The Nash Hits a New High Note in Downtown Nashville

In 2026, this downtown Nashville favorite stepped into a new era with refreshed dining spaces, a rooftop winter lodge, and plenty of the playful personality that made it a Music City original.

Nashville has always had a knack for reinvention. Historic honky-tonks rub shoulders with stylish cocktail lounges, legendary music venues continue to welcome rising stars, and new experiences are always popping up across Music City. So it seems only fitting that one of downtown’s most distinctive boutique hotels has entered a new chapter of its own.

Formerly known as Bobby Hotel, which first opened in 2017, the property became The Nash when it joined Opal Collection in early 2026 – marking the portfolio’s first foray into Music City. And while The Nash is embracing a fresh identity, it’s staying true to the offbeat personality that made this Printer’s Alley favorite a hit with guests and locals alike in the first place.

The 144-room boutique hotel still boasts all the hallmarks that made it a downtown standout – bold, art-centric design, a rooftop pool complete with a vintage bus, and an enviable address along historic Printer’s Alley. But as of 2026, it’s been building on that foundation with a renovated first floor/lobby experience, refreshed dining spaces, and a new spin on its beloved winter rooftop experience, all adding another layer to the hotel’s already colorful character.

The result? A downtown Nashville hotel that’s as much a part of the Music City experience as the attractions just beyond its doors. Here’s a closer look at what’s new and novel at The Nash.

A HOTEL WITH A STORIED ADDRESS

There’s staying in Nashville, and then there’s staying in the middle of it all. At The Nash, the latter comes with a particularly interesting address. Tucked along historic Printer’s Alley, the hotel sits at the crossroads of Nashville’s past and present. The narrow downtown passageway takes its name from the printing presses and publishing houses that once occupied the surrounding blocks. But by the early twentieth century, the alley had developed a livelier reputation, trading newspapers for speakeasies, jazz clubs, and late-night entertainment.

Today, the neon-lit alley remains a nightlife destination, with live music and plenty of character around every corner.

Of course, there’s much more to explore just beyond it. A few blocks away, Lower Broadway delivers the quintessential Music City experience, with honky-tonks and live music spilling onto the sidewalks from morning until late into the night. The legendary Ryman Auditorium, once home to the Grand Ole Opry, is also nearby, along with the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Bridgestone Arena, and the National Museum of African American Music.

For first-time visitors and Nashville regulars alike, it’s an ideal home base for exploring downtown on foot, with some of the city’s most celebrated attractions just a short stroll from your room.

A FRESH TAKE ON FOOD & DRINK

One of the biggest updates at The Nash can be found on its recently renovated first floor, where a refreshed lobby and front desk area, along with Backstage Market – the hotel’s stop for morning coffee and light bites – give guests a warm welcome and a few more reasons to stick around.

But the real transformation takes place at Ink & Ivory, The Nash’s on-site restaurant and bar. With a newly relocated bar and garage-style doors that roll open to the sidewalk, the space feels more connected than ever to the energy of downtown Nashville. “We wanted the layout to encourage that natural flow between the indoors and outdoors while creating a more inviting atmosphere from the moment guests approach the hotel,” explains Granit Berisha, The Nash’s general manager. And the lively atmosphere extends beyond the restaurant, with live music on Thursdays and Fridays bringing a little extra energy to the lobby and rooftop.

Still, some things were worth keeping. The lobby’s original fireplace and comfortable seating remain, preserving the residential warmth that has long been part of the hotel’s appeal.

YES, THERE’S REALLY A BUS ON THE ROOF

Six stories above downtown Nashville, Elevate Rooftop Lounge, The Nash’s skyline-facing hangout perched above the streets of Music City, has a rather unusual centerpiece: a vintage 1956 Scenicruiser bus. A distinctive holdover from prior to becoming an Opal, it’s something of a calling card for the property, adding a little unexpected character to a rooftop already known for its pool, cocktails, and sweeping city views.

But while the bus remains a familiar fixture, the rooftop experience has gotten a fresh spin. During its first summer as The Nash, Saturday pool parties brought locals and visitors together for afternoons of cocktails, poolside lounging, and DJ-spun soundtracks. And the fun doesn’t stop when summer ends. As temperatures dip, Elevate takes on an entirely different personality.

ELEVATE LODGE TAKES WINTER TO NEW HEIGHTS

Longtime hotel fans might remember Camp Bobby, the rooftop’s beloved wintertime pop-up known for its cozy igloos, festive cocktails, and après-ski atmosphere. Now reimagined as Elevate Lodge, debuting November 27, 2026, the seasonal experience takes its mountain-lodge charm to new heights with an even more immersive winter retreat – right in the heart of downtown Nashville.

Seven private, transparent igloos, some 35 to 40 real pine trees, and a central fireplace will transform the rooftop into a winter hideaway, with twinkling city lights providing the backdrop. Inside the decorated igloos, guests can settle in over seasonal cocktails and comforting, campfire-inspired bites. Think Nashville Campfire Wings, Dutch Oven S’mores, and festive sips like The S’more the Merrier, a creamy chocolate cocktail topped with toasted marshmallows.

It’s a little taste of the mountains without leaving Music City – and a pretty compelling reason to head up to the rooftop long after pool season ends.

NOT YOUR AVERAGE HOTEL ROOM

The hotel’s guest rooms and suites still reflect the adventurous spirit behind their original design, inspired by the idea of a well-traveled character with an eye for art, unexpected treasures, and eclectic style. Think bold patterns, distinctive furnishings, and thoughtful details that feel more like a collection of discoveries than your typical hotel room.

And the suites have a few surprises of their own. Select accommodations feature private terraces overlooking downtown Nashville, while others offer wet bars made for entertaining. There’s even a two-bedroom suite with its own pool table – because sometimes the best part of a night out is staying in.

New name. Fresh look. Same unmistakable personality. Think of The Nash as a favorite Nashville tune that’s been given a fresh arrangement – a few new notes, some unexpected flourishes, and all the character that made it a hit in the first place. And in a city that knows a thing or two about great performances, we’d say that’s worth an encore.