Where to Stay in Knoxville, Tennessee: Local’s Guide to Top Neighborhoods and Hotels
Whether you’re visiting Knoxville, Tennessee for a UT football game, partaking in our local foodie scene, or headed to the Great Smoky Mountains, planning your home base for your adventures is important!
As a Knoxville local and travel blogger, I’ve been able to stay at properties in and around Knoxville, so instead of giving you a mundane roundup, I’m sharing exactly where to stay based on my own personal experience.
Which you might be wondering, if I’m local, why have I stayed at hotels in my own city? First, when I was moving here, I had to keep making trips to look at houses. I stayed in a different hotel each time. And now, I occasionally partner with local hotels. I promise I’ll only recommend them to you if I personally would stay there again and pay for it!
So without further ado, here’s exactly where to stay in Knoxville, Tennessee according to a local.
Summary
💃 Best neighborhood: Downtown
👣 Most walkable: The Oliver Hotel ($209+ per night) – boutique hotel downtown with Knoxville’s only speakeasy!
🧝♀️ Most unique: Ancient Lore Village ($299+ per night) – fairytale village with axe throwing, archery, and themed meals
Map of Where to Stay in Knoxville
Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Knoxville
I’ll share a brief overview of some of Knoxville’s neighborhoods. However, not every neighborhood has an abundance of hotels. Some cater more toward short-term vacation rentals.
But, this should give you a good idea on the vibe of each area so you can narrow down your choice.
Downtown
The most popular place to stay in Knoxville is downtown. Here, you’ll find all the best restaurants, nightlife, and fun things to do like farmers markets.
Downtown is the most crowded area on this list, though, so crowds bring more expensive hotels. It can absolutely be worth it to stay downtown regardless because of the walkability and ample things to do!
If you’re in downtown, see a show at the Tennessee Theatre, learn some history at the East Tennessee History Center, and try my favorite desserts at Ham n’ Goodys where your first lemon cookie is free!
Old City
Right next to Downtown is Old City, a once industrial area that’s been revitalized. It has all the delights of downtown in a more low key, artsy setting.
It’s a great place to stay if you want good eats, great beer, and the best gift shops in town.
This area has one hotel and caters more to short-term rentals, but it’s a great option if you prefer a laid-back vibe.
Be sure to try the tamales at Good Golly Tamale, try local draughts at Pretentious Beer Co., see a Knoxville Smokies game at the new stadium, and pop into Bethie Lou’s and Rala, my favorite shops!
SoKno
If you’re looking for our most unique stay in town, it’s located in South Knoxville (and number 2 on this list). It’s actually the only hotel in this neighborhood, but it’s a good one!
South Knoxville (also called SoKno) has lots of fantastic, underrated local restaurants, iconic Knoxville coffee shops, and beautiful scenery with access to iJams Nature Center, one of our top recreation areas.
Visit Aretha Frankenstein’s for the best fluffy pancakes, South Press Coffee for the most safe, welcoming space, and Sugar Queen Creamery, arguably the best ice cream in Knoxville!
NoKno, Cedar Bluff, and West Hills
While these aren’t all right next to each other, I’m grouping them together because they are all very similar neighborhoods.
Think commercialized suburbs with big chain restaurants, brand name shops, and not a whole heck of a lot to do besides shopping.
That said, these neighborhoods also have the most hotel options at the most reasonable prices. If you don’t mind driving into downtown and around Knoxville to see the attractions, these can be great budget-friendly options.
Fort Sanders
There are not a ton of hotels in the Fort Sanders neighborhood as it’s mostly residential. It’s where you’ll find a major hospital and the University of Tennessee Knoxville.
However, there is one hotel here that I think is so special that it’s worth including on this list. It’s number 1 on this list and perfect for UT football games in the fall!
Fort Sanders certainly has the youngest vibe of all these neighborhoods as it’s primarily college students who live here.
Because of that, there’s no shortage of restaurants, which you’ll find on Cumberland Ave.
Top Hotels in Knoxville
1. The Graduate (Best for Football Games)
Located in the Fort Sanders neighborhood, The Graduate is a Hilton brand hotel aimed at celebrating the local college or university. For example, in Athens, Georgia (where I used to live), The Graduate is Bulldawg themed.
Here, it’s decked out in University of Tennessee decor, artifacts, and nods that will get you in the best spirits for going to a football game.
They even have a bar on site called Saloon 16, which is in partnership with Peyton Manning, who is a UT Knoxville alum! It’s like if an old west watering hole met southern charm.
The rooms are also lovely with cute decor and cozy furniture. My husband and I actually stayed here when we were touring Knoxville before moving here!
- Address: 1706 Cumberland Ave, Knoxville, TN
- Cost: $142+ per night
- Book here
2. Ancient Lore Village (Most Unique & Closest to the Smokies)
The most unique stay in all of Knoxville is easily Ancient Lore Village, a luxury fantasy-themed boutique resort.
It’s based on Bokee’s Trek, a story that brings magical creatures together to live in harmony. The goal is to disconnect from reality and live out your fantasy dreams.
They have a number of dwellings including an Elven Grove (where I stayed) with luxury treehouses that are complete with the most wonderful amenities, like large bathrooms, spacious bedrooms, and wrap-around porches.
They even have activities on site like axe throwing and archery!
Plus, they have fantastic events like themed brunches and dinners, so even if you don’t stay overnight you can still opt for day access for a great day trip from Knoxville.
- Address: 7107 Sevierville Pike, Knoxville, TN
- Cost: $299+ per night
- Book here
3. Oliver Hotel (Most Walkable)
My favorite downtown stay in Knoxville is the Oliver Hotel. It’s another boutique luxury property nestled in the heart of downtown just steps from Market Square and Gay Street, the two main hubs of downtown.
They have stylish rooms that are even dog-friendly, and the restaurant on-site is Tupelo Honey, an elevated Southern restaurant with a lovely patio.
And, I’m obsessed with their bar on site, called Peter Kern Library. It’s a literary themed speakeasy (the only speakeasy in Knoxville!). You’ll have to find the 4-digit password on their social media and either enter from the nondescript door outside, or via the sliding gallery wall door inside the lobby.
- Address: 407 Union Ave Suite A, Knoxville, TN
- Cost: $209+ per night
- Book here
4. The Tennessean (Best Luxury Stay)
Near the Convention Center and Sunsphere is Knoxville’s most luxurious stay, The Tennessean Hotel. It’s steps from downtown, so it’s still pretty walkable, especially to Knoxville’s free art museum and for events in World’s Fair Park.
The Tennessean Hotel is an urban retreat with fabulous dining options and the Maker Exchange, where you can take art workshops and see local artists’ works on display.
They even have “tuck-in rituals” to help you unwind each evening with complimentary evening tea, luxury edition board games, a library, and nightcap offerings in the Drawing Room.
- Address: 531 Henley St, Knoxville, TN
- Cost: $244+ per night
- Book here
5. Hilton Knoxville Airport (Closest to the Airport)
The Knoxville airport, McGhee Tyson (TYS), is actually located in Alcoa, Tennessee, about 20 minutes from Knoxville.
While you certainly can drive in or take a ride share, you might be looking for an overnight stay closest to the airport. That’s going to be the Hilton Knoxville Airport, which is literally attached to the airport.
You can walk straight from your plane through the airport to the hotel in one go.
They have an indoor pool, fitness center, free self-parking, and an airport shuttle that can take you within a 5 mile radius.
- Address: 2001 Alcoa Hwy, Alcoa, TN
- Cost: $149+ per night
- Book here
6. Tru by Hilton – North Knoxville (Most Budget-Friendly)
It’s a bit hard to choose a hotel in North Knoxville because they’re all brand name chains and they all have decently high reviews.
Based on my in-laws’ stays in this area and my own brand preference, I’d go with Tru by Hilton.
I personally find Hilton brand hotels to be very reliable for higher quality amenities and comfortable stays.
That said, you really can find any brand you have loyalty or status with in this area!
- Address: 5418 Pratt Rd, Knoxville, TN
- Cost: $98+ per night
- Book here
7. Home2Suites Knoxville West (Suburbia Heaven)
My final pick is one in West Knoxville in the Cedar Bluff area and that’s Home2Suites Knoxville West.
Again, this area is very similar to North Knoxville and you can find every brand chain under the sun within a 2-mile radius.
I’m partial to Hilton hotels and I particularly like this little area of hotels because it’s within walking distance to some incredible restaurants in Knoxville like Space Bar, which is a bar and restaurant that makes you feel like you’re on a spaceship with lots of fun pop culture nods.
- Address: 380 N Peters Rd, Knoxville, TN
- Cost: $123+ per night
- Book here
Planning a trip to Knoxville? These posts will help:
- 45+ things to do in Knoxville
- How to take a day trip from Knoxville to the Smoky Mountains
- 21 fun things to do in East Tennessee
- Best coffee shops in Knoxville
- Best day trips from Knoxville
- Tips for visiting Knoxville Smokies stadium
- 3 day Great Smoky Mountains itinerary
- How to spend a day in Gatlinburg
- Top activities in Gatlinburg for adults
My Travel Essentials
- Travel Insurance – Going on an international trip? Don’t forget travel and medical insurance with SafetyWing.
- Travel Card – If you’re new to travel hacking, fear not! My favorite card for beginners gives you $750 in rewards when you spend $4,000 in the first 3 months, plus lounge access, 10x points on hotel bookings, and free TSA pre-check!
- Get Your Guide – Check out Get Your Guide for a one-stop-shop for booking travel activities.
- Booking.com – This is my favorite hotel search aggregator, specifically for reading reviews. On Booking.com, the reviews can be searched for keywords like WiFi, breakfast, pool, amenities, etc.! So helpful!
- Anti-pickpocket bag – Worried about having your valuables swiped? PacSafe makes the best travel bags with zippers and straps that lock and with mesh steel enforced fabric.
- Give the Gift of Travel – This is the perfect gift for travelers in your life! Tinggly allows you to gift experiences around the world, perfect for birthdays, weddings, or anniversaries.
- Staycation Idea – Check out Resort Pass, which gives you day passes to resorts so you can use their pool, spa, and fitness center, a great staycation idea!
Save to Pinterest
