Howdy, Y'all! Welcome To The Graduate Nashville!
If someone mentioned the idea of a staycation to me a year ago, I would have quickly dismissed that notion as fast as they recommended it. But, my how times have changed. Like many of you, I’ve been working from home since March. While I adore my home, it’s safe to say I’ve yet to spend this many consecutive days within these walls since I’ve moved in. In desperate need of a change of scenery, and no, I don’t mean moving from room to room, I decided to plan a little staycation at the Graduate Nashville.
When planning this little staycation of mine, I had a few criteria: rooftop pool, cafe/restaurant on-premises, did I mention I wanted a pool? Even though I have one in my neighborhood, there was something so appealing about laying poolside and having cocktails brought to me while I soaked up the sun. I found a great rate on HotelTonight and booked it!
Graduate Nashville is one of the city’s newest boutique hotels that pays tribute to the rich history of country music. Each room boasts a fun and funky vibe and includes portraits of some of country music’s most famous female icons. My room was dressed in pink and white striped wallpaper, and I was fortunate that Dolly was watching over me.
Before you stay at the Graduate Nashville, there are a few things you should know before you go:
Check-in is at 4:00p.m. However, If you’re planning on early arrival, guests can pay an additional $25.00 fee to guarantee a check-in no later than 1:00 p.m. Check-out is at noon.
Valet parking is available for the hefty price tag of $40.00/night. Guests can self-park, which is free, but spots are VERY limited as it is primarily used as a staff parking lot.
The hotel is pet friendly and your sweet four-legged child can be added to your reservation for a $25.00 fee.
Guests can get their caffeine fix at the lobby level cafe, Poindexter. In addition to the grab and go case offerings, Poindexter serves coffee, smoothies, and some fantastic breakfast sandwiches.
For those guests who are looking for something a little stronger than coffee, make your way up to White Limozeen. Given the popularity of this newfound establishment, reservations are strongly encouraged, even if you want a drink.
Sometimes photos can be deceiving, am I right? The Governor’s Pool is more of a plunge pool if you ask me and if I am being 100% honest with you, it’s not much bigger than a postage stamp. With COVID-19 restrictions, max capacity was 13 people, and it was still tight.
As I mentioned earlier, my primary requirement for this staycation was a rooftop pool and cocktail service. So here’s the down and dirty truth. With COVID-19 precautions in place, a limited number of guests are allowed at the pool at any given time. I arrived Sunday at 11:00 a.m. for brunch at White Limozeen at which time I placed my name on the waitlist for the pool. After I finished brunch and enjoyed a few cocktails, I went to check on my place in line. After two hours, there were still 14 people in front of me. Come to find out there are no time restrictions in place. If a guest grabs a pool chair at 10:00 a.m, they can hold that chair all day long.<insert major eye-roll here> Thank God we had a few pop-up showers in Nashville, and luckily that cleared the pool out, and I was finally able to grab a chair at 3:45 p.m.
Ladies, make sure you bring a cute pool cover-up as the only rooftop restroom access is located within White Limozeen.
White Limozeen is open from 3:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m Monday through Friday, so if you have your heart set on ordering poolside cocktails any earlier, your dreams may be crushed just as mine were. You can always run downstairs to Poindexter and grab a bottle of wine, but unless you brought your cooler or plan on chugging it, there’s no way to keep it cold. Total fail if you ask me.
White Limozeen, the Graduate’s nod to Nashville’s queen of country, Dolly Parton, was named after Parton’s twenty-ninth solo album released May 1989. Whether you choose to lounge poolside underneath a fuchsia-fringed couch or perhaps post up at the rosy onyx bar, you are in for a treat. Admittedly, I had more cocktails than food, and I am not mad about it in the least.
First things first, if you are wanting to check out the space or simply have a cocktail, a reservation is imperative. I can’t tell you how many people were turned away because they didn’t have a reservation. Go ahead, make your way to Resy and secure a table before the bachelorettes do! < You’ve been warned!>
One word of caution, if you are a delicate flower and aren’t a fan of hot weather, make your reservation for the dining room, or you might melt. Initially, I made my reservation for the patio, but by the time I arrived, it was hotter than hell, and you could cut the humidity with a knife. The staff was kind enough to move me inside to a high-top where I happily sipped on cocktails and caught up on my reading.
Even though I sampled more of the cocktail menu than I expected, I did order a couple of bites to enjoy: Chopped Tuna Crudo and Fries. Granted, it’s probably not the best combination, but it worked for me at the time, and it goes without question that the fries came out on top. Who knows, maybe I will change it up during my next visit and try more of the food offerings. As for cocktails, you really can’t go wrong with anything that’s on the menu. The In A Honky Tonk, Down In Mexico was by far my favorite, but then again I am a tequila girl. If you’re looking something to sip while lounging on a daybed, order the Frozen Iguana with a side of Fancy Nancy, you won’t regret it.
What a staycation! Despite the disappointment with the Governor’s Pool and the weather not exactly cooperating, it was a lovely change of scenery. Without a doubt, the Graduate Nashville is a welcomed addition to the Nashville landscape as it’s frilly, fabulous, and sure to be one of the premier bachelorette destinations in Nashville.
Until Next Time!