The Best Hotels to Book Near Neyland Stadium, Knoxville

Pulling a cross-country road trip with Knoxville as a stop? Don’t sweat the check-in time at the Graduate – open 24 hours a day, whatever time you arrive, this hip hotel will whisk you to one of its 112 spacious and sound-proofed rooms. In the light of day, you might be surprised to find you’re on the doorstep of the University of Tennessee, thrumming with student life. Power up with a cup of coffee in the eclectic lobby or peruse the papers on the pretty terrace and get ready for a day of exploring.

Whatever your plans are in Knoxville, the Tennessean Personal Luxury Hotel will be able to accommodate you and the crew – with its largest room sleeping up to five adults. As excited as you are to blitz through breakfast and hit the city, take a minute to appreciate the hotel’s efforts to keep things local and sustainably produced with artisan bread, fresh cheeses, and house-made jam and muesli. Served to staggering views of the Great Smoky Mountains – it certainly beats a Pop-Tart.

For familiarity, value and convenience, it’s hard to beat the Hilton brand. A good location is always a given and it’s no exception here – with Neyland Stadium less than a mile (1.2km) from the front door. You’ve got room layouts to cater for whatever kind of trip you’re taking – whether solo, business or family – and the amenities are top-notch. There’s a rooftop pool and gym, an excellent bar and restaurant, the Firefly – with its outdoor terrace and firepit – and even a Starbucks in the lobby.

Pooch and purse-friendly, you’ll find this cheap and cheerful hotel just five minutes from both the University of Tennessee and downtown Knoxville, so you can blow what budget you’ve kept back on the city’s culture and nightlife. After all, this one is designed with young, fun-loving folks in mind – plenty of sociable areas are furnished with overstuffed chairs and sofas, as well as a selection of dedicated workspaces with free wifi when you need to update your blog.

A lot of hotels can talk the talk on their environmental credentials, but Hampton Inn and Suites are walking, too. Whether you’re chilling out in the open-concept lobby, de-stressing in the gym or pool, or tucking into a complimentary breakfast of waffles, eggs and bacon – lighter bites are available – relax in the knowledge that this hotel has partnered with Clean the World: the world’s largest organization in recycling hotel bath product amenities.

The Oliver Hotel is a hidden downtown gem. If you are a fan of quirky furniture, eclectic art and interesting conversation, you’ll love this lovingly-restored 1876 home – situated just steps away from the hustle and bustle of Market Square. The historic building has been carefully styled to incorporate unusual artifacts, such as vintage oil paintings and taxidermy, alongside sleek mid-century furniture and light fittings. The highlight? The Peter Kern Library bar – a genuine restored speakeasy hidden behind the Oliver’s lobby.

To make the most of downtown Knoxville’s food, social and shopping scene, you’ll want a hotel slap bang in the middle of it all. Cue, the Courtyard – just a few blocks from central Market Square. Once your arms are about ready to fall off under the weight of your haul, retreat to your immaculately spacious room – where a palette of whites and cool greys will have you relaxed in a snap. Once your appetite kicks in, head down for a drink and bite to eat in the ice-white Courtyard Bistro.

After a hard day’s browsing at the Bearden Antique Mall – or pounding the streets learning about the pioneers, outlaws and fictional characters who make up the rich history of Knoxville – the Hilton Inn Knoxville offers a comfortable and convenient place to lay your head. With comfortable mismatched furniture and eclectic art in the lobby, the rooms are modern and minimalist here. Don’t forget to check out the indoor pool and fitness center – or skip that and head straight to the relaxing outdoor terrace to cozy up around the fire pit with a sundowner.