Knoxville hotels

If you’re on the hunt for the best hotels in Knoxville, look up The Tennessean. With only 82 guestrooms, you can expect personalised, round-the-clock service from the excellent concierge team.

The Tennessean’s lavish style is clear as soon as you walk into the lobby. Look at the hotel’s logo and you’ll see the Volunteer State’s flower; look down on the floor and you can spot the Tennessee River’s design flowing through the fibres of the carpet.

There’s a lot to love about this city centre hotel. Its backyard is the World’s Fair Park, a great spot to catch lively annual festivals. Valet parking means you’ll never have to find a spot in this busy area. Electric bicycles are available for hire, though a workout is just as easily accomplished in the fitness centre. After exercise, I love lingering in the suite’s luxurious tile shower, complete with a footrest.

Top-rated hotels in Knoxville like this Hyatt Place make the most of their central location. The Five Thirty Lounge on the 10th floor’s rooftop grants sweeping views of the city, with the Smokies lending a dramatic backdrop.

The Placery bar and Starbucks in the lobby are just as inviting, particularly on chilly winter mornings. Meanwhile, the free breakfast bar and convenient grab-and-go marketplace have all meals covered without you ever having to leave the hotel.

The guestrooms and suites here are supremely stylish. I think it’s brilliant that they’ve restored the site of the former Farragut Hotel, adding modern touches like sofa beds and work desks. Choose a high-floor suite to savour the views of the city, including the art-filled Charles Krutch Park across the road.

If exploration is on the itinerary during your stay, Cumberland House, Tapestry Collection by Hilton is one of the best hotels in Knoxville to book. Complimentary bicycle hire grants access to all parts of the city, including the riverside Neyland Greenway.

I love that the Balcony Suites offer a glimpse of World’s Fair Park, where the Second Creek Greenway grants access to cycling and walking routes around the city. Guests who’d rather give their feet a rest don’t need to venture far from the hotel’s laid-back suites.

The Appalachian-style grub at Tussie Mussie is worth settling in for. Take it from me: a glass of Tennessee whiskey pairs perfectly with the mountain-inspired dishes. I love the fact this hotel also has a boutique shop on site, so there’s no need to scour the streets for souvenirs to take home.

This Crowne Plaza is located at the northern edge of the city centre (downtown), which I think is a highly underrated Knoxville neighbourhood. It’s just a mile from the University of Tennessee and less than a mile from the Tennessee River. Such a central location keeps guests close to attractions like Market Square, historic Gay Street and Neyland Stadium.

This is also one of the best hotels in Knoxville for celebrating the US bank holidays. The Crowne Plaza hosts a popular Thanksgiving dinner and New Year’s Eve party. What’s more, the Mahogany’s Restaurant is a favourite pre-game spot for fans of the Knoxville Ice Bears to gather during ice hockey season.

Personally, I prefer to hang out with a cocktail in the Library Lounge when I’m not mixing my own drink in the parlour area of the Volunteer Suite. The added kitchenette and dedicated living area offers more space to relax compared to the standard rooms.

I always choose to stay at an Embassy Suites by Hilton whenever possible, and this central option delivers the same perks I’ve come to expect from the trusted brand. The complimentary evening reception, bookended by a delicious morning breakfast, are two major perks worth booking for.

But what surprised me most about this property was that some of the King Rooms offer a new amenity: an in-room Peloton bike. This saves a trip to the fitness centre and lets you squeeze in a convenient in-room workout. One thing that guests shouldn’t skip is a trip to the rooftop pool. Surrounded by plenty of plush, comfy couches, it’s my favourite spot to chill.

The Marriott offers a sophisticated stay right next to the Convention Center. This convenient spot is also adjacent to the Henley Street Crossover, so getting into the city centre is easy, even without a car. Not only is this one of the best hotels in Knoxville for attending events at the Convention Center or Maker Exchange, it’s also the only full-service Marriott in the city.

Space is never a problem here, with hundreds of King or Double King Rooms available. All of them have floor-to-ceiling windows offering great views of the city. I love that there’s a cosy corner sofa next to each window; it’s such a great spot to unwind.

For a livelier space to relax, the Tavern at Maker Exchange has a whiskey-bacon burger that’s not to be missed. Afterwards, head back to your room to gaze out at those views and take a well-earned nap.

At first glance, the Element Knoxville West hotel looks like it’s quite far west of the city. But while it may be well outside the city centre, it’s secretly one of the best hotels in Knoxville. I love how welcomed every guest feels when checking in here, just in time for the complimentary evening reception on weeknights. The sun shines on the outdoor swimming pool without skyscrapers blocking the rays.

Although the hotel is adjacent to Interstate 40, it’s within minutes of Dead Horse Lake Golf Course, Marble Springs State Historic Site and Haw Ridge Park. These three outdoor spaces provide a breath of fresh air in contrast to the busy urban surroundings.

After a day of exploring, returning to the Element’s spacious, light-filled rooms feels both relaxing and refreshing. I love that the studios and suites have sitting areas – perfect for eating a to-go meal from the hotel’s gourmet pantry.

One of the best hotels in Knoxville, The Oliver Hotel really knows how to celebrate the city. The square frames lining the suite’s walls all contain local artworks, and hand-crafted furnishings fill the rooms. What’s more, each guestroom and suite features thoughtful touches like plantation shutters, designer light fixtures and crown mouldings.

The most difficult decision here is choosing between the Market Suite and the Oliver Suite. The former has a mid-century modern vibe with great views of the popular Market Square. The latter combines views of Market Square with Krutch Park and has the sort of high ceilings that instantly make it one of the dreamiest corner rooms in the city.

Every guestroom and suite has plenty of perks: luxury cotton bedding, bespoke bath products, a selection of coffee and tea and a bottle of the hotel’s own Blanton’s Bourbon, my favourite hotel amenity in the city.

Hotel Cleo is one of the best boutique hotels in Knoxville, yet feels more like staying in a chic friend’s home. All of the suites are unique, from their size and layout to their design and décor. I was wowed by the chandeliers, velvet accents, raised ceilings and lavish furnishings, making this one of the best hotels in Knoxville for design lovers.

With only 16 rooms and a prime city centre address, Hotel Cleo is a coveted overnight spot. It’s a glamorous French-style hotel – a rarity in this Appalachian city – and stands out for more than its ornate suites.

Lilou Brasserie, the on-site restaurant, is full of old-world European charm. Classic French cooking is given a contemporary twist here, while Lilou’s wine list features one of the largest French selections in the region.

Hilton Garden Inn is close enough to the city to easily visit attractions like the Knoxville Museum of Art, but far enough outside the centre to escape the daily grind. I also appreciate this hotel’s location on Interstate 40 because it’s close to the great Tennessee River views at Lakeshore Park and Sequoyah Park.

This is one of the best hotels in Knoxville for visitors who want to explore the city’s limits beyond the centre. There’s no denying that the hotel itself understands guests’ love of Knoxville’s natural surroundings. Pet-friendly rooms cater to travellers with furry friends, while the bright and airy business centre creates a relaxed atmosphere for remote workers.

The indoor swimming pool, open year-round, pairs well with the fitness centre for getting a workout in. The on-site restaurant has breakfast and dinner covered, while there are plenty of great lunch options within walking distance.