Nashville's new hotel hits all the right notes for a Music City trip

The rise and rise of country music has put Nashville, Tennessee, on the tourist map like never before. Known as Music City, it's the beating heart of the country music scene and a magnet for all boot-scooting, Stetson-wearing, aspiring cowgirls and cowboys. With the recent grand opening of Caption by Hyatt Nashville - The Gulch, a new option is now available for visitors who want a stylish stay at an affordable price. Beyond Nashville, the Caption by Hyatt brand is growing, with new hotels in Osaka and Shanghai, and one in Sydney, too.

Located in the Gulch district of Nashville, the hotel is close to downtown Nashville and the lively music bars along Broadway, but not so close that your sleep will be disturbed by a 2am karaoke rendition of Man! I Feel Like a Woman. The Gulch is a former industrial neighbourhood, which is being rapidly transformed into a trendy destination with some of the city's best restaurants, bars and shopping. Think of it as the Brooklyn to downtown Nashville's Manhattan.

Fun and fresh, the Nashville-proud decor includes railroad-inspired elements, a clever nod to the active train yard behind the hotel that has played an integral part in The Gulch's industrial activity. Headboard murals evoke railyards, corridors feature sketches of trains and curated art pieces continue the theme. It's subtle enough to blend into the background, but present enough to delight train geeks.

There are 210 stylish guestrooms, including King Rooms and Deluxe Rooms with two double beds. The King room I'm staying in has a comfy lounge, work table, large flatscreen TV, blackout curtains, a mini fridge and tea/coffee-making facilities. Everything looks new and smells new. The sleek bathroom has a step-in shower (I had been hoping for a bathtub to soak in) and toiletries from Apotheke, a plant-based producer. Aligned with the hotel's sustainability efforts, the handwash, shampoo and conditioner are in large, refillable bottles.

Cafe Between is open all day, serving coffee and breakfast dishes right through to happy hour drinks, evening cocktails and dinner (try the truffle fries and Nashville hot shrimp). There's also a 24/7 shop, Cafe Between Market, where guests can purchase drinks and grab and go items, including gourmet popcorn and chips.

From the hotel's central Gulch location, I tour the neighbourhood on foot, shopping the boutiques, including Finnleys, Nashville Boot Co and Uncommon James. There are large-scale public art murals all over. Dining options are plentiful and delicious. For breakfast or brunch, Biscuit Love's popularity is evidenced by the long line snaking out the door at 10am. They serve fluffy biscuits (similar to a scone), fried chicken and all manner of irresistible Southern treats. Don't miss the Johnny Cash Museum, the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Ryman Auditorium, home until 1974 of the world's longest-running live radio show, the Grand Ole Opry. If I wasn't a country music mega-fan before I visited Nashville, I certainly was by the time I left. From star sightings (Luke Combs and Blake Shelton) to fascinating museums and sing-alongs in honkytonk bars, the charm of the country music capital is hard to resist.

The bed is one of the best I slept in during my month-long US travels. I had to set three wake-up alarms to make sure I didn't miss my early-morning flight.

The writer was a guest of the hotel