Review: Conrad Nashville Falls Short on Elite Perks

Introduction and Booking

After spending a night at the 3-star Aloft by Marriott just up the block, I moved over to the Conrad Nashville—a 5-star Hilton property located at 1620 West End Avenue. The walk from Aloft to Conrad took under 10 minutes, a smooth transition between two very different hotel experiences.

Conrad Nashville

For my booking, I found a solid CAA/AAA cash rate of $275 per night. This rate worked well with the benefits on my Hilton US Amex cards, allowing me to offset over $100 using card credits. I also earned over 11,000 Hilton Honors points for the stay. Given that the room was regularly priced at around $400, using 90,000 Hilton points wouldn’t have been a good redemption in this case. It’s a reminder always to compare cash rates and leverage corporate or membership deals.

Conrad Nashville Review – First Impressions and Check-in

The check-in process was efficient. As you enter the main entrance, the front desk is just to the right. Staff did ask to verify my CAA membership to confirm the discounted rate. After check-in, I took the elevator up and found my room just to the left of the hallway.

Conrad Nashville Lobby

The lobby makes a solid impression with its white marble floors and elegant design, featuring leather sofas and armchairs. Compared to the rock ‘n’ roll-themed aesthetic at Aloft, this was a classic luxury look. During my stay, I appreciated that the staff came by proactively offering extra amenities, such as towels, robes, or bottled water—something I hadn’t always seen at other Hiltons.

Conrad Nashville Lobby Seating

Lobby Staircase

Conrad Nashville Review – My Room Upgrade

I was upgraded from a standard King room to a Two Queen Suite on the top (13th) floor. While I tried to talk my way into something more premium, Conrad’s upgrade policy limits upgrades to one or two room levels above your original booking, so this was likely the maximum they could offer.

Inside, the suite was tastefully designed. A marble counter with vanity mirror greeted me at the entrance, followed by an ensuite bathroom featuring his-and-hers sinks, a separate shower and tub (with Epsom salts), and a separate enclosed toilet. Before reaching the bedroom area, there was a well-stocked minibar, coffee machine, kettle, and a full set of stemware and glassware.

Two-Queen bed suite

Suite Bathroom

The beds were firm and very comfortable, and the flat screen TV was positioned above a wide dresser. A small table with two leather chairs and a green couch in the corner provided some additional seating. While the view included some of downtown Nashville, it was mostly blocked by another hotel building directly across. This was less impressive than the patio terrace view I had at the Aloft.

Two queen beds

Downtown View from room

Lighting in the room was controlled by a 9-button digital panel—an elegant touch. However, aside from two bottles of water, there were no special welcome gifts, which felt like a missed opportunity given that this is a Conrad property. Despite the high-end furnishings, the room felt smaller than my Aloft suite.

Conrad Nashville Review – F&B Options

Breakfast was at the Blue Aster, the hotel’s signature restaurant on the main floor. Hilton Diamond members in the U.S. and Canada receive a $25 daily food credit per person (up to two people), but this rarely covers a full breakfast at luxury properties like Conrad. As expected, I paid a bit out of pocket.

Conrad Nashville – Blue Aster restaurant

Blue Aster Seating

Blue Aster bar

I ordered the Southern Eggs Benny—served with pancetta and collard greens—and an avocado toast. Both were beautifully presented and tasted excellent. The real highlight of breakfast, though, was the conversation I struck up with a couple from San Diego, also points and miles enthusiasts. We ended up exchanging credit card strategies and redemption tips—an unexpected bonus to the morning.

Breakfast – Southern Eggs Benny

Breakfast at Blue Aster – Avocado Toast

The Blue Aster also offers Afternoon Tea from Friday to Sunday from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. for $85. I didn’t partake, but it’s worth noting for those who enjoy a more upscale dining experience.

On the third floor, Rye & Thistle offers a bar and lounge experience with a daily happy hour from 4 to 6 p.m., though I didn’t dine there during my stay.

Rye & Thistle Bar and Lounge

Conrad Nashville Review – Other Amenities

The hotel features a pool on the third floor, a rarity even among upscale city hotels, which adds to the property’s appeal in warmer months. Adjacent to the pool is the Rye & Thistle lounge. The third floor also houses a well-equipped fitness center. The gym is stocked with fresh towels, fruit snacks, and bottled water (with a refill station).

Conrad Nashville Pool

Conrad Nashville Gym

Takeaway

At checkout, I split the bill across a few Hilton Amex cards without issue, but there were a couple of sour notes. The $50 breakfast credit applied to food only, not to taxes or gratuity, which left me about $10 out of pocket. Additionally, I was initially overcharged for breakfast, which took some time to resolve at the desk.

Overall, my experience at the Conrad Nashville was positive, but not without its flaws. I would rate the stay a 7 out of 10. While it certainly delivers on luxury design and upscale amenities, it falls short in some areas of elite recognition and value.

Comparing it to the Aloft up the road, the Aloft surprisingly edged out the Conrad in several categories. Despite its 3-star status, I received a better room upgrade, a more personal elite experience, and a better view. The Conrad had the upper hand in terms of food and fitness facilities, but some of those gains were offset by how the breakfast credit was handled and a minor billing issue at checkout.

If you hold elite status with both Marriott and Hilton, and are choosing between these two properties in Nashville, I would personally lean toward the Aloft. Especially with Marriott’s consistent late checkout benefits and more generous room upgrades, the overall value proposition felt better there.

That said, for travellers seeking a true luxury setting and who don’t mind a few trade-offs, the Conrad offers a refined, modern stay in a convenient downtown location.

Safe travels ✈️