Margaritaville Hotel Nashville — Hotel in Nashville-Davidson

While planning our trip to Nashville this year, we began our search through a variety of downtown locations. Out of all the standard names that appears, Margaritaville definitely stands out to the family of Jimmy Buffet super fans.

Booking was easy enough. After arriving we were greeted by a phenomenal and engaging reception host and valet stewards. However, after what we thought was a good reception we were told on our way to the room “And don’t cause trouble while you’re here.” This felt problematic and as if we were profiled. Walking through the lobby we were warmed by the tickling aromas filtering through the renowned JWB Grill and clean linen beach scents. The ambience could’ve been improved with some light music playing. Using the carts we realized only one side of the cart’s wheels turned. This created a tough time in navigating the area. I am on the opinion that all valet carts should be four wheel drive. This would also create maximum efficiency for the valet drivers. We can’t overwork the boys on the front line. We arrived to the room, a two queen suite, and were quite disappointed by the size of the room. There was not a lot of walking room, but the aesthetic really made us crave burgers in paradise. We spent some time preparing for our adventures in the music city and the issues with the room began to glare.

First the bathrooms. The bathrooms are beautiful and the work and meticulous care of the establishment really showed. However the doors do not lock. A failed expression of the open concept. Speaking of open concepts, the showers not having actual doors or curtains is absolutely awful in execution. After one shower our whole floor was flooded. This became overwhelmingly problematic the longer our stay went on, because we had to use an extraordinary amount of towels to keep the floor clean. Because of COVID precautions and preventatives, Margaritaville was not allowing room service operations to be conducted, and so we had to call for multiple towels quite often. Sometimes we got them, sometimes we didn’t.

After experiencing a high-energy night out on Broadway, we had a short walk back to the hotel, and enjoyed the peace and serenity that came after crossing through the pearly gates of Margaritaville.

We woke up and after another flash flood in the bathroom we decided to have a morning by the pool. After very confusing signs that directed us to two different pool entrances, we finally found our way to an extremely packed pool. The pool was very small compared to the pictures, but it was a gorgeous rooftop (if the fourth floor is the rooftop) pool nonetheless. It was very quiet for how packed it was. After about an hour, the pool began to pick up some momentum. After the bar opened, is when the brightest day in Nashville history turned bleak. A young employee who appeared to work with the Fin Bar on the rooftop asked for everyone’s attention and said “At this time the fin bar is now open for your valued business. However if I see an outside drink or food in any of your nasty, slimy, grubby, disgusting, wretched, foul, claws, I will throw you from this rooftop to an early demise” followed by an evil laugh. Now, I’m sure because of the trauma I faced, I am remembering this in a more, dramatic, black white and grainy fashion. But the point still stands- there were no drinks allowed from outside. This was devastating. An absolute travesty and an affront to the spirit of Margaritaville. Especially considering In my humble opinion- Jimmy Buffet would not approve of this kind of prohibition-esque behavior. I digress.

After spending some time at the fins bar, and making friends with the bartenders we felt light and warm. The margaritas were very tasty. Overall a good experience at the bar.

Overall, the hotel was a beautiful front for a slightly above average experience. Heavy lies the head which wears the crown- and Margaritaville might need to fight to retain it’s...

Visiting Nashville for work I was hoping that the Margaritaville hotel in Downtown Nashville would live up to the the quality and amazing experience I had staying at the one in Key West. It most certainly did not. Don’t get me wrong, the front desk staff was great, the valet staff were reliable and attentive, and the hotel really looks great. Unfortunately where this hotel falls short speaks to a pervasive poor dining experience that seemingly evokes disgust. The restaurant staff, mostly consisting of college children, really lacked a deep understanding of customer service, empathy, and understanding of what Jimmy Buffet’s brand truly stood for. The bar was set pretty low when these kids were hired.

At the pool bar, two bartenders were moving about the area like their bodies were heavy, dragging themselves to make alcoholic beverages, leaning on the counter while the blender was running, and serving drinks to the five people sitting before them like soulless robots. One bartender couldn’t find the words to even thank me for a tip that neither deserved. The young bartenders were completely inhospitable and were more concerned about cleaning the bar than having a conversation. Perhaps they are better suited working in another department like housekeeping, where they could clean to their heart’s content without interfacing with guests.

The bartender at JWB restaurant, whose personality could be compared to that of wet cardboard, was underwhelming as well. But it was the restaurant manager that truly inspired this post. Entitled, confrontational, and self-important, this girl carried herself like a jail warden; treating customers like we were an inconvenience. There is no doubt in my mind that she would have preferred an empty restaurant than actually having to work and took that frustration out on the clientele. Her attitude was antithetical to Buffet’s laid back mood and felt more like eating inside the rings of the octagon at the UFC. While college may have taught her how to “run” a restaurant, it can’t account for what her mother failed to do with regards to behavior and the treatment of others. A person devoid of soft skills has no place working in hospitality.

This place is expensive. The food is expensive. The drinks are expensive. This quality of Margaritaville's dining experience is unacceptable.

The bottom line? While the hotel is quite beautiful, fruit looks tempting from afar but can be rotten inside. The good news is that you are in Nashville and there are plenty of bars and restaurants you can visit. Don’t waste away your good time at Margaritaville Nashville Downtown. Even better, don’t stay...

Improvement: When arriving front desk initially refused our credit card as I was not present. I sent several of my employees on a vacation. When booking operator said to send credit card with guests and that I did not have to be present as it is a corporate credit card with authorization for the employee who was your guests to use credit card. After a rather lengthy discussion and debate your hotel front desk person agreed to accept credit card. A 25 minute debate that should have never happened, however glad eventually she did accept card. I booked one night on pre-opening special. I called 24 hours later to book additional night and magically the price went up 48 dollars a night over night. I questioned the rate increase in less than 24 hours and was told by manager on duty that is the way it works. I feel you took advantage of me and should have honored the original quoted rate instead of raising it when you knew we now needed another night. The room maids banged on the door at 7:15 to clean room, then 20 minutes later! This is a vacation city, who gets up and moving and out of their room by 7am in a night life vacation city? They should not come around until 8am or later.

What went right: The help in the hotel from room maids to front desk people were nice and helpful. The hotel was clean and everything worked properly. When orignally booking the room for the first night your operator was friendly, helpful but best of all knowledgeable of your properties. Explained the hotel was new, pre-opening specials, what sites to visit, even restaurants to eat at. I am 64 years old and have stayed at hundreds of Hotels over the years as an experienced traveler. I rate this booking agent as the most helpful, friendly and knowledgeable agent I have ever worked with!. If anything will bring me back it will be the professional service the lady gave me while booking. She was in another state and and knew the property well and the area of Nashville. City view on 8th floor was excellent. We purposely asked for a high room away from elevator etc. We found the sound proofing to be adequate. Room was comfortable. "FINS" bar in hotel was comfortable and the drinks such as Margaritas were delicious. The bartenders were excited and fun to be around.. After a long day it was refreshing to spend time in a nice decor and friendly bar. Hotel was well lighted and easy to navigate. Restrooms extremely clean and noticed...