This isn’t your momma’s bed and breakfast – Vandyke Bed and Beverage takes a spirits obsession to the next level.
The boutique hotel, which opened its doors in April of this year, is situated in East Nashville’s eclectic Five Points neighborhood. The hipster-heavy area is known for art and music studios as well as craft beer, creative dining, and more. “Its a unique concept for anywhere, but prior to this East Nashville didn’t have a hotel bar,” says General Manager Freddy Schwenk.
And the bar is certainly the focal point – in fact, it doubles as the front desk for guests checking in and out. While the average hotel bar might be filled with travelers, at Vandyke you’re more likely to run into a local. The walls are hung with art installations by artists whose studios might be just around the corner, and the bar offers both cocktails and small plates.
We sipped the summery Jailbird, crafted with Four Roses Bourbon, prickly pear, Italicus liqueur, and a hint of cinnamon. “The thought was a summery whiskey sour, without the egg white. A little spice, a little tart and sweet, but the whiskey drives it,” says Schwenk. The Nick and Nora glass gives it a 50s punch feel, and its completed with a slice of dried lime.
The Cream Soda Old Fashioned was another nostalgic spin on a classic, with Old Forester 100 proof, cream soda, and cognac blending over a large, custom stamped cube and finished with a rich Luxardo cherry.
In addition to what will certainly be an iconic NO VACANCY neon sign above the back bar, a welcoming courtyard out back contains plenty of other Instagrammable spots. The courtyard is open to anyone who cares to pop in for a drink, even if they’re not staying overnight.
Guests of the hotel also have access to the private rooftop, if they don’t want to hang out in the bustling bar and courtyard area. Don’t expect quiet hours, though, warns Schwenk. “The place might be full at midnight, so as a guest you have to be ready for that.”
If you do decide to “get a room,” you’ve got some decisions to make. The eight guest rooms are each named after favorite drinks, and decorated to match. “The idea morphed into what it is now,” explains Schwenk. “At first there was a cocktail attached to each room, but cocktail menus change. We couldn’t change hotel room names every season, so we went with spirits.”
Rum, with tropical accent pillows and turquoise walls, and Tequila, with cacti and Navajo-inspired prints, are both on the ground floor adjacent to the courtyard. Roll-up “garage door” windows allow overnight guests to feel like part of the action without leaving their room.
One floor up, Gin, with mid-century modern lines and deep blue hues, sleeps just two but can adjoin with the other clear spirit, Vodka. Vodka sleeps four and gives off Scandinavian vibes with pale tones and thick knits. Both rooms have gorgeous views of Five Points through wide picture windows.
The second floor is also home to the romantic Wine, a King suite with a floral wall paper and soaking tub that’s a perfect fit for two. Next door, another King suite named Beer is decorated like an old school athletic club, complete with a punching bag and wooden “gym floor” wall covering.
Our pick, of course, is the penthouse Whiskey Suite. With five beds, a private balcony, and rich, mod pops of color, there isn’t a better place for your whole crew to have the ultimate night in Nashville. A decanter and four glasses are waiting when you walk in to be filled with your favorite bourbon, to be sipped while enjoying panoramic views of downtown.
Whiskey shares the top floor with Champagne, a bachelorette party’s dream of pink velvet furniture, gold accents, and white marble countertops. It sleeps four, but the private balcony can connect to Whiskey for bigger groups of guests.
“This isn’t your prototypical hotel, boutique or not. You’re staying at a bar with rooms,” says Schwenk. Link here to plan your trip to Vandyke Bed and Beverage!
Looking for even more bourbon travel tips? Link here to see our list of the best boutique hotels in Bourbon Country.
