The Sessions Hotel Review: I Spent Two Nights in the Town Where Country Music Was Born

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If you’re looking for a Sessions Hotel review with all the real-deal details—music history, comfy beds, rooftop drinks, and a side of Southern charm, you’re in the right spot!

This summer, I took a road trip with a friend from Charlotte, NC, to Bristol, VA, and checked into The Sessions Hotel. The hotel is named after the legendary 1927 Bristol Sessions—the recordings that gave country music its start.

And this place leans into that legacy in all the best ways. From the music-inspired décor to the rooftop bar with live shows, the hotel is stylish without being stuffy.

The city of Bristol itself is a total hidden gem. It’s a small town literally split down the middle by the Virginia-Tennessee state line. One street, two states—plus antique shops, barbecue, and breweries all within walking distance.

Here’s everything I loved about my stay—and why I think The Sessions Hotel makes the perfect home base for exploring Bristol.

Stay in the heart of Bristol’s charm—The Sessions Hotel blends luxury with local history for a stay that’s unforgettable. 🏨

The Vibe – Music, History, and a Lot of Personality

A red portable record player with a "Jim Lauderdale Game Changer" vinyl sits on a white Sessions Hotel bed in Bristol, VA—perfect for your next bristol va hotels stay or sessions hotel review.

The Sessions Hotel has so much personality. From the moment I walked in and saw a record player waiting on the bed, I knew this would be a fun hotel stay.

The whole hotel is infused with Bristol’s music heritage in a way that feels natural, not forced. The exposed brick, vintage concert posters, and little design touches pay tribute to the town’s country music roots, which I loved.

And our room was spacious and comfortable, perfect for two friends traveling together. The bathroom was surprisingly big, with plenty of room for us to put our makeup on and get ready without bumping elbows. Compared to other Bristol VA hotels, this Sessions has serious style and space.

Even the lobby of the hotel has an upbeat, welcoming energy. It strikes that perfect middle ground between fun and social, with a rooftop bar for music and cocktails, but also quiet when you need sleep (thank goodness!).

I stayed here and LOVED it—The Sessions Hotel has that “small town cool” vibe that makes a trip feel special. 💼

What Makes the Sessions Hotel Special

It’s All About the Music

A brick building with "The Sessions Hotel" sign painted on the side, cars parked along the street, and a mural advertising the Bristol Motor Speedway—one of the standout Bristol VA hotels worth a sessions hotel review.

The Sessions Hotel is named after the famous 1927 Bristol Sessions, considered to be the moment country music hit mainstream audiences. And the hotel fully embraces that legacy.

From the moment you walk in, you’re surrounded by nods to the town’s musical roots. There’s a record player in every room (yes, really), and the whole space feels like a love letter to Americana and early country music.

There’s also a rooftop bar and a stage down on the lawn below where you can catch live music. They even have dog-friendly events, too, and the hotel is entirely pup-friendly! So fun.

Location, Location…and State Line Quirkiness

A brass marker embedded in cracked asphalt marks the border between Virginia and Tennessee, centered between two yellow road lines.

One of the wildest things about Bristol is that it’s literally split in half by a state line. Virginia on one side, Tennessee on the other. You can cross the street and boom—new state.

The Sessions Hotel is on the Virginia side, but you’re just steps away from hopping into Tennessee. To me it seemed like the nightlife was more lively on the Tennessee side. More bars, pool tables, and neon signs.

A street sign points left or straight ahead, with a small green “Entering Tennessee” sign in front of brick buildings at dusk—perfect for visitors searching for Bristol VA hotels or seeking a Sessions Hotel review nearby.

A road sign indicates a left curve ahead and reads "Entering Virginia." Parked cars, trees, and nearby bristol va hotels are visible in the background.

Meanwhile, the Virginia side has restaurants and antique stores. It made wandering around feel like exploring two totally different vibes in one walkable downtown.

Food & Drinks – What to Eat and Where

We ate and drank very well in Bristol—and most of everything was within walking distance from the Sessions Hotel, which I loved so much.

A breakfast menu and a cup of coffee sit on a rustic wooden table in a restaurant at one of the top Bristol VA hotels, capturing the cozy charm mentioned in every Sessions Hotel review.

Three biscuits on parchment paper with sides of butter, jam, and syrup on a round metal tray atop a wooden table. A person in a light-colored sweatshirt is seated behind the tray—an inviting scene perfect for your next sessions hotel review in Bristol VA hotels. — *The biscuits at Southern Craft were SO good!*

Let’s start with the hotel’s own Southern Craft. This BBQ spot is on the property, and we went twice—once for dinner and again for breakfast (because the biscuits demanded a round two). It’s casual, delicious, and super convenient.

Plate with two fish tacos topped with diced tomatoes and onions, tortilla chips on the side, a glass of water, and another person eating a bowl of food at a wooden table—perfect for sharing after reading a Sessions Hotel review in Bristol VA hotels.

Just across the street, we checked out 620 State Restaurant. I had the tacos, which hit the spot, but the menu had everything from sushi to steak. It’s got a trendy vibe and a little something for everyone.

For a more laid-back evening, we stopped by Michael Waltrip Brewing Co. Their beers were great, the burgers were solid, and the staff couldn’t have been friendlier. Highly recommend if you want a chill spot with good food and zero pretension.

The Corner had TVs for catching the game and a stage with live music—basically, everything you want on a Saturday night. We didn’t plan to stay long… and then stayed for hours.

Of course, we couldn’t miss Bristol Bagel & Bakery—perfect for a grab-and-go breakfast before exploring. The line moves fast and the bagels are so worth it.

A person throws darts at an indoor dart board setup in a bar with brick walls, wooden floors, tables, stools, and subdued lighting—perfect for unwinding after reading a sessions hotel review or exploring Bristol VA hotels nearby.

And one of my favorite stops? Borderline Billiards. We played pool, threw darts, and soaked up the fun, low-key vibe. It’s on the Tennessee side, a few minutes’ walk from the hotel.

Bristol might be small, but it’s packed with great food and fun spots. And the best part is you can see most of everything without ever calling an Uber.

Plan your getaway right—book a room at The Sessions Hotel and enjoy the kind of stay that feels like a vacation should. 🌟

More Things to Do in Bristol, VA/TN

Visit the Birthplace of Country Music Museum

Modern museum exhibit with large vertical panels displaying black-and-white photos and circular elements, set on a wooden platform near tall windows with an outdoor view—similar in style to the elegant interiors praised in many Sessions Hotel reviews.

Three stringed musical instruments—mandolin, banjo, and violin—are displayed upright in a glass case with informational labels beneath each instrument at an exhibit near many Bristol VA hotels, perfect for those reading a Sessions Hotel review.

If you’re into music history, don’t skip the Birthplace of Country Music Museum. It’s a short walk from the Sessions Hotel and totally worth your time.

The museum breaks down the 1927 Bristol Sessions that helped launch country music—with stories from legends like the Carter Family and Jimmie Rodgers. Whether you’re a fan of the genre or just love learning about cultural history, it’s a must!

Explore the Bristol Caverns

Flowstone formations with draped and layered mineral deposits inside a cave, illuminated by artificial light—a unique natural wonder to explore while staying at Bristol VA hotels.

This was one of the coolest surprises of the trip. Just 15 minutes from downtown, the Bristol Caverns feature dramatic rock formations, winding pathways, and that echo-y magic you only get in caves. Wear good shoes and prepare to be a little amazed.

Hike at Sugar Hollow Park

Wooden signpost with "TRAILHEAD" and "SUGAR GLIDER" text, topped with a green arrow sign, stands in a park near Bristol VA hotels, surrounded by trees and a gravel path—perfect for guests after reading a Sessions Hotel review.

This park is a peaceful escape if you want to spend some time in nature.

We went for a quick hike on Sugar Hill Loop, and it was just the right amount of effort without being exhausting.

Great trails, shaded paths, and perfect for a breather between meals and music.

Walk State Street and Explore Both Sides

A woman stands and points at a mural reading "Axe & Ale: A Good Place to Eat-Drink-Play" with a silhouette of Virginia on a sunset background, just steps away from top Bristol VA hotels like those often praised in a Sessions Hotel review.

A cluttered antique shop near Sessions Hotel displays vintage items including a lamp, dishes, dolls, framed art, a cake stand, and various wooden furniture—perfect for those exploring Bristol VA hotels.

One of the quirkiest things about Bristol is that State Street splits Virginia and Tennessee right down the middle. We crossed the state line about 100 times without realizing it.

Walk the main strip and its surrounding streets to find antique shops, coffee spots, music venues, and more. The Virginia side felt more artsy and relaxed, while Tennessee had the nightlife.

Tips for Your Stay

There’s onsite parking at The Sessions Hotel, so no need to stress about meters or garages. Just pull in and start relaxing.

Everything downtown is walkable, which is great for hopping between restaurants, bars, and shops. Bring comfy shoes and leave the car parked unless you’re heading out to the caverns or Sugar Hollow Park.

You don’t need a packed itinerary. Half the fun is wandering—whether that means catching a random live band, stumbling into a new bar, or finding the perfect vintage jacket at an antique shop.

Rooms come with a record player—enjoy the ones they provide at the front desk. Yes, I danced around my room. Yes, you should too!

Southern Craft gets busy, so if you’re going for dinner, you might want to go early or make a reservation if possible.

This is a great spot for a weekend trip—whether you’re traveling solo, with a partner, or on a girls trip. It strikes that sweet spot between relaxed and lively.

Final Thoughts – Would I Stay Again?

A mural on a brick wall depicts musicians playing instruments, with the text "Bristol, Tenn.-Va. Birthplace of Country Music" displayed across the top—just steps from top Bristol VA hotels like The Sessions Hotel, known for rave reviews.

Absolutely. The Sessions Hotel is one of those places that sticks with you—not just because it’s stylish and comfortable, but because it feels like it belongs to the city. The music theme isn’t just for show—it’s part of the experience, and it makes the whole stay feel special.

Between the live music, rooftop bar, great food, and prime downtown location, it’s everything I want in a weekend getaway. Whether you’re into country music or just want a unique place to stay in a walkable, historic town—this one’s a winner.

Bristol surprised me in all the best ways, and The Sessions Hotel was the perfect home base to soak it all in. I’d go back in a heartbeat!

🌟 Book The Sessions Hotel for your Bristol stay and enjoy every second of it. 🕰️

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