The Best Boutique Hotels to Book in Chattanooga, Tennessee

The 16 unique bedrooms at the Dwell are so exquisitely decorated that choosing yours isn’t easy. Whether it’s the banana-yellow 1960s armchairs in the Tropicana Room, the brass, burnt orange, and moss tones of the Autumn Room, or the bonkers black-and-white wallpaper in the Convex, each is a work of art in its own right. When you can tear yourself away, there’s an exceptional restaurant and slinky cocktail bar downstairs.

Gatsby-level glitz and glamor waltz gracefully with contemporary comforts at the Read House. This historic hotel brilliantly resurrects the grandeur of a bygone era – from dazzling dining at Bridgeman’s Chophouse to the Bugsy Malone-style billiard room, where Sazeracs always accompany a game of pool. Talking of resurrections, there’s even a chance you might run into resident specter Annalisa Netherly, especially if you’ve had too many spirits at the bar.

Flat-screen TVs mounted in standup easels; portable record players on dark wood sideboards; ornate antique mirrors on the wall – it’s clear from the decor of the rooms that the arty Edwin Hotel likes to do things a bit differently. A curated collection of artwork by local artists lines the public spaces – an appetizer for exploring the Bluff View Arts District, right on your doorstep. Alternatively, stay in and treat yourself to a whiskey-infused sugar scrub treatment at the Ama spa.

Anywhere that greets you with a cocktail upon checkin – the front desk doubles as a bar – gets the thumbs-up in our books. And that’s not to mention the flickering fireplace in the lobby, encircled by squishy sofas and armchairs, or the 24/7 Pickups snack bar, stocked with locally sourced donuts, bagels, and fresh coffee. As for the rooms? Think Scandi-style simplicity, with bare woods, black metals, and colorful rugs.

The Chattanoogan is more than a place to stay – it does a crash course in living like a local. This hip Southside hotel is within walking distance of Finley Stadium and AT&T Field, should you want to root on the Lookouts or Chattanooga FC. Views of Lookout Mountain will spoil you in the king suite, but not as much as a full body scrub in the spa. Now that you’re looking and feeling good, go dine on a mix of Southern and Appalachian cuisine at the High Rail rooftop bar.

Just north of Chattanooga city center, the pet-friendly Hotel Indigo is a great spot to start a nice walk. Drop your bags in your premium suite and freshen up in the spa-like bathroom while Rover finishes their own cleaning routine. Strap on a long leash and admire the art along the hotel’s walls on your way out. Within minutes, you and your pup will be strolling the riverfront, inhaling the fresh air before lapping up a drink at Hair of the Dog pub on your way home.

Of the many amazing boutique hotels, the Chattanooga Choo Choo takes the prize for the most distinctive. This century-old rail station is your ticket to an unforgettable Chattanooga experience. Hop aboard a historic train-car room fitted with modern amenities including a mini-fridge, wifi, and a work desk. Though there’s no dining car per se, the Frothy Monkey is always ready to serve up locally-sourced meals, ice-cold local brews, and all the locomotion you can handle.