Best Historic Hotels & Inns

Posted by Jenni Barnett on Monday, February 21st, 2022 at 11:52am.

Tennessee’s history, cuisine, architecture, and hospitality are all on full display at the best historic hotels and inns in the Nashville region. Whether you’re headed to our fine state on vacation, coming to visit family, or are a local looking for a getaway not too far from home, you’re sure to love any one of the following top 10 recommendations.


The Hermitage Hotel
231 6th Ave N | Nashville

The Hermitage is a world-famous, five-star luxury destination and historic landmark. Since 1910, Nashvillians and globetrotters alike have gathered here to celebrate, discuss business, and make memories.

Today, The Hermitage blends the preservation of history seamlessly with the most luxurious, modern amenities. The guest accommodations are expansive, plush, and impeccably elegant.

The Hermitage’s restaurant, Drusie & Darr led by Michelin-starred chef Jean-Georges, showcases a menu inspired by delicious flavors from around the globe. Alongside rotating seasonal dishes, Drusie & Darr offers signature entrees that range from plant-based to sushi, from oven-fired pizzas to fried chicken. The diverse menu truly has something delicious for every palate.

History buffs will want to keep an eye out for touches of yellow throughout The Hermitage. This theme is a subtle nod to the women’s suffrage movement in which the hotel is proud to have played a part.


The Peabody
149 Union Avenue | Memphis

The Peabody Memphis, a.k.a the “South’s Grand Hotel,” checked in its first guest in 1869. Since then, each generation of owners have remained dedicated to opulence, charm, and outstanding hospitality. Recently, every guestroom and suite of this 4.5-star destination has been freshly renovated, including a multi-million-dollar investment into updated, plush “soft goods” and updated bathrooms. The new décor is a blend of traditional and modern, preserving history while including beautiful elements from our current love of bright, open design.

There are 5 restaurants and bars on-site, including Capriccio Grill, where you can enjoy a full breakfast or stop by at dinner for one of their famous steaks.

If you’re searching for the most opulent dining room in Memphis, look no further than Chez Philippe. Classic French cuisine comprises the main menu, while the area’s only traditional English tea is served in the afternoons.

There are two bar options on-site: The Peabody’s Grand Lobby and Peabody Corner Bar. Both locations serve delicious drinks and light bites in sumptuous surroundings.

For coffee, breakfast, sandwiches, homemade ice cream, and pastries, visit Peabody Deli & Desserts.


21c Museum Hotel
221 2nd Ave N | Nashville

The Gray & Dudley building was built in 1900. Today, it is home to the 21c Museum Hotel, home to one of the largest multi-venue contemporary art venues in the country along with 124 guest rooms and suites. This historic hotel brings art into focus throughout the property and guest rooms, with a contemporary feel creating continuity between the museum and private accommodations.

The hotel’s restaurant, Gray and Dudley, serves comfort food inspired by local farmers, producers, and artisans. Enjoy familiar dishes with a playful twist as you experience Menagerie, an art exhibition showcasing works by Beth Cavener and Shelly Reed.

21c Nashville is also home to a spa where you can book a massage to work out the stress of traveling.


The Read House
107 W M.L.K. Blvd | Chattanooga

The Read House holds the distinction of being the longest continuously running hotel in the southeast, with the current structure dating back to 1926. Since then, the hotel has hosted many well-known individuals, including Al Capone, Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, Gary Cooper, Winston Churchill, and Oprah Winfrey.

The Read House offers guests the chance to step back in time to the height of the Jazz Era, when Art Deco began its reign and women were experiencing their first tastes of liberation. The hotel’s gleaming black-and-white floors, soaring ceilings, and glittering chandeliers will transport you back in time, while its luxurious amenities and furnishings will make you grateful to be living in the modern world.

On-site eateries include the elegant Bridgeman’s Chophouse, speakeasy Bar & Billiards Room, and coffee and pastries at Starbucks.


The Union Station
1001 Broadway | Nashville

Once a grand train terminal, today The Union Station Nashville curates original art and hosts guests in bespoke rooms—no two of which are alike. The Union Station’s dramatic, awe-inspiring architecture is worth visiting irrespective of where you choose to stay, but the luxurious rooms are sure to complete this unique experience.

Stationairy is The Union Station’s restaurant, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner within an open-concept space that was designed to honor the station’s long history. Stationairy’s modern American cuisine gives a nod to the international influences that have contributed to our current gastronomical delights.

Ergo, the hotel’s bar, serves craft cocktails, small bites, and local brews. Live music events are held every evening.


The Oliver Hotel
407 Union Ave | Knoxville

The Oliver Hotel is a boutique location that was recently updated, bringing modern luxury to this historic site that began as a bakery in 1876. Today, all 28 rooms are furnished with handcrafted furniture, locally-made original artwork, and three on-site dining options.

Oliver Royale is the hotel’s dinner and brunch spot, spotlighting local and seasonal ingredients on its New American menu. The drink menu features a long list of craft cocktails, infused whiskeys, bourbons, and a host of wines and spirits.

Behind the hotel’s lobby, Knoxville’s only speakeasy has emerged from secrecy to become one of the town’s favorite bars. The Peter Kern Library is a cozy escape, where cocktails named after beloved literary characters can be enjoyed by the fireplace.

For a brunch, lunch, or supper meal of elevated comfort foods, stop by the Tupelo Honey Cafe. Southern classics hailing from the Carolina Mountains will offer a taste of home-style favorites in a comfortable, yet elegant, atmosphere.


Chattanooga Choo Choo
1400 Market St | Chattanooga

The first railway station in the south was opened here in 1909. Called the Terminal Station, it was designed in the Beaux Art Style, which is preserved in the Chattanooga Choo Choo hotel today. Guests are invited to stay in the MacArthur building’s recently renovated accommodations, tour and play in the Glenn Miller Gardens, and dine at the hotel’s six on-site restaurant and bar destinations.

American Draft is a unique, pour-your-own beer hall housed within a historic train car. The Backstage Bar hosts live acoustic events, serves shareable appetizers, and pours an array of libations.

The Frothy Monkey serves breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner daily. Their eclectic, chef-driven menu makes this spot a favorite with hotel guests and locals alike. Stop by for a meal or grab a locally-roasted coffee and a pastry to go.

Nic & Norman’s diverse food and beverage menu offers a full view of the Glenn Miller Gardens as well as elevated, locally inspired comfort foods. Driven by the tastes of its celebrity owners, Nic & Normans is beloved for so much more.

STIR showcases ingredients from artisans and farms around Chattanooga through a diverse menu designed to please any palate.

Gate 11 Distillery creates a range of fine spirits from carefully-sourced raw materials. Tour the distillery, sip cocktails at the bar as you enjoy live music, and sample the distillery’s most flavorful elixirs.


Carnegie Hotel
1216 W State of Franklin Rd | Johnson City

In the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, a replica hotel tips its hat to the original Carnegie. First opened in 1891, the original structure was lost to fire only 19 years later. Today, guests can enjoy this historic, boutique experience while relaxing with all the luxuries today’s traveler requires. The expansive size of each hotel room is unparalleled in East Tennessee, while Tiffany-style lamps and in-room Starbucks embody the marriage of history and modernity.

Feeling stressed? Stop by the Carnegie Hotel’s full spa!

Wellington's Restaurant and Bar makes Appalachian Mountain traditions the star. Over 200 whiskeys are served at the antique, hand-built bar, while the cuisine brings international flavor to a grounded base of genuine southern meals.


The General Morgan Inn
111 N Main St | Greeneville

The General Morgan Inn is an independent hotel located in the center of Greeneville’s Historic District. With a long, complex past winding from the 1790s to the present day, this boutique inn’s 51 rooms offer guests an opportunity to enjoy the best modern amenities in a richly historic location.

The Inn’s on-site eatery, Brumley’s Restaurant, serves classic Appalachian cuisine with a chef-driven flair within the historically themed dining room. Executive chef Jordan Greene has come home with a vision of updating the region’s famous flavors with techniques from around the world.


The Gatlinburg Inn
755 Parkway | Gatlinburg

The Historic Gatlinburg offers guests of this mountain town a chance to step back in time. The inn, opened in 1937, maintains as much of the original structure and décor as possible. You’ll be unlocking your room with a key, turning on the closet light with a pull chain, and rocking on your porch as you take in the sights of the Great Smoky Mountains.

Famous guests include Lady Bird Johnson, Liberace, and an full wall of additional famous faces who’ve graced the inn.

 

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