The rivalry between **Nashville** and **New Orleans** is intensifying as both cities compete for travelers in search of great music, delicious food, and lively social scenes. Today, it’s Broadway versus Bourbon Street, barbecue against beignets, and a battle for the best destination for bachelorettes, bachelors, and large groups. But which city truly reigns supreme when it comes to luxury?
**Nashville’s Rise**
“Nashville has experienced tremendous growth in recent years, blending its rich musical heritage with upscale dining and entertainment options, creating a unique landscape for luxury experiences,” says Sam Fox, founder of Author & Edit Hospitality and Fox Restaurant Concepts, which includes Nashville’s popular **Twelve Thirty Club**.
**New Orleans’ Legacy**
However, New Orleans holds the upper hand in history, with century-old hotels and a deep-rooted cultural legacy. To determine which city offers the best luxury accommodations, we put their top hotels head-to-head.
### **The Hermitage vs. The Roosevelt**
**The Basics**: Both of these historic hotels exude Art Deco charm and have hosted their fair share of celebrities. **Nashville’s Hermitage Hotel**, built in 1910, is the city’s oldest luxury hotel. Its recent renovations have enhanced its elegance, but the famous lime-green, glass-tiled men’s room remains untouched—a quirky attraction that won the “Best Restroom in America” award in 2008. The Hermitage features 122 rooms, including 13 suites.
Meanwhile, **The Roosevelt New Orleans**, a Waldorf Astoria Hotel, dates back to 1893 and retains much of its original grandeur. The Blue Room, a stunning ballroom, has hosted legendary musicians like James Brown and Frank Sinatra. The Roosevelt boasts 504 rooms, including 125 suites.
**The Bars**: At the Hermitage, Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s **Drusie & Darr** offers fine dining, while the **Pink Hermit** serves up a Blueberry Whiskey Sour made with local bourbon. For a more relaxed experience, enjoy the hotel’s Afternoon Tea, where staff don custom-designed outfits by Draper James.
At The Roosevelt, the **Sazerac Bar** is a local favorite, known for its absinthe-rinsed cocktails. Guests can also enjoy the **Fountain Lounge** for a breakfast Bloody Mary or head to the **Rooftop Bar** for champagne by the pool.
**The Extras**: The Roosevelt offers a full-service spa, rooftop pool, and fitness center. The Hermitage’s spa is temporarily closed, but it still provides a 24-hour fitness center and special packages like the Girl’s Getaway, which includes matching Draper James pajamas and complimentary Afternoon Tea.
**Round 1 Winner**: While the Hermitage’s bathroom is iconic, The Roosevelt’s bar scene takes the win.
### **The Ritz-Carlton New Orleans vs. The Joseph, a Luxury Collection Hotel**
**The Basics**: The **Ritz-Carlton New Orleans**, located near the French Quarter, recently underwent a $40 million renovation. The hotel’s interiors blend modern finishes with French-inspired elegance, offering 527 rooms, including 37 suites.
In Nashville, **The Joseph** offers a sleek, art-filled experience, with original works displayed throughout the hotel. This 297-room property, including 32 suites, focuses on detail, from leatherwork at the front desk to statement chandeliers.
**The Bars**: The Ritz’s **Davenport Lounge** offers live jazz from resident musician Jeremy Davenport, providing a sophisticated escape from the chaos of Bourbon Street.
At The Joseph, **Denim**, the rooftop bar, offers stunning views of the Nashville skyline. For a more intimate experience, try **Four Walls**, a speakeasy-style bar serving inventive cocktails.
**The Extras**: The Ritz’s spa is the largest in New Orleans, offering unique treatments like voodoo rituals. The Joseph’s spa features an ice fountain, steam room, and an “experience shower” that combines sound, scent, and water for a sensory experience.
**Round 2 Winner**: The Joseph wins for its combination of luxury amenities and a vibrant bar scene.
### **Soho House Nashville vs. Maison Métier**
**The Basics**: **Soho House Nashville**, housed in a former sock factory, is located just outside the city’s downtown area. The hotel’s Bauhaus-inspired interiors feature works from 41 local artists. With 47 rooms, Soho House offers a fitness center, outdoor pool, and three performance venues.
In New Orleans, **Maison Métier** is the city’s newest boutique hotel, located in the historic City Hall annex building. Its eclectic decor and residential feel make it a standout in the trendy Warehouse District. The hotel has 67 rooms, including 23 suites.
**The Bars**: Soho House offers a members-only dining venue, but non-members can enjoy **May’s Dive** for a curated selection of drinks and bites.
At Maison Métier, the lush **Bar Métier** offers a private speakeasy-style room, accessible through a secret bookcase, and a private entrance to **Bar Marilou**, a Parisian-inspired cocktail bar next door.
**The Extras**: Soho House offers a 60-seat screening room, personal trainers, and private poolside cabanas. Maison Métier guests can use the neighboring Barnett Hotel’s rooftop pool and fitness center.
**Round 3 Winner**: Soho House wins for its music venues and fitness offerings.
### **And the Winner Is . . .**
**Nashville**. Over the past two decades, Music City has transformed into a hospitality hotspot. While it may lack the historical depth of New Orleans, Nashville more than makes up for it with modern luxury and vibrant amenities.
Source: robbreport.com