Chattanooga, TennesseeCity Center
The Dwell Hotel
Retro boutique inn
City Center Chattanooga, Tennessee
Renovated
2016
Price
$$
Rated for
Design Heritage SocialOutside the door
Retro boutique inn
The 1909 brick inn trades Victorian antiques for mid-century pieces, running like a stylish private home with a sociable cocktail lounge.
“Everything from the logo to the lobby exudes retro, mid-century modern sophistication.”
What it’s good at
Notable
Sixteen individually styled bedrooms display mid-century vintage furniture and bold graphic wallpapers.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Also in Condé Nast Traveler and AFAR.
It’s a renovation of the century-old Stone Fort Inn, and its new owner, first-time hotelier Seija Ojanpera, has outfitted it with vintage furniture and modern artworks, and redecorated it in a bold and colorful mid-century modernist style.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
The front doors open into downtown Chattanooga, an easy stroll from Miller Park and the historic Tivoli Theatre.
The rooms
Each bedroom takes its cue from a graphic wallpaper motif, with salvaged vintage furniture and a deep soaking tub.
Restaurant
Solarium
Breakfast is served under vintage floral pendant lights beside a glass-block bar framed in walnut and brass.
As much gallery space as boutique hotel, the 16-room Dwell occupies an early 20th-century building in downtown Chattanooga.
Bar
Matilda Midnight
Twinkling star lights cover the ceiling above a curved brass bar serving craft cocktails and small plates.
How it began
Founder Seija Ojanpera hunted down vintage pieces in junk shops and online auctions to transform the former 1909 inn.
Chattanooga
More like this
The Hotel Chalet
“Restored railcar lodge”
The Read House Hotel, Downtown
“Georgian Revival landmark”
The Edwin Hotel, Autograph Collection
“Riverfront art boutique”
Kinley Chattanooga Southside, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
“Exposed-brick Southside boutique hotel”
Hotel Indigo Chattanooga - Downtown by IHG
“Converted apartment tower”
Moxy Chattanooga Downtown
“Playful industrial clubhouse”
The app
Like this one? There are so many more.
Swipe any city’s hotels and heart the ones you love. The app gets your taste.
Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.