Chattanooga hotels

As the only 5-star hotel on this list, The Edwin has no trouble ranking among the best hotels in Chattanooga. It’s located on the northern end of town along the waterfront, near the 16-mile Tennessee Riverwalk. You can see both from The Edwin’s beautiful rooftop, which is home to the city’s first rooftop bar (where you’ll find 100-plus whiskeys) and a plunge pool.

The luxury and opulence continue inside, which is outfitted with high-end decor and a curated collection of local art. For me, the art collection is what really makes this property stand out – it’s like a mini gallery.

Rooms have views over downtown or Walnut Street Bridge and include marble bathrooms. If you’re looking to stay at one of the best luxury hotels in Chattanooga, you’ve found it.

The Westin at Chattanooga is impossible to miss. Its orange-tinted reflective exterior gives just a hint at what you’ll find inside – namely, expansive floor-to-ceiling windows that make you feel as if you’re floating above the city.

As one of the best hotels in Chattanooga, The Westin has a well-deserved four stars and each guest is treated to views of downtown or the mountains (thanks to the floor-to-ceiling windows found in every room). If you’re staying for a bit or travelling with family, I recommend booking one of their opulent suites, which have kitchens and dining areas along with a lounge space.

The Westin is just a couple blocks off Market Street, near the Tivoli Theatre. The Tennessee Aquarium and Creative Discovery Museum (both great for kids) are less than 15 minutes by foot.

The ultra-hip Southside neighbourhood is best known for the Chattanooga Choo Choo, an early-1900s terminal station that has been transformed into a dining and entertainment destination. Just across the street is the Kinley, a beloved hotel in the area.

The modern but casual property has everything you’d expect, including custom mattresses, contemporary decor, and free Wi-Fi. It’s also made a name for itself as a hub for culture and art. My favourite element of the Kinley is the hidden speakeasy, Company, which has rich decor and serves speciality drinks and dishes.

There’s also an eatery that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I highly recommend starting your meal with a round of truffle fries and Brussels sprouts.

The bustling, glamorous Read House is situated one block off downtown Chattanooga’s Market Street and boasts one of the finest addresses in the city. The property is historic; it’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places and holds the title of the longest continuously operating hotel in the southeast.

I love a hotel with a story, and the Read House has many. It was established in 1872 and became an icon of the Jazz Age. It has since been carefully restored to reflect the Roaring 20s, an era it nails perfectly.

The entry and lobby will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time, while the rooms mix the historic with the modern. As one of the top hotels in Chattanooga, you can also expect excellent on-property dining, including a chophouse and a speakeasy-esque cocktail bar with billiards.

The Mayor’s Mansion Inn had me at first sight. Yes, I’m a sucker for bed and breakfasts, but this little inn also has truly unique, Victorian decor that makes you feel like you’ve entered another era. A personal favourite is the Signal Mountain Room, which is outfitted in French toile and antique furniture.

Elegant interiors aside, this stunning inn has a history that dates back to 1889, when it was built for the man who would later become the mayor of the city.

The property is situated in the Fort Wood Historic District, just across the street from The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Downtown Chattanooga is less than 10 minutes by car.

Aesthetically, The Dwell Hotel is my favourite property on this list. Its interiors showcase a colourful mishmash of pieces from the 50s, 60s, and 70s that are perfectly put together. Dwell is swanky but bold; retro yet contemporary.

And with just 16 truly unique rooms – each with vintage furniture and vibrant wallpaper – The Dwell Hotel is one of the coolest boutique hotels in Chattanooga. (My favourite rooms include The Dandelion and The Tiki.) If you ever want to leave your room, make sure you visit the mystical Matilda Midnight cocktail bar downstairs.

The nearby Miller Park is a great place to walk in the morning, and downtown Chattanooga and Market Street are just a few blocks away. The Dwell Hotel is easily one of the best hotels in Chattanooga, especially if you value special touches and unique details.

This is a 4-star property with all the trimmings, but the most impressive part of The Hotel Chalet is its location. The property is situated in the iconic Chattanooga Choo Choo, an early 1900s terminal station that has been restored to be a multi-faceted venue for dining and entertainment (there's no shortage of food, drink, and shopping here).

The building’s history as a train station is embraced at The Hotel Chalet, which has 127 guest rooms, including 25 rooms in restored train carriages from the Victorian era. These train carriage rooms helped secure the property’s status as one of the best hotels in Chattanooga – because it’s almost impossible to resist spending the night in a restored Sleeper Deluxe with a private entrance and bath. The moment I learned about this unique stay, it stuck in my mind and continues to be at the top of my travel to-do list.

Bluff View Inn is set across three turn-of-the-century homes that overlook the Tennessee River – talk about a stellar location. The Tennessee Riverwalk is just outside the hotel’s front door, and your home base will be in the desirable Bluff View Art District, which is known for its great coffee shops and handmade pastries.

The rooms at the Bluff View Inn are all unique. My suggestion is to book a room in the Maclellan House, which is a beautiful English Tudor-style home that acts as the inn’s main hub. The rooms are all lovely, but I’m partial to the Carter Room, which overlooks the terrace.

The quality of care and historic beauty here make it one of the best hotels in Chattanooga and a favourite among those looking for a cosy bed and breakfast.

The Hotel Clemons is set right in the middle of the action, one and a half blocks from Market Street and on the same block as the Tivoli Theatre. But what really makes it one of the top hotels in Chattanooga is the size of the rooms.

The rooms here all feature a full kitchen, a living room, and a dining area, allowing you to get a true taste of downtown Chattanooga living. You can choose between a one-, two-, or three-bedroom suite, or opt for the premium three-bedroom suite, which has its own ping-pong table (yes, really).

I love that none of the 54 rooms at the property are the same, making you feel like you’ve got your own downtown apartment.

The Chattanoogan Hotel is a grand, 4-star property that has everything you’d expect from one of the best hotels in Chattanooga. It’s located on Broad Street in the Southside Historic District, just south of downtown Chattanooga.

The property has rooms for everyone: standard rooms along with expansive suites, a handful of wheelchair accessible rooms, and designated pet-friendly rooms. However, my favourite feature of The Chattanoogan Hotel is its full-service spa, where you can relax into your trip with a body scrub, massage, or facial.

The Chattanoogan Hotel also has a cosy bar and a modern restaurant serving 'Southern progressive cuisine'. Just don’t miss a visit to the High Rail, a rooftop bar with great food and fine city views.