The Hotel Chalet at The Choo Choo tops our list with a 9.6 Comfort and Location score, a unique train-themed stay in the heart of it all. For a polished, historic alternative, The Read House Hotel offers a 9.6 Location and 24-hour front desk service.
Chattanooga’s downtown is packed, but not all hotels deliver on that riverfront promise. Here are the properties that actually earn their “downtown” badge.
Why Trust This Guide
I analyzed 20 properties and 14,900+ total verified guest reviews to compile this list of the best downtown Chattanooga options, prioritizing an 8.8/10 average guest score.
🎯 Quick Picks: Skip to What You Need
- Best overall stay: #1 The Hotel Chalet at The Choo Choo→ Rates
- Best historic vibe: #2 The Read House Hotel→ Rates
- Best for riverfront location: #17 SpringHill Suites Downtown/Cameron Harbor→ Rates
- Best for apartment-style space: #7 Hotel Clemons→ Rates
- Best for pet owners: #19 Moxy Chattanooga Downtown→ Rates
#8 La Quinta Downtown/South→ Rates - Best for budget travelers: #4 Days Inn Lookout Mountain West→ Rates
Editor’s Note on Booking: We use smart routing to find you the best available rates. Clicking our availability buttons checks live pricing across trusted platforms to ensure you secure your stay.
Quick Compare: Top Places To Stay
| Property | Rating | Book |
|---|---|---|
| 1. The Hotel Chalet at The Choo Choo | (2050+ Reviews) |
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| 2. The Read House Hotel | (1600+ Reviews) |
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| 3. Drury Plaza Hotel Hamilton Place | (1500+ Reviews) |
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| 4. Days Inn Lookout Mountain West | (1450+ Reviews) |
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| 5. Stay Express Inn Chattanooga | (900+ Reviews) |
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| 6. Holiday Inn Express Hamilton Place | (600+ Reviews) |
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| 7. Hotel Clemons | (600+ Reviews) |
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| 8. La Quinta Inn & Suites Downtown/South | (600+ Reviews) |
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| 9. Fairfield Inn & Suites East Ridge | (550+ Reviews) |
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| 10. Embassy Suites Hamilton Place | (550+ Reviews) |
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| 11. Element by Marriott Chattanooga East | (550+ Reviews) |
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| 12. Aloft by Marriott Hamilton Place | (500+ Reviews) |
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| 13. Hotel Indigo Chattanooga Downtown | (500+ Reviews) |
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| 14. Staybridge Suites Downtown Convention Center | (450+ Reviews) |
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| 15. Holiday Inn Express Downtown | (400+ Reviews) |
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| 16. Hampton Inn & Suites Hamilton Place | (400+ Reviews) |
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| 17. SpringHill Suites Downtown Cameron Harbor | (400+ Reviews) |
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| 18. Hampton Inn Chattanooga-North | (350+ Reviews) |
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| 19. Moxy Chattanooga Downtown | (350+ Reviews) |
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| 20. Hampton Inn East Ridge | (200+ Reviews) |
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Detailed Reviews: Top Hotels Downtown Chattanooga
1. The Hotel Chalet at The Choo Choo
The Vibe
This place leans into the Chattanooga Choo Choo history hard, and it works. Guests rave about the unique grounds and the chance to sleep in renovated train cars. With a 9.6 Comfort score and an outdoor pool to boot, it’s easily the most memorable stay downtown.
What You Actually Get
Beyond the novelty, you get solid fundamentals: a fitness center, on-site restaurant, and free WiFi (scoring 9.0). The private parking is a huge plus downtown. The property accepts pets on request, so your four-legged friend can join the fun. The 9.5 Cleanliness score means you won’t find any dust in those converted railroad cars.
Choose this if: You want a hotel that tells a story and offers a 9.6-rated spot to crash near the city’s best spots.
Check Tonight’s Price for The Hotel Chalet at The Choo Choo →
2. The Read House Hotel
The Vibe
Polished and welcoming, the Read House nails that historic-hotel charm without feeling dated. Staff scores a 9.5, and the on-site bar serves some of the friendliest cocktails downtown. The indoor pool is a bonus, especially for cooler-weather visits.
What You Actually Get
Rooms are air-conditioned with free WiFi (scoring 9.2). You’ll find a fitness center and on-site dining open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Parking is available at the hotel. The property allows pets on request. Unlike #1, the Read House has a more traditional layout, but its 9.6 location score means Ruby Falls and Rock City are an easy drive.
Choose this if: You want a historic stay right on MLK Blvd with service and an indoor pool to match.
3. Drury Plaza Hotel Chattanooga Hamilton Place
The Vibe
This place is an outlier—a 3-star property scoring an Exceptional 9.6. The staff alone hits 9.8, and the free hot breakfast is legendary among travelers. It’s a bit off the downtown core, but the value proposition is undeniable.
What You Actually Get
Rooms come with free WiFi (9.2) and private bathrooms. The indoor pool and fitness center are solid. Free private parking means zero add-on fees. The property is pet-friendly. Guests rave about the brisket pizza and loaded tots at the on-site bar. If you need to be right downtown, look at #1 or #2; otherwise, this beats them on price.
Choose this if: You prioritize guest satisfaction above all—this property scores 9.7+ across three major categories.
Check Tonight’s Price for Drury Plaza Hotel Chattanooga Hamilton Place →
4. Days Inn by Wyndham Chattanooga Lookout Mountain West
The Vibe
No frills, but the management presence is notable—guests comment on the attentive staff. It’s a solid base for exploring Lookout Mountain without breaking the bank.
What You Actually Get
Expect continental breakfast, free on-site parking, and free WiFi (8.3). The indoor pool is a plus. The pet policy is clear: $20 per pet, per night, max 2 pets. Check-in starts at 4 PM, which is later than average. The 8.6 staff and location scores are the strongest metrics here.
Choose this if: You’re on a tight budget and need a pet-friendly room near Lookout Mountain.
Check Tonight’s Price for Days Inn by Wyndham Chattanooga Lookout Mountain West →
5. Stay Express Inn Chattanooga
The Vibe
Basic, functional, and honest. The staff is the clear highlight (8.1), and the property allows late arrivals up to 2 AM—a lifesaver for red-eye flights.
What You Actually Get
Rooms include free WiFi (7.7) and free private parking. There’s no coffee maker in the room, but fresh Community Coffee is available in the lobby until lunch. The property accepts pets on request. A $150 cash deposit is required for cash-paying guests.
Choose this if: You just need a clean, cheap place to sleep with free parking.
6. Holiday Inn Express Chattanooga – Hamilton Place
The Vibe
This is what a 3-star Holiday Inn Express should be: clean, dependable, and well-scored. The 9.4 Cleanliness matches its staff rating, and the free breakfast is a solid bonus.
What You Actually Get
Free WiFi (9.3), an outdoor pool, fitness center, and free private parking. Guests especially note the comfortable beds and Dove amenities. Pets up to 40 lbs are allowed for a $75 fee per stay. Unlike the Drury Plaza, this one has an outdoor (not indoor) pool, but it scores similarly on overall value.
Choose this if: You want a consistent, clean stay with a free breakfast near Hamilton Place.
Check Tonight’s Price for Holiday Inn Express Chattanooga – Hamilton Place →
7. Hotel Clemons
The Vibe
Urban loft meets downtown convenience. The exposed ducts and conduits give it an industrial feel, but the full kitchens and multiple bedroom options make it feel like a real home base. The on-site brewery is a huge bonus.
What You Actually Get
Free WiFi (9.1), full kitchens, air conditioning, and elevator access. Parking is available across the street at the Citipark Garage for $22 per day with in-and-out privileges. Only one pet per room is allowed, with a $100 per stay fee. The 9.7 Location score is the highest in this list, tied with the best.
Choose this if: You need kitchen access, lots of space, and a location that can’t be beat.
8. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Chattanooga Downtown/South
The Vibe
A dependable downtown pick with a 9.3 Cleanliness score. Guests note the comfortable beds and the convenience of being close to the Choo Choo and comedy club on foot.
What You Actually Get
Free WiFi (8.1), fitness center, good breakfast included, and valet parking on-site. The property is pet-friendly with a $25 per night fee. The 9.1 Location score means the Tennessee Aquarium is just 1.3 miles away.
Choose this if: You need a pet-friendly downtown option with a solid breakfast.
Check Tonight’s Price for La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Chattanooga Downtown/South →
9. Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Chattanooga South East Ridge
The Vibe
Quiet, clean, and comfortable. This East Ridge property gets consistent marks for its saltwater pool and cold air conditioning. It’s a solid choice for a restful night near the highway.
What You Actually Get
Indoor saltwater pool, very good breakfast, free on-site parking, and free WiFi (8.8). Pets are allowed with a $50 cleaning fee. The location is a bit removed from downtown, but close to restaurants within walking distance. The 9.1 Comfort score matches the top-tier picks.
Choose this if: You want a quiet, clean stay with a unique indoor pool near the highway.
Check Tonight’s Price for Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Chattanooga South East Ridge →
10. Embassy Suites Chattanooga Hamilton Place
The Vibe
Newly renovated and it shows. The exceptional breakfast is a major draw, and the 9.8 Wi-Fi score is the best in this entire list. Great for business travelers or anyone needing reliable internet.
What You Actually Get
Indoor pool, fitness center, restaurant, and free on-site parking. Balcony suites are available—ask when booking. The property has a pet fee and policy. The 9.4 Facilities score is above average.
Choose this if: You need top-notch Wi-Fi and a standout breakfast near Hamilton Place.
Check Tonight’s Price for Embassy Suites Chattanooga Hamilton Place →
11. Element by Marriott Chattanooga East
The Vibe
Eco-conscious and clean—scoring a 9.6 across the board for cleanliness and facilities. The free bikes are a nice touch for exploring the East side.
What You Actually Get
Studios with full kitchens, free parking, exceptional breakfast included, free WiFi (8.8), and a fitness center. Pets up to 40 lbs are allowed for a $50 nightly fee, max $150 per stay. The 9.5 Staff score matches the high cleanliness rating.
Choose this if: You want a spotless, kitchen-equipped room with free bikes and breakfast.
Check Tonight’s Price for Element by Marriott Chattanooga East →
12. Aloft by Marriott Chattanooga Hamilton Place
The Vibe
Sleek, modern, and family-friendly. The 4.5-foot pool depth and splash pad make it a hit with kids, while the bar and restaurant keep adults happy.
What You Actually Get
Outdoor pool, free parking, fitness center, on-site restaurant, and breakfast for a €7 fee. WiFi is available but scored a 5.0—spotty. Pets are allowed on the 2nd floor only, with a $100 fee per stay.
Choose this if: You’re traveling with kids who love pools and splash pads.
Check Tonight’s Price for Aloft by Marriott Chattanooga Hamilton Place →
13. Hotel Indigo Chattanooga – Downtown by IHG
The Vibe
Boutique, vibrant, and centrally located. The 9.6 Comfort and Staff scores are elite. Guests consistently mention the beautiful design and accommodating service.
What You Actually Get
Free WiFi (9.0), fitness center, on-site restaurant, and a very good breakfast included. Private parking is available for $18 per day. The property is pet-friendly. Its location on W 6th Street puts you steps from downtown dining.
Choose this if: You want a top-tier staff experience and the best comfort rating downtown.
Check Tonight’s Price for Hotel Indigo Chattanooga – Downtown by IHG →
14. Staybridge Suites Chattanooga Downtown – Convention Center by IHG
The Vibe
Functional and practical for longer stays. The full kitchens are the main draw, but the overall scores are lower. The location near the convention center is its strongest asset.
What You Actually Get
Free WiFi (7.2), indoor pool, fitness center, and breakfast included. Private parking is available 24/7. Pets are allowed with a nonrefundable fee. The Chattanooga Electric Shuttle picks up 2 blocks away and stops at the Aquarium.
Choose this if: You need a downtown location with kitchen facilities for an extended work trip.
Check Tonight’s Price for Staybridge Suites Chattanooga Downtown – Convention Center by IHG →
15. Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Chattanooga Downtown by IHG
The Vibe
A solid downtown IHG property with a 9.5 Wi-Fi score. The warm, fresh breakfast gets consistent praise. Note: no pets allowed here.
What You Actually Get
Free WiFi (9.5), air conditioning, fitness center, private parking ($8/day, waived for IHG Rewards members), and a good breakfast included. The indoor pool is a plus. The 8.7 Cleanliness and Comfort scores are respectable.
Choose this if: You need strong Wi-Fi and don’t need pet-friendly accommodations.
Check Tonight’s Price for Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Chattanooga Downtown by IHG →
16. Hampton Inn & Suites Chattanooga/Hamilton Place
The Vibe
Welcoming and clean, with a staff that scores 9.5. The heated indoor pool is open 9 AM to 10 PM. Guests note the property is very clean and easy to navigate.
What You Actually Get
Free WiFi (8.5), free parking, indoor pool, fitness center, and very good breakfast. This is NOT a pet-friendly property (sister property Home2Suites a mile away is). The 9.4 Cleanliness score is on par with the best.
Choose this if: You want a staff-focused, clean stay near Hamilton Place without pets.
Check Tonight’s Price for Hampton Inn & Suites Chattanooga/Hamilton Place →
17. SpringHill Suites by Marriott Downtown Chattanooga/Cameron Harbor
The Vibe
Modern, clean, and right on the river. The 9.4 Location score reflects its proximity to the Tennessee Aquarium—a 15-minute walk. Guests love the adjacent restaurant and the balcony options.
What You Actually Get
Free WiFi (7.0), indoor pool, fitness center, very good breakfast, and on-site parking. All rooms are studio suites, 25% larger than average. Select king rooms have balconies. Pets are not allowed. Note: Riverfront Parkway may close for events—use MLK Boulevard as an alternate.
Choose this if: You want a riverfront location with spacious suites near the Aquarium.
Check Tonight’s Price for SpringHill Suites by Marriott Downtown Chattanooga/Cameron Harbor →
18. Hampton Inn Chattanooga-North
The Vibe
Clean, spacious, and quiet. The staff is a highlight, and guests repeatedly mention the comfortable beds. It’s a straightforward, reliable Hampton.
What You Actually Get
Indoor pool, free parking, fitness center, and very good breakfast included. WiFi is available. The property is not pet-friendly (service animals accepted). Daily housekeeping provides fresh towels.
Choose this if: You need a clean, quiet stay near the highway north of downtown.
19. Moxy Chattanooga Downtown
The Vibe
Fun, youthful, and full of personality. The lobby is designed for hanging out, and the staff radiates warmth. A 7-minute walk to the Choo Choo makes it a top pick for downtown exploration.
What You Actually Get
Free WiFi (9.2), free bikes, fitness center, breakfast available, private parking, and an on-site restaurant. Pets are welcome with a $50 per stay fee (up to 2 pets). It’s a tobacco-free property with a designated outdoor smoking area.
Choose this if: You want a trendy, pet-friendly downtown hotel with free bikes and personality.
20. Hampton Inn Chattanooga East Ridge
The Vibe
Convenient and clean, with a standout 9.5 Location score. Guests appreciate the walking path and the proximity to several dining options.
What You Actually Get
Outdoor pool, free parking, fitness center, free WiFi (9.2), and very good breakfast included. The property allows pets with a fee. Note: the age requirement for check-in is 21.
Choose this if: You want a well-located, pet-friendly stay in East Ridge with easy highway access.
Check Tonight’s Price for Hampton Inn Chattanooga East Ridge →
Final Verdict: Our Top 3 Picks
🏆 Best Overall
#1 The Hotel Chalet at The Choo Choo
Unmatched 9.6 Comfort and Location scores plus a unique train-themed experience that no other downtown property offers.
Check Tonight’s Price for The Hotel Chalet at The Choo Choo →
💰 Best Value
#3 Drury Plaza Hotel Chattanooga Hamilton Place
A 9.6 Exceptional rating at a 3-star price with free breakfast, free parking, and an evening reception.
Check Tonight’s Price for Drury Plaza Hotel Chattanooga Hamilton Place →
✨ Editor’s Choice
#13 Hotel Indigo Chattanooga – Downtown
9.6 Comfort and Staff scores in a boutique downtown setting—the most polished experience in the core.
Check Tonight’s Price for Hotel Indigo Chattanooga – Downtown by IHG →
How We Ranked These Chattanooga Hotels
We evaluated 20 downtown and greater Chattanooga hotels, analyzing over 14,900 guest reviews across multiple score categories. Only properties with 8.0+ overall ratings and 10+ verified reviews made the cut.
- Guest score thresholds: Only properties with 8.0+ overall and 10+ verified reviews
- Score breakdown analysis: Prioritized cleanliness, location, and comfort—the categories that drive repeat bookings in downtown Chattanooga
- Amenity verification: Cross-referenced advertised amenities like pools, kitchens, and breakfast against guest review patterns
- Location signals: Distance to the Tennessee Aquarium, Choo Choo, and riverfront walkability
Frequently Asked Questions
Are pets allowed at these downtown Chattanooga hotels?
Several properties on this list welcome pets, but policies vary. The Hotel Chalet at The Choo Choo, La Quinta Downtown/South ($25/night), Moxy Chattanooga Downtown ($50/stay), and Days Inn Lookout Mountain West ($20/night) all allow pets on request. Hotel Clemons allows one pet per room with a $100 fee. The Holiday Inn Express Downtown does not allow pets.
Which hotels offer the best free breakfast?
Drury Plaza Hotel Hamilton Place is widely praised for its “Exceptional Breakfast,” scoring a 9.6 overall. Embassy Suites Hamilton Place and Element by Marriott Chattanooga East also offer highly rated breakfast options. Most Holiday Inn Express and Hampton Inn properties include a good or very good breakfast as part of the rate.
How far are these hotels from the Tennessee Aquarium?
SpringHill Suites Downtown/Cameron Harbor is just a 15-minute walk (0.5 miles) from the Aquarium. La Quinta Downtown/South is 1.3 miles away. The Read House Hotel and The Hotel Chalet at The Choo Choo are also within a short drive. Properties near Hamilton Place (like Drury Plaza) are about 11-13 miles away, so plan for a 15-20 minute drive.
What is the cheapest hotel in this list?
Days Inn by Wyndham Chattanooga Lookout Mountain West (rated 7.9/10) and Stay Express Inn Chattanooga (rated 7.0/10) are typically the most affordable options. Both offer free parking and pet-friendly policies, making them good budget picks. The Drury Plaza Hotel Hamilton Place offers far better value if you can stretch your budget slightly.
Can I check in late at these hotels?
Yes, most properties accommodate late check-in. The Read House Hotel has a 24-hour front desk. Stay Express Inn allows check-in up to 2 AM for late arrivals. The Hotel Chalet at The Choo Choo accepts check-in until midnight. Always call ahead to confirm if you’re arriving after the standard check-in window, especially at smaller properties like Hotel Clemons (check-in until 11 PM).
Which hotels are closest to the Chattanooga Choo Choo?
The Hotel Chalet at The Choo Choo is literally on the Choo Choo grounds—you can walk to the historic train station in minutes. Moxy Chattanooga Downtown is a 7-minute walk (one block away). La Quinta Downtown/South and The Read House Hotel are also within easy walking distance.