Hotels Open in the South

NATIONAL REPORT—From a soft brand in Nashville to a university-inspired hotel in Knoxville, here are the latest openings in the South.

The Joseph, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Nashville
The Joseph, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Nashville opens this month. Located in the heart of the city’s SoBro district at the corner of Korean Veterans Boulevard and Fourth Avenue South, the 21-story luxury hotel is near Music City Center and the Nashville Symphony.

The hotel brand was conceptualized by The Pizzuti Companies and the hotel is named after Joseph Pizzuti, The Pizzuti Companies’ patriarch. With contemporary design by Arquitectonica, the 297-room property features a range of floor plans, including expansive suites. Encouraging guests to “live with art,” art is woven throughout The Joseph, beginning at the porte cochère and extending to the public areas, function spaces and guestrooms, where no two pieces are replicated. Works from the Pizzuti family’s own collection—as well as specially commissioned pieces, including those from local artists to comprise The Tennessee Collection—lend to an immersive experience. The property includes the full-service spa, called Rose, an expansive fitness center and a rooftop pool and bar. More than 200 feet above the city, these areas showcase memorable views of the Nashville skyline and Cumberland River.

In addition, The Joseph offers approximately 26,000 sq. ft. of versatile event space. A terrace wraps around the hotel’s eighth floor event space for a rare indoor-outdoor gathering. The Joseph includes a fine-dining restaurant and bar on the first floor and a separate, intimate lounge.

Extended Stay America – Titusville – Space Center
Extended Stay America Inc. has opened the Extended Stay America – Titusville – Space Center – in Titusville, FL.

The four-story, 124-room property features complimentary WiFi, premium cable, a StayFit fitness room, StayClean laundry room, and the brand’s signature spacious StayPlay lobby with additional vending options. The rooms include fully equipped kitchens with full-size refrigerators, stovetop, cookware, utensils and dishes as well as pillowtop beds, recliners, spacious workspace, and television streaming capabilities.

The hotel is located in an area referred to as the “Space Coast,” near the Kennedy Space Center. The aerospace epicenter is known for military and aerospace operations, as well as a major tourist destination. Companies such as SpaceX, Blue Origin and OneWeb Satellites, among others, have major operations located close to the property. Guests can also enjoy local beaches, space-related entertainment and experiential venues along with bird-watching, kayaking and trail cycling.

Graduate Knoxville
Graduate Knoxville has opened its doors. The 112-key hotel is located along The Strip directly on Cumberland Avenue, blocks from the University of Tennessee campus and nearby Neyland Stadium. Graduate Knoxville features two food and beverage offerings, including Saloon 16, opening in partnership with NFL legend and UT alum, Peyton Manning, and Poindexter, Graduate Hotels’ signature all-day café concept.

Design throughout the hotel boasts Rocky Top lore, with a palette of Tennessee Orange, complemented with blue and white accents, and rustic, vintage touches that celebrate the city of Knoxville. A front desk reimagined as a Vol Navy-inspired tailgate boat fit for the Tennessee River welcomes guests upon arrival, while an opposing gallery wall features custom cartoon drawings by two-time Pulitzer finalist and UT grad, Marshall Ramsey. The warmth of the lobby is carried into guestrooms complete with light blue headboards, cartoon gallery walls from Ramsey and collegiate-inspired curtains and cozy bed throws. University of Tennessee’s beloved mascot Smokey is a prominent fixture, featured on bedside lamps and throughout custom bathroom wallpaper.

Graduate Hotels is partnering with Peyton Manning on the Western-inspired, high-end watering hole, Saloon 16. Boasting a refined, yet old-school energy, Saloon 16 has been handcrafted by Manning to uniquely tell the narrative of his University of Tennessee experience, according to the company. The venue will offer unseen memorabilia from Manning’s personal collection and more subtle nods to the people, places and experiences that had the most impact on his college years. Design builds upon the space’s western spirit with rich wooden textures and leather fabrics, complemented by Tennessee Orange hues and nostalgic bar decor such as dart boards, a jukebox with custom selections and a vintage, stand up self-playing piano. The mahogany top bar dates back to the 1800s, including a beer mug sliding track, establishing a distinct sense of place for imbibers. Along the bar, brass plated “Sheriff Stars” are attributed to select former UT players considered to be Manning’s personal “all-star” team.