The Tennessean Hotel: A Luxurious Southern Getaway
About The Tennessean
One of 2022 Reader's Best Top 500 hotels in the United States by Travel + Leisure, The Tennessean Hotel provides a central stay in the heart of Knoxville's downtown, located only moments away from the University of Tennessee, Market Square, and the Old City area. Seeped in comfort, this luxurious hotel is nestled next to the notable World's Fair Park on the banks of the Tennessee River. This prime location is all you could want during your stay and more.
Steps from the river, The Tennessean Hotel holds a polished design with a call to local culture with touches of the waterway throughout the building.
From the discreet water pattern in the carpeting and droplet-shaped sconces along the halls to the lobby's grand bookcase, guest floor names after branches of the Tennessee River, and bedside tables designed to look like the river reeds. In addition, Sneedville-based furniture maker Hackney Furniture built the hard goods, and most of the furniture and artwork throughout the hotel and Maker Exchange spaces are all crafted by local artisans.
Hotel Accommodations
The hotel offers excellent views of the Sunsphere, World's Fair Park, and downtown Knoxville with the Smoky Mountains looming in the distance. Providing a uniquely East Tennessee experience, each room contains fine linens, pillow-top mattresses, and marble floors to elevate the guest experience. Additionally, rooms have lavish robes and slippers, coffee stations and mini refrigerators, floor-length mirrors with great lighting, and accessible modern technology conveniences.
At 1,646 square feet, the Governor's Suite is a home away from home for celebrities, heads of state, musicians, or those who want to feel accommodated like one. The suite presents some of the City's best views with floor-to-ceiling windows. The spacious living room welcomes you with a cozy fireplace and piano in its corner.
The Pat Summitt Suite is dedicated to the iconic coach of the University of Tennessee Lady Vols. This space features classic Tennessean decor coinciding with memorabilia honoring the late Pat Summitt and her enduring legacy. A portion of the proceeds from booking the suite donates to the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame.
Additional suites include a Panoramic One Bedroom Suite and Executive King-King. Panoramic suites offer stunning views with 875 square feet of living space and a king-bed area. The Executive King-King room configuration can comfortably fit families or up to four adults with two king beds, lounge room, and a spacious bathroom. In addition, this option can connect to the Panoramic One-Bedroom Suite for even more comfort.
Photography by Jason Cadence with Cadence Captures
The Tennessean offers specialty rooms, including Panoramic King, a 450 square foot featuring one king bed and Classic Queen, and Classic King, a 470 square foot providing spacious luxury with two queen beds or one king.
Amenities & Services
Subtle touches romanticized the finest European hotels style throughout The Tennessean Hotel, from Frette linens, polished butler service available upon request, and a tea service steeped in tradition. Also, their year-round turndown service features locally-made chocolates for a sweet and relaxing end to each day on your trip.
Setting the service standard in Knoxville, seasonal amenities at The Tennessean include elevated football experiences during the University of Tennessee home game weekends with a sparkling wine welcome reception and door-to-stadium luxury motor coach transportation to and from games.
The Tennessean Hotel welcomes you to bring four-legged friends on your stay for under 50-pounds for an additional fee. Check out the pet policy, pricing, and the special Paws in the City upgrade on the dog-friendly tab of their website.
During the holiday season, guests enjoy impeccably-decorated fondant cookies presented at check-in, a tempting Hot Cocoa Bar in the lobby, locally-crafted annual Tennessean Hotel ornaments, and custom candles for guests to take home the signature hotel scent.
The Tennessean Hotel is proud to host the only Tea Service events in the area, from Spring Tea and Mother's Day to the popular cocktail-infused Prohibition Tea and classic Holiday Teas. The hotel welcomes guests to its Drawing Room, where servers present traditional tea service served on iconic British Wedgwood China featuring the Signature Peach Tea Noir alongside seasonal selections from rare tea sellers. The tea service is done during ticketed special events or can be booked as private "Suite Tea" for events.
Food, Drink & More!
Located on the second floor, the Drawing Room is an intimate space fitting around 50 guests and serving locally-sourced provisions and artisanal cocktails. When entering the area, a scent of Smokey Old Fashioneds greets you so sought-after that the hotel now offers candles for guests to take the smell home with them. The restaurant is open for breakfast daily and cocktails with dinner from afternoon to night.
Next door to The Tennessean Hotel, the Maker Exchange concept was unveiled in 2022 as a gathering space, artistic showcase, and culinary scene designed to highlight and embrace Knoxville's creative maker community. Guests from the hotel can enjoy a cocktail or coffee while relaxing, socializing, or meeting at the space.
The Tavern at Maker Exchange delivers seasonally enticing crafted beverages and locally-sourced bites with a twist from acclaimed Chef Robert Hoffman. The restaurant is open daily for dinner and cocktails, but make sure to attend the weekend brunch on Saturdays and Sundays.
The Tennessean Hotel currently holds the #1 spot in TripAdvisor's ranking of Knoxville hotels. Featuring 83 elegant rooms, the hotel offers it all and makes it their mission that you have a luxurious time.
