Knoxville Hotels|Knoxville, Tennessee, United States

The Tennessean Hotel

Name: The Tennessean Hotel
Telephone: 865-232-1800

Downtown Knoxville's luxury retreat

VERIFIED LUXURY

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Southern hospitality gets a contemporary upgrade at Knoxville’s The Tennessean Hotel. Across the street from the iconic Sunsphere and a few blocks from Market Square, this stylish 82-room stay exudes a luxurious feel from the moment the bellman opens the door.

Inside, each space is crafted with care — unique furniture and décor give every room its own customized look — but it’s the panoramic views of downtown Knoxville that capture the city’s beauty. Six corner rooms with sweeping vistas (not to mention deep soaking tubs) make the most of the hotel’s stellar surroundings.

A city-center location means that The Tennessean allows for easy access to a walking tour through town or a jaunt to the Great Smoky Mountains, but when you’re ready to unwind, the property offers plenty of ways to relax. Sit back and sip a Smoked Ol’ Fashioned in the comfort of The Drawing Room, where chef Anthony Ploof churns out seasonal small plates to pair with those skyline panoramas.

Our Inspector's Highlights

The Tennessean’s sweeping downtown vistas aren’t just gorgeous, they’re historic, too. From the hotel, you can see World’s Fair Park and the futuristic Sunsphere tower, both built for the 1982 World’s Fair.
Savor creative cocktails made from Knoxville’s largest selection of small-batch Tennessee Whiskey in The Drawing Room. Linger over your libation and a charcuterie board as soothing classical music echoes through the space — it’s the way to unwind, Southern-style.
Even with an array of dining options within walking distance, don’t miss the chance to try Ploof’s seasonal Southern creations at The Drawing Room. Spring selections might include Tennessee whiskey-braised short ribs over Carolina gold rice, and blackberry linzer torte with poppy seed buttermilk ice cream.
If you want to experience Southern sports culture, this is the place to do it. The Knoxville property is just a four-minute ride to Neyland Stadium, home to the University of Tennessee Volunteers football team.
The luxury hotel provides a stylish sense of place with Tennessee River-inspired carpets, framed maps hanging over beds and a Smoky Mountain color palette of grays and blues.

Things to Know

The Tennessean is a destination to visit anytime of the year, but if you plan to enjoy a little leaf-peeping in the fall, book early. Football season sees the city’s population swell on Saturdays as tailgaters flood Knoxville from late August through November.
Plan to valet your vehicle upon arrival — this boutique hotel is in the heart of Knoxville on two busy streets.
Make use of the hotel’s complimentary car service. Available for a three-mile radius, the house car will get you to Market Square or downtown for a night out.
Bring Fido along for a stay at this pet-friendly hotel, where dogs less than 50 pounds are greeted with their own plush bed, water bowl and welcome treats.
Here for beer? Thanks to a partnership with local guide Knox Brew Tours, the hotel gives you 10 percent off a behind-the-scenes tasting excursion to four local breweries with lobby pick-up.

The Rooms

Executive King King rooms provide a luxurious space (leather headboards, a sitting area) and views of the Knoxville skyline in plain sight from your bed. It's great to wake up, sip a cup of Illy coffee and take in the scene outside.
On the walls, you'll find detailed maps of Knoxville neighborhoods.
Bathrooms have walk-in tiled showers and sliding barn doors and come with Molton Brown toiletries.
The essence of one of the city’s most beloved sports figures is beautifully captured in the Pat Summit Suite. The sophisticated space proves as much a nod to the local landscape (the carpet replicates Tennessee River ripples) as it is an homage to the late iconic Tennessee Lady Volunteers women’s basketball coach (a wall-sized photo of Summit, subtle pops of the school’s orange in the décor, natural wood elements to resemble a basketball court).
Residences, found on the sixth and seventh floors, feature custom interiors from Knoxville’s own Law's Interiors and Design, Inc.

Nearby Attractions

If you need a break from the city, head just three miles south to Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness, where you can hike more than 50 miles of trails, zip line through the trees, spend time on the lake or just soak in the breathtaking East Tennessee peaks.
Market Square and Gay Street have the best local restaurants for foodies who want to experience the flavors of Knoxville — all within walking distance of The Tennessean.
Two of the city’s most storied entertainment venues lie less than a 10-minute stroll from the Knoxville hotel: the Tennessee Theatre with its French chandeliers and ornate décor, and Bijou Theatre with its sultry ambiance and trendy restaurant. Both play host to a regular roster of plays, concerts and comedy shows, albeit with different vibes.

Amenities