The Kimpton Aertson Hotel in Nashville was design by Gensler and pays homage to the local university’s namesake Cornelius Vanderbilt as well as incorporates stunning installations from a variety of local artists.

The Kimpton Aertson Hotel strives to tell a story true to its name, one of grit and honesty with elevated style. Paying homage to its neighboring university’s namesake, Cornelius Vanderbilt, the Aertson recalls the humble beginnings of the Vanderbilt family’s Dutch ancestor Jan Aertson, who established the family’s roots in America in the mid-17th century. That pioneering spirit elevated the family name to legendary status, characterizing the creative, innovative spirit of Nashville, and now Aertson.

Many of the Aertson’s 180 guest rooms offer campus views and respite from the busy downtown scene. The open-concept living room welcomes guests with industrial-meets-organic details like herringbone floors, a cascading curtain of river stones in front of a double-sided fireplace and reclaimed wood ceilings. The ombre-painted rope reception desk was commissioned by a New York artist named Orly Genger famous for her huge “Red, Yellow & Blue” installation in Madison Square Park, Genger hand-knotted, discarded rope to create this one-of-a-kind sculpture.

Turning toward the elevator cabs, it’s hard to tell whether you are in a museum or a hotel by the colorfully engaging installation by Anne Lindberg. Anne created a two-dimensional spatial passages using fine Egyptian cotton threads along the white walled corridor. Within the elevator cab, an abstracted map of Nashville features a painted view of the city skyline to give guests their bearings.

The textured guestroom corridors are lined with portraits of Vanderbilt family members, successfully blending craftsmanship and nostalgia. Rustic, bespoke details within the guestrooms include a welded frame headboard, leather stitching, belt buckle straps on bathroom mirrors and leather pulls on the custom casework. Suites and typical rooms feature comfortable furniture and fixtures that feel authentically residential. Each room includes an expanded blueprint of the Tennessee State Capitol and a unique piece of art created at Nashville’s legendary letterpress print shop, Hatch Show Print.

Guests can enjoy a drink by the roof-top pool outfitted with fire pits, cabanas, and bar area. A fitness facility is also available to encourage health and wellness during business or vacation travels. The Aertson also features a ballroom with pre-function areas and meeting rooms that can be booked for everything from business retreats to rehearsal dinners. All of these components are able to merge together and achieve an ambiance that makes guests feel comfortable and relaxed in a fresh, authentic space.

The Kimpton Aertson Hotel overall serves as a unique gateway to the rhythm of Nashville. It also successfully marks the boutique hotel company’s first venture in the Music City and the expansion of its footprint in the Southeast.

Design: Gensler Architect: Torti Gallas Lighting Design: Lighting Design Alliance Photography: Andrew Bordwin

8 Images | expand images for additional detail