Two weekends ago, I had the pleasure of partnering with Chase Sapphire Preferred to experience the 8th Annual Hotel Thrillist, a weekend-long celebration and truly unique travel and culinary experience in the heart of Nashville. Hotel Thrillist Nashville was filled with parties, performances, VIP dinners, and beyond. In fact, I found out that Thrillist flies in 200+ influencers and partners from all around the country for a complete hotel takeover. Plus, it’s a great way to showcase the best Nashville has to offer.
My Journey with Chase
Since I can remember, I’ve been a Chase member. The company and I have been in a committed relationship since I graduated college! My connection with Chase has almost been like a marriage – we started dating (opened a checking account); progressed over the years towards an engagement (opening a savings and getting a mortgage), and ultimately committing to an all-out wedding (signing up for Chase Sapphire Preferred card). And just like my actual husband, it’s a match made in heaven.
Bob and I love being Chase Sapphire Preferred cardholders. Like many couples, we scoured the market to find the right credit card that fit with our lifestyle. After all, there are SO many options out there – how do you choose? Annual fees, perks, rewards… the list goes on and on.
For us, the decision came down to the fact that Chase Sapphire Preferred and Sapphire Reserve are premier rewards credit cards for people who are passionate about travel and dining. Travel and dining? C’mon, perfect for us, right?!
As you know, I rarely cook, and we dine out throughout the week. Plus, I’m on the road more often than I’m actually home. I hit 1K status on my preferred airline (i.e. more than 100,000 miles) in July of this year (last year was December 28th). Naturally, the card aligns perfectly with our lifestyle and travels.
Chase Sapphire // Points and Perks
Beyond the amazing rewards and great customer service, Chase Sapphire Preferred and Sapphire Reserve customers get access to exclusive events. Chase Sapphire Preferred allows us to earn 2x points on travel and dining, plus access to experiences like Hotel Thrillist. They always seem to be finding ways to create added value and meaningful options for their members.
In fact, Hotel Thrillist used to be invite-only, but for the first time ever, Chase Sapphire card members had exclusive access to purchase packages to attend. At Hotel Thrillist, and any of the events that were held throughout the weekend, cardholders could present their card to get immediate access to the Chase Sapphire VIP Lounge.
Chase Sapphire // Hotel Thrillist Nashville Experience
Hotel Thrillist Nashville (Day One)
After flying to Nashville from Chicago, we arrived at the Westin Nashville later in the evening. Since our flight was slightly delayed, we checked into our room in the hotel lobby. However, we heard most Hotel Thrillist guests who earlier were swept up the 28th floor for a truly VIP check-in. To my surprise, the teams at Chase Sapphire and Hotel Thrillist had an amazing swag bag for me featuring the most amazing items. There were Chase Sapphire ear buds, a Thrillist dopp kit, a branded bandana, and more.
Hotel Thrillist Nashville Feast
To kick things off, Chase Sapphire Preferred shuttled us to “A Nashville Feast with Chase VIP Lounge,” hosted by Chef Maneet Chauhan at BMI Rooftop on the Row. The Friday night “Feast” was the only event open to the public (tickets were $59 each). Therefore, there was a robust crowd, making for a fun and lively culinary experience!
While Nashville is known for country music, it’s also an exceptional food town. When they said “Feast,” they meant it! There was SO MUCH FOOD. We were able to try all sorts of BBQ, noodles, dirty rice, empanadas, sliders, doughnuts (the list goes on and on).
Upon arriving to Hotel Thrillist “Feast,” we met up with Dan and Haley. I’ve known Dan for years, and Haley and I connected online just prior to the event. The four of us had an absolute blast! We spent most of the party in the Chase Sapphire Lounge, which was exclusive to cardmembers. It was the perfect place to relax, grab a drink and chat with new friends. There were also countless surprises throughout the night.
Hotel Thrillist Nashville FGL House Party
After the Feast, we headed to the After Party at FGL House, an amazing kickoff party. We were given access to the VIP Lounge with dedicated seating and an amazing bar. If you’ve ever been to downtown Nashville on a Friday night, you know it gets BUSY! Every bar, club, and restaurant have lines out the door. Thankfully, Chase Sapphire coordinated to have us arrive at the perfect time, and they even roped off a huge part of FGL for the event.
From there, we were shuttled to the secret after party. Just when I thought they couldn’t top the other events, Chase Sapphire pulled out all the stops.
Hotel Thrillist Nashville (Day Two)
After getting our beauty rest, Bob and I headed to breakfast. The biscuit bar was exactly what the doctor ordered. Following breakfast, we explored Nashville with Haley and visited some of the best murals in town.
After getting my steps in for the day, we headed to Jason Aldean Kitchen + Rooftop Bar for a honky-tonk-style party with surprise musical performances and cocktails. Just like Jason’s music, his bar doesn’t let you down! From sliders to fried pickles, the bar was the perfect stop for an afternoon snack and drinks.
Plus, Chase Sapphire had an exclusive VIP lounge for guests where we could rest, relax and enjoy an array dessert options. There was even a photo booth complete with Hotel Thrillist hats.
Chase Sapphire VIP Dinner
From there, we headed back to the hotel to get ready for the evening’s main event – the Chase Sapphire cardmember VIP Dinner. The dinner was held at Adele’s, a Gulch neighborhood restaurant dishing up American cuisine. From the moment we stepped into the space, I knew we’d have a great meal. The interior features bold turquoise bar chairs, a large wood-burning oven and old-fashioned charcoal grill.
Chase Sapphire had a dedicated section of the restaurant for 50 cardmembers. Best of all, they coordinated a family-style dinner with one of the most amazing steak dishes I’ve ever eaten! The head chef, Jonathan Waxman, is known for his chicken with salsa verde – it was positively delightful. We seriously loved every single dish!
Throughout the evening, the amazing staff at Adele’s took orders for our drinks, and we sat with members of the Chase team, Tamara and her boyfriend, Mark, and also Haley. We chatted about all things tennis, Instagram, and all things Nashville. I truly enjoyed the conversation and cuisine!
Hotel Thrillist Nashville Mansion Party
Following dinner, we headed to theconclusion of Hotel Thrillist – the Mansion Party at Mt. Richmore. Chase Sapphire Preferred even gave us an upstairs VIP section with premium seating for the private concert.
And just when I thought Chase Sapphire couldn’t top the party, they invited us to another secret after party.
Hotel Thrilllist (Day Three)
After a LONG night of sleep, Bob and I got up to explore more of Nashville. It’s no secret I’m a huge fan of the colorful walls and murals in the city. The last time we visited, we found the coolest murals that I wanted to see again.
Thankfully, there were a lot of new walls to check-out as well, which I’ll be sharing in the coming week ahead! Lastly, we headed to Pinewood Social for Sunday brunch and to work on our laptops. It was the perfect way to end the weekend!
My sincere gratitude to Chase Sapphire for the once-in-a-lifetime experience. If you’re thinking about getting a new credit card, I highly recommend investing in one of them. For more information, visit here.
Thanks Chase Sapphire for sponsoring this post and the trip. Partnerships like these make Style Charade possible.