Nashville, Tennessee

The moment you walk into the lobby of the Hutton Hotel in downtown Nashville you’re met with a cascade of “sir”s and “ma’am”s – “Good afternoon, sir”, “Would you like some water, ma’am?” – in a welcoming display of old-school manners for which the American South is deservedly known. But this hotel certainly doesn’t feel old-school – a sculptural steel horse takes pride of place in the lobby alongside inviting leather sofas facing rows of framed paintings and photographs. The modern yet comfortable lobby segues into the award-winning 1808 Grille restaurant, where the New American menu focuses on seasonal and locally grown produce. The 1808 Grille is also open for breakfast during the week and brunch on the weekends – but you might also want to check out the Java Bar in the lobby for great smoothies in the morning.

As a member of the Leading Hotels of the World, the hotel features suitably well appointed and gracious rooms and suites, from the abstract art adorning the walls to the granite rainfall showers and Molton Brown products in the bathrooms.

The Hutton is a favourite of music and movie industry types, who are drawn to the hotel’s central location near Music Row: a famous collection of recording studios and talent management companies that makes Nashville a cultural heavyweight alongside Tennessee’s other famous city, Memphis. Honky Tonk Highway – more than a dozen honky tonk bars on Broadway – is straight up the road, as is Ryman Auditorium, the city’s premier music venue. Nashville is rapidly becoming a must-visit for foodies, and one of the city’s hottest joints (in popularity and spiciness), Hattie B’s Hot Chicken, is just around the corner – see opposite for details. 1808 West End Avenue, Nashville; www.huttonhotel.com.