NASHVILLE, TN — Hilton BNA Nashville Airport Terminal, recently celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony with an event marking the introduction of the airport’s first on-site hotel.
The modern onsite hotel situated at the heart of Nashville’s growing international airport, represents a landmark achievement in the collaborative efforts to enhance the experience for both business and leisure travelers in Nashville.
Located mere steps from the terminal and connected to the airport by a covered pedestrian bridge, the 14-story, 298-key Hilton BNA Nashville Airport Terminal is the centerpiece of the airport’s ongoing and vast expansion.
“We’re incredibly proud to partner with Hilton Hotels & Resorts on this groundbreaking project,” said Doug Kreulen, president and CEO, Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority. “Hilton BNA Nashville Airport Terminal is the cornerstone of our BNA® Visionplan, enhancing our ability to serve our travelers and cementing Nashville’s status as a key international hub.”
The hotel is owned by a partnership between Chartwell and Rockbridge subject to a lease with the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority. Chartwell is the hotel operator and FirstBank provided construction financing. Crain Construction, Inc. of Nashville, served as the project’s construction manager. Hilton BNA Nashville Airport Terminal builds upon Hilton Hotels & Resorts’ leadership in airport hospitality, which began with the opening of the first airport hotel, Hilton San Francisco, in 1959. Today’s realization of this vision, adding to Hilton Hotels & Resorts’ robust portfolio of over 600 hotels spanning six continents, is the result of a collaborative effort involving Hilton, BNA, Rockbridge and Chartwell Hospitality. Hilton BNA Nashville Terminal 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, executive vice president of Development & Acquisitions for 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.”
“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,” said Jim Merkel, CEO and co-founder of Rockbridge.
The development of Hilton BNA Nashville Airport Terminal, including the hotel’s opening, 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. Other recent milestones include: new Concourse D, renovation of Concourse B and C, ticketing and baggage claim space, a new International Arrivals Facility (IAF), grand lobby and marketplace, expanded central security checkpoint, terminal garages, free-standing satellite concourse, 102 new dining and retail concessions, a new airport administrative building, plaza and pedestrian bridge, terminal access roadway improvements and airside – apron and taxilane expansion.
Hilton BNA Nashville Airport Terminal’s expansive meeting and event areas, totaling 23,000 square feet, pay homage to aviation pioneers and the paths they paved in air travel. At the heart of these event venues is the nearly 8,000 square foot Gateway Ballroom, symbolizing the boundless voyages of discovery awaiting every guest. From the Wright Room, celebrating the brothers who first took to the skies, to the Cayley Room, honoring the “father of aviation” George Cayley, the hotel boasts numerous flexible event spaces with unique designs that carry the legacy of flight, including a rooftop that can accommodate groups up to 400.
