom.

Graduate Nashville Rooms

The country music theme continues upstairs, with colorful rooms featuring Nashville-inspired details and nods to some of country music’s legendary women.

Your honky-tonk haven trimmed in pink is equipped with everything you need for your Nashville trip. During my stay, the room included an HD TV, refrigerator, safe, and plenty of places to stow luggage.

Need to fit in some work between hitting the nearby shops and attractions? No worries. The glamorous workspace gives those “9 to 5” queens a place to catch up before heading back out into Music City.

After exploring Nashville nightlife, the comfy bed adorned with a floral-print curtain canopy serves as the perfect reprieve.

The spacious bathroom provides plenty of room to get ready, and the MALIN+GOETZ bath products were a nice bonus during my stay.

The hotel's rooms continue to lean into its Nashville setting today, with Hilton describing the designs as honoring country music queens, Vanderbilt traditions, and other pieces of local culture.

Food and Drinks at Graduate Nashville

You don't necessarily have to leave the hotel to grab breakfast, cocktails, or even take a turn at karaoke.

Poindexter Coffee

Situated in the chandelier-lined lobby, Poindexter Coffee is an easy stop for coffee or a morning pick-me-up. Grab breakfast, a seasonal pastry, or a made-to-order meal before heading out for a day in Nashville.

Cross-Eyed Critters

Grab your duet partner for an off-key rendition of “Islands in the Stream” at Cross-Eyed Critters, the hotel’s unique karaoke bar featuring an animatronic backup band.

Cross-Eyed Critters is currently 21 and older, and reservations are not required.

White Limozeen

Named after Dolly Parton’s 1989 album White Limozeen, the Graduate Nashville rooftop has become almost as recognizable as the hotel itself.

White Limozeen combines pink décor, skyline views, cocktails, and French-inspired food with a Southern twist. The rooftop restaurant and bar is open for lunch, dinner, and drinks, along with weekend brunch, and is currently limited to guests 21 and older.

And then there’s the pool.

The Governor’s Pool brings plenty of fanciful “Backwoods Barbie” energy with bright pink umbrellas and Nashville skyline views. However, don't make the mistake of assuming hotel guests automatically have access.

The pool is considered an extension of White Limozeen rather than a Graduate Nashville hotel amenity. Advance reservations are required for everyone, including hotel guests, and space is limited.

If lounging poolside is part of your Nashville plans, make that reservation before your trip.

Two Doors Down: What Is Near Graduate Nashville?

Graduate Nashville's Midtown location gives you access to Vanderbilt University, restaurants, and nightlife while keeping downtown Nashville within easy reach.

Lower Broadway

Hilton currently lists Lower Broadway approximately 0.8 miles from Graduate Nashville.

While technically walkable for some visitors, I prefer driving or using a rideshare when heading downtown, especially if you're planning to spend the evening exploring Broadway.

Once downtown, you'll find many of Nashville's biggest attractions, including Bridgestone Arena, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, the Ryman Auditorium, and the honky-tonks along Lower Broadway.

Vanderbilt University

Vanderbilt University is right in Graduate Nashville's neighborhood, making the hotel particularly convenient if the university is part of your trip.

FirstBank Stadium is approximately 0.8 miles from the hotel, while Centennial Park is about 0.7 miles away.

Nashville International Airport

Flying in? Go from the runway to the honky-tonk highway in no time.

Nashville International Airport is approximately 9.4 miles from Graduate Nashville. The hotel does not currently offer an airport shuttle, so you'll need a rental car, rideshare, taxi, or another transportation option to reach the property.

Is Graduate Nashville Worth It?

If you're looking for a standard hotel room where you simply drop your luggage and leave, Graduate Nashville probably isn't the reason you're booking a trip to Music City.

This is a hotel that's part of the Nashville experience itself.

From the pink-filled lobby and vintage-inspired guestrooms to Dolly Parton touches and the rooftop at White Limozeen, there is plenty to explore without ever leaving the property. Its Midtown location also offers convenient access to Vanderbilt University while keeping downtown Nashville attractions nearby.

For a girlfriend getaway, bachelorette weekend, country music trip, or anyone who prefers a hotel with plenty of personality, Graduate Nashville deserves a spot on the list.

Graduate Nashville FAQ

Is Graduate Nashville a Dolly Parton-themed hotel?

Graduate Nashville isn't exclusively a Dolly Parton hotel, but Dolly's influence can be found throughout the property, particularly in its country music-inspired design and at the rooftop restaurant White Limozeen.

Does Graduate Nashville have a pool?

The Governor's Pool is located at White Limozeen on top of Graduate Nashville. However, it is not considered a hotel amenity, and hotel guests do not receive automatic pool access. Advance reservations are required.

Does Graduate Nashville have parking?

Yes. Graduate by Hilton Nashville currently offers valet parking for $55 per night with in-and-out privileges. Self-parking is not available through the hotel.

How far is Graduate Nashville from Broadway?

Graduate Nashville is approximately 0.8 miles from Lower Broadway.

Is White Limozeen inside Graduate Nashville?

Yes. White Limozeen is the rooftop restaurant and bar at Graduate Nashville. It offers Nashville skyline views, dining, cocktails, and access to The Governor's Pool with a separate reservation. White Limozeen is currently 21 and older.