Franklin was founded in 1799 by state senator Abram Maury, Jr., who named the town after Benjamin Franklin. The area played a major part in the Civil War when the 1864 Battle of Franklin resulted in nearly 10,000 casualties. The town was long considered a suburb of Nashville, but it has grown more than five times its size since 1980, becoming the seventh-largest city in Tennessee.
Today, picturesque downtown Franklin is a major draw for tourists looking to explore the city's historic side. Thanks to its eclectic shops, eateries, and laid-back atmosphere, Main Street has even been nicknamed America's Favorite Main Street, making it a must-visit during any trip to Franklin. Downtown also hosts many notable festivals throughout the year, including the iconic Main Street Festival, Wine Down Main Street, Pumpkinfest, and Dickens of a Christmas.
Whatever your reason for visiting Franklin, it's important that you find the ideal hotel that allows you to explore this beautiful, relaxed city and everything it has to offer.
When to Visit Franklin, TN
Franklin experiences four distinct seasons, so be mindful of the weather when planning your visit. Wintertime can be quite charming, especially when Main Street is decked out for its Christmas festival, but the entire Nashville area can feel a little gloomy from November to March, and winter temperatures can get chilly. With the exception of the holidays, you can score some incredible hotel rates during this time. If you do plan to visit Franklin during the winter months, keep in mind that Nashville hosts the popular CMA Awards in November and A Country Christmas in December, which tend to draw in larger crowds.
The best time to visit Franklin is from April to October when the weather is sunny. It's a good idea to pack for all types of weather conditions, though, as the Nashville area experiences some fickle weather. Highs in Franklin can creep into the 90s in July, but they hover around the low 70s in early spring and fall. Hotels do increase their room rates during the summer, so if you're wanting to get the best deals, schedule your trip for the spring and fall shoulder seasons. This will also help you avoid the crowds.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Franklin, TN:
Franklin by Star Rating
Below we've posted 3 graphs demonstrating mean nightly cost patterns by star rating class in Franklin, TN. You can use these illustrations to evaluate the most cost effective time to book in Franklin for upcoming travels.
Luxury Hotel Options in Franklin, TN
4 Star Average Prices: $150.31
If you're looking to splurge on upscale accommodations, Franklin offers a few unique choices. Drury Plaza Hotel Nashville Franklin is an impressive lodging offering warm, welcoming rooms and suites near CoolSprings Galleria. Hospitable staff invite guests to relax in rooms that feature LCD televisions, microwaves, mini fridges, coffee makers, hair dryers, free Wi-Fi, and guest voicemail. Upgrading to a suite gets you a separate living area and pull-out queen sleeper sofa. Daily hot breakfast is free, as are evening beverages. You can also take advantage of the complimentary corporate shuttle services during weekdays.
Located on Meridian Boulevard, Courtyard Franklin Cool Springs boasts a convenient location between historic Franklin and iconic Nashville, giving you the best of both worlds. Guest rooms and suites provide signature Marriott bedding, free Wi-Fi, mini fridges, coffee and tea makers, hair dryers, and pull-out sleeper sofas. The property also offers a multifunctional lobby, private media pods with flat-screen TVs, Starbucks beverages, an on-site bistro, a 24-hour on-site convenience market, and event space.
While Franklin itself may be limited in luxury accommodations, you don't have to drive far to get that upscale experience you crave. Nashville Marriott at Vanderbilt University is a four-star hotel offering high-end rooms and suites with upgraded bath amenities, 49-inch flat-screen TVs, Wi-Fi connectivity, a private lounge, and two concierge levels. There's even an on-site urban bistro and bar, free area shuttle service, and a state-of-the-art conference space.
Similarly, the Hutton Hotel in Nashville is a contemporary four-star venue offering stylish rooms, a spa, granite baths, and a pet concierge. The boutique hotel boasts custom bedding, rain showers, stylish dƩcor, laptop safes, plush robes, on-demand videos, work desks, and a signature restaurant serving up traditional Southern cuisine combined with global flavors.
Affordable Hotel Options in Franklin, TN
3 Star Average Prices: $130.72
Finding an affordable hotel in Franklin is easier than you might think. Quality Inn & Suites on Murfreesboro Road near Interstate 65 is one such option. This pet-friendly, three-star accommodation offers free Wi-Fi, free continental breakfast, a business center, free coffee, and a seasonal outdoor pool. All rooms feature coffee makers, premium bedding, flat-screen TVs, and hair dryers. Thanks to its close proximity to CoolSprings Galleria and downtown Nashville, you'll have easy access to the Grand Ole Opry, the AG Expo Center, the Nashville Convention Center, and Gaylord Entertainment Center.
Ramada Franklin/Cool Springs on Hospitality Drive is a straightforward two-star lodging boasting a business center with copy and fax services, meeting space, on-site convenience store, and free large-vehicle parking. Guests can cool off in the seasonal outdoor pool, stay connected with the free Wi-Fi access, and fill up from the complimentary continental breakfast. Upgrade to a junior suite for additional amenities and space. As for nearby dining options, head to the classy Sperry's Restaurant, the family-friendly Dotson's Restaurant, or a nice sampling of fast food joints within walking distance.
Americas Best Value Inn ā Franklin/Spring Hill also offers a free breakfast, Wi-Fi access, and a seasonal outdoor pool. Conveniently located off Interstate 65 in historic Franklin, this accommodation offers easy access to the scenic Natchez Trace Parkway, the Carnton Plantation, the CoolSprings Galleria mall, Carter House, and a variety of shopping, dining, golf, and entertainment complexes. Guest amenities include fax service, extended cable channels, air conditioning, truck parking, meeting facilities, work desks, microwaves, mini fridges, and interior corridors.
Best Western Franklin Inn on Murfreesboro Road offers modern, low-key guest rooms with free Wi-Fi, wake-up calls, coffee makers, hair dryers, irons and ironing boards, mini fridges, microwaves, free local calls, cable satellite TV, high-speed Internet access, and comfortable bedding. The property also boasts a playground, outdoor pool, guest laundry services, exercise facility, free parking, meeting facilities, banquet facilities, photocopy and fax services, business center, and multilingual staff.
