Nashville is changing. If you've spent any time in East Nashville lately, you know the vibe is shifting away from the neon-soaked chaos of Broadway toward something a bit more... intentional. That's where The Eighteen by Locale comes in. Located at 18 McFerrin Ave in the heart of the Five Points neighborhood, this place isn't really a hotel, but it’s definitely not your average Airbnb either. It’s a boutique apartment hotel that basically tries to bridge the gap between "I want a kitchen" and "I don't want to deal with a random host's weird house rules."
I’ve seen a lot of these "apart-hotels" pop up, but this one has a specific story. It was designed by Powell, an award-winning firm right there in East Nashville. They didn't just throw up some drywall; they used things like hand-hewn tile, walnut wood, and indigo blue accents to make it feel like an actual home. Honestly, most rentals feel like a cheap IKEA catalog, but this spot feels like it belongs to that one friend who actually knows how to decorate.
Why Five Points is the Real Nashville
Most tourists get stuck on Broadway. They spend three days wearing plastic cowboy hats and drinking overpriced light beer. Don't do that. Five Points is where the locals actually hang out.
Staying at The Eighteen by Locale puts you within walking distance of places like Five Points Pizza (get the garlic knots, trust me) and The 5 Spot. You’re in a neighborhood where people live, work, and play music. The building itself only has 11 units. This is a huge plus because you aren't fighting 400 other guests for an elevator. It includes two penthouses if you’re feeling fancy, but even the standard units have full kitchens and washers and dryers.
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The "Home Meets Hotel" Reality
The founder of Locale, Nitesh Gandhi, describes the concept as "home meets hotel." What does that actually mean for you?
- No Front Desk: You use a 24-hour virtual concierge and keyless entry. Some people hate this because they want a human to greet them. Others (like me) love it because I just want to get to my room without talking to anyone after a long flight.
- Real Amenities: We're talking 18/8 stainless steel kitchen tools, decent coffee, and bath products that don't smell like chemicals.
- Workspace: Unlike a cramped hotel room, you actually have space to sit with a laptop without your back hurting.
It’s worth noting that the ownership group behind this property actually consists of indie music entrepreneurs. They built it specifically because they saw a need for visiting artists and industry folks to have a place to stay that didn't feel like a sterile corporate box. You can feel that influence in the rooftop deck views of downtown. It’s the kind of place where you could actually host a small meeting or just have a drink while watching the sunset over the Nashville skyline.
What Most People Get Wrong About Locale
There is a bit of confusion because the name "Locale" is used by a few different companies. There’s a meal delivery service called Locale, and then there’s Locale Hospitality, which manages this property. Don't show up at 18 McFerrin Ave expecting a box of organic grass-fed beef to be waiting for you (unless you ordered it yourself, obviously).
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Also, the property was recently rebranded or co-managed under the Mint House umbrella in some listings. This is common in the tech-hospitality world. The "Eighteen" part of the name simply comes from the address. Simple.
Is it perfect? Nothing is. Some guests have mentioned that because it's in a lively neighborhood, you’re going to hear the city. You might hear the hum of traffic or the distant sound of a bar. If you want total, graveyard silence, go stay in a Marriott in the suburbs. But if you want to walk outside and be three minutes away from the best coffee in Tennessee, this is the trade-off.
Tech and Sustainability
One thing that stands out is the focus on sustainability without being preachy about it. Locale often uses 100% recycled materials for certain guest amenities. They aren't just "greenwashing" by asking you to reuse your towel; they actually look at the footprint of the building's operations.
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The tech-forward approach is the backbone here. You manage your stay through your phone. It’s efficient. But, a word of advice: make sure your phone is charged. If your battery dies and you haven't written down your entry code, you're going to be standing on McFerrin Ave looking pretty silly.
Actionable Tips for Your Stay
If you're planning to book a stay at The Eighteen by Locale, here is how to actually make the most of it:
- Skip the Rental Car: Ride-shares are plenty, and the neighborhood is walkable. Parking in East Nashville can be a headache anyway.
- Check the Rooftop Schedule: The rooftop deck is one of the best features. Check if there are any private events planned during your stay so you don't miss out on that view.
- Use the Kitchen: There’s a Turnip Truck (natural grocery store) nearby. Since you have a full kitchen, grab some local eggs and coffee and save $30 on breakfast.
- Confirm the Management: Since management can shift between Locale and Mint House, double-check your confirmation email for the specific app you need to download for entry.
Staying here is about choosing a different version of Nashville. It’s for the traveler who wants the "locale" experience—hence the name—without the uncertainty of a private rental. You get the high ceilings and the cool art, but you also get a professional cleaning crew and a support team that actually picks up the phone.
To ensure a smooth arrival, download the check-in instructions at least 24 hours before you land. Map out the walking path from the property to Five Points so you can head straight for food once you've dropped your bags. Keep your digital key code in a pinned note on your phone for quick access.