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A guide to Chattanooga’s independently owned hostels + boutique hotels

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The best places to stay in Scenic City. | Photo by @TristaPruitt

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In one week, we’ll be exchanging gifts, eating too many cookies + watching cheesy Christmas movies. That’s right, Christmas is just a week away. Trista here, and I’m not at all prepared for the holidays that are basically already here. 🙀

One to-do list item to check off is finding a room for your in-laws, friends, siblings, etc. Lucky for you, there is room in the inn — and by “inn” I mean the local hostels and boutique hotels we’re lucky to have in Chattanooga. So before you begrudgingly offer up the spare room, check out this guide to independently + locally owned cozy spaces you can send even the pickiest family member or friend.

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Hostels

The Crash Pad | 29 Johnson St. | $32-$143/night | Free wifi, business/information center, all bed linens and free breakfast + coffee

The Crash Pad was established in 2011 by two climbers, Max Poppel and Dan Rose, who wanted to create a clean and affordable place for fellow climbers to crash. Almost nine years later, their hostel is accommodating to anyone looking for a room, and the Hemingway Suite is a perfect room for a family or group of friends (and it’s pet friendly). 🐶 Oh, and don’t forget to walk over to Max + Dan’s bar, Flying Squirrel, for some delicious eats and creative cocktails.

Scenic City Hostel | 821 Houston St. | $70-$190/night | Free wifi, personal thermostat, fully equipped kitchen + shared laundry room

Scenic City Hostel is in a fully renovated and rebranded space, and ccording to their website, 821 Houston St. has been welcoming travelers since 1902. In fact, during the prohibition era, the house was dubbed a “good-time house” and visitors (+ hippies 😉) used the back door. Now it’s in a bustling part of town, just across the street from UTC’s campus and within walking distance to popular restaurants + bars such as The Bitter Alibi, Barley, JJ’s Bohemia + more.

Boutique hotels

The Dwell Hotel | 120 E. 10th St. | $230-$420 | Fully unique suites, a full bar + restaurant, free wifi + airport transportation

Dwelling at The Dwell is truly a one-of-a-kind experience, and it’s the perfect place to send parents or in-laws for an unforgettable stay in our city. Visitors should check out Matilda Midnight, a full-service bar, and have breakfast at Syrup and Eggs. #ProTip: Try the special pancake stack — you won’t be disappointed (and it can usually be made vegan).

Bonus: Their NYE party looks like it’ll be a blast. 🚀

The Read House | 107 W. MLK Blvd. | $160-$500 | Free wifi, luxe amenities, smart TVs, bar + billiards room, a steakhouse, Starbucks, a library, an indoor pool, 24-hour valet + a formal ballroom.

When you think of The Read House, total luxury should come to mind. If Gatsby had designed a hotel, this would be it. It all came about in 1847 when Thomas Crutchfield built Crutchfield House, a hostel for those traveling through — 20 years later, the hostel burned to the ground and in its place came The Read House. In 1976, TRH earned a spot in the National Register of Historic Places and continues to be a destination for those looking to indulge. 🥂 Speaking of Gatsby, TRH knows how to throw a party.

Chattanooga Choo Choo | 1400 Market St. | $100-$200 | Central location, heated indoor pool, Glen Miller Gardens, a dog park, restaurants, bars, shopping + attractions on site, free downtown shuttle services + free wifi.

The Choo Choo is a must-see for anyone visiting Chattanooga. In fact, many of you said it would be our “Hollywood sign.” And staying in the Choo Choo is a lot more fun than just seeing it — you can even sleep in a renovated train car. 🚂 After you’ve dreamed of all the places the train car could take you, there are multiple restaurants on site serving brunch + coffee, lunch and dinner, and since you’ll be right in the middle of the historic Southside, you can walk to just about anything your heart desires. That’s what I call comfort.

Bode | 730 Chestnut St. | $120-$215 | Downtown location, free wifi, Smart TVs with Netflix, housekeeping on call, modern kitchens, co-working spaces, a rec room with parlor games, vintage bar, and onsite market + cafe.

Okay, so Bode technically started in Nashville, but it’s quickly become a Chattanooga staple. Bode uses a hostel + hotel hybrid model which creates a wonderful sense of community. You can choose from 1-3 bedroom units, and each one has a kitchen, a living room + feels like a trendy loft. It’s also worth noting that Bode is nested in the West Village, which offers some delicious food, fun bars + an umbrella alleyway. #ProTip: Take 15% off December bookings with code DECSALE. 🙌

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