Historic churches, wild spaces, and beautiful songbirds

For my final day, I transfer to The Russell, a hotel in East Nashville, across the Cumberland River. Called the city’s “Coolest Neighborhood” by Vogue way back in 2016, East Nashville has long drawn artists, young couples, and open minds—which means it’s packed with craft breweries, music venues, and independent shops.

The Russell is a prime example of preservation within progress. It’s a 118-year-old church that has been reimagined as a hotel—sans front desk. I punch a keypad to enter my room, which is painted in swaths of plum. The headboard is refashioned from an antique pew, and the sheets are so soft I fire up my laptop and buy a set before meeting hotel founder Micah Lacher in the lobby. We sit beneath a stunning stained-glass window and sip lattes while talking about the hotel’s mission to help those experiencing homelessness in Nashville. A percentage of the room rate for every guest who stays at The Russell or its sister property, The Gallatin, goes to those in need, with a typical weekend stay covering roughly 16 nights of shelter, 100 free showers, or 30 meals.

“I grew up as the recipient of charity, and I’ve never forgotten it,” says Lacher, the president of Anchor Investments, a real estate company. “I loved the concept of business as a mission, and I loved that we could not only support East Nashville’s original community through this growth but also save historic buildings.”

Read the article at Hemispheres Magazine.

There’s no easier way to pay it forward than staying at this new boutique hotel in Nashville.

Anchor Investments, which also owns the Russell Hotel and 506 Lofts in Nashville, Tennessee, is opening a brand new property called The Gallatin Hotel. While it’s certainly a comfortable stay, it also serves an important purpose in its local community as the only hotel brand in the U.S. that gives away a substantial portion of each night’s stay to local homeless ministries through its Rooms for Rooms program.

Renovated from a historic church built back in 1925 in East Nashville, The Gallatin has been modernized and updated for travelers today. Architecture firm Daniels & Chandler redesigned the space with vibrantly-colored guest rooms and suites. Blocks of bright colors can be seen on the walls, ceilings, and floors to make this an Instagram-worthy stay in Music City.

“East Nashville is known for its quirky vibe and buzzing restaurants and nightlife, and The Gallatin Hotel is the perfect place to stay to take it all in,” said Micah Lacher of Anchor Investments. “Inspired by bright and fun pop art images, this cheery hotel interior awakens the senses and ensures that your stay in Nashville is one you will never forget.”

In addition, the hotel’s courtyard connects to Fat Bottom Brewery’s newest taproom in Nashville, and its location is close to some of the hippest destinations on the East Side and a short trip downtown.

But perhaps what makes it most special is how it gives back to the community. Anchor Investments properties give a generous percentage of each night’s stay and the majority of its profits to local ministries that are helping those experiencing homelessness in Nashville. A weekend stay at one of its properties can provide up to 16 nights in a bed, 100 free showers, or 30 free meals for people struggling with homelessness at one of the company’s nonprofit partners, like Nashville Rescue Mission, Room in the Inn, People Loving Nashville, and ShowerUp. In the last five years, over 100,000 meals, showers, and beds have been donated.

“We started our Rooms for Rooms program to give a hand to the most vulnerable in our community. We believe we were put on this earth for a purpose greater than ourselves and we’re called to give back to those who need it most. Our company motto is ‘Work Here, Change Lives’ and we strive for that mission each day,” said Lacher in a statement. “We are continually encouraged by all of the amazing things our charity partners do for our community on a daily basis. Because guests stay at our hotels, our partners are able to provide hundreds of hot meals, showers, and beds each day to those in need. These daily necessities that many of us sadly take for granted serve as a great source of encouragement to those experiencing homelessness.”

Rooms are available to book online for stays starting May 14. Nightly rates depend on the number of guests and availability, but can cost anywhere upwards of $179.

For more information or to make a booking, visit The Gallatin Hotel website.

Andrea Romano is a freelance writer in New York City. Follow her on Twitter @theandrearomano.

It’s tough to keep up with Nashville. Country music stars, Deep South cuisine and boot-stompin’ honky-tonks defined the Tennessee capital for decades, but these days the metropolis is flaunting its more liberal, hip side. And to cater to the ever-growing influx of visitors, and locals after smart staycations, Nashville has seen an explosion of boutique hotels in the past few years. You’ll find the largest concentration in Downtown, along with the city’s greatest hits, including the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and the recently opened National Museum of African American Music, which shines an overdue spotlight on black music’s legacy and contribution to Nashville’s sound. For a more local flavour, as well as affordable hotel rates, head to East Nashville for boutique cafes and independent shops, and you’ll no doubt also find a bartending singer-songwriter looking for their big break in Music City.

Best for do-gooders: The Russell

Housed in a century-old former Presbyterian church, this eclectic hotel still pops with original charm, including the enormous stained-glass windows that enhance the already colourful, airy lobby. Guests can choose between 23 individually decorated and configured rooms, including 1970s-style penthouses with balconies overlooking the atrium. Check-in is contactless, with numeric door codes for building and room entry sent via email after booking. The hotel’s slogan, ‘Stay here, change lives’, isn’t mere hyperbole: a portion of proceeds from overnight stays goes towards local homeless ministries.
Rooms: From $149 (£107). 

Read the full article at National Geographic written by Travis Levius

The Russell
East Nashville, Tennessee
Bright and Funky, Moderate

And so the word went out around the kingdoms of all the lands, proclaiming 2020 as the year travel became a religion. When casual practitioners became the determined faithful, their measure of devotion underlining what Roman Catholics have known for centuries: There’s no motivation quite as strong as denial. And, lo, a holy trinity emerged in this brave new time — religion, travel, and destination. And into this world emerged The Russell, a warm and welcoming hotel housed in a former Presbyterian church in the cool neighborhood of East Nashville. But no backward-looking, anachronistic lodging was this, for The Russell practices two other foundational pillars — charity and technology — transforming a happy trinity into a noble pentagram, that ancient symbol of good against evil (and not the opposite, as heretics might believe).

The story begins in 1904 when Cumberland Presbyterian Church builds the brick structure (the commemorative cornerstone is still visible on the exterior), which it then sells to the Russell Street Church of Christ in 1913. In 1916, a fire destroys the community but not the church, and in 1918 the church becomes a temporary hospital to care for victims of the Spanish influenza. The church remains a house of worship and center for community care until 1998, when a damaging tornado forces its doors to close. In 2001, a developer begins transforming the building into a 23-room boutique hotel that opens in summer 2019 with striking preserved elements like the stained glass window in the lobby and a no-staff-on-site, technology-driven guest experience.

At a Glance

The Vibe: Warm, colorful, friendly, and welcoming.

Feel-Good Factor: It’s strong here, and effortless for guests. The hotel donates a percentage of every stay to local nonprofits who serve Nashville’s homeless and needy. In partnership with Nashville Rescue Mission, ShowerUp, Room in the Inn, and People Loving Nashville, The Russell has donated more than 16,000 meals and beds to those in need. To put it in numbers that are easier for a guest to understand, a typical weekend stay will provide 16 nights in a bed, 100 showers, and 30 meals. The hotel’s motto is Stay Here, Change Lives — and they mean it.

Standout Detail: In addition to the feel-good factor, top marks go to the circular stained glass window in the lobby, though there are charming touches in the decor throughout the hotel.

This Place Is Perfect For: Independent, technologically savvy customers who don’t need a ton of looking after, as the hotel has no staff on site. Everything — reservations, check-in, services, — is handled digitally and virtually. Those offended by the de-consecration of a former church might not find The Russell as whimsical as those who wear their religion more lightly.

Special Covid-19 Considerations: The Russell is following CDC guidelines for cleaning, paying attention to sanitize not only bed linens but also high-traffic surfaces like light switches and doorknobs. Guests are encouraged to wear masks in public areas. The hotel’s tech-y features like contactless check-in and check-out allow for easier social distancing.

Rooms: 23 rooms in various sizes and configurations. The Tower Suite sleeps six and has a bed where the church bells once hung; the Penthouse Suite sleeps four and has a kitchenette. The other rooms are single or double queens or kings, including one bunk room. The website has detailed descriptions of all the rooms, but common motifs are clever use of bright paint, local art on the wall, church pews reconfigured as headboards, and skylights. The hotel doesn’t have an elevator but does have a dumbwaiter for lifting luggage. Rooms are cleaned before check-in, but the hotel does not provide daily housekeeping services.

On Site: A small, soundproof common room doubles as a work space and a podcast studio. The neon sign in the room, #blessed, pays tribute to its religious history and its Instagram-friendly present. Notably, the hotel has no on-site staff. Guests are emailed a code for access to the building, and assistance is a text or a call away. Pets are not allowed, and quiet hours are between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m.

Food + Drink: The hotel does not have a restaurant. Guests can help themselves to free coffee in the lobby and local snacks in the rooms.

What to Do Nearby

East Nashville has emerged as Music City’s coolest neighborhood in recent years for spots that run the range from impressive culinary offerings to beloved local dive bars. Check the hotel’s local guide for restaurants, bars, and things to do. The hotel is a five-minute walk from the restaurants, venues, and shops of Five Points and less than two miles from the Nissan Stadium and Broadway.

Keep exploring Nashville with more from Fathom’s Nashville Guide.

Read the full article at Fathom written by Pavia Rosati.

Unique: The Russell, Nashville

The Russell is one of the most distinctive boutique hotels in all of Nashville. Once a functioning church, it now houses 23 unique rooms with a modern, alluring twist. The church walls have stood for 115 years nestled away in what has grown to be one of Nashville’s most entertaining neighborhoods. Each room features many original details such as stained glass windows, original brick walls, and even headboards made of recycled pews. The fun, bright colors and alluring characteristics of design will speak to your playful side while bringing you a sense of romance. Not only will you share a wonderful memory with your loved one but you will change lives in doing so. The Russell’s slogan, Stay here, Change lives, is set in motion with every hotel booking. Each time The Russell is chosen by a guest, a donation is made to care for the local homeless population by providing 16 beds and warm meals to a homeless shelter with an average booking.

The Russell is located at 819 Russell St | Nashville, TN 37206

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and save up to $50 OFF with a FREE bottle of bubbly!

Read the whole article on the WILLIAMSON SOURCE website, written by Elisa Perry.

Reviewed by MARGARET LITTMAN

Why did this hotel catch your attention?
The Russell is all about the wow factor. Formerly a 115-year-old church, the hotel retains many of the building’s original elements, including a series of jaw-dropping stained glass windows. Bright, restored panes of glass play off modern décor and stylish new architectural elements.

What’s the backstory?
The Russell is owned by a local hotel group that incorporated elements from the church, including the pews, into the decor in a way that feels respectful and—just as importantly—not cheesy. Management donates a portion of each stay to a homelessness charity and offers free recording space to local podcasters.

Tell us all about the rooms. Any tips on what to book?
Each room is a different shape and size—such as the reality of retrofitting an old church into a new hotel. All of them have good light, smartly designed charging stations in the pews-turned-headboards, and beautiful color schemes. Bathrooms have lovely tile and church-like mirrors.

Is there a charge for Wi-Fi?
Wi-Fi is free and fast.

How was the service?
Much of the service, including check-in, happens through an app, but there’s always someone if you need additional help. The vibe here is laid back, bordering on hands-off.

What type of travelers will you find here?
Architecture buffs and philanthropists love The Russell. The hotel is swanky and photogenic, so don’t be surprised to see other guests snapping pics and uploading them to Instagram.

What about the neighborhood? What else is around?
You’re right in the heart of East Nashville, within walking distance to clubs, bars, and cool boutiques. Yet the street is quiet and residential—you’ll be able to get some sleep.

Is there anything you’d change?
There’s no elevator to the second floor—just a dumbwaiter for luggage.

Any other hotel features worth noting?
There’s a parking lot across the street—helpful in such a residential neighborhood. The lobby and guest rooms are stocked with picks from The Bookshop, a local indie favorite; borrow them during your stay or purchase one as a souvenir.

Bottom line: Worth it?
Worth it. The stained glass windows and the community vibe make The Russell feel like someplace you’ve never been.

*Check out the full article at Conde Nast Traveler blog.

Something that I’ve been wanting to do all of 2020 was visit Nashville. My friends were sick and tired of me talking about Nashville and how badly I wanted to go there and oh the things I would do if I were in Nashville. I was like a broken record when it came to Nashville!

Well, I finally got to go and I am beyond ecstatic to tell you all about my trip. It was everything I thought it would be, and more. It was the best way to end off this year. Now I can’t shut up about Nashville!

Take me back!!!

My first two nights were spent at the Russell Hotel in East Nashville. It’s absolutely breathtaking and the most unique hotel I’ve stayed at literally ever. It boasts these insane stained glass windows that were originally from Venice, Italy and a lobby that you cannot stop taking photos of. It even has the original pews from when it was still a church!

Now, I was raised a Catholic and still stay true to my faith, so you can only imagine how surreal it was to stay at a church for two nights. I kept examining and wondering what it might have looked like in the past. If you want to see photos of how it looked like in its early days as a church, click here.

Being the geek that I am, I looked into some articles about the church itself and learned that the church is 116 years old and withstood some tornadoes, a losing faith of its members, and more. It’s quite unfortunate reading it, actually..

After some extensive research, I found some photos that I thought you’d find interesting! I sure got chills from it.

I visited The Russell boutique hotel in East Nashville for the first time on Thanksgiving week, to photograph a small intimate wedding of a local couple. I truly enjoyed my experience and seeing the style/character of the hotel, completely unique from the standard branded hotel. The boutique hotel features 23 rooms, all styled uniquely from one another, and a large lobby common area. These features collectively make The Russell one of the most distinctive and remarkably styled travel / local destinations, and Nashville small event venues. I’ll elaborate a bit more after sharing some photos of the stunning venue.

The building was originally the Russell Street Church Of Christ, established in 1913. Over the years, the building’s vacancy caused it to fall into a state of disrepair. The Russell did a fabulous job restoring the building while keeping many of its charming features such as the stained glass windows, ornate brick work, and bell tower. Incidentally, the bell tower is actually one of the rooms! The charm of the early 20th-century architecture works flawlessly with the newly appointed modern vintage furnishings.

What’s different about The Russell, besides the styling? There is no on-site staff. The hotel has all the technology one could need, all while retaining the comfort and charm of the past. Staff is always available if needed, and does come on-site to do the cleaning of the facility and rooms. The couple whose wedding I photographed had to improvise their plans because of restrictions with Covid-19, but the hotel was gracious to allow us to use the lobby with beautiful stained glass windows for the small intimate gathering. Hand sanitizer and a very clean facility were available to all. Not only is The Russell a charming boutique hotel and travel destination, but one of the most character-filled East Nashville small event venues. The Russell was accommodating. I look forward to returning soon. Hopefully, by then the dust settles with the pandemic; then we can just celebrate health and life.

Read more on Jay Farell’s blog!

During our time in East Nashville, we decided to spend our nights in a remodeled and repurposed church named The Russell. The Russell is nestled in a beautiful urban up and coming neighborhood boasting young and mature families. Walking up to The Russell your attention is instantly drawn to the huge stained glass windows on the side and front of the building, letting you know that this is definitely a 115-year-old church, but then after you can tear your eyes away from the beautiful windows you then notices the beautiful mural painted along the fence.

As you enter the building your eyes immediately scan the room, not knowing where to land. The bright colors and eclectic furniture invites a young and hip crowd and makes you feel more welcomed. The wall of the hanging tapestry and the exposed beams only enhance the beauty of the original structure. Although being a 115-year-old church, The Russell now hosts 23 guest rooms, all boasting unique designs, and layouts repurposed for comfort and an enjoyable stay. One of the cool things that amazed me while staying here, was the beauty of the original church that could still be seen throughout the entire property; from the huge stained glass windows as you are walking up. To the exposed beams in the ceilings as you walked into this beautiful lobby of the building.

Once you make it past the lobby and into your rooms, you are once again mesmerized by the cute and quaint feel that rooms have. Our room in particular was located on the first floor, straight to the back. And although the room was only 200 odd square feet or so it really had a nice calming effect on us. The walls were painted a pretty shade of baby blue and the bed was lovely (a King) with nice fluffy and supportive pillows. When walking into the bathroom, I was even more taken aback ( in a good way) by the funky orange-colored tile and the black fixtures. I definitely had never seen another hotel rock these colors the way The Russell does.

Overall our time there was amazing. I especially liked how safe it was being that you had specific key codes to enter into, not only the hotel itself but into your room. Not only did they have safe locks but they were also COVID-19 aware. They had signs up everywhere encouraging you to wear masks as you enter/exit the building and if you were in the shared space. I would definitely recommend The Russell to any of my friends traveling into the East Nashville area. Not only would you be getting to stay next to the heart of Nashville, with Music City within a twenty-minute car ride but you’re also located near a bunch of delicious restaurants within walking distance from the hotel. Another cool and amazing bonus to staying at The Russell is that they believe in giving back to their community. A heavy majority of The Russell’s proceeds are gifted to local homeless ministries that help to feed, clothe, and shelter the homeless and the less fortunate. How cool is that? Especially in today’s world, I believe that we need more people and business owners like the people who run and make The Russell as amazing as it is.

I give The Russell 5 MG stars and I highly highly recommend this hotel. I cannot stress enough how awesome this place is.

– Blog review by Marissa Smith available on MindingGemini blog.

WHY IT’S WORTH TRAVELING FOR?

A converted church turned boutique hotel in hip East Nashville

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“The stained glass windows and the community vibe make The Russell feel like someplace you’ve never been.”CLICK TO TWEET

– Margaret Littman, Travel Writer and Editor.

Hotel Highlights: Something of a spiritual sanctuary The Russell was a church in a previous life. Now a luxe boutique hotel, The Russell features magnificent stained glass windows, exposed brick walls, a soaring forty-foot vaulted ceiling, and 23 guest rooms all with their own unique layout and details (like headboards made from church pews). A focus on high-tech elements also delivered this East Nashville hotspot – it was named one of the coolest neighborhoods by Vogue – firmly into the now: guests can check-in and out from their smartphones and the property has a soundproof podcast room which allows for a true local experience as you will not feel like you are at a hotel. Each of the 23 rooms has a different shape and size to deliver a unique experience fit to meet your every need complete with beautiful color schemes.

Eat + Drink: The Russell doesn’t have its own onsite restaurant or bar, but it’s perfectly situated five minutes from the best restaurants, coffee shops, concert venues, and boutiques in Nashville.  To help guests become immersed in this famed music and culture melting pot, The Russell provides guests with a Nashville Guide. For our money head to Edley’s Bar-B-Que for the Smoker Sampler.

Curated Experience:  No trip to Nashville is complete without exploring the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and you can also get your Nashville fix with the  2-hour Trolley Sightseeing Tour by Night through Get Your Guide. 

Hotel with heart: Devoted to giving back to the Nashville community The Russell runs a  Rooms for Rooms program – the hotel donates a portion of each stay to local nonprofits supporting homelessness.

Full article available at Travel Curator.