Red Lion Inn & Suites Nashville Airport

The general manager, Angel, was the reason I gave two stars instead of one. She was kind, helpful, and had a great personality. The property itself was probably the worst-conditioned hotel I’ve stayed in. It looked worse than a Motel 6, and unlike other Red Lion hotels I’ve stayed at, this one felt like a run-down motel Red Lion had taken over. After a 10-hour travel day, we arrived at 1am and were shocked by how different the place looked from the online photos. Our first room was dirty: dirt on the sheets, pee on the bathroom walls, dried toothpaste by the sink, and something weird on the nightstand. We asked to move and got a room at the far end of the hotel, with no easy way to haul our luggage. It looked more renovated and less used, but reeked of cigarettes and kept me up all night. Between going back and forth for new keys, moving luggage up and down stairs, and returning the old keys, we didn’t get settled until 2am. The mess made me avoid breakfast and keep all my luggage closed. If I hadn’t booked through Expedia, where getting help is a nightmare, I’d be asking for a refund.

The night manager was friendly and kept the breakfast area stocked, hot, and clean. He also put together a front desk sheet with local things to do and places to eat, then shared his own recommendations. We used his list and it worked perfectly. That kind of concierge help was much appreciated. Breakfast was better than the usual bare-bones free offering: sausage and eggs, bagels, toast, muffins, yogurt, fruit, waffles you make yourself, cereal, and more. Our room was spotless, modern, quiet, and had very comfortable beds. The pool area looked new, though the weather was too cool for us to use it. You can see the recent updates in the painted exterior, modern lobby, and dining area. They were replacing the roof during our visit, but the work only ran from mid-morning to late afternoon and never bothered us. The hotel is tucked on a quieter side street near the interstate. I’ve read some reviews and don’t understand how others had such a different experience, but ours was excellent. I’d stay again without a doubt.

The staff and management helped us get a same-day room for a third of what other hotels were charging. Early check-in was a big help after more than 9 hours on the road with the kids. The suites worked perfectly for our family, and the rooms are being remodeled with a modern look. A hidden gem, and we’d return next time we’re in town.

The front desk staff were friendly, helpful, and down to earth. They listened to our observations and seemed to appreciate them. There’s just one ice machine, no shuttle service, and we didn’t eat breakfast, though coffee and hot chocolate were available around the clock. The hotel is in the middle of a full remodel, so only half the rooms are open. Our room was clean with good water pressure, but the bed was much too soft for us. The fridge door was missing the rail for larger drinks, so we had to remove a shelf, and there was no blow dryer. Our main problem was the shower water, which was lukewarm at best because of how the hardware had been installed. Friends in another room did have hot water. The hotel said it would be fixed while we were out, but it was no better when we returned. The manager tried to help by giving us a key to another room that was nearly finished, but it had the same issue. We got a small discount for the trouble. I would stay again.