Where to Stay in Chattanooga, TN — The Best Hotels
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Downtown Chattanooga, TN has an impressive hotel scene for a mid-sized city — from Michelin-recognized boutique properties to budget-friendly options that don't sacrifice location. Whether you're planning a romantic weekend, a family trip, a solo adventure, or a business stay, there's a great option waiting for you in this National Park City.
In a Rush? These Are My Top Picks
For a Unique Stay:Hotel Chalet at the Choo Choo
For a Luxury Stay:The Edwin Hotel
For Business Travelers:The Chattanoogan Hotel
For Solo Travelers: The Moxy Chattanooga Downtown
For Families: Embassy Suites by Hilton Chattanooga Downtown
For Budget Travelers: The Crash Pad: An Uncommon Hostel
A Note on Booking
I've included booking links throughout for your convenience. But if you'd like to take advantage of exclusive perks — resort credits, complimentary upgrades, early check-in/late checkout, and more — I'd love to help you book.
Most Unique Stay in Chattanooga:
Hotel Chalet at the Choo Choo
Location: Southside neighborhood — 92 Choo Choo Ave
TripAdvisor Rating: 4.7/5
Accolades: 1 Michelin Key
If you want a hotel stay that doubles as a destination, this is it. The Hotel Chalet is set within the iconic Chattanooga Choo Choo complex — a grand Beaux-Arts railroad terminal built in 1909 — and opened in 2023 after two years of meticulous renovation. The hotel offers 127 guest rooms, including 25 rooms inside restored Victorian-era Pullman train carriages, alongside the on-site restaurant Elsie's Daughter and a series of beautiful indoor/outdoor lounge spaces.
The surrounding Southside neighborhood and Chattanooga Choo Choo Historic District is full of great restaurants, bars, and coffee shops, and the free shuttle stop is just steps from the front door. It's a particularly good pick for couples — the Choo Choo complex has an atmosphere that feels unlike any other hotel in the city.
Good to know:
Room options range from standard rooms to train car suites that sleep up to four
Dogs up to 50 lbs are welcome with a pet waiver required at check-in
Self-parking is available
Best Luxury Stay in Chattanooga:
courtesy The Edwin
The Edwin Hotel
Location: Bluff View Arts District — 102 Walnut St
TripAdvisor Rating: 4.7/5
Accolades: Michelin Recommended
The Edwin sits between the Hunter Museum of American Art, the historic Walnut Street Bridge, and the Bluff View Art District — three of Chattanooga's most beloved landmarks, and an ideal base if you want to be in the quieter, more artistic corner of downtown. The hotel's name honors Edwin Thatcher, who led the development of the Walnut Street Bridge in 1890 — that kind of thoughtful local storytelling runs through everything here.
Amenities include a full-service spa, complimentary bicycle rentals, a fitness center, and a rooftop pool with river views. The rooftop bar, Whiskey Thief, is the city's first true rooftop bar and pours over 100 Tennessee whiskeys. The on-site restaurant Whitebird specializes in contemporary Appalachian cuisine sourced from the Chattanooga area.
The Tennessee Aquarium is a 4-minute walk and the Riverwalk is equally close, the perfect place to put the complimentary bike rentals to use.
Good to know:
Pet-friendly for one dog up to 40 lbs; non-refundable $150 fee per stay
Valet parking available for $34 per day
Best Places To Stay For Business Travelers in Chattanooga:
courtesy The Chattanoogan
The Chattanoogan Hotel
Location: Southside — 1201 Broad St
TripAdvisor Rating: 4.2/5
I attended the Women in Travel Summit at The Chattanoogan, and it handled a large conference with ease. The hotel sits in downtown Chattanooga's Southside and combines upscale accommodations, multiple dining options, and cutting-edge meeting facilities. As a meeting planner, the conference infrastructure here is impressive — there's a ballroom, multiple breakout meeting rooms, and even a lecture hall-style theater, making it one of the more versatile event venues in the city.
Dining options include Starbucks, Forge restaurant, Stills + Mash Bourbon Bar, and High Rail, the rooftop bar. There's also a full-service spa for unwinding after a long conference day, and a fitness center on-site.
The Chattanooga Convention Center is just across the parking garage — a short walk away.
Good to know:
Self-parking at $17/day; valet at $25/night
Pet-friendly up to 50lbs; non-refundable $75 fee
courtesy Chattanooga Marriott Downtown
Chattanooga Marriott Downtown
Location: Downtown — Two Carter Plaza
TripAdvisor Rating: 4.2/5
If you're attending a convention and want the most direct access possible, the Marriott is hard to beat. It's directly connected to the Chattanooga Convention Center, with over 9,800 sq. ft. of on-site event space and seamless access to 100,000+ sq. ft. of adjacent convention facilities.
On-site amenities include a fitness center, a rooftop outdoor pool, Table South Kitchen & Bar for all-day dining, and covered garage parking. A complimentary shuttle to area attractions is available for all guests.
Good to know:
Self-parking at $25/day; valet at $30/night
Pets are not allowed
Best Place to Stay For Solo Travelers in Chattanooga:
The Moxy Chattanooga Downtown
Location: Southside neighborhood
TripAdvisor Rating: 4.3/5
This is where I stayed, and it was perfect for a solo trip and getting a little separation from the conference crowds. The Moxy hits the sweet spot of great location, reasonable price point, and fun common spaces — the lobby has pool tables, shuffleboard, and a bar, which makes it easy to meet other travelers or just decompress after a long day. The bed was comfortable, the vibe was relaxed, and the Southside location put me within walking distance of tons of restaurants and coffee shops.
One thing to know: the rooms are compact and intentionally minimal. I didn't miss what wasn't there, but if you need an iron or a mini fridge, this isn't your hotel.
Good to know:
A short walk to the Chattanooga Choo Choo and most Southside dining
Self Parking at $12/day
Best Place to Stay for Families in Chattanooga:
courtesy Embassy Suites Chattanooga Downtown
Embassy Suites by Hilton Chattanooga Downtown
Location: Downtown — 345 Broad Street
TripAdvisor Rating: 4/5
A newly built property in a prime location — steps from the Tennessee Aquarium and Creative Discovery Museum, and within easy walking distance of the Riverwalk. The two-room suite layout is one of the biggest draws for families: parents get their space after the kids are down for the night, which is worth its weight in gold on a family vacation.
The hotel features an indoor pool with hot tub, complimentary breakfast, rooftop dining, and an evening reception.
A fun footnote: the Embassy Suites served as the official team hotel for Spain's national soccer team during the 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage — choosing Chattanooga as their base camp while playing matches in Atlanta. Good taste, La Roja.
Good to know:
Complimentary breakfast included — a meaningful perk for families watching the budget
Valet Parking at $30/day
Pet-friendly up to 50lbs; non-refundable $100 fee
Best Place to Stay For Budget Travelers in Chattanooga:
courtesy of The Crash Pad
The Crash Pad: An Uncommon Hostel
Location: Southside neighborhood
TripAdvisor Rating: 4.8/5
The Crash Pad is that rare hostel where the high TripAdvisor rating actually makes sense — it's consistently praised for being exceptionally clean, thoughtfully run, and welcoming. Located in the Southside district, the hostel has air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms, a shared full kitchen, and a concierge service that can help arrange tours for guests. There's also a lobby bar and garden, and the surrounding neighborhood is full of restaurants and coffee shops within walking distance.
Private rooms are available if you want the hostel community without the dorm experience. Either way, the location is excellent and the price point makes it easy to spend more on experiences.
Good to know:
Sustainability-focused property — a good fit for eco-conscious travelers
More Chattanooga Guides
FAQs
What Is the Best Neighborhood to Stay in Chattanooga?
Downtown and the Southside are the two most convenient neighborhoods for first-time visitors, and they're essentially adjacent — you can walk between them in minutes. Both put you close to the free electric shuttle, the Chattanooga Choo Choo, countless restaurants and coffee shops and other popular attractions that make the city worth exploring on foot.
If you're prioritizing the aquarium and the Riverwalk, the Bluff View Arts District end of downtown (where the Edwin sits) is especially well-positioned. If you're attending a convention, the Convention Center area on Carter Plaza is the obvious choice.
For Lookout Mountain access, downtown is still fine, and only about a 10 minute drive — you'll want a rental car regardless of where you stay.
What Are the Best Things to Do in Chattanooga?
Chattanooga's top attractions include Ruby Falls, Rock City Gardens, and the Incline Railway — but the city has a lot more to offer. Check out my Top Things To Do in Chattanooga post for a full breakdown, and my 3-Day Chattanooga Itinerary for how to map it all out across a weekend.
Can I Stay at the Chattanooga Choo Choo?
Yes! While you can't sleep inside the historic train station itself, the Hotel Chalet offers rooms in the buildings alongside it — and, most memorably, in 25 restored Victorian-era Pullman train cars dating from the 1920s to the 1960s, sitting on tracks within the Choo Choo complex. It's one of the more unique, fun hotel experiences in the Southeast.
Want more help planning your Chattanooga vacation? I'd love to work with you to help you plan the perfect trip!
Hi, I’m Jess
I’m here to help you plan epic adventures. If you’re looking for authentic travel guides that mix luxe lodging and incredible dining with out of this world hikes and adventures, you’re in the right place.
