If it's good enough for Roosevelt, Kennedy, Johnson and Nixon (not to mention Bette Davis, Greta Garbo and Al Capone), it's good enough for me. That's how I choose my hotels. Actually, in addition to having a reputation for hosting the world's elite, the Hermitage hotel in Nashville Tennessee is known for its unparalleled luxury and southern hospitality. I could prove the latter of these two facts by describing how the doorman actually changed the flat tire on my SUV, but instead, I will discuss my appreciation for the Hotel's architectural grandeur, magnificent rooms, and fine dining. In fact, I might even tell you a bit about their toilets. 
Fine, I'll start with the toilets. When you need to or not, you really must visit the men's washroom just outside the Capitol Grille and the Oak Bar. It is entirely green-and-black-striped in true Art Deco style--complete with shoe shining chairs (I'll admit it, I sneaked in!). When you're there, you'll truly feel as through you're stepping into the past. When the hotel opened in 1910, it became the center for Nashville's social, political, and business circles. In fact, it was at the Hermitage Hotel that a very famous and important meeting took place in 1920. It was during this meeting that the single swing vote was cast, providing Tennessee women with the right to vote. In short, the place reeks with social and political history. 
The newly restored and refurbished main lobby is simply stunning, with its marble columns, period lighting and stained glass ceiling. The only turn-of-the-century detail that's missing (thankfully!) is brass spitoons. Make sure to check out the stately ballroom, which will have you pondering the historic events which have transpired decades before your stay.
Famished after a long day on the road, my travelmate and I dined in hotel's posh, subterranean Capitol Grille, where the vaulted ceilings and massive supporting columns create an atmosphere of coziness that belies the room's relatively large size. The restaurant's comfortable high-back chairs and loveseats, and spacious layout, offer plenty of space between the tables for a private and romantic atmosphere. As a starter, I can highly recommend the "Tasting of This Evening's Soups", which is just what it claims to be: three little cups of delicious soups, perfect for comfort food fans like me. 
My companion ordered the pan-roasted jumbo prawns, which are prepared with a unique combination of ingredients that includes watermelon, cucumber, pearl pasta, avocado, and lemon coulis. The combination worked well, a refreshing twist from the ordinary. While I would have liked to be more adventurous with my main course, there is something about those vaulted ceilings and the patina of history that made me feel obliged to order a Grilled Tennessee Black Angus Beef Tenderloin. The waiter assured me I would not regret my decision, and he was certainly right. The steak was perfectly prepared and artfully seasoned. Our suite was very spacious, about 800 square feet of comfort and luxury. The elegant furnishings include a couch and several tables and large, comfortable chairs where you can sit while you surf the net (yes, high-speed) in your cozy plush robe.
The linens, which are of the finest quality, and the many fluffy pillows, make this just about the most comfortable sleep we can imagine. In fact, even through we'd just arrived in Nashville, we found ourselves tempted to order up a movie and popcorn and spend the night lounging around indoors! Did I mention the rooms have Jacuzzi tubs? The Hermitage is right downtown, within walking distance of numerous attractions. As we ventured onto the streets (the following morning!), it didn't take long for us to get swept up in the charm and enthusiasm of the city. We had lunch at BB Kings, and walked it off with an aimless ramble. The streets were lined with buskers and swarming with people. While our schedule ruled out a visit to the Grand Ole Opery, we did take in the live country music at a few of the many downtown music bars.
And it's not just country music anymore. Nashville, known nowadays simply as "Music City" is advertised as a vibrant cultural Mecca. On the weekend we visited, the scene was enlivened by an international Harley Davidson owner's convention. Where else but in Nashville would the makers of the quintessential American road machine celebrate their hundredth anniversary? Live to ride, ride to live, baby.http://www.hilary.com/travel/hip-hermitage.html
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