Chartwell, Rockbridge unveil Hilton BNA Nashville Airport Terminal Test Post

March 8, 2024

by Gregg Wallis

Hilton BNA Nashville Airport Terminal, owned by a partnership between Chartwell Hospitality and Rockbridge, is now open.

The 14-story, 298-key hotel is located in Nashville’s international airport and connected to the terminal by a covered pedestrian bridge, and is the centerpiece of the airport’s ongoing expansion, according to the owners.

“Hilton BNA Nashville Airport Terminal reflects our dedication to airport hospitality, a tradition that Hilton Hotels & Resorts proudly pioneered and continues to set the standard for today,” said Leonard Gooz, brand leader, Hilton Hotels & Resorts. “Backed by the most trusted brand in hospitality, Hilton BNA Nashville Airport Terminal provides guests with an amazing stay experience through elevated service, exceptional dining offerings, top-of-the-line meeting and event spaces such as the rooftop bar with panoramic views and the music lounge, which celebrates Nashville’s vibrant music scene.”

The hotel ownership is subject to a lease with the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority. Chartwell is the hotel operator and FirstBank provided construction financing. Crain Construction Inc. served as the project’s construction manager. It marks Chartwell’s 19th property developed in partnership with Hilton.

“We are honored to once again partner with Rockbridge and Hilton on this important project that will contribute to Nashville’s growth, as it offers travelers a premier experience that combines convenience with the unique charm of Music City for guests,” said Will Schaedle, EVP, development & acquisitions, Chartwell Hospitality. “We are thrilled to be once again working with Rockbridge, one of the nation’s premier hospitality groups in the development, financing and ownership of this landmark Nashville hotel.”

Jim Merkel, CEO/cofounder, Rockbridge, added, “We are proud to partner with Chartwell once again. They are a leading developer and operator that gets it done right at every level—not to mention high-quality and high-integrity people. Nashville is lucky to have them on the home team.”

The development of the property is part of the airport’s construction and renovation program, BNA Vision, which launched in 2017. The completion of the hotel is the culmination of the program.

“We’re incredibly proud to partner with Hilton Hotels & Resorts on this groundbreaking project,” said Doug Kreulen, president/CEO, Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority. “Hilton BNA Nashville Airport Terminal is the cornerstone of our BNA Vision plan, enhancing our ability to serve our travelers and cementing Nashville’s status as a key international hub.”

The hotel’s design is a “celebration of flight, brimming with playful nods to the world of aviation,” according to Hilton. From the Gateway ballroom’s lighting fixture that takes guests on a visual flight with its sweeping forms and luminous trails reminiscent of planes soaring through the night sky, to hotel corridors and guest spaces that are animated by an array of aviation-inspired art.

The hotel’s rooms and suites are equipped with coffee stations, working desks with iPhone plug-ins and wireless charging stations on the alarm clocks.

The property’s meeting and event areas, totaling 23,000 square feet, pay homage to aviation pioneers and the paths they paved in air travel and include the nearly 8,000-sq.-ft. Gateway Ballroom and a rooftop that can accommodate groups up to 400.