New DoubleTree by Hilton Clarksville Riverview is a hotel transformed | OPINION

Commentary by Chris Smith, editor-in-chief of Clarksville Now.

For several months, the old Riverview Inn – located in a prominent spot overlooking both the Cumberland River and downtown Clarksville – has been literally under wraps amid an inside and out renovation and rebranding as a DoubleTree by Hilton.

It’s long overdue. The last time I was at the hotel, I remember a dimly lit basement ballroom and a restaurant weighed down in the somber jewel tones that dominated the 1990s. The Riverview had been the go-to hotel for my downtown employer, and it was where I sent visiting relatives. All of this worked out nicely – until it didn’t. I don’t remember what year it was, but I recall asking visitors how they liked their stay at the Riverview, and the responses over the years shifted from glowing reviews to awkward silence.

Then COVID happened, and hotel went truly dark, never reopening.

Wow, how have things changed. The hotel is now under new management as the DoubleTree by Hilton Clarksville Riverview, a 156-room, full-service, eight-story hotel. They opened their doors for a celebration and tours this week, and Clarksville Now was invited to check things out.

Bottom line: This is a hotel transformed.

Featured spaces

On the ground floor, the old ballroom space has been blasted with light as the new Cypress Ballroom. Their first big event was Roxy Regional Theatre’s Gala 42. Contemporary circular light fixtures set the tone, with light bouncing off bright walls and ceilings.

The lobby level has an additional party and gathering space, in what was once the hotel’s swimming pool. I never saw that pool, but I’m told that this was a much-needed change. To the side is an outdoor patio overlooking the Cumberland River.

In a hallway leading to the gym and additional meeting space, there’s the new Cumberland Gallery, curated by the Downtown Artists Co-op. The DAC will keep nine local artists in rotation along the walls, adding some local flavor and community support.

Eat and drink

Downtown now has another option for local restaurants: Harvest Kitchen and Spirits, and it’s definitely worth a taste. The Wild Foraged Mushroom Risotto with truffle oil was absolutely amazing – I ended up stealing a third of it from my wife. I had the Pimento Poppers, which were done perfectly. What I found especially encouraging was the simple but elegant presentation with a blackberry gastrique and arugula mix – hints that this kitchen knows how to handle elevated food.

In addition to burgers and sandwiches, they have six featured mains, among them a blackened fresh catch and Smoked Airline Chicken Breast. Their “Butcher Selections” menu has five cuts of steak, including a 16-ounce Prime Delmonico Ribeye.

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The draft beer selection was still a work in progress this week as they didn’t have all the taps open yet, but the menu promises selections from Jackalope, Yee-Haw, Blackhorse and Star Spangled Brewing, so I’ll definitely be back. My wife enjoyed her Old Fashioned, and she was intrigued by the specialty cocktail selections, among them a Strawberry Kiwi Mule and a Pixie Dust.

Service in the restaurant was top-notch, a welcome relief for Clarksville. Here’s hoping it stays consistent and perhaps raises the bar elsewhere.

Rooms and suites

The rooms were refreshingly open and marked with modern finishes. Both the suites and the standard king-bed rooms were spacious and well-designed, with nicely updated fixtures and furnishings. Those who remember the old hotel will be happy to hear that all of the rooms have been gutted and redone, from the carpets to the ceilings.

The views, of course, are spectacular; be sure to ask for a spot on the river side of the building, fifth floor or higher, to watch the Cumberland flow by, with rolling farmland on the other side.

A couple of minor notes: The wardrobe-style closet has a flaw with the two-bar design in that there’s nowhere to hang a dress. Also, while the rooms are perfectly dark at night – thanks to a full-width blackout blind – the ceiling smoke detector has a super-bright indicator that flashed all night, enough to make me wish I’d brought a small piece of electrical tape.

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My only real complaint has to do with the elevators. It was disappointing to see that the elevators already look like they’ve been through a few years of abuse. The thresholds were scratched up and dirty, and there were scratches on the bottom of the doors and walls – exactly where your eyes go when you’re in an elevator. Some quick and regular maintenance here would create a better first impression.

We chatted with several staff members, from the bar and wait staff, to tour guides, to maintenance workers. All were super-friendly, knowledgeable and professional. And of course, every guest gets a nice, warm signature DoubleTree cookie – a large, crispy-outside, chewy-inside, chocolate chip cookie with a hint of coconut.

A hotel we can be proud of

This is exactly the renovation that the old Riverview needed. It’s been transformed into a white-clad, clean, modern space with updated amenities and stylish finishes, and attached to a trusted national brand with high standards. Clarksville will always need a downtown hotel, and this is one we can be proud of. This is where I’ll be recommending for visitors – both personal and professional – and it’s nice to know I’m sending them with confidence that they’ll see our city at its best.

DoubleTree by Hilton Clarksville Riverview is located at 50 College St. For more, call 931-919-5044 or visit them online.

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