The BEST Unique Places to Stay in Chattanooga, TN
Searching for the best hotels, unique Airbnbs, or vacation rentals for your next trip to Chattanooga? These are some of the highest rated places to stay for couples, families, solo travelers, and groups visiting the Scenic City. From the classic downtown hotels to scenic Airbnbs with a view on Lookout Mountain, there’s something for every type of occasion and traveler!
First off, this is not a random AI-generated list. As a hiking tour guide in Chattanooga, my husband and I have picked up tourists and visitors from many of the downtown hotels. As locals, we personally know some of the vacation rental hosts featured on this page or have stayed at their Airbnb’s ourselves.
These are vetted stays with amazing reviews that I would trust to a personal friend. Consider this your insider’s guide for the best stays in Chattanooga.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
The Most Unique Airbnbs near Chattanooga
Lookout Mountain Airbnbs
There are sooo many unique places to stay near Chattanooga on Lookout Mountain! These stays are ideal for solo travelers, couples celebrating an anniversary or special occasion, and small families. Most of these Airbnbs are a short drive away from all the major attractions such as Rock City, Ruby Falls, Incline Railway, Point Park, Lookout Mountain Flight Park and Cloudland Canyon State Park.
MERRY MUSHROOM
🍄 This whimsical mushroom-themed couple’s getaway on Lookout Mountain is one of the most unique Airbnbs we’ve seen near Chattanooga! Inside, it has a super cozy reading nook and huge copper soaking tub. You’ll enjoy the panoramic sunset view over the mountains, and a relaxing hot tub. The amenities alone will make you want to stay forever. Plus, it’s minutes to attractions like Cloudland Canyon State Park or McLemore Resort.
🔗 Book Merry Mushroom on Airbnb Here!
📍 Distance from downtown Chattanooga: 30 minutes
Sleeps 2 guests | Hot Tub | Fire Pit | Pizza Oven | Mountain View
SASSAFRAS TREEHOUSE
🌲 Sassafras Treehouse is a custom-built magical treehouse stay for two on Lookout Mountain. Outside, you’ll find a seasonal outdoor shower, hot tub, panoramic sunrise views, and a pizza oven. The upstairs loft bedroom makes you feel like you’re sleeping in the trees, and there’s a beautiful soaking tub inside. Perfect for couples or solo travelers, but not suitable for children under 12.
🔗 Book Sassafras Treehouse on Airbnb Here!
📍 Distance from downtown Chattanooga: 30 minutes
Sleeps 2 guests | Hot Tub | Fire Pit | Pizza Oven | Outdoor Shower | Mountain View
TREETOP HIDEAWAYS
🌲 Treetop Hideaways is a brand of luxury, custom-built treehouse stays on Lookout Mountain. There are 3 treehouses behind Ruby Falls in Tennessee. Just across the state line in Georgia, there are 2 more treehouses below Rock City. Many of the treehouses are built with reclaimed, vintage or antique pieces. These are really cool stays and two of them were even featured on Treehouse Masters!
🔗 Book Treetop Hideaways at Ruby Falls on Airbnb: Wood Lily, Redbud, or Dogwood
🔗 Book Treetop Hideaway (Georgia side) on Airbnb: Elements Treehouse or Luna Loft
📍 Distance from downtown Chattanooga: 5-15 minutes
Sleeps 2-4 guests | Fire Pit | Forest View
LAUREL ZOME
🪷 There is truly no other stay like this anywhere near Chattanooga! The Laurel Zome is one of the most private, secluded stays on Lookout Mountain. It’s tucked away in the forest, complete with a hiking path to a seasonal waterfall and boulders. The design is inspired by mountain laurel flowers and pinecones. It’s perfect for couples celebrating a honeymoon, anniversary, or special occasion. There’s a wood-burning hot tub, fire pit, and absolutely gorgeous interior. Overall, it’s a one-of-a-kind, dreamy stay!
🔗 Book Laurel Zome on Airbnb Here!
📍 Distance from downtown Chattanooga: 30 minutes
Sleeps 2 guests | Private | Hot Tub | Fire Pit | Forest View | Hiking Trail
ON THE ROCKS SHIPPING CONTAINERS
🪨 These are unique, custom-built shipping containers. They sit on the edge of Lookout Mountain with a panoramic view of the sunset! The shipping containers are owned by the same hosts as Merry Mushroom and Sassafras Treehouse. In my opinion, these are some of the coolest stays on the mountain. Unfortunately, it’s not suitable for pets or children under 13 due to the high cliffs on the property. However, you might see hang gliders fly by from the nearby Lookout Mountain Flight Park!
🔗 Book Shipping Containers Here: The Hangar, The Belvedere Box, or The Cloud 9 (rooftop deck)
📍 Distance from downtown Chattanooga: 30 minutes
Sleeps 2-4 guests | Sunset View
Signal Mountain Airbnbs
While there are no major tourist attractions on Signal Mountain, it’s a perfect place to stay near Chattanooga for peace and tranquility. The mountain brow views and forested land are beautiful! There are plenty of hiking spots nearby, including Signal Point, Rainbow Lake, Edward’s Point, Falling Water Falls, and more.
PARADISE MEADOWS
🌾 Located on peaceful Signal Mountain, this lovely property has three unique vacation rentals on-site. The Farmhouse is perfect for a group getaway! It has 3 bedrooms that sleep up to 10, a large living room for gathering, fire pit, and a full kitchen. The adorable tiny house next door sleeps 2-4 guests with a loft bed and sofa bed on the main floor. Both stays have the option for a hot tub to rent as well. They also offer a seasonal glamping tent!
🔗 Book Paradise Meadows on Airbnb Here: Farmhouse or Tiny House
📍 Distance from downtown Chattanooga: 30 minutes
Sleeps 4-6 guests | Fire Pit | Great for groups & families
MOUNTAIN’S LEDGE
⛰️ This dreamy getaway is nestled on the edge of Signal Mountain. It boasts an amazing sunset view! Perfect for solo travelers and couples looking for a relaxing escape. You’ll feel like you’re on a spa retreat with your own private sauna, cold plunge, hot tub, outdoor shower, and fire pit. The space has a modern, simple design, and comes with a king bed, full kitchen, and a full bathroom with soaking tub and a shower. On clear days, you might even catch a view of clouds floating below the mountain!
🔗 Book Mountain’s Ledge on Airbnb Here!
📍 Distance from downtown Chattanooga: 30 minutes
Sleeps 2 guests | Hot Tub | Sauna | Cold Plunge | Fire Pit | Outdoor Shower | Mountain View
North Georgia Airbnbs
You might be surprised at how close North Georgia is while you’re exploring Chattanooga. Just a short drive away, you’ll find roaming farmland and enchanting stays that are perfect for couples and small families. Escape the bustle of the city and experience serene places to stay near Chattanooga. These are a short drive from attractions on Lookout Mountain and downtown!
SELAH RIDGE
🌳 Located on 16 private acres in Ringgold, Georgia, there are three enchanting Airbnbs available, including the hobbit-inspired Shiloh Cottage, a rustic Treehouse, or the romantic Lookout Tower. Each rental sleeps 2–4 guests and is ideal for couples seeking a relaxing getaway or anyone looking for a restorative time surrounded by nature. Amenities include a putting green, hot tub, pool, fire pit, and more. Check the listings below for full details!
🔗 Book Selah Ridge on Airbnb Here: The Cottage, Lookout Tower, or Treehouse
📍 Distance from downtown Chattanooga: 30 minutes
Sleeps 2-4 guests | 16 private acres | Hot Tub | Forest / Mountain View
UNIQUE FARM SILO
🚜 The Silo at Gene Acres is a repurposed grain bin, paired with beautiful open farmland views and serene surroundings. It’s located on 20 acres in Chickamauga, Georgia, just 30 minutes from Chattanooga and less than 2 miles from the Chickamauga Battlefield. Inside, you’ll find a king bed, full bathroom, fully equipped kitchen, modern living area with a queen Murphy bed, and more. Outside, there’s a private hot tub, fire pit, and s’mores setup!
🔗 Book Farm Silo on Airbnb Here!
📍 Distance from downtown Chattanooga: 30 minutes
Sleeps up to 4 guests | Hot Tub | Fire Pit | S’mores | Farm View
The Best Local Hotels in Downtown Chattanooga
There are many downtown hotels to choose from when looking for the best places to stay near Chattanooga. However, these are the highest rated. All of them are close to downtown attractions and things to do, and they’re located in safe areas with walkable restaurants nearby. Ultimately, you can’t go wrong with any of these!
HOTEL CHALET AT THE CHOO CHOO
🚂 This is the only hotel in Chattanooga with a One Key hotel designation from the prestigious Michelin Guide, exuding exceptional quality and service. It’s located at the Chattanooga Choo Choo, a historic railroad terminal in the Southside area. The hotel has 127 guest suites, but what really makes it special is that you can stay in a restored Victorian train car! There’s also an outdoor pool, fitness center, on-site restaurant (Elsie’s Daughter), and it’s pet friendly.
🔗 Book Hotel Chalet Here
📍 Located in Southside near Main Street
Michelin Key | Pet-friendly hotel option | Pool | Fitness Center | Restaurant | Walkable area
HOTEL CLEMONS
🍊 The perfect family-friendly or group-stay hotel! It’s located in the heart of downtown, in Chattanooga’s West Village area. Each unit has a fully equipped kitchen, dining area, and living room. The layout is very spacious for those who want Airbnb-style amenities with the convenience of a walkable hotel. The lobby features a bar, pool table, ping pong, shuffleboard, and other common spaces. Most units can sleep 2–6 people.
🔗 Book Hotel Clemons Here
📍 Located in West Village
Pet-friendly hotel option | Apartment-style units | Near restaurants & shops | Walkable area
THE WESTIN
⭐ One of Chattanooga’s highest rated luxury hotels! It’s easy to find right off the downtown exit, with valet parking provided. Each room has floor-to-ceiling windows and either a view of the mountains or downtown. The hotel also features a rooftop bar, restaurant, outdoor heated pool, fitness center, event space, conference rooms, and wedding accommodations. It has a professional, business-friendly feel, and pets are welcome for an additional fee.
🔗Book The Westin Hotel Here
📍 Located in West Village
Upscale | Rooftop Bar | Pet-friendly hotel option | Near restaurants & shops | Walkable area
THE EDWIN HOTEL
⭐ The Edwin Hotel is a boutique luxury hotel in the center of downtown. It’s a short walk from the Walnut Street Bridge, Bluff View Art District, and Tennessee Aquarium. Think marble bathrooms, elegant decor, and eye-catching local art throughout the property. With a full-service spa and rooftop plunge pool, there’s no shortage of wellness amenities. The hotel also features the city’s first rooftop bar, Whiskey Thief, as well as a restaurant sourcing ingredients from local Chattanooga producers and artisans.
🔗 Book The Edwin Hotel Here
📍 Located near the Bluff View Art District & Walnut Street Bridge
Luxury | Hotel Spa | Pool | Restaurant | Rooftop Bar | Walking distance to TN Aquarium
THE READ HOUSE
🛎️ The Read House Hotel is the longest continually operating hotel in the Southeast (est. 1892). Think Gatsby vibes, with 1920s decor and timeless historic charm. It was completely renovated in 2018 for $25 million and features modern amenities. Inside, you’ll find a Starbucks, a steakhouse (Bridgeman’s Chophouse), heated indoor pool, event and wedding spaces, and even a haunted room. Pets are also allowed for a fee.
🔗 Book The Read House Hotel Here
📍 Located in the heart of downtown
Historic | Steakhouse & Starbucks inside | Pet-friendly hotel option | Walking distance to attractions
SPRINGHILL SUITES
🌊 Chattanooga’s only riverfront hotel! SpringHill Suites is just one mile from the Tennessee Aquarium and sits along the Tennessee Riverwalk, with bike rentals available. This family-friendly hotel offers studios as well as one- and two-bedroom suites. Scottie’s on the River, located on the hotel patio, serves guests delicious meals, and the hotel also features a pool and fitness center.
🔗 Book Springhill Suites Here
📍 Located on the Tennessee riverfront
Family friendly | Restaurant | Walking distance to TN Aquarium, TN Riverwalk, Southern Belle
HOTEL INDIGO
🐶 This is one of the best pet-friendly hotels in downtown Chattanooga. It’s conveniently located with easy access off the highway and just a short drive from many attractions. Across the street is a popular YMCA, but the hotel also has an on-site fitness center. There’s a restaurant, The Wanderer, and plenty of space to hang out on their spacious patio. Worth noting: we’ve done many hotel pick-ups here over the years.
🔗 Book Hotel Indigo Here
📍 Located in the heart of downtown
Pet friendly | Restaurant & bar inside
The Best Unique Vacation Rentals within 1 hour of Chattanooga, TN
These vacation rentals may be outside Chattanooga, but they’re worth the drive! These are the kinds of places you’ll want to stay if your main goal is to be immersed in nature and relaxation. Ideally, you could spend a day exploring Chattanooga and then retreat back to your peaceful accommodations. 🙂
HIWASSEE ACRES
🐴 An incredible property sitting on 225 acres next to the Hiwassee River, this is one of the most peaceful stays in Southeast Tennessee! Guests can kayak, ride horses, feed farm animals, have a bonfire, play pickleball, disc golf, basketball, or hike on the property’s trails. Accommodations include studios, apartment-style units, dog-friendly townhouses, and campsites. In short, it’s perfect for group trips, family getaways, or retreats.
🔗 Book Hiwassee Acres Here: Studio, 2 Bedroom Unit, or 3 Bedroom Unit
📍 Distance from Chattanooga: 50 minutes (Calhoun, TN)
Sleeps up to 18 guests | River Access | Horses | Great for families, large groups | Multiple rentals available
TWIN OAKS TINY HOUSE
Located in a tiny home community, this vacation rental is bigger than it sounds! It can host 2 to 4 people, making it ideal for couples or small families. The upstairs loft is perfect for kids. Inside, there’s a spacious kitchen, living room, master bedroom, and deck space. You can bring your kayaks for a paddle on the community lake or enjoy the fire pit. Plus, it’s close to hiking trails and beautiful Tennessee state parks!
🔗 Book Twin Oaks Tiny Home on Airbnb Here!
📍 Distance from Chattanooga: 45 minutes (Tracy City, TN)
Sleeps 2-4 guests | Great for families with young kids | Fire Pit | Near Fiery Gizzard State Park
THE COALMONT
The Coalmont is a 4-acre waterfront retreat in the South Cumberland Mountains, located between Nashville and Chattanooga. Their cabin sleeps up to 4 guests, and the other tiny house on site sleeps 1 to 2. Each stay offers different amenities, so be sure to check before booking. It’s the perfect retreat for couples seeking a romantic getaway, families wanting to unplug and reconnect, or anyone looking for a quiet place to work remotely.
🔗 Book Coalmont Cabin on Airbnb Here: Coalmont Cabin or Coalmont Cove
📍 Distance from Chattanooga: 1 hour (Coalmont, TN)
Sleeps 1-4 guests | Great for couple or families with young kids | Hot Tub | Near Savage Gulf State Park
🚙 Ready to Book Your Chattanooga Getaway?
No matter what kind of trip you’re planning, Chattanooga has a stay for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a cozy mountain retreat on Lookout Mountain, a walkable downtown hotel, or a one-of-a-kind Airbnb experience you’ll be talking about a while – the Scenic City has it all!
💭 Looking for Things To Do in Chattanooga?
I highly recommend checking out Rosie Mae’s Alpaca Farm for coffee and alpaca feeding! You can also book guided hiking tour with Experience Chattanooga for private excursions to the area’s best waterfalls & mountain views, all with professional photography & transportation included!
If you have any questions about any of the spots on this list or need help planning your trip, drop a comment below or send me a message. I’m always happy to help make your Chattanooga visit one to remember!
