Where to Stay in Chattanooga – A Guide to River City
Chattanooga is located in southeast Tennessee, along the Tennessee River, and right in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. It’s the fourth-most populous city in the state and it’s famous for its impressive natural surroundings and for serving as inspiration for Chattanooga Choo Choo, a 1941 big band song by the Glenn Miller Orchestra featured on the movie “Sun Valley Serenade”. In this post, we will discover the best areas to stay in Chattanooga.
Overall, Chattanooga is a great tourist destination thanks to its perfect blend of culture, history, and breathtaking natural backdrop. The city’s main tourist, cultural, and historic attractions include the Tennessee Aquarium, the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, the Creative Discovery Museum, and the 13-mile Chattanooga Riverwalk, which follows the Tennessee River from the Chickamauga Dam to the Downtown area.
However, it is nature that makes Chattanooga a unique place. Not far from downtown Chattanooga, you’ll find world-class natural attractions, unlike any other place. The most noticeable one being Lookout Mountain, a mountain ridge that extends from here to Georgia and Alabama, home to the famous underground waterfalls Ruby Falls and the historic Rock City. You can reach the top of Lookout via the Incline Railway, one of the world’s steepest passenger railways.
Chattanooga Airport is located 15 minutes from the City Center and offers connections to other major cities in the US such as Atlanta, Orlando, and Washington, DC.
When it comes to public transportation, Chattanooga has a bus system. However, the most comfortable way to move around town and reach its natural wonders is by car. You can rent a cheap car in Chattanooga here.
The best area to stay in Chattanooga is the Riverfront, thanks to its boutiques, cafes, galleries, and restaurants for all tastes See accommodation in Riverfront.
Here’s a guide with the best areas to stay in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Best Location in Chattanooga, TN: A Quick Guide
Below, you’ll find a list of the best areas to stay in Chattanooga depending on your travel style. Keep reading this post to find all the information you need about each particular neighborhood.
- Best location in Chattanooga for sightseeing: Chattanooga Riverfront
- Best location in Chattanooga for first-time visitors: Chattanooga Riverfront
- Best location in Chattanooga for nightlife: Downtown Chattanooga
- Best location in Chattanooga for nature lovers: Lookout Mountain
- Best location in Chattanooga for business travelers: Downtown Chattanooga
- Best location in Chattanooga for families: Chattanooga Riverfront
- Best location in Chattanooga for hipsters: Downtown Chattanooga
- Best location in Chattanooga for LGBTQ travelers: Downtown Chattanooga
Best Hotels in Chattanooga, TN by Theme
Something specific in mind? Here’s a list of some of the top hotels in Chattanooga. No matter your reason for visiting the city, we got you covered!
- Most unique hotel: Chattanooga Choo Choo
- Best mid-priced hotel: Courtyard Chattanooga Downtown
- Best budget hotel: SpringHill Suites by Marriott Downtown Chattanooga/Cameron Harbor
- Best luxury hotel: The Edwin Hotel, Autograph Collection
- Best boutique hotel: The Read House
- Best hotel with a pool: Residence Inn Chattanooga Downtown
- Best Inn / B&B: The Mayor’s Mansion Inn
- Best Hostel: The Crash Pad: An Uncommon Hostel
The Best Areas to Stay in Chattanooga, Tennessee
1. Recommended Area: Riverfront
Riverfront is the best area to stay in Chattanooga as it covers several neighborhoods full of places to see.
Among the attractions near the Riverfront is the Creative Discovery Museum, an interactive science institution for all ages.
Riverfront is popular for its views of the Tennessee River, which can be enjoyed from terrace bars, hotels, and some buildings in the area.
This 13-mile long promenade also serves as the stage for several festivals held throughout the year, including the Riverbend Festival.
Walnut Street Bridge connects Riverfront with Northshore, one of the coolest, funkiest neighborhoods in the city.
On the other hand, the Riverwalk allows you to discover the nature, culture, and gastronomy of Chattanooga.
Riverfront is the best area to stay in Chattanooga for its variety of hotels, accommodations and for being a very pedestrian-friendly area.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Chattanooga, TN:
- Walnut Street Bridge
- Best area to stay without a car
- Best area for sightseeing
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
Bluff View Inn
Bluff View Inn is located in the Bluff Art district of Chattanooga, 500 meters from the Tennessee Aquarium and 6 km from Lookout Mountain. The property has a restaurant.
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Budget
Days Inn by Wyndham Chattanooga-Rivergate
The Rivergate Days Inn is one mile from the Southside Historic District and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. It has an outdoor pool and free Wi-Fi.
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Luxury
The Edwin Hotel, Autograph Collection
Located in Chattanooga, The Edwin Hotel, Autograph Collection features a restaurant and fitness center and offers free bikes. The hotel with free WiFi is approximately 400 meters from the Tennessee Aquarium and 3.2 km from the Chattanooga Zoo.
2. Central Chattanooga
Central Chattanooga is the prime business area of the city.
It houses the main office complexes and skyscrapers of this important commercial and industrial city in Tennessee.
This district includes neighborhoods like the City Center, Southside, Historic District, Westside, and Fort Wood.
The City Center is not only home to the city’s Central Business District, but it also includes exclusive restaurants, clubs, and luxury accommodations.
The Southside runs from South 12th Street to 20th Street and is an area full of attractions such as the Chattanooga Cho Cho, a tourist attraction and former train station turned into a hotel. It also includes a skating rink and a comedy club.
Central Chattanooga is a walkable, pedestrian-friendly area that is still easy to access via buses and taxis.
Central Chattanooga is one of the best areas to stay in Chattanooga for combining business with nightlife and history.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Chattanooga, TN:
- Historic neighborhoods
- Best area for business travelers
- Good public transport
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
Chattanooga Marriott Downtown
Located adjacent to the convention center, this Tennessee hotel features an on-site restaurant and bar. Guests will be in the heart of the Business District and a 5-minute drive from the Tennessee Aquarium.
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Budget
Staybridge Suites Chattanooga Downtown – Convention Center
Enjoy all the comforts of home, including full kitchens and a free daily hot breakfast at this downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee hotel, situated near popular sites including Finley Stadium.
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Luxury
The Chattanoogan Hotel
This Chattanooga, Tennessee hotel features a full-service day spa and a heated indoor pool. Guests can enjoy 3 restaurants at the hotel or visit the Tennessee Aquarium one mile away.
3. Near Lookout Mountain
Some of the oldest and best-known attractions in Chattanooga are located near Lookout Mountain.
Within this area, you can find attractions such as the Incline Railway, a steep railroad to the top of the mountain, Ruby Falls, the longest underground waterfall in the world, Rock City, and, of course, a lookout with breathtaking views of the city.
Lookout Mountain is located about 15 minutes from Downtown Chattanooga, making accessing this area via public transportation or by bike easy.
This area is a good option for those seeking a break from the bustle of the City Center, surrounded by imposing mountains and the best of nature.
Outdoor activities in this area, include hiking and biking.
From Lookout, you can also hike through Point Park, located in Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park.
Rock City Gardens is also worth a visit as it offers a suspension bridge and incredible views.
Close to Lookout Mountain you can find the Tennessee Aquarium and several museums, including the Hunter Museum of American Art.
This is one of the best areas to stay in Chattanooga for nature lovers.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Chattanooga, TN:
- Best area for nature lovers
- Lookout Mountain
- Peaceful area
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