A fantastic fusion of culture, food and nature, Knoxville is fast emerging as a top city for a Tennessee break. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is within easy reach, and the city is abuzz with terrific eateries, craft breweries and marvellous museums. Accommodation options are wide-ranging, too, with everything from simple self-catering spots to swish city hotels for a whole array of tastes and budgets. Many of the best places to stay in Knoxville are quirky and contemporary, perfect for a trendy weekend away — and for unwinding after big days in the wilderness.

Culture aficionados will find themselves spoilt for choice in Knoxville. Head to the Museum of East Tennessee History, the American Museum of Science & Energy, the Museum of Appalachia or the Green McAdoo Cultural Centre. And that’s not all: the Knoxville Museum of Art, the McClung Museum of Natural History and the Beck Cultural Exchange Centre are brilliant, too. Look out for an excellent programme of events hosted by the University of Tennessee, during your trip — and catch a Tennessee Volunteers’ game if you can! The Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame is well worth visiting for sports enthusiasts.

Venture into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park for awe-inspiring scenery, as well as fantastic hiking and mountain biking. Even closer to home, Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness is the perfect place for an adventure on land or water. This is also a great spot for families with active, outdoorsy kids.

Back in the city, you can expect hip cafés, bars and breweries, as well as delicious fare served in buzzing eateries and an eclectic array of annual events. With many of the best places to stay in Knoxville set in the city centre, you’ll be right in the heart of the action.

The Best Places to Stay in Knoxville

For Boutique Chic

• The Oliver is a contemporary boutique hotel with 28 smart rooms tucked behind a red-brick Victorian façade. Pick this place for the cool speakeasy bar, trendy restaurant and great downtown location. A smaller, intimate choice for well-heeled couples or friends.

For a Swish City Stay

• Graduate Knoxville is a stylish city hotel set on The Strip, close to the University of Tennessee. Expect bold, quirky rooms with vintage touches, as well as a lively café, saloon-bar and onsite gym. Fun for families, groups of friends or couples looking for a relaxed, youthful vibe. There are bikes for hire, too.
• The Tennesseean promises sleek, minimalist style in a swish modern building. The downtown Knoxville location is great for business meetings or exploring, whilst the sophisticated bar and eatery are a nice touch. A chic city hotel for families and couples on holiday, as well as for business travellers.

FOR AN APARTMENT OR HOLIDAY COTTAGE

• If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

• Fly to Knoxville's McGhee Tyson Airport and take a taxi or bus into the city.
• Tennessee is great for a road trip! If you would like to hire a car, we suggest that you contact our online partner Rentalcars.
• Come during the summer months (June - August) for the warmest weather. Winters are cold, but spring (April - May) and autumn (September - October) are ideal for exploring in slightly cooler climes. You can also expect some good hotel deals.

STILL NOT SURE?

• Expand your search to explore all the best places to stay in Nashville.
• Alternatively, see our pick of the best places to stay in Tennessee.
• Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.