Best Western Plus Belle Meade Inn & Suites

The hotel's reasonable rates and convenient location off I-40 draw tourists and families visiting Vanderbilt University. The busy lobby has floor-to-ceiling windows and a sitting area, but its granite-tile floors and drop ceilings are an odd foil for the Oriental rugs, couches, and armchairs with clashing patterns. But a large flat-screen TV, numerous magazines left on the coffee table, and flyers invite guests to linger, and perhaps grab a second cup of coffee from the adjacent breakfast area. The large pool area, with white lounge chairs and umbrella tables, is another popular gathering spot in the warm months. 

The hotel -- one minute off the I-40 exit in West Nashville -- sits on a busy, heavily trafficked road with several chain restaurants, including Waffle House and Papa Johns, and a grocery store nearby (a Walgreens abuts the hotel parking lot). Vanderbilt University is about a 15-minute drive away, and most of the downtown attractions are within a 10- to 15-minute drive, including Nissan Stadium, Bridgestone Arena, Printer’s Alley, Music City Center, Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum, and Music City Walk of Fame Park. Tennessee State University’s campus is an 11-minute drive, and Nashville International Airport is about a 30-minute drive. Gaylord Opryland Hotel & Convention Center is 25 to 30 minutes away by car. The hotel’s namesake attraction, Belle Meade Plantation, is a 10- to 12-minute drive from the hotel. There's a bus stop next to the hotel, and it's about a half-hour bus ride to downtown along highway 70.

The Best Western Plus Belle Meade Inn & Suites' 57 rooms were renovated in 2014 and earn high marks for cleanliness. Although rooms are generally quiet, those facing the interstate pick up some traffic noise. Standard Double Queen or King Rooms are spacious, and decorated in a style that’s a notch above the typical budget-friendly mid-range hotel. Doors are wood instead of standard steel, and the brown-and-tan patterned carpeting coordinates with the drapes and ties the rooms earth tones together. Yellow-and-cream-colored walls complement the dark-wood headboards, nightstands, dressers, and two-tone brown duvets. Bathrooms have nice touches, including dark-granite vanities and matching floors, and light-gray marble lining the shower/tub combos. All rooms come with mini-fridges, microwaves, coffeemakers, flat-screen TVs, speakerphones with voice mail, and free Wi-Fi. King and Queen Suites have sitting areas -- separated from the sleeping area by a half-wall -- with sofa beds and coffee tables. King Whirlpool Suites have hot tubs and separate shower stalls but no sitting areas. Rooms look out on the streets, stores, and restaurants that surround the hotel. 

The Best Western Plus Belle Meade Inn & Suites serves guests a free hot breakfast of cereal, eggs, sausage, waffles, breads, and yogurt daily, and free coffee is available in the lobby throughout the day. The large L-shaped outdoor pool has loungers and umbrella tables, which can be a godsend in Nashville's hot summer months. There's a small fitness center with free weights, weight-lifting equipment, a stair stepper, stationary bike, and treadmill. The business center has two computer stations, printers, and Internet access. Coin-operated laundry facilities are available, and there is a safe deposit box at the front desk. Parking is free -- one space per room. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.