Ask Katye—your CMA Fest 2026 Concierge
Help from a real person, not a bot!
Hi, everyone! I'm Katye Stone and I'm here to help you navigate the ins and outs of CMA Fest 2026. Please reach out to me by email (complete the form below) with your questions about our packages or, if you've already booked with BlueShoe Nashville, ask me what you need to know to help make the most of your upcoming trip to Nashville. I'll respond to all messages as soon as possible.
Ask Katye . . .
Downtown or midtown hotel for CMA Fest—which should you pick?
April 19, 2026: Still trying to choose which CMA Fest package is best for you? Sometimes it helps to hear from someone who has been there. I have personally visited Home2 Suites and Fairfield Inn by Marriott as a beta tester for BlueShoe and can answer any questions you may have about either property. You can send me an inquiry through Ask Katye -- your CMA Fest concierge and I will respond to your questions via email or if you prefer, please inquire about arranging a time to discuss over the phone.
Our Home2 Suites downtown packages and our Fairfield Inn by Marriott near Vanderbilt packages have much in common: both are for four nights (June 4, 5, 6, 7, 2026) and include a 4-day CMA Fest for each person (with premium seating at Nissan Stadium for the nightly concerts). Both hotels also include a complimentary hot breakfast and have outdoor pools.
Now, let's explore the differences and why our Home2 Suites packages are more expensive. The most significant reason for the price variance comes down to one factor: location. Home2 Suites is located downtown within walking distance of the Festival venues, whereas Fairfield Inn by Marriott is located in midtown, approximately 2.5 miles from downtown. The midtown area surrounding Fairfield Inn is charming, adjacent to Centennial Park (home to the famous to-scale replica of the Parthenon) and just a short walk to Vanderbilt University and numerous restaurants and bars. However, if you stay at the Fairfield Inn, you will need to arrange transportation downtown, whether driving your own car (including finding parking downtown), taking a taxi or rideshare, or riding the city bus (we can provide more information on how to access this option). Another difference between the two hotels: room amenities. Whereas Fairfield Inn rooms are equipped with a mini fridge, Keurig coffee maker, and a microwave, Home2 Suites suites have a full kitchen (which includes a full-size refrigerator, microwave, sink, induction burner cooktop, and dishwasher) and a sofa bed.
So which should you choose? Stay at Home2 Suites if you want to be within walking distance of the Festival venues, close to the downtown Nashville nightlife, and would like to have access to a full kitchen and sofa bed in your hotel room. Stay at Fairfield Inn by Marriott if you want a more economical package in a charming area of Nashville and don't mind commuting the 2.5 miles to downtown each day/night for the CMA Fest activities and concerts.
Please reach out to me here if you have questions or would like to discuss further. I look forward to hearing from you and assisting with planning your trip to CMA Fest 2026!