Vandyke Bed & Beverage™

Visitors Stay, Locals Enjoy

Written by Alexandra Rhett / Photographed by Jessica Amerson

An ode to classic beauty and sophisticated softness, Vandyke Bed & Beverage™ is a luxury boutique hotel and local bar founded by Doug Martin and Justin Prince along with their Nashville-based team, who is also behind the popular restaurant and bar Geist. Coining the unique concept, “bed & beverage,” this property features intimate, bespoke accommodations with eight stylish suites, a ground floor bar, and outdoor patio, as well as a private rooftop terrace, accessible to guests only.

Since opening their doors in early spring 2019 in the heart of East Nashville’s vibrant Five Points neighborhood, this innovative concept has undoubtedly brought a flare unlike any other to the area. Upon arrival into the main restaurant and bar space, guests and locals alike can instantly feel the blushing, southern garden inspiration with soft emerald greens, brushed gold accents and pops of pastels. The centerpiece of the room is a unique, everso-chic, custom-made green velvet banquette that certainly sets the stage for what’s to come throughout the space. To the right, a large garage door can be opened to allow for fresh air and sunshine to beam through on nice days, and with marble tables throughout, whether with friends, family, or even a good book, you’ll find it hard to leave. Check-in is located at the main bar, as this allows for guests to have a warm and inviting first experience before settling into their room.

Inspired by the spirits served at the downstairs bar, each of the eight rooms and suites at Vandyke Bed & Beverage are designed to give homage to eight themes: Rum, Tequila, Gin, Vodka, Wine, Beer, Champagne, and Whiskey. The rooms range from a chic suite with touches of gold and rose (the Champagne Room) to a vibrant tropical oasis (the Rum Room) to the loft-like, “top-shelf” retreat with a punch of retro and two sets of bunk beds (the Whiskey Room). The epic design concept of the space was spearheaded by local interior designer, Brooke Prince.

The forefront of Prince’s design approach was to create a local, natural feel in which the space seamlessly integrated into the surrounding neighborhood. While the structure was in fact built from the ground up, Brooke and husband Justin Prince, who led the build out, worked hard to ensure the space exuded an ode to “old East Nashville glory,” while also giving guests that sense of luxe and newness. While they wanted to give guests a luxury, elevated experience, it was important to the team that the façade of the building married beautifully with their historic surroundings and that the inside was a reflection of just that.

To carry this theme throughout, Prince incorporated at least one vintage piece in each room to mix the old and the new, while still honoring whimsical touches. One of Prince’s first purchases, which resides in the main bar area as well as in the “Rum Room,” is the Vandyke man himself; a lamp standing 2 feet tall with a bold red shade embodies the whimsy of the project.

Property Manager, Tinsley Dempsey, was an essential part of the design process as she curated an exquisite art collection throughout the property. The art program highlights unique purchases and commissioned pieces from photographers, fine artists, illustrators and installations artists, nearly all of whom are locals residing in East Nashville. An anchoring piece in the collection is the large installation by Dustin Hedrick that tells the story of the musical heritage of Music City through the faces of some of Nashville’s greatest performers, including Todd Snider, Dave Rawlings, Loretta Lynn, the Fisk Jubilee singers, Gillian Welch and Jack White.

And whether you are here from out of town or simply down the street, the central meeting point at Vandyke Bed & Beverage is appropriately the bar that will open to locals and visitors Wednesday through Sunday from 3 p.m. until midnight. General Manager and Beverage Director, Freddy Schwenk, designed the concise, seasonal menu of inspired craft cocktails, which are complemented by eight rotating beers on draught and wine-by-the-glass options. A favorite on the spirit list is the ‘Trashmopolian,’ featuring St George citrus vodka, pisco and recycled fruit. A food menu is available during bar hours, and brunch will be served Friday through Sunday in the bar and on the outdoor patio. What is a favorite you ask? The team unanimously agreed upon the Buttermilk Fried Chicken Sandwich, a southern delicacy that was beautifully mastered by Executive Chef Seamus Rozycki.

Bringing the outdoors in and the indoors out was a strategic and well-planned element that can be see throughout the space. Recognizing that an outdoor approach to the bar was key, so the courtyard will be available for al fresco drinking and dining on pleasant days. The intimate space features a turf lawn, outdoor seating, string lights and a vintage Piaggio Ape that was converted by UK-based company, Tukxi, and shipped to Vandyke Bed & Beverage where it will serve as a full-service outdoor bar.

Vandyke Bed & Beverage undoubtedly provides guests a bespoke experience with each stay and the opportunity to explore Nashville from a local’s point of view.

Room reservations are available through the Vandyke Bed & Beverage website, vandykenashville.com.