Top 10 Hotels in Chattanooga

Chattanooga, the fourth largest city in Tennessee, has enjoyed national recognition due to the renaissance of its downtown and redevelopment of its riverfront. Come and visit all the scenic beauty this city has to offer, and enjoy your stay in any of these popular hotels, chosen by a local as the best in the city.

1. The Holiday Inn -- Chattanooga Choo Choo Hotel, located at 1400 Market St., opened its doors on April 11, 1973. This 24-acre vacation complex is now known as one of the south's most unique landmarks. Climb aboard and enjoy all this luxurious hotel has to offer.

You are sure to have an exciting stay at this Chattanooga hotel. Browse the depot gift shop, enjoy soft-serve ice cream, then stop by the old time portrait shop and have your picture made. This hotel offers a warm, family-friendly environment with a variety of activities for all ages.

You can take a romantic horse-and-carriage ride through downtown Chattanooga while your children are living it up in the hotel's arcade center playing air hockey, basketball and more. The hotel also houses a fitness room, tennis courts and business center. It also offers dry cleaning services and Internet access, along with downtown and airport shuttles.

For your dining pleasure, there is an array of choices available including the Station House, Victorian Lounge and Café Espresso, just to name a few. If you feel like dining in the comfort of your own room, room service is also available.

Rooms start at $126 per night for two adults. You have a choice of a standard room, a Victorian train car decorated in the 1900s style, or a suite.

2. The Sheraton Read House Hotel Chattanooga, is in downtown Chattanooga at 827 Broad St. While visiting the Sheraton, you are just a few blocks away from shopping, restaurants and several other major attractions.

All guests have access to sun decks, courtyards, spas and even an indoor pool, complete with waterfalls. All rooms feature coffee makers, video games, bathrobes, work desks and Internet access.

If you are in need of the perfect place to hold a business meeting, the Sheraton offers a 19,000-square-foot conference room. There also is an in-house catering team.

Rates start at $149 per night for two adults. Dogs weighing up to 80 pounds are permitted, but there is a $50 non-refundable cleaning fee.

3. Chattanooga Marriott at the Convention Center, located at 2 Carter Plaza, offers 342 guest rooms and treats all visitors with great southern hospitality. This wonderful hotel, combined with the convention center, is 302,512 square feet and houses great space for meetings, reunions, weddings and banquets.

The Marriott is just minutes from very popular attractions. You can experience marine life up close at the Tennessee Aquarium, take in a movie at the IMAX-3D Theatre, or go for a relaxing walk in the Rock City Gardens and enjoy the breathtaking scenery. Other recreations available include pools, horseback riding, hiking, kayaking, tennis, river rafting and water skiing.

All guest rooms come complete with coffee maker, Internet access, hair dryer, iron and ironing board. Rates start at $154 per night.

4. Hilton Garden Inn Chattanooga, located at 311 Chestnut St., is in Chattanooga's downtown riverfront area and just minutes from Lookout Mountain.

Enjoy all this fine city has to offer. You can take a ride on the complimentary electric shuttle to Tennessee's largest shopping center, the Hamilton Place Mall, which is just 10 minutes away. Also, you can walk on the Walnut Street Bridge, the world's longest pedestrian bridge, which connects downtown Chattanooga to the North Shore. Other areas of interest include hang gliding facilities, Ruby Falls and Bijou Theatre.

The Hilton also offers a variety of amenities including baggage storage, laundry facilities, elevators, a safety deposit box and room service. This is also a very family-friendly hotel with activities for children of all ages. Guests can rent children's movies, cribs and high chairs. Rates start at $169 per night.

5. Wingate by Wyndham- Chattanooga, located at 7312 Shallowford Road, has 82 comfortable, oversized guest rooms with well-lit work areas. Located just off I-75, this hotel is three miles from the airport and close to major shopping areas including local dining and entertainment. Restaurants such as the Olive Garden, Cooker Bar and Grille, and J. Alexander's are within walking distance.

You also can enjoy Chattanooga's local attractions including the IMAX 3-D Theatre, Tennessee Aquarium, Lookout Mountain, Ruby Falls and more.

All rooms include coffee maker, clock radio, refrigerator and a safe. For your convenience, the hotel also offers express checkout, free local calling, a free copy of USA Today, along with a free continental breakfast, and even a free happy hour on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 5:30-7 p.m. Room rates start at $119 per night.

6. The Stone Fort Inn, located at 120 East 10th St., is a cozy, historic 20-room inn in downtown Chattanooga. This relaxing hotel offers beautiful polished terrazzo floors, marble fireplaces and enchanting bedrooms. Some guest rooms also come complete with balconies overlooking the city.

The Stone Fort Inn is the perfect setting for weddings, family reunions and business meetings. For your dining pleasure, there are a variety of restaurants close to the hotel; The Blue Plate diner, Hennen's, Big River Grille and the 212 Market are just a few.

Room rates start at $125 per night. Pets are not allowed and children must be at least 12 years old, unless a group reserves the exclusive use of the facility.

7. The Chattanoogan Hotel and Resort, located on 1201 South Broad St., is an upscale hotel and resort just two hours from Atlanta, Nashville and Birmingham. It features exquisite suites and full service spas, along with amazing restaurants. The Chattanoogan offers a unique destination for relaxation, family getaways, social events and business meetings.

Luxury rooms and suites are provided with beautiful décor, amazing views of the city's south side, and for those on business, rooms are equipped with high-speed Internet access. For those on a romantic getaway, a deluxe romance package is available, which includes chocolates, champagne and a spa bath.

Room rates start at $129 per night.

8. Americas Best Value Inn -- Chattanooga/East Ridge, located at 639 Camp Jordan Parkway, is just south of I-75 and I-24. This inn offers 92 nicely furnished rooms with added amenities. Each room includes a coffee maker, free local calls, HBO, Internet access and in-room safes.

There is an outdoor pool, fishing pond and barbecue grill and picnic area, complete with tables. This inn also offers a lounge, movies, playground, restaurant and truck parking.

If you plan to see the sights while visiting Chattanooga, there is a variety of off-site recreational activities available to you. You can go hang gliding, visit the historic Civil War battlefield, or shop at the Hamilton Place Mall. Other area attractions include the Tennessee Aquarium, Children's Discovery Museum, Medal of Honor Museum and Lookout Mountain.

Room rates start at just $89.90 per night. AAA, senior and military discount rates are available with proper ID.

9. The Best Western Heritage Inn, located at 7641 Lee Highway, is a charming Tennessee hotel that offers guests a great value.

Each guest room features a microwave, refrigerator, TV and high-speed Internet access. If it is relaxation you are after, the Best Western offers spa rooms and suites. These well-kept, comfortable rooms are perfect for closing out the world and relaxing. Several attractions are located near the hotel. The Tivoli Theatre, Ruby Falls, Rock City and the Volkswagen plant are some great places to visit while staying here.

During your stay, you can take advantage of its outdoor pool, 24-hour diner, free parking and complimentary newspaper. Pets are also permitted. If you are staying due to business, the hotel offers a banquet and meeting room that can accommodate up to 150 people.

Room rates start at $59.99 per night.

10. The Lookout Mountain Inn, located at 3800 Cummings Highway, is a two-story inn just four miles from downtown Chattanooga.

Each room offers a variety of amenities such as TV, coffee maker, refrigerator, microwave, telephone and daily maid service. The inn also offers concierge service, room service, laundry and dry cleaning service, and free on-site parking.

In addition, the Lookout Mountain Inn offers on- and off-site recreational activities for all ages. While on-site, guests can enjoy the game room and outdoor pool. Off-site there is horseback riding, golf, tennis, jogging trails, water skiing, as well as fishing and boating.

Standard room rates start at $62 per night. Suites begin at $78 per night.

By Steven W. Easley