What if your next Nashville getaway included spending the night inside a historic church, surrounded by towering stained-glass windows, colorful designer furniture, exposed brick walls, and architectural details dating back more than a century?
At The Russell in Nashville, Tennessee, that's exactly what you can experience.
Located in the heart of East Nashville, this extraordinary boutique hotel occupies a former church built in 1904. Rather than demolishing the historic structure, developers transformed it into a 23-room hotel that celebrates the building's past while embracing bold, modern design.
The result is one of Nashville's most unusual places to stay.
From guest rooms featuring repurposed church pews to a stunning lobby filled with stained glass, The Russell offers an experience that's part historic landmark, part design destination, and part comfortable Nashville getaway.
And there's another reason this hotel stands out: every stay helps support people experiencing homelessness in Nashville.
A 1904 Church With an Extraordinary Second Life
The Russell's story began in 1904, when the Cumberland Presbyterian Church constructed the beautiful brick building at the corner of Russell Street and South Ninth Street.
In 1913, the Russell Street Church of Christ acquired the property, and the building continued serving as a place of worship and community gathering for generations.
Over the years, the church witnessed some of East Nashville's most significant historical events.
In 1916, a devastating fire swept through the neighborhood, destroying dozens of city blocks. Remarkably, the church building survived.
Two years later, during the influenza pandemic of 1918, the church was transformed into a temporary hospital to care for people in the surrounding community.
During the following decades, the congregation expanded its outreach programs, providing services such as childcare, medical assistance, and support for local families.
The building remained an important neighborhood landmark until a tornado damaged the property in 1998.
Eventually, developers recognized an opportunity to preserve the historic structure while giving it an entirely new purpose.
After an extensive renovation, The Russell officially welcomed its first hotel guests in June 2019.
Today, visitors can spend the night inside a building that has been part of Nashville's history for more than 120 years.
Step Inside One of Nashville's Most Colorful Hotels
The moment you enter The Russell, it's clear that this isn't an ordinary hotel.
The former church sanctuary has been transformed into a dramatic lobby featuring soaring ceilings, exposed architectural beams, colorful furnishings, and enormous stained-glass windows.
The space preserves the feeling of the original church while introducing bright colors and contemporary design.
Rather than covering up the building's history, the designers incorporated its original features into the hotel's personality.
You'll notice details such as:
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Original stained-glass windows
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Historic exposed brick walls
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High ceilings and wooden architectural elements
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Colorful furniture and contemporary artwork
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Decorative lighting inspired by the building's past
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Creative room layouts that reflect the former church
The contrast between historic architecture and playful modern design is what makes The Russell especially memorable.
It's a place where nearly every corner offers something interesting to photograph.
Sleep in a Room Featuring Original Church Pews
One of the hotel's most unusual features is the creative reuse of its original wooden church pews.
During the renovation, some of the pews were repurposed into headboards for guest beds.
Instead of discarding these pieces of the building's history, the designers gave them a completely different purpose.
The result is a clever connection between the hotel's past and present.
Imagine telling someone you spent the night sleeping against a headboard that was once part of a church pew!
Not every room features the same design elements, so visitors interested in a particular feature should review individual room photographs and descriptions before booking.
Twenty-Three Rooms, Each With Its Own Personality
The Russell offers just 23 guest rooms and suites, making it a much smaller and more intimate property than Nashville's large downtown hotels.
But what it lacks in size, it makes up for in personality.
Each room has been individually designed with its own combination of colors, furnishings, architectural details, and layouts.
Some rooms feature bold accent walls, while others incorporate exposed brick, colorful bathroom tile, or unique views of the historic building.
Room configurations include accommodations with king beds, queen beds, and multiple sleeping arrangements.
Because the hotel was created inside an existing church, rooms can have unusual shapes and layouts that wouldn't be found in a traditional hotel.
That's part of the appeal, but it also means choosing the right room is important.
Before reserving, review the photographs, bed configuration, occupancy limits, and accessibility details for the specific room you want.
The Penthouse Suite: A Room Overlooking the Historic Lobby
For travelers who want an especially unusual experience, The Russell's Penthouse Suite is one of its most distinctive accommodations.
Located on the second floor, this suite features a living area, kitchenette, dining space, and an interior balcony overlooking the lobby.
From the balcony, guests can admire the hotel's dramatic stained-glass windows and historic architecture.
The suite also includes oversized interior windows, colorful aqua bathroom tile, and a claw-foot bathtub.
Local artwork and custom furnishings add to the room's personality.
Unlike a typical penthouse with an outdoor city view, this suite offers a remarkable perspective of the former church interior.
It's an appealing option for travelers celebrating a special occasion or simply looking for an unforgettable place to stay.
The Tower Suite: Sleep Where the Church Bells Once Hung
Another remarkable accommodation is the Tower Suite.
This room occupies part of the former church bell tower, incorporating a space that once served an entirely different purpose.
The suite's unusual architecture makes it one of the hotel's most interesting lodging options.
The Tower Suite has been described as accommodating up to six guests, making it worth considering for families or small groups.
Because room configurations and availability may change, confirm the current sleeping arrangements before booking.
Colorful Bathrooms and Thoughtful Guest Amenities
The Russell's creative design extends beyond the bedrooms.
Many bathrooms feature colorful tile, unusual mirrors, and stylish fixtures that complement the building's historic character.
The hotel also offers practical amenities to make guests comfortable.
Depending on the room, features may include:
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Complimentary Wi-Fi
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Flat-Screen Televisions
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Coffee Makers
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Mini Refrigerators
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Hair Dryers
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Toiletries
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Clothing Steamers
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Noise Machines
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Complimentary Snacks
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Local Nashville Guidebooks
Certain suites include additional amenities, such as kitchenettes, larger seating areas, or specialty bathroom features.
Because every room is different, guests should review the individual room listing for exact amenities.
A Fun Photo Booth in the Lobby
The Russell is filled with photo opportunities, but one of the most entertaining features is its lobby photo booth.
Guests can take pictures during their stay, creating a fun souvenir of their Nashville getaway.
The photo booth fits perfectly with the hotel's colorful atmosphere and playful design.
Whether you're visiting with friends, celebrating an anniversary, or enjoying a girls' weekend, it's a memorable extra that makes the experience feel different from a traditional hotel stay.
The property has also featured a podcast recording space, reflecting Nashville's connection to music, storytelling, and creative industries.
Use of specialty spaces is subject to the hotel's guest policies and availability.
Rooms for Rooms: A Hotel That Gives Back
The Russell has an inspiring mission that makes it more than just a beautifully renovated historic building.
Through its Rooms for Rooms program, the hotel contributes a portion of its lodging revenue to local nonprofit organizations serving people experiencing homelessness.
The donations help provide food, shelter, and other essential resources to people in need throughout Nashville.
The hotel's motto reflects that mission:
Stay Here. Change Lives.
According to The Russell, an average stay can help provide the equivalent of 16 beds and warm meals through its nonprofit partnerships.
The exact impact varies, but the central idea remains the same: choosing to stay at the hotel also supports community assistance programs.
It's a meaningful continuation of the building's long history of serving others.
From its years as a church and temporary hospital to its present-day charitable mission, the property has maintained a connection to helping the Nashville community.
Explore East Nashville's Five Points Neighborhood
Another major reason to stay at The Russell is its location.
The hotel sits in East Nashville, one of the city's most distinctive neighborhoods.
Rather than being surrounded by large convention hotels and tourist attractions, guests find themselves in a community known for independent restaurants, coffee shops, boutiques, and live music venues.
The popular Five Points area is approximately a five-minute walk from the hotel.
It's a wonderful neighborhood to explore on foot, with plenty of opportunities to discover local businesses.
Visitors can enjoy a morning coffee, browse shops, try a locally owned restaurant, or spend an evening listening to live music.
East Nashville is especially appealing for travelers who enjoy experiencing a city's neighborhood culture rather than spending their entire trip in the busiest tourist districts.
Enjoy Nearby Restaurants, Coffee Shops, and Live Music
Although The Russell doesn't have an on-site restaurant, there are plenty of dining options in the surrounding neighborhood.
East Nashville is known for its creative restaurant scene, with everything from casual barbecue to chef-driven dining.
Some notable neighborhood establishments include:
Edley's Bar-B-Que
A Nashville barbecue favorite known for smoked meats and Southern-inspired sides.
Butcher & Bee
A restaurant recognized for creative dishes and a menu influenced by fresh, seasonal ingredients.
The Basement East
A popular East Nashville live music venue that hosts concerts and performances.
The neighborhood also has coffee shops, bakeries, bars, and other local businesses.
Operating hours and availability can change, so check current details before making plans around a particular establishment.
Downtown Nashville Is Just a Short Drive Away
The Russell offers convenient access to Nashville's most famous attractions while providing a quieter neighborhood setting.
According to the hotel, it's approximately one mile from Nissan Stadium and about 1.7 miles from Broadway.
That makes it possible to spend the day exploring Music City before returning to a distinctive historic hotel.
Popular Nashville experiences include:
Broadway
Nashville's famous entertainment district, known for live music, restaurants, and honky-tonks.
Nissan Stadium
Home of the Tennessee Titans and a major venue for concerts and large events.
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
A must-visit destination for anyone interested in country music history.
Ryman Auditorium
One of Nashville's most celebrated music venues, famous for its remarkable acoustics and long entertainment history.
Johnny Cash Museum
A popular downtown museum dedicated to the life and career of the legendary singer.
Traffic, parking, and event schedules can affect travel times, so allow extra time when heading downtown during concerts or major sporting events.
A Contactless Hotel Experience
The Russell operates differently from most traditional hotels.
There isn't a staffed front desk where guests line up to check in.
Instead, the property uses a contactless entry system.
Before arrival, guests receive an email containing a personalized access code for the building and their room.
This allows travelers to enter without waiting at a reception desk.
Hotel assistance remains available by phone, text, or email when needed.
The system is convenient for guests who prefer an independent lodging experience.
However, travelers who expect a full-service front desk, daily housekeeping, or an on-site concierge should understand that The Russell operates differently.
Important Things to Know Before Booking
Because The Russell occupies a historic church building, there are a few practical details worth understanding before making a reservation.
No Guest Elevator
The hotel does not have an elevator for guests.
Some rooms require climbing stairs, which may be difficult for travelers with mobility limitations.
A luggage dumbwaiter is available for transporting bags between floors, but it is not a passenger elevator.
The hotel has a rear ramp entrance and accessible parking. Guests with mobility concerns should contact the property before booking to discuss suitable accommodations.
No Daily Housekeeping
Rooms are cleaned before arrival, but daily housekeeping is not automatically provided during a stay.
Guests can contact the hotel if they need assistance with an unusual situation.
No On-Site Restaurant
The hotel does not operate a traditional restaurant or full breakfast service.
However, the surrounding neighborhood offers numerous dining options.
No Pets
Pets are not permitted. Service animal arrangements should be discussed with the hotel in advance.
Quiet Hours
The property observes quiet hours from 10:00 PM to 8:00 AM.
This is especially important because the hotel is located in a residential neighborhood and its historic building contains shared interior spaces.
Minimum Guest Age
The person booking the room must be at least 21 years old and must provide identification for verification.
These details are important when deciding whether The Russell is the right fit for your trip.
Plan Your Stay at The Russell
Hotel Name: The Russell
Address: 819 Russell Street, Nashville, TN 37206
Phone: 615-861-9535
Official Website: The Russell Nashville
Book Your Stay: Check Availability and Reserve a Room
Neighborhood: Historic East Nashville, near Five Points
Building History: Originally constructed as Cumberland Presbyterian Church in 1904
Hotel Opening: June 2019
Guest Rooms: 23 individually designed rooms and suites
Check-In: 4:00 PM Central Time
Check-Out: 10:30 AM Central Time
Minimum Booking Age: 21
Check-In Process: Contactless entry using a personal access code emailed before arrival
Parking: One complimentary parking space per booked room in the designated lot across the street. Vehicle details must be registered with the hotel to avoid towing.
Parking Lot Address: 901 Russell Street, Nashville, TN 37206
Pets: Not permitted, with applicable service-animal arrangements handled through the hotel
Elevator: No passenger elevator
Accessible Entrance: Rear ramp entrance, with accessible parking available. Contact the property to arrange suitable access.
Housekeeping: Rooms are cleaned before arrival; daily cleaning is not included.
Food: No on-site restaurant. Coffee and select room snacks are available, with numerous dining establishments nearby.
Cancellation Policy: Standard reservations generally require cancellation at least 14 days before arrival for a full refund. Certain holidays and special-event reservations are nonrefundable, and group policies may differ.
Payment: The hotel requires an advance payment to secure reservations. Check the booking terms for the current payment schedule, taxes, and fees.
Room Rates: Vary by date, room type, occupancy, and availability.
Minimum Stay: Certain weekends, holidays, and major events may require a two-night stay.
Visitor Tips:
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Review room photographs carefully because every room has a different layout
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Choose a room with original architectural details if historic character is your priority
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Consider the Penthouse Suite for a special occasion
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Ask about the Tower Suite if you're interested in one of the hotel's most unusual rooms
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Remember that upper-floor accommodations require stairs
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Register your vehicle before using the hotel's parking lot
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Watch for your access-code email before arrival
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Take advantage of the luggage lockers if you arrive before check-in
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Explore the nearby Five Points neighborhood on foot
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Visit downtown Nashville while enjoying a quieter East Nashville home base
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Read the cancellation policy carefully, particularly when booking during major events
Why The Russell Belongs on Your Tennessee Bucket List
There are countless places to stay in Nashville, but very few offer an experience quite like The Russell.
Where else can you sleep inside a 1904 church, admire enormous stained-glass windows, discover original pews transformed into headboards, and relax in rooms filled with colorful modern design?
The building's history alone makes it fascinating.
But the hotel's creative transformation, convenient East Nashville location, and commitment to helping people experiencing homelessness give it an even more meaningful identity.
It's an especially appealing destination for couples, friends planning a Nashville getaway, architecture enthusiasts, and travelers who love unusual accommodations.
Instead of booking another ordinary hotel room, you can stay somewhere with more than a century of stories built into its walls.
And sometimes, choosing a place to stay that's just as memorable as the destination itself makes a trip even more special.
Discover More Incredible Places to Stay in Tennessee!
Love discovering unusual hotels, cozy cabins, charming small towns, unique restaurants, hidden gems, and unforgettable attractions?
"The Ultimate Tennessee Bucket List" helps you discover amazing places to eat, shop, stay, and explore throughout the Volunteer State.
From beautiful mountain getaways and historic landmarks to memorable restaurants and one-of-a-kind accommodations, it's filled with inspiration for your next Tennessee adventure.