After writing guides for countless publications about Chattanooga, including the best places to stay around the city, it became time for our own guide to accommodations. There is a large diversity in the types and prices of properties spanning every loyalty program.
We’ve denoted which ones are our picks and which ones come highly recommended on travel websites so that you can be sure that you’re staying in the best place. We occasionally accept complimentary accommodations in exchange for a review to offset costs but write honestly about our experiences.
Accommodation Type
Don’t limit yourself to just one type of accommodation!
Chattanooga Hotels
Looking for a Chattanooga hotel? Look no further. In this city, you’ll find a little bit of everything, from the chains in all corners of the city to stylish boutique brands to historic inns.
Hotels are the preferred type of accommodation for visitors to the city due to the abundance of options and relatively cheap prices. Shop around on multiple websites, but we prefer Booking.com and Hotels.com.
Chattanooga Hostels
Believe it or not, Chattanooga has multiple hostels and budget accommodations, especially those visiting to experience the outdoors. The Crash Pad was the first to set up shop on the Southside and is unique in its LEED-certified building. It has both private and dorm rooms, daily breakfast, and a partner restaurant next door.
Scenic City Hostel is also on the Southside, just down the street from some of the area’s best restaurants. They have a full kitchen and comfy rooms with double beds or bunk beds. Set in a cozy home on the East Side, Stay 1206 welcomes travelers with its pod-style bunk beds, private rooms, and full kitchen.
ChattanoogaInns and B&Bs
Chattanooga also has inns and bed and breakfasts, mostly located in the stunning historic homes. Set in an 1889 home of the former Chattanooga mayor, The Mayor’s Mansion Inn is located in the Fort Wood Historic District downtown. Each room is decorated uniquely in antiques and named for local landmarks.
Chanticleer Inn is set in a stunning 1927 stone home on the mountain overlooking the city. They have 20 guest rooms as well as a bocce court, swimming pool, and discounted tickets to nearby attractions.
The Bluff View Inn is in downtown’s Bluff View Arts District, steps away from major attractions. Rooms have king beds and some even have balconies overlooking the Tennessee River.
Chattanooga Airbnb and Rentals
Airbnb rentals are another way to see the Scenic City. Some neighborhoods within the city don’t allow short term rentals, so keep that in mind while looking. This is a good option if you’re staying for longer or want the comforts of home in a local setting. For a discount on your first stay, use our link.
Camping and Glamping in Chattanooga
Chattanooga boasts multiple options for travelers in RVs and tents. Raccoon Mountain Campground on Lookout Mountain is both an attraction, with tours of its caves, and a campsite. They have primitive sites, water and electric sites, and full-service RV sites as well as cabins. The site has a fitness center, dog park, saltwater pool, and hiking trails.
The Lookout Mountain/Chattanooga West KOA on the Georgia side of the mountain has the brand’s amenities like free high-speed WiFi, a saltwater pool, and dog park. The city also has “glamping” options, including treehouses with Treetop Hideaways and tiny houses for rent with Live a Little Chatt. The Dyrt is a good resource highlighting the campsites in Tennessee and beyond.
Chattanooga Neighborhoods
Most visitors stay within downtown Chattanooga, which is where the majority of the hotels are located. But there are plenty of other areas to explore.
Downtown
The majority of Chattanooga’s accommodations are also where most of its attractions are. Downtown has The Edwin Hotel, the Bluff View Inn, and large properties like the Marriott.
These hotels and inns are within walking distance of the Tennessee Aquarium, the Hunter Museum of American Art, the Creative Discovery Museum, and dozens of restaurants. In this neighborhood, you’ll likely have to pay to park, but it’s very walkable and accessible on the free public bus.
Southside
A great alternative to staying downtown is the Southside, a few blocks south of downtown and accessible by bus or car. Parking is more accessible and the hotels are trendier, like the Moxy Chattanooga or Dwell Hotel.
There are plentiful restaurants and shops around the Chattanooga Choo Choo, which is also located next to the Songbirds Guitar Museum. Warehouse Row is another area with shops and restaurants.
Lookout Mountain
The city’s iconic feature is Lookout Mountain, which straddles the line between Tennessee and Georgia. It’s here that you’ll find campgrounds and historic inns.
Most come here for the classic attractions, including Ruby Falls, Rock City, the Incline Railway, and the Point Park Battlefield. St. Elmo, at the foot of the mountain, are restaurant options.
Our Picks
After a number of visits to Chattanooga, we have a lot of suggestions in terms of the best hotels and properties around town. We have personally stayed in each of the below-mentioned properties.
The Crash Pad: An Uncommon Hostel
The Crash Pad opened in 2011 as Chattanooga’s first budget accommodation. It focused its design on local, sustainable, and recycled materials and outdoor elements to appeal to rock climbers.
They offer both bunk beds and private rooms, located along one main hallway. Bunks are built pod style with reading lamps, storage lockers, and privacy curtains. All come with linens and WiFi as well as keycard entry. There’s also a suite for larger groups.
The hostel has a communal kitchen and free daily breakfast featuring local eggs, bread, and coffee. Parking is included and guests have access to computers and a book exchange. The hostel is located down the street from the free city bike but guests can also see the city by foot or by bike. There’s a city bike share program with a docking station nearby.
If You Like: cheap sleeps, nearby restaurants
Other Features: LEED certification, discount at Flying Squirrel
Read our review or click here to book your stay.
The Chattanoogan Hotel
Located near the convention center on the Southside, The Chattanoogan has 198 guestrooms and suites in king and double beds. Guest rooms all include stylish furnishings, pillowtop mattresses, flat screen televisions, workstations, refrigerators, coffee makers, high-speed Internet, and access to the hotel’s heated indoor pool, Jacuzzi, spa, and fitness center.
The property also has over 25,000 square feet of meeting space, three dining options, and onsite parking. Broad Street Grille serves regional American fare while The Foundry has a casual bistro menu with a game room and live music. Stroud’s is a sidewalk cafe offering coffee, sandwiches, and desserts.
If You Like: business hotels, convenient location
Other Features: on the shuttle line, valet parking
Read our review or click here to book your stay.
Other Recommended Properties
We haven’t had the chance to stay at these properties yet, but they are highly rated on TripAdvisor and other hotel review websites.
Moxy Chattanooga Downtown
- Millennial-friendly amenities like murals and bar
- Southside location
- Stylish boutique-style rooms
- Book here
Chattanooga Choo Choo
- Multiple types of rooms, including train cars
- Dining options like Frothy Monkey
- Southside location next to free bus
- Book here
The Edwin Hotel
- Autograph Collection that earns Marriott points
- Spa and swimming pool
- Bluff View Art District location
- Book here
The Read House
- Historic (and haunted!) property with 1920s design
- Restaurant and bar
- Recent remodel
- Book here
The Westin Chattanooga
- Rooftop bar
- Sleek and modern design
- Floor to ceiling windows for unobstructed views
- Book here
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