Thursday, February 21, 2008

As I promised last week, I went on a site tour of Hotel Indigo Nashville, Nashville’s newest hotel. I wanted to check out this fierce hotel for myself. (I am using fierce a lot since it’s my fave contestant’s word on this season of Project Runway - he’s so funny and he’s rubbing off on me.)

Anyway, the hotel is even better in person. I really love this hotel, even if though they snubbed our growing Nashville bridal community by not inviting us to their “Grand Opening” party next week. (To be fair, they probably aren’t even aware we exist.:) But, this hotel is way to cool to be hanging with the same ole’ crowd. We digital divas are the new “in” crowd. Or, maybe we’re the ones hanging in the wrong crowd. Nah…we like our crowd. Perhaps ABG is to weddings what TMZ or Perez Hilton is to Hollywood. And, we’re so cool w/that!

So, the hotel rocked. There’s fab everywhere you look. But, what I like most is:

1) Hotel Indigo is the hottest hotel in Nashville. Hotel Preston would be the second if you’re looking for modern but not the best location. (BTW, I met with Mike of Myrick Studios yesterday and he was the one who reminded me of Hotel Preston. More on him in a few days…remember I called him eye candy in a previous blog? Well, he didn’t forget, nor did his “Dr. Girlfriend”…funny story, stay tuned!)

2) Hotel Indigo is completely out of the box. Randall, the sales manager, is willing to think outside the box since this hotel is all about customization. He took me to one floor of the hotel that has a huge hallway. The beauty is, Randall said that if you were to book all 19 of the rooms on the floor, only 19 per floor, you could literally turn the hallway into a hospitality area or a reception. How hot is that! Your guests wouldn’t have very far to go and you could make the space your own.

Then, he took me to another floor that had another huge hallway, a lounge area and an attached outdoor area that will be decked in a few months. This will allow you to have an outdoor ceremony, come in for a pre-reception, and then head back out for dancing.

So, the options are endless…but, it is only an option for medium to small wedding parties. If you are inviting less than 150-200 guests, Randall can probably find a way to make it work. If you are a funky, mod chick, this is your spot. If you are looking for a formal, traditional wedding spot, keep looking.

Think W hotel meets Music City for vibe and IKEA meets West Elm for style.

They are opening another Hotel Indigo downtown, in Printer’s Alley next year. It will not have single and double rooms, just King rooms - definitely not for wedding guests with families. But, if you are looking for a nice place to chill after your wedding, before heading to you honeymoon, it could be an option.

I could live in Hotel Indigo Nashville, for sure!

View full slide show above or check out these quick pics below…

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

When I got married, I reserved several hotels based on different budgets, for my out of town guests. I really appreciated the hotels that offered complimentary breakfast for my guests and affordable rooms for families.

In my search for great options for Nashville brides, I visited Kimberly of Courtyard Marriott to learn more about their guest rooms. Since I am a big trip advisor fan, I favor candid hotel pics, provided by travelers over pics provided by hotels:). So, after Kimberly provided me pics to place on the Courtyard’s listing in the vendor directory, I decided to go and view them myself…

Pleasantly surprised! The hotel looks just like the pics Kimberly sent me. She told me the hotel had been remodeled just a few years ago which is why the rooms look so new. (See candid pics below.)

Anyway, we chatted about guest accommodations in general and here’s what I learned.

What should brides know about this hotel?
This hotel boasts smartly appointed guest rooms, plush new bedding and furnishings ergonomic workspaces and free high-speed Internet. There’s a fitness center or outdoor pool for unwinding. A 24-hour market for sandwiches salads snacks and beverages. And each morning an affordable breakfast buffet in the Courtyard Cafe featuring eggs cooked to order. A business library is located by the lobby and offers high-speed Internet a computer printer work stations and informal meeting space.

This airport hotel in Nashville is also conveniently located 2 miles from the Nashville International Airport with free shuttle service available (contact hotel directly or use phone board at baggage claim).

Hotel Highlights:
- This hotel is nonsmoking
- Courtyard Nashville Airport has 145 spacious newly renovated guest rooms with upgraded bedding
- This airport hotel in Nashville is less than 2 miles from the airport with free shuttle service
- You’ll find Nashville’s famed attractions entertainment and sports near this Nashville TN hotel
- Complimentary on-site parking
- King rooms or dbl/dbl rooms for your wedding guests
- Outdoor pool and indoor hot tub

Do you offer a discount/complimentary room for bride/groom?
Yes, I can give the couple a discount with 10 paid guest rooms.

What’s required to reserve the room block?
Contract; Rooms will be held up to 2 weeks prior to date of arrival. At check-out, guests are billed for their rooms individually.

How do you handle welcome gifts, weekend agendas, directions?
We can give guests their welcome gifts upon arrival along with directions or any other items.

Can you coordinate transportation from your hotel to the bride’s wedding events?
Yes. We can work to arrange transportation for a fee.

What advice do you offer Nashville brides as they consider guest accommodations?
Consider families as they have special needs than couples/singles.

If you need guest accommodations, consider the Courtyard Marriott. Their rooms are nice and new and they are close to the airport, Opry Mills and Gaylord. Plus, Kimberly is offering a special rate ($89-99) and FREE breakfast (which I asked her to include:) if you mention ABF. The hotel is a great, clean and comfortable option for all budgets and family sizes.

Call Kimberly for all the details -615-493-2941.

Friday, October 12, 2007

You have (almost) made it through a week of wedding planning. You didn’t get caught surfing The Knot or Ashley’s Bride Guide at work. After arguing over the guest list, you’re still engaged. Those are all reasons to celebrate:) I personally will be celebrating at the Kanye West concert (at Vandy) and after party (at Wildhorse downtown). My brother, a good friend of Kanye’s, is throwing the official after party tonight. I am sure I will end up working more than celebrating but if you plan to attend and see me around, please say hello.

Since I still need to find something fab to wear, I will keep it short and sweet…

(So you feel productive reading this blog…) There is a new Nashville hotel scheduled to open in December, Hotel Indigo. Nashville rarely gets new hotels. Plus, it is conveniently located in the West End area. Their website doesn’t provide a lot of info but it sounds like a great option for small gatherings like rehearsal dinners, bridal luncheons, bridal or engagement parties.

In the next few weeks, I will go check out the place and give you more details. For now, visit their website, check it out and add it to your list of options for private party space.

Have a great weekend! You may or may not hear from me until Monday…depends on whether Kanye decides to sweep me off to Atlanta for the Hip Hop Awards Show this weekend:)