Located in the heart of Nashville, the Motto by Hilton Nashville is a creative example of innovative design and efficient space utilization. Delivered as a design-build project led by Mortenson, the 260-key hotel demonstrates how thoughtful planning can maximize density while creating a dynamic hospitality experience within a constrained urban site.
One of the project’s defining challenges was accommodating a significant number of guestrooms on a compact footprint while maintaining operational efficiency and guest comfort. The design organizes guestrooms along a continuous bar extending the length of 3rd Avenue, creating a highly efficient layout that serves as the organizational backbone of the building. This approach not only maximizes room count but also provides flexibility in room planning and hotel operations, allowing the property to adapt to evolving guest needs over time.
The arrival experience begins with a welcoming courtyard and setback entrance that provide a transition from the energy of downtown Nashville. Inside, a monumental stair connects the lobby with the hotel’s social spaces, encouraging movement and interaction throughout the property. The Commons lounge serves as a versatile gathering space, while the second-floor bar and outdoor patio offer additional opportunities for guests to connect, unwind, and experience the vibrancy of the city.
Architecturally, the hotel draws inspiration from the rich character of Lower Broadway while expressing a distinctly contemporary identity. Through its scale, materiality, and detailing, the building responds to its historic surroundings without replicating them, creating a modern hospitality destination that feels rooted in its context.
Motto by Hilton Nashville reflects a forward-thinking approach to urban hospitality, balancing density, flexibility, and placemaking. By leveraging an innovative guestroom configuration along 3rd Avenue and creating memorable public spaces throughout the property, the project delivers a hospitality experience tailored to today’s traveler while contributing to the continued evolution of downtown Nashville.
Photos: © McGinn Photography
