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The Big Bungalow B&B – reviews, photos

618 Fatherland Street, Nashville, TN 37206
Hotel amenities
The Big Bungalow B&B
Ranked #5 of 20 Nashville B&B and Inns
4.0 of 5 stars 28 Reviews
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28 reviews from our community

    Trip type
Traveller rating
    15
    7
    1
    4
    1
Date Rating
Dayton, OH
1 review
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
“Southern Charm and Hospitality - Not here”
2 of 5 stars Reviewed 7 April 2011
3
people found this review helpful

We recently had the opportunity to stay at the Big Bungalow on a 3-day trip to Nashville. We had booked three nights at another B&B; Linden Manor is charming! Unfortunately, night 3 at Linden was not available but the owner, Catherine, found us a night at Big Bungalow. She was very kind to do so. I say "unfortunately" for many reasons. We did not feel at home at the Big Bungalow. As a couple of the other reviews mentioned (and Lord, I wish I had been more informed before traveling) Ellen at Big Bungalow was not my type of innkeeper. Opinionated and brash are not qualities I can relate to. She asked many unsolicited questions (as other reviewers have harkened) about our plans and when we responded, we were told, "Well, if you are in to that type of thing, fine but it is not for me." I did not ask for her opinion nor did I think her response was useful or appropriate. It was OUR trip - not hers.

On to the room - my only real complaint was the overwhelming smell of the twist-open Airwick gel air fresheners hidden in the room and closet. I am not a scent-sensitive person but those darn things gave me a roaring headache. I politely closed them for our stay and reopened upon departure. Likely, they were aimed at covering up the damp smell in the house. Our windows had heavy condensation on the inside. Old house – I get it. No problem.

The bedding and towels, while seemingly clean, had strong, woodsy/patchouli smells. Public-use linens should not have a smell. That is not a place to show your personality. I’ve stayed at several B&B’s and never encountered this before.

For the food - well, I was very impressed when asked if we had any food allergies when I made the reservation. I am allergic to strawberries and wish to not eat meat. What did we have for breakfast?? Soggy, undercooked French toast roll, topped with strawberries and a side of sausage patties. Normally, I would say something but we were so read y to just leave. You see, before breakfast, the guests were sitting at the breakfast table chatting about our travels and drinking coffee. The coffee carafe was empty so I took it to the kitchen. Ellen saw me put it on the counter and sternly asked what I needed. When I told her that the carafe was empty, she told me - I swear these were her words: "Just leave it on the counter and get out of my kitchen. I don't like anyone in my kitchen." Her tone was not witty or polite.

Bottom line, when I spend $150/night at a Southern B&B, I expect friendly hospitality, service and cleanliness in a cozy unobtrusive environment. My $150 did not buy me that this time.

So, if you are sking, “Would you stay there again?” My answer would be, “Definitely not.”
I will go back to Linden Manor though!

  • Stayed March 2011, travelled as a couple
    • 2 of 5 stars Value
    • 2 of 5 stars Location
    • 2 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 1 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 2 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 2 of 5 stars Service
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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
MD
Contributor
14 reviews 14 reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
12 helpful votes 12 helpful votes
“Absolutely Wonderful”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 5 October 2010
2
people found this review helpful

My wife and I decided to spend our 1 year anniversary in Nashville. We have friends in Nashville and absolutely love to spend time in and around the city, so Nashville was the perfect choice for us. We had a gift card to use for a bed and breakfast in the US, and in looking at all of the other B&B's in Nashville, The Big Bungalow seemed to have the best prices and rooms out of all the others.

We came down in September for our anniversary and we had an absolute blast! We stayed in the Grand Suite, which was absolutely amazing ... the room was incredibly clean, the bed was comfortable, and the bathroom was wonderful. Ellen is such a wonderful person to get to know, she is very knowledgeable of Nashville and the many things it has to offer, even places you wouldn't think of. She makes delicious breakfasts and even got up early to make us a little something when we left early in the morning. Ellen treated us extremely well and made us feel right at home.

The entire house is has been remodeled and fixed up - it looks incredible, both on the inside and out. The area seems sketchy at first, however there is nothing to fear. It is a safe area, and Ellen even lets you keep your car in the back of her lot behind a locked fence. We never felt unsafe there, and would come back to stay in a heartbeat.

If you're looking for the best bed & breakfast in Nashville, look no further than The Big Bungalow. You will not be disappointed, it is a Nashville must!

  • Stayed September 2010, travelled as a couple
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Bruges, Belgium
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
“The pleasure of her company”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 22 September 2010
1
person found this review helpful

There’s something about Tennessee that attracts me. As a European I travelled many times to the US (‘Far From the Madding Crowd’, thank you Thomas Hardy), but since five years I keep coming back to the Volunteer State. Is it the beauty of nature ? The variety of choices for artistic expression ? The great eating adventures ? Or is it the Southern hospitality ? Probably a combination of all but certainly because of the generosity and kindness of the inhabitants of Tennessee. Take Ellen as an example. She runs the beautiful Big Bungalow B&B in historic Edgefield, within walking distance of downtown Nashville. Ellen prepares a delicious breakfast each day with a smile. She tells you where to go and what to do. Her rooms are spacious and clean with shower or bath, tv, cozy seats and excellent bed mattresses. Ellen loves music and art. The Bungalow is packed with paintings made by local artists, sculptures and dolls. Many dolls. The neighborhood is safe with restaurants and cafes nearby. It’s only a short drive to the beautiful Cheekwood Botanical Gardens, The Country Music Hall of Fame, Bell Meade Plantation, Belmont Mansion, the excellent Frist Center for the Visual Arts and Grand Ole Opry. Nashville is a destination that appeals to the interests of every visitor. If you are into music or sports; nature or culture, be sure to book your weekend or holidays at the peaceful Big Bungalow. You will not regret it ! The location is perfect and Ellen is a charming and beautiful personality. Someone with whom you immediately feel at home. Thank you Ellen for the wonderful reception and the beauty of your home. I’ll be back ! Peter from Brugge, Belgium, Europe.

  • Stayed September 2010, travelled solo
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Madison, Tennessee
1 review
“Urban Energy With Down Home Feeling In Nashville”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 11 September 2010

I have had the pleasure of staying at The Big Bungalow Bed and Breakfast three times now over the past 5 years. It is the perfect staycation for me because it feels warm and friendly, has a fantastic breakfast, and an Inn keeper that gives me new ideas of places to visit...even though I live fairly close by. I have tried two of the rooms. The Valentine suite is my favorite (so far).
The location is a quick trip to downtown to sight see or have drinks. One can easily catch a cab; the Inn keeper will help with that as well.
Do spend a night at the Big Bungalow Bed and Breakfast for your staycation if you're local, and if you are not, grab a few nights at the Valentine suite on your way to where ever~

  • Stayed January 2010, travelled as a couple
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 4 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Toms River, NJ
1 review
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
“Beautiful home and art, but a just a tad too much ego”
2 of 5 stars Reviewed 2 September 2010
1
person found this review helpful

My boyfriend and I planned a trip to Nashville and decided on a B&B as opposed to a hotel. Since we had never been to Nasvhille before, but love country music and dirt on the floor honky tonks, we figured a B&B would be great because the hostess could give us lots of local info on the best places to go.
The house was not in a very good section of town, and we were concerned about that, but came to find out it was very unwarranted. We never once had a problem while we were there even though it seemed the "projects" were right across the street. The house was very nice and I loved some of the art. There lines the problem. The whole time we were there, "Susan" talked non-stop about her mother (she did most of the paintings and sculptures in the home) and also about herself, as she had recorded some songs.
The first night we asked for some suggestions on where were good places to hit, explaining that we were country music fans and loved a good honky tonk and BBQ. "Susan" took it upon herself to book us a reservation at a very expensive, Jazz type, restaurant. We were both extrememly under dressed as we mostly packed jeans and cowboy boots, so we felt very out of place. Everyone in the restaurant had on dress shirts, dresses ,heels, nice pants, etc.... The food was great, but extremely expensive and the music was not for us at all. We would have left and ate elsewhere when we saw the place but figured she was nice enough to make the reservation so the least we could do was try it.
The rest of the trip was uneventful, except for that fact that we finally were able to find all the really great honky tonks (ie..Tootsies, Roberts Western World, WildHorse Saloon, etc) and had a bit too much fun, and then felt bad coming back in the house at like 3am with our cowboy boots making a racket on the hardwood floors, lol
And one other note..if you plan on going out drinking and come in late, and think you may be a bit hung over the next day and won't want breakfast..leave a note on the fridge or something...she got very mad that I wouldn't come down for breakfast the one morning.
All in all it was a wonderful trip, comfy beds, very clean, food was great (when I ate) but she was bit too nosey and quick to talk about herself, for hours. Hotel for us next time, one perferrably in walking distance to Music Row.

  • Stayed April 2010, travelled as a couple
    • 3 of 5 stars Value
    • 2 of 5 stars Location
    • 4 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 4 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 2 of 5 stars Service
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Additional Information about The Big Bungalow B&B

618 Fatherland Street, Nashville, TN 37206
Price range (per night):* INR5,312 - 8,388

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