You Won’t Believe What’s Inside This Famous Nashville Bathroom!
It’s not every day you hear about a restroom that makes it onto your list of must-see spots, but then again, The Hermitage Hotel’s men’s bathroom is no ordinary restroom.
Trust me, after living in Nashville for over a decade and seeing everything this city has to offer, I can tell you firsthand – this bathroom is a must-visit. Yes, you read that right: a bathroom.
The Hermitage Hotel, which opened its doors in 1910, is a historic landmark that’s hosted some fascinating moments in Nashville’s history. This bathroom is part of that story.
Tucked slightly underground in the basement of the hotel, the restroom is an Art Deco masterpiece. And if you’re not familiar, basements aren’t exactly common in middle Tennessee – we’ve got rock everywhere, so building underground spaces is tricky. But The Hermitage Hotel pulled it off, and boy, did they do it with style.
Now, here’s where things get really interesting. Just off the famous restroom, there are two private smoking rooms and a restaurant/bar. Back in the day, this setup allowed for some seriously discreet conversations. In fact, it’s said that a lot of legislative agreements were hashed out right here.
And get this – rumor has it that there used to be a tunnel that led directly from the state Capitol building (which is only a block away) into the hotel, ending near this very bathroom.
Despite the hotel's proximity to the Capitol and its historical significance in Nashville's political scene, no concrete evidence supports the existence of such a tunnel (unfortunately). While Nashville has several known tunnels, including the Capitol Connector Tunnel, historians and experts generally view the claim of a tunnel linking the hotel and Capitol as folklore. The rumor persists but lacks historical documentation or proof, making it part of local legend rather than fact.
If only walls could talk, right?
What makes this restroom so unique, aside from its somewhat secret location and rich history, is the design itself. You’re stepping into an early example of Art Deco, a style that wouldn’t become mainstream until about a decade later. The walls are covered in striking lime-green and black leaded glass tiles, and the terrazzo floors mix bold shades of lime, salmon, and black. The whole space feels like you’ve traveled back in time.
One standout feature? The two-seat shoeshine station. It wasn’t some modern touch; it’s been there since day one, harkening back to an era of luxury and impeccable service. And yes, there’s even a phone at the shoeshine station that connects directly to the front desk, because who wouldn’t want a direct line to the concierge while getting their shoes polished?
Despite being a men’s restroom, the hotel welcomes all visitors to take a peek at this piece of history. So if you’re ever nearby, don’t be shy about asking the staff for directions. They’re used to curious visitors eager to see this hidden gem.
Now, let’s not forget another important chapter of The Hermitage Hotel’s history: it was ground zero for the suffragette movement in Tennessee. The hotel played a pivotal role in the state's ratification of the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote. The suffragettes used this hotel as their headquarters, adding yet another layer of historical significance to your bathroom visit.
The Hermitage Hotel’s restroom has won numerous awards over the years, including Restroom of the Year, and it’s easy to see why. It’s not just a place to freshen up – it’s a slice of history wrapped in stunning design. And let’s be honest, who wouldn’t want to say they’ve visited a world-famous bathroom?
So next time you’re downtown, don’t skip The Hermitage Hotel – and definitely don’t skip this restroom. Sure, it might seem like an odd addition to your Nashville itinerary, but trust me, you’ll be glad you made the stop. After all, when you’ve been to every bar on Broadway and you’ve seen all the usual attractions, it’s these unexpected spots that make Music City truly one-of-a-kind.
Explore the unique history of Nashville's most famous restroom, from its Art Deco design to hidden tunnels and legislative deals, at The Hermitage Hotel.
Citations:
- https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/hermitage-hotel-mens-bathroom
- https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2023/07/14/nashvilles-best-bathrooms-vie-national-award
- https://thehermitagehotel.com/afternoon-tea/
- https://thehermitagehotel.com/nashville-dining/
- https://www.placestotravel.com/the-hermitage-hotel-review/
- https://www.simopdesigns.com/post/the-hermitage-hotel-nashville-tn