Ready To Rock?: 11 of the Best Hotels for Music Lovers

Festivals dominate Atlanta with large-scale events ranging from Jazz to EDM. Take advantage of the city’s festival spirit without needing the trouble of camping.

“I’ve known people that have moved to Atlanta just to be closer to the city’s music scene as you can find nearly every genre here. Major music venues and dive bars alike provide fans an opportunity to see both nationally-recognized and locally-grown acts.”

Heather Kirksey, Director of Public Relations, Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau

If you’re looking for an opportunity to get up close and intimate with both rising stars and those who have already struck it big, the city of Franklin begs a visit. Nearby Nashville sees the country and bluegrass influence carried through and live music venues are packed with concert-goers night after night.

“Franklin is a singer and songwriter town, home to many of the music makers you’ve been listening to for years. We are privileged to have some amazing music venues, like the historic Franklin Theater on Main Street which has hosted some of the biggest names in music, and many consider to be the best 300-seat music venue in the world. Music City Roots is taped in front of a live audience at The Factory in Franklin each week and even local restaurants like Gray’s on Main and Puckett’s have stages for people to watch and listen to live music almost every night of the week as they dine.”

Matt Maxey, Visit Franklin

Whether you’re looking to stomp the night away to the sounds of Chicago house music in a legendary club or belt out show tunes with locals, Chicago is unified in its love of every kind of music. Former speakeasies are still hosting sensational jazz nights, and community centers host spoken word performances that hint at the next big MC talents in hip-hop.

“Chicago’s rich history with music has long made it a destination for music lovers and creators. Whether you’re seeking genres in which Chicago has played an important role, such as blues, jazz and house, or whether its other popular or emerging forms of musical styles, Chicago is a city that celebrates music, musicians and music lovers. From Lollapalooza to Windy City Smokeout, to live performances at legendary bars, and unique music incubators like 2112, Chicago is truly a music town and the options are diverse and plenty.”

David Whitaker, President & CEO Choose Chicago

With the likes of the internationally acclaimed folk and jazz festival, plus the ever-present year-round bar music scene, Newport is absolutely delightful for music lovers. Cafes, pubs, bars, and even hotels frequently feature live music nightly with mellow acoustic performances to bluegrass and even classical hitting the stage at some of the historic mansions.

“For both musicians and fans alike, Newport is hallowed ground. The world renowned Newport Jazz Festival, which made its debut in Newport in 1954, was the first multi-artist event of its kind. Coachella, Bonnaroo, Glastonbury—they have visionary Newport Jazz Festival founder George Wein to thank. Five years later, he co-founded the Newport Folk Festival with Pete Seeger. Between the two landmark events, legendary artists who have graced Newport’s iconic stages include Dizzy Gillespie, Billie Holiday, Frank Sinatra, Led Zeppelin, Miles Davis, Frank Sinatra, James Brown, B.B. King, Louis Armstrong, Ray Charles, Tony Bennett, Tina Turner, Janis Joplin, Joan Baez, Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash…the list goes on and on. Today, both of these ground-breaking events continue in addition to the Newport Music Festival.”

Andrea McHugh, Marketing & Communications Manager at Discover Newport

Denver’s indie music history goes hand in hand with the burgeoning craft beer scene. Come to Denver to see your next favorite band while they’re still considered indie. Both Tennis and the Lumineers got started here

“Denver’s music scene rivals some of the most well-known hotspots around the country. The city boasts a venue and a style for everyone; from Red Rocks Amphitheatre – which has been named the world’s greatest outdoor amphitheater and is on every fan’s and band’s bucket list – to intimate neighborhood venues, like the classic Bluebird and Ogden theaters, and the new Nocturne Jazz and Supper Club, and Ophelia’s Electric Soapbox. Denver is also a hotbed for emerging bands; festivals like Underground Music Showcase and Riot Fest highlight the best of the local and national artists who descend on Denver on a regular basis to experience the collaborative nature of the city and its electric music scene.”

Justin Bresler, Vice President of Marketing at Visit Denver

Seattle has cemented its place in music history from the early days of grunge music to emo bands of the early 2000s, and palatable indie music. Music lovers should take note to visit the Experience Music Project Museum.

“Seattle – the city that produced such music legends as Quincy Jones, Ray Charles and Jimi Hendrix – has drawn from its classic jazz roots, rebellious grunge experience and innovative, high-tech atmosphere to produce a diverse and thriving music scene unlike any other. With a flourishing music scene that encourages music-lovers to experience all types of music in a variety of atmospheres – from intimate clubs and coffeehouses to large performance halls and city parks – Seattle takes center stage in American popular music.“

Kauilani Robinson, Public Relations Manager at Visit Seattle

Vegas is an adult playground designed to seduce pretty much anyone who enters: from the champagne-soaked bachelorettes wanting to scream along to the lyrics of their favorite songs, to arena performances with big headliners or even the occasional low-key gig.

Arkansas has a rich musical heritage with icons like Johnny Cash and Al Green both calling the state “Home.” Legions of other lesser known, but talented musicians have benefited from the musical incubation of small towns. Likewise, Bentonville has embraced an arts and culture spirit with vigor, and it’s apparent in the high density of music events that populate its monthly calendar.

“Nothing beats the eclectic entertainment Bentonville is providing in our small community. Many weekends, local bands or artists can be found in our restaurants serenading our residents and visitors. Bentonville’s median age is 31. Millennials see the value in experiences and they care deeply about shareable, personalized experiences such as music, concerts and festivals. We continue to see new music experiences happening in Bentonville at restaurants, outdoor festivals, and small concerts in our amphitheater.“

Kalene D. Griffith, Visit Bentonville

Songwriters have flocked to Key West for years, chasing endless amounts of sunshine and inspiration in margaritas and a slowed down pace. Visitors can enjoy this unique relationship the island has with musicians in the nightly bar music scene.

“Over the last 21 years, we’ve had thousands of performing songwriters come to Key West to perform at the Key West Songwriters Festival. Many are just getting to Nashville to make a go of it and many are veterans who have multiple No. 1 hits. Many have gone on to become performing stars in their own right. Many return during the rest of the year and many never leave.”

What are the top reasons that musicians flock to Key West?

“Climate, a creative atmosphere, its open and casual island vibe and oh yeah, the fishing! These are some of the reasons we wind up with so many creative singer-songwriters on our little island hideaway. It’s also a great place to test out new material for traveling artists who come down for short stays.”

Charlie Bauer, President of the Key West Songwriters Festival and Managing Partner of Smokin’ Tuna Saloon