The Omni Nashville, in Nashville’s downtown area, is a good option for families who want to explore the major country music sights. The extensive convention center-like property adjoins the Country Music Hall of Fame, and features shops and restaurants in the lobby as well as a fantastic gym, an outdoor pool and a spa. Certainly, the amenities are not lacking, and as a result, the property hosts a lot of tour groups and conferences, making the massive lobby quite busy at times (the valet stand often has a queue, along with the reception area). Additionally, there is a whole floor dedicated to these groups with large conference rooms and spaces, making the crowds impossible to miss for leisure travelers staying at the hotel.

The Omni has an enormous amount of rooms and suites (over 800 in all). The accommodations on high floors have fantastic city views, and are spacious and comfortable. For those who can splurge, it is worth booking a suite. The décor in the rooms and suites is somewhat obvious (one wall in my rooms featured a less-than-subtle graphic depiction of the Tennessee Williams quote, “In memory, everything seems to happen to music”) but if you’re staying at the Omni, you’re there to experience the city in all its honky-tonk glory. And, for families, the outdoor pool and hot tub cannot be beat.

Before The Hutton’s arrival in 2005, Nashville lacked a modern hotel. Housed in an old office building, The Hutton’s rather industrial, grey exterior gives way to a sophisticated lobby with inspired interior decorating. The 247 rooms and 52 suites are sleek, with a mod red and black color scheme and high-tech fixtures. The spacious granite bathrooms feature Molton Brown products, glass-bowl sinks and plush bathrobes. And while the Hutton is one of Nashville's nicest options, it does not compare to the top hotels in other, more developed cities like New York and Los Angeles.

The 1808 Grille serves new American cuisine with Southern influences, and is a great dining option, but even better for grabbing a pre- or post- dinner drink so that you can feast at as many of the city’s fantastic restaurants as possible. For guests looking for a quick fix, the hotel also has a small café that serves light fare and coffee. The Hutton also offers a hybrid courtesy car that shuttles guests within a three-mile radius of the hotel.

While most of Nashville’s high-end hotels are pet-friendly, the Hutton offers above-and-beyond amenities for four-legged guests: the “Happy Tails Pet Program” provides healthy, organic snacks as well as bedding, food and water bowls (specific floors are “pet-friendly,” for those traveling without pets). Contact the “Critter Concierge” to arrange dog-walking or spa treatments while you explore the city.

Just a few blocks from the iconic Broadway strip, The Joseph is an excellent pick for those who want sleek accommodations close to the heart of the city.

Returning guests entering the lobby to sounds of country music classics will marvel at the new interior, part of a 2013 renovation that did wonders for the 340-room Loews. The $17-million-dollar undertaking revealed a new restaurant and bar, as well as a completely redone lobby; once bland and corporate, it is now notably swankier and the rooms are modern. Inspired by the music, food and style of Nashville, the most noticeable addition is a Hank Williams mural covering an entire wall; upon further inspection, the piece is a skillfully arranged collection of vintage album covers (Loretta Lynn and Elvis Presley can be found among the contributing vinyls).

Home to two restaurants, Ruth’s Chris Steak House and the newer Mason’s, as well as Mason’s bar, the Loews has plentiful dining options. Mason’s, a Southern brasserie, is more inspired, serving playful dishes like “A Devil of an Egg,” but the décor is a little too obvious, with a Mason jar chandelier and more jars lining the walls. The bar has a number of inventive cocktails and a nine-screen media wall, appreciated by those enjoying afternoon drinks while watching football.

Nashville’s undisputed top hotel, the Thompson Nashville has stylish, contemporary décor, an array of amenities (including a restaurant, rooftop bar and gym) and a great location in the Gulch, with some of the city’s best shops and restaurants within walking distance.