As a nearly century-old construction company, Crain Construction has proudly helped shape Nashville into the iconic city we know today. And we’re not the only ones who love it. Millions of visitors flock to Music City each year to experience its music scene, vibrant food culture, and high-profile events. At the end of 2024, Nashville was ranked as one of the top five cities for hotel construction globally according to HotelDive.com.
With more than 17.5 million visitors expected in 2025, Nashville’s hospitality market shows no signs of slowing. Developers are seeking innovative ways to meet evolving guest expectations while navigating the challenges of urban construction. Crain Construction has been at the forefront of this transformation, building spaces that enhance the visitor experience while delivering long-term value to our clients.
Welcome to Nashville: What We’re Seeing from the Ground Up
As our city continues to grow, so do the challenges facing hospitality developers. From complex permitting processes to persistent material delays, building hotels in Nashville has become more complex than ever.
Drawing on our local expertise and experience with landmark hotel projects like BNA Hilton, Aertson Midtown, and the Marriott Tri-Brand, we help clients plan smarter, build more efficiently, and maximize the best practices for hospitality construction we’ve learned from dozens of projects over the years.
In this blog, we’re exploring the hospitality construction trends shaping Nashville’s future—and what developers should expect as we move toward 2026.
Current Trends in Nashville Hospitality and Hotel Construction Projects
Here are some of the most common design and construction trends that we’re seeing with hotel projects with hospitality developers in our city:
Adaptive Reuse Projects are Redefining Hospitality Construction
As land availability decreases and construction costs increase, developers are turning to adaptive reuse to transform underutilized or historic buildings into modern hospitality spaces. Crain leverages this trend to transform older buildings into thriving hospitality venues, blending historic charm with modern luxury. Some great project examples of how Crain has leveraged this trend are Acme Feed & Seed, the Fairlane Hotel, and one of our most recent projects, Marriott Tri-Brand, where we transformed a third-floor parking garage into 36 high-end guest suites. We even converted a former warehouse we built in the 1950s into our new headquarters.
These builds required extensive coordination, deep local permitting knowledge, and an experienced contractor who understands how to modernize a structure while maintaining its character. Looking ahead, adaptive reuse will remain a critical tool for developers in land-constrained urban markets like Nashville—helping them create standout properties while avoiding some of the costs and timelines associated with new construction.
Customization and Experience-Driven Hotel Design
Today’s travelers are looking for immersive experiences from the moment they arrive. Design is no longer just about aesthetics—it’s about creating spaces that reflect their environment, tell a story, and provide thoughtful amenities. Crain’s work on the Hilton BNA Nashville Airport Hotel reflects this shift, incorporating features like a rooftop bar, custom artwork, and hand-painted murals.
Looking ahead to 2026, luxury guests will expect amenities such as wellness spaces, flexible suites, rooftop venues, and locally inspired public areas. Developers who integrate these features during the design stage can save time, control costs, and deliver a seamless guest experience.
Sustainable Hotel Construction is Here to Stay
Guests and investors alike are seeking environmentally responsible builds. Materials such as bamboo, reclaimed wood, and low-VOC paints reduce environmental impact and enhance the atmosphere of a space. At Crain, we often integrate sustainable materials with cost-effective building practices that reduce long-term operational expenses.
As sustainability standards evolve, developers can expect stricter energy codes and greater emphasis on LEED certification. Building for efficiency now can position properties for long-term relevance and lower operating costs.
Mixed-Use Developments Are Maximizing Space and Impact
Mixed-use projects are becoming the norm for hotel construction in Nashville, combining hospitality with residential, office, retail, and entertainment spaces. Aertson Midtown is a prime example. Built on two acres next to Vanderbilt University, it features a boutique hotel, apartments, retail, and parking.
Integrated mixed-use developments will continue to thrive, especially in dense urban areas. For developers, success will depend on strategic site planning, a solid zoning strategy, and a partner who understands how to coordinate multiple building types within one project.
Smart Technology Integration
The concept of the “smart hotel” is gaining momentum. Automated energy systems, adaptive smart windows, and app-based guest services are becoming standard expectations.
The challenge? Integrating technology into the build requires close collaboration between architects, contractors, and tech vendors early in the process. By planning for tech infrastructure from the start, developers can future-proof their properties while improving the guest experience.
Staying Ahead: How Developers Can Succeed in Nashville’s Hotel Construction Market
Here’s what developers need to know about the hospitality construction landscape heading into 2026:
Plan Earlier, Build Smarter: Why Permitting Is Critical in 2026
Nashville’s commercial codes and zoning regulations have always required strategic foresight. But in recent years, the process has become significantly more complex. Zoning approvals in Davidson County are taking longer, especially for urban hospitality projects. Many developers are now building additional time into their preconstruction schedules to account for delays.
The good news? Our local relationships and deep permitting experience can make all the difference. At Crain, we work closely with city officials, zoning experts, and developers from the start to identify potential roadblocks early and prevent costly surprises later. By integrating preconstruction services into the earliest stages of project planning, we help our partners navigate regulatory complexities with confidence.
Procurement Pressure: How to Stay Ahead of Material Delay
While supply chains have improved since the peak of the pandemic, material delays still persist. This is particularly true for custom finishes, HVAC systems, and specialty lighting fixtures common in high-end hotels.
To stay ahead, we’re working with our clients through creative procurement strategies: ordering long-lead items earlier, selecting alternate finishes, and leveraging modular and prefabricated components to streamline timelines and reduce on-site labor needs. These solutions shorten construction schedules while improving quality control and minimizing on-site disruption.
Building with Confidence: Why Local Trade Relationships Matter More Than Ever
Nashville’s construction boom has tightened the market for skilled labor. Subcontractor availability is more competitive than ever, and developers are feeling the pinch when it comes to scheduling key trades.
That’s why it pays to partner with a general contractor who brings a strong local trade base to the table. At Crain, our long-standing relationships with trusted subcontractors help us secure top talent and ensure continuity across every phase of a project.
We’re seeing more developers engage trade partners earlier in the process and explore selective self-perform opportunities. This early collaboration leads to more accurate budgets, smoother construction timelines, and fewer surprises along the way.
