City Showdown: A Side-by-Side Comparison of 10 Top Hotels in Nashville and Los Angeles

When planning a luxurious getaway or a stylish staycation, two cities consistently top the charts for travelers looking for cultural richness, music, and memorable stays—Nashville, Tennessee and Los Angeles, California. Though vastly different in geography and vibe, both cities offer a wide range of high-end accommodations that cater to every kind of traveler.

In this blog post, we’ll do a side-by-side comparison of 10 standout hotels in Nashville and 10 counterparts in Los Angeles, each matched for their style, vibe, luxury level, and location. Whether you're choosing between Music City or the City of Angels, you'll find hotel pairings that offer similar experiences, each with its own unique twist.

1. The Hermitage Hotel (Downtown Nashville) vs. The Beverly Hills Hotel (Beverly Hills)

Vibe: Iconic, historic, and high-society.

Why They’re a Match: Both of these legendary hotels have defined luxury in their respective cities for decades. The Hermitage Hotel, Tennessee’s only Forbes Five-Star property, is steeped in political history, Southern elegance, and old-world charm. Similarly, the Beverly Hills Hotel, known as the “Pink Palace,” is a favorite among Hollywood elites and royalty.

What You’ll Love:

The Hermitage Hotel: Grand lobby, Southern fine dining at Drusie & Darr, and timeless Southern hospitality.

The Beverly Hills Hotel: Iconic Polo Lounge, pink-and-green decor, bungalows that have hosted Marilyn Monroe to modern-day A-listers.

Verdict: Both hotels offer a glamorous look into their cities' golden eras with every modern luxury included.

2. The Joseph, a Luxury Collection Hotel vs. Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills

Vibe: Ultra-luxe modern opulence.

Why They’re a Match: These hotels cater to the traveler who demands contemporary elegance with over-the-top service and amenities. The Joseph is Nashville’s sleek answer to Italian design and curated luxury, while the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills is a beacon of West Coast glamour.

What You’ll Love:

The Joseph: Rooftop infinity pool, world-class spa, art installations, and fine dining led by a Michelin-starred chef.

Waldorf Astoria: Unparalleled service, rooftop lounge with panoramic views, La Prairie Spa, and interiors by Pierre-Yves Rochon.

Verdict: Perfect for travelers looking to indulge in art, design, and bespoke experiences in the heart of luxury districts.

3. Graduate Nashville vs. The Hollywood Roosevelt

Vibe: Playful, funky, and full of character.

Why They’re a Match: If you love a hotel with quirky, pop-culture-infused design, look no further. Graduate Nashville offers kitschy Southern style with Dolly Parton flair, while The Hollywood Roosevelt oozes vintage Hollywood glam, complete with poolside cabanas and a rich film history.

What You’ll Love:

Graduate Nashville: Rooftop bar White Limozeen (a pink palace in the sky), karaoke nights, and youthful energy.

The Hollywood Roosevelt: Home of the first Oscars, iconic David Hockney pool mural, and a cool retro ambiance.

Verdict: Ideal for Instagram-savvy travelers and pop-culture buffs who crave fun, fabulous, and a little over-the-top.

4. Thompson Nashville vs. The Hoxton, Downtown LA

Vibe: Stylish, urban boutique hotel in a creative district.

Why They’re a Match: Both hotels serve as hubs for the artistic and design-conscious. Thompson Nashville, located in The Gulch, mirrors The Hoxton in LA’s arts district, attracting creatives, influencers, and jet-setters alike.

What You’ll Love:

Thompson Nashville: Rooftop bar with skyline views, in-room vinyl records, and a vibe that screams "cool."

The Hoxton: Ground-floor café, rooftop pool and taqueria, and eclectic interiors full of texture and color.

Verdict: Two boutique brands doing everything right for travelers who appreciate great design, local flavor, and rooftop views.

5. JW Marriott Nashville vs. JW Marriott LA Live

Vibe: Sleek luxury in the middle of downtown action.

Why They’re a Match: As flagships of the JW Marriott brand, these hotels bring consistency, scale, and luxury to the heart of two entertainment-driven downtowns. Whether you’re attending a conference or a concert, these are the go-to choices.

What You’ll Love:

JW Marriott Nashville: Proximity to Bridgestone Arena, upscale dining, sleek interiors, and business-friendly amenities.

JW Marriott LA Live: Steps from Crypto.com Arena, massive spa, multiple bars and restaurants, and Hollywood energy.

Verdict: These properties deliver all-in-one sophistication for business travelers and event-goers who don’t want to skimp on luxury.

6. Hutton Hotel vs. The LINE Hotel (Koreatown)

Vibe: Hip, music-driven, and culturally connected.

Why They’re a Match: Hutton Hotel is Nashville’s creative den with a music-first focus, including a writers’ studio and record label partnerships. LA’s LINE Hotel offers a similarly edgy experience, with a multicultural twist in the heart of Koreatown.

What You’ll Love:

Hutton Hotel: Live music programming, vinyl concierge, and a local indie spirit.

LINE Hotel: Street-art murals, rooftop dining, and a buzzing nightlife scene.

Verdict: A great choice for the creative class, music lovers, and cultural explorers looking for authenticity with edge.

7. Noelle, Nashville vs. Hotel Figueroa (Downtown LA)

Vibe: Boutique charm with vintage roots.

Why They’re a Match: Both hotels have transformed historic buildings into modern, boutique accommodations with vintage flair. Noelle is all about storytelling, local artisans, and design. Hotel Figueroa, originally built by women for women, celebrates its Spanish Colonial roots with a modern twist.

What You’ll Love:

Noelle: Art deco details, curated pop-up shops, and Speakeasy-style bar.

Hotel Figueroa: Feminist history, pool deck with murals, and eclectic interiors.

Verdict: Travelers who love historic preservation with a modern soul will feel right at home in either.

8. Fairlane Hotel vs. Palihouse Santa Monica

Vibe: Retro-chic and refreshingly independent.

Why They’re a Match: These hotels channel the spirit of mid-century design with a boutique attitude. Fairlane celebrates '70s-inspired style with modern comforts, while Palihouse Santa Monica mixes European charm and California cool in a vintage residential building.

What You’ll Love:

Fairlane Hotel: Retro furnishings, vinyl record players, and on-site Jewish deli.

Palihouse: Courtyard gardens, beach cruiser rentals, and whimsical interiors.

Verdict: Perfect for travelers who want something a little different, a little nostalgic, and highly photogenic.

9. Omni Nashville Hotel vs. InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown

Vibe: Upscale, massive, and connected to everything.

Why They’re a Match: These hotels are anchors in their respective cityscapes, offering scale, luxury, and location. The Omni Nashville is attached to the Country Music Hall of Fame, while the InterContinental LA towers above the city with jaw-dropping skyline views.

What You’ll Love:

Omni Nashville: Direct museum access, rooftop pool, multiple dining options.

InterContinental LA: Tallest building in LA, high-floor dining, and dramatic design.

Verdict: Great for families, corporate stays, or anyone who wants to be in the center of the action with premium amenities.

10. 1 Hotel Nashville vs. Shutters on the Beach (Santa Monica)

Vibe: Luxury meets nature.

Why They’re a Match: If eco-conscious luxury is your priority, these two properties deliver in spades. 1 Hotel Nashville brings nature indoors with reclaimed materials and sustainable design, while Shutters is a quintessential beachfront retreat that’s as relaxing as it is elegant.

What You’ll Love: 1 Hotel: Plant-filled rooms, wellness spa, farm-to-table dining, and biophilic design.

Shutters: Coastal charm, spa treatments, beachfront dining, and cozy-meets-chic interiors.

Verdict: These are havens for wellness travelers, honeymooners, and those seeking peaceful luxury with a strong sense of place.

Which City Wins?

Whether you’re bound for Nashville’s soulful streets or Los Angeles’ cinematic skyline, you’ll find that both cities offer hotel experiences that rival the best in the world. From rooftop bars and historic architecture to design-led boutiques and wellness sanctuaries, there's a perfect match for every traveler's taste.

Looking for glam and sunshine? Head west to LA.

Craving culture, creativity, and Southern charm? Nashville awaits.

Whichever city you choose, you can rest easy knowing your hotel stay will be as unforgettable as the destination itself.