The Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority (MNAA) Board of Commissioners this week selected Chartwell Hospitality as the developer and operator for the 14-story on-airport Hilton BNA International hotel set to open at Nashville International Airport (BNA) in 2023.
The hotel development will be a public-private partnership that includes a parking garage and is a key part of the airport’s BNA Vision expansion and renovation plan. Chartwell’s cost for the hotel approaches $95 million and MNAA’s cost of the garage and plaza is approximately $82 million, the MNAA said.
“The addition of Hilton BNA International will bring a new level of convenience and a host of exceptional amenities for our travelers,” said Trey Harwell, MNAA Board chair. “We appreciate Chartwell’s investment in this project and are eager to move forward.”
The BNA Hilton International will feature 292 guest rooms, including six luxury suites, a high-design Grand Lobby with inspiring public artwork, Grand Bar and Music Lounge, a high-end contemporary restaurant, an event space, state-of-the-art fitness center, and a roof-top Glass SkyBar Lounge and open-air SkyPool with views of the Nashville skyline.
The hotel tower will crown a four-level parking garage, with hotel parking on the ground level, public parking on the upper levels, and a covered pedestrian bridge connecting the hotel Grand Plaza and garage to BNA’s central terminal.
“This high-end hotel, and the many amenities it brings, adds a special touch to our BNA Vision expansion,” said Doug Kreulen, BNA president and CEO. “We think it will be a popular venue for corporate functions and business meetings with unique airport views and sightlines.”
Chartwell, which was selected after a two-year RFP process, will develop and operate the hotel, while MNAA will own the land and garage beneath the hotel. Construction will begin in fall 2021 with completion of the garage slated for summer 2023, followed by the hotel later that year.
Additional projects to be completed by 2023 as part of BNA Vision include a major terminal renovation, expanded central security checkpoint, state-of-the-art International Arrivals Facility and major airport roadway expansion.
