Chattanooga, TennesseeCity Center
The Read House Hotel, Downtown
Georgian Revival landmark
City Center Chattanooga, Tennessee
Renovated
2018
Price
$$
Rated for
Heritage Classic SocialOutside the door
Georgian Revival landmark
The 1920s grand hotel still trades in Jazz Age glamour, from polished walnut lobby walls to speakeasy cocktails.
What it’s good at
Remarkable
A 1926 Georgian Revival landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Notable
Generations of Chattanooga celebrations and banquets beneath Silver Ballroom crystal chandeliers.
What they say
Also in Condé Nast Traveler.
Now, the fully renovated 241-room hotel’s design harkens to the 1920s with soaring lobby ceilings, dramatic chandeliers, black and white checkered floors, and wood-clad walls polished to a high shine.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Chattanooga's free electric shuttle stops outside the entrance, running straight to the riverfront and the Tennessee Aquarium.
The rooms
Bathrooms have 1920s black-and-white checkered tile, and beds are dressed in crisp white with bold blue accents.
The indoor pool
Bring a swimsuit.
The heated indoor pool sits beneath cove lighting, bordered by tall grid windows and cushioned armchairs.
The gym
The fitness center keeps Peloton stationary bikes, treadmills, and free weights beneath recessed ceiling lighting.
Bar & Billiards Room
Servers in 1920s flapper attire shake craft cocktails for guests settled into tufted red leather booths.
At the table
Bridgeman's Chophouse serves prime steaks and tiered seafood towers among black tufted banquettes and mirrored pillars.
How it began

Al Capone stayed in Room 311 under heavy guard, with custom iron bars bolted across the windows.
The app
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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.