Built in 1910, The Hermitage Hotel became the place to see and be seen for Nashville’s high society. After all, who wouldn’t want to enjoy a beverage and quiet conversation in the expansive lobby, featuring its breathtaking cut, stained glass ceiling? Factor in the Italian sienna marble at the entrance, wall panels of Russian walnut and distinctive Art Deco men’s room (ask for a tour!), and it would seem made for royalty. While six presidents have spent their time here, The Hermitage Hotel — Tennessee’s only Forbes Five Star and AAA Five Diamond hotel — is quite welcoming to families, as well.

Visitors may not notice the little things that enhance a family vacation: the complimentary apples on the front desk, which make for a great afternoon snack while sightseeing; the complimentary bottled water placed in your room each evening; and the in-room DVD player that ensures your children can watch their favorite movie when you need some down time. Combine these amenities with spacious guestrooms that allow family members to move about without tripping over one another, and you have a hotel that makes family travel a pleasure.

By far, the most family-friendly feature of The Hermitage Hotel is the spacious guestrooms. Even the smallest of the 122 total guestrooms, including one Presidential Suite and four Executive Suites, is 475 square feet. Whether outfitted with a king or two queen beds, there is plenty of room for a sitting area, desk and TV cabinet, with lots of room for the kids to play without getting in mom and dad's way. Overall, the guestrooms are very comfortable and provide a welcoming respite after a day of travel or sightseeing.

The bathroom, too, is quite large, with a private water closet, soaking tub and separate shower. Plus, it contains a double vanity with lots of counter space to spread out. On an unexpected note, kids will love the wall-mounted, 20-inch flat panel television.

Should you need more room, you can book a Grand Deluxe guestroom with a king bed that measures 590 square feet. A Junior suite with a king bed and sitting area contains 625 square feet, and the lone Presidential Suite encompasses a massive 2,000 square feet.

To keep kids entertained in the room, there is a DVD/CD player, as well as an iPod alarm clock docking station. For their electronic devices, the hotel has complimentary high-speed wired and wireless Internet available.

For families traveling with pets, The Hermitage Hotel welcomes furry friends with a custom bed in the room, their own treats and nightly turndown service for a daily $50 pet fee. Dog sitting, walking and massage services are available along with room service menus specifically for pets.

Although there are no family activities at The Hermitage Hotel, the property's downtown location puts families in close proximity of many great sites and attractions. To experience the city's iconic music history, you simply have to walk a few blocks to the Ryman Auditorium, the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum and, of course, some of the city's famous music clubs, like the Wildhorse Saloon.

Just a short drive away, you'll find such family attractions as the Adventure Science Center, Fort Negley, the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere and Grassmere Historic Farm.

When the family is ready to eat, you can head downstairs to The Capitol Grille, The Hermitage Hotel's AAA Four Diamond-rated restaurant. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, the menu is focused on "creative interpretations of Southern cuisine," with a farm-to-table philosophy. Except breakfast, menus are seasonal, based on what is available from local sources. The restaurant does offer a simple kid's menu as well.

Although the attitude at breakfast and lunch is more relaxed, families with young children may feel the pressure of keeping their children in check during dinner. The wait staff is quite gracious to children, but the atmosphere is definitely more of a "fine dining" environment.

The adjacent Oak Bar offers lighter fare for lunch and dinner, but definitely doesn't come across as a kid-friendly venue. Of course, 24-hour room service, featuring menu items from the Capitol Grille, is also available.

Every morning, the hotel sets up complimentary coffee and tea in the lobby. You also may find miniature muffins, but don't mistake this for a free breakfast. In the afternoon, cider or fresh-squeezed lemonade and cookies replace the morning offerings. You can also find complimentary apples at the front desk.

All about the Extras

To help guests stay on track with their fitness, The Hermitage Hotel includes a 24-hour fitness room, equipped with treadmills, cross-trainer and stationary bikes, plus individual strength equipment. The hotel also offers spa services in its massage therapy suites, complete with locker rooms.

For those who must get some work done, the hotel offers onsite business services with a computer station, printer, copier and fax machine. Full secretarial and notary services are also available.

To help you navigate the city, the hotel concierge is available to assist guests with theater tickets, restaurant reservations and personal shopping.

The Art of Smart Timing

There is no wrong time to visit The Hermitage Hotel and Nashville. Although the weather does turn cold during the winter, there is always something going on in Music City that brings visitors to its doors. Throughout the year, the hotel also offers special packages, so check the Web site for current offers.

For more information on Nashville, visit the Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau at one of its Visitor Information Centers. The first is located at Fourth Avenue North and Commerce Street, in the lower level of the US Bank Building, and can be reached at 615-259-4730. The second is located at Fifth Avenue South and Broadway, in the Glass Tower of the Bridgestone Arena, and can be reached at 615-259-4747 or 615-254-1725. The Visitors Information Line is 800-657-6910, or go online to visitmusiccity.com.

Getting There

The Hermitage Hotel is approximately nine miles from Nashville International Airport. Gray Line of Nashville provides airport shuttle service for $17 one-way or $25 round-trip, per person. Taxi service is available for approximately $25, plus gratuity each way. The hotel concierge can arrange rental car or limo service for guests.

For those traveling by car, The Hermitage Hotel is also conveniently located to Interstates 24, 40 and 65. Directions are available on the hotel's Web site. Please note that all parking is valet.

For Mom and Dad

If the parents can slip away for a little alone time, they should head downstairs to the Oak Bar for a quiet drink and conversation. They can carry their evening over in the Capitol Grille with a low-key dinner and dessert. For something a little extra -- and more relaxing -- book a massage, wrap or scrub treatment in one of the hotel's massage therapy suites.