Nashville's room rates are generally reasonable, even in the downtown's "District." For the best deal, avoid Nashville during the summer when hotel prices are driven up by festival-goers. As the city is also a popular convention town, you're more likely to find lower rates on the weekends. Downtown Nashville does have several luxury hotels, such as The Hermitage Hotel, the #6 Best Hotel in the U.S.

Hotels in the District would be best for travelers looking to spend time in Nashville's museums. If you're planning to spend any amount of time in Opryland, we recommend finding a hotel in Music Valley, a northeastern suburb of Nashville. Opryland hosts some of the city's affordable chain hotels, yet it's also the site of the lavish -- and pricey -- Gaylord Opryland Hotel.

• If you'll be traveling with children, always check into policies on children staying for free. Some hotels let children under 12 stay free, while others set the cutoff age at 18. Still others charge you for the kids, but let them eat for free in the hotel's restaurant." -- Frommer's
• Although some establishments increase rates slightly during the peak summer travel season, especially CMA Music Festival week in mid-June, most maintain the same rates year-round. Some downtown luxury hotels offer lower rates on weekends, when the legislators have gone home." -- Fodor's
• Midprice national chains sometimes lack the quality of amenities and finesse of hotels in similar cities. However, there are gems to be found, including the historic Hermitage and Union Station hotels in the downtown area, which are among the city's plushest accommodations." -- Concierge.com