Best Hotels & Resorts in Tennessee: 12 Amazing Places to Stay

As local travel experts, we know what travelers are looking for when it comes to finding the perfect accommodations for their next trip. To compile our lists, we scour the internet to find properties with excellent ratings and reviews, desirable amenities, nearby attractions, and that something special that makes a destination worthy of traveling for.

Famous for its legendary country music scene, majestic smoky mountains, and tasty barbeque, Tenessee is a great place to visit. If you’ve never been, you may be surprised by how much there is to do here! From the honky tonks of Broadway to Dolly Parton’s very own theme park in the foothills of Pigeon Forge, there’s no shortage of extraordinary experiences to explore. Not to mention, you’ll discover that Tennessee is home to some of the most breathtaking scenery in the U.S.- you’ll find some of the best hiking and biking experiences here! If you’re thinking about planning a trip, here are the best hotels throughout the state to stay in.

Table of Contents

Best Unique Hotels to Stay in Tennessee
Best Hotel Pools in Tennessee
Best Luxury Hotels in Tennessee
Best Boutique Hotels in Tennessee
Best Resorts in Tennessee

Best Unique Hotels to Stay in Tennessee

Tennessee is a unique place in itself, and it’s easy to see why. As the birthplace of bluegrass and the hometown of country music, you can imagine the incredible history and culture that’s tied to this state. If you’re interested in these unique features, you may also enjoy a getaway that’s a little different than a typical hotel stay. Here are two unique hotels in Tennessee that are sure to make your trip even more memorable.

1. Bear Cove Cabins at Dollywood, Pigeon Forge

In the magically beautiful smoky mountains, you can check in at Bear Cove Cabins of Dollywood and experience an unforgettable adventure. Located in Pigeon Forge, these cabins are all one-of-a-kind, and all offer extraordinary amenities that guests of all ages will love. Each cabin is rustic but very polished, offering a hotel experience in addition to all the comforts of home. The best part, however, is the epic views you can take in from the balconies. These decks usually have hot tubs, rocking chairs, and hammocks to make it even more enjoyable. Plus, you’ll be right next to Dollywood and other fun attractions in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.

Located in Eastern Nashville, The Dive Motel is a fun and kitschy getaway that adults will absolutely love. Its 70s theming is very immersive and can be enjoyed throughout the entire property. Every guest room is unique and offers modern amenities such as free wifi and minibars, but you’ll also find radios and disco balls in your room! The pool is a vintage-inspired setting that’s the perfect place to beat the heat before you head off to explore Music City, and there’s also a bar/lounge area, as well as a food truck.

Best Hotel Pools in Tennessee

If you’re visiting Tennessee in the summer, part of the fun is going to the pool! There’s actually a waterpark in Pigeon Forge (Dollywood’s Splash Country) that’s great for families. But if you aren’t heading that far East during your trip, check out these two hotel pools in Nashville- we think they’re really great.

3. Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center, Nashville

Located near the Country Music Hall of Fame and the famous Grand Ole Opry, the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center is a massive resort that seems to have endless opportunities for fun. The hotel features upscale guest rooms with traditional amenities, as well as 19 (yes, 19) restaurants, bars, a fitness center, a spa, an expansive atrium, as well as nine acres of indoor gardens where you can take a boat tour. As for the pool area: the Gaylord Opryland is actually home to an indoor waterpark called SoundWaves. This area features rides, slides, wave pools, and (because it’s Nashville) music.

The Graduate Nashville is home to the White Limozeen: a rooftop pool, rooftop bar, and restaurant that is bright and quirky. Its theme is also Dolly Parton! The Graduate is in a great part of midtown, near lots of fun bars and restaurants. In the hotel, guests enjoy the colorful and eclectic atmosphere- velvet seats, stylish decor, and unique furnishings are what make this property so loved. The Governor’s Swimming Pool is the perfect place to take in the skyline views while enjoying the pink theming and poolside cocktail menu.

Best Luxury Hotels in Tennessee

There are some very opulent Tennessee Hotels where you can experience fine dining and luxury, but there are few that are both upscale and reminiscent of Tennesee. We think these two resorts are indeed luxurious, but also distinctly reflect some of the things that make Tennessee so special.

If you’re dreaming of a cottage-core country getaway, it can’t possibly get much better than The Blackberry Farm. Located in close proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this luxury resort sits on 4,2000 acres of farmland and offers a lot for guests to enjoy in this beautiful region. Each room offers a farmhouse-chic interior with comfortable amenities, but you can upgrade to enjoy a suite with a porch and fireplace. The hotel is home to The Barn, a renowned American restaurant, as well as a more casual eatery. During your stay, you can enjoy fishing, horseback riding, tennis, archery, and swimming.

The Loews Vanderbilt Hotel is an iconic property that’s very close to The Parthenon replica and the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. The chic, modern guest rooms feature comfortable amenities, such as a Keurig coffee maker and minibar, while suites offer a larger living space, which includes a kitchenette and fireplace. Club-level quarters offer access to free breakfast if you’re looking for a more luxurious experience. The hotel itself offers an upscale Southern on-site restaurant, as well as a stylish cocktail bar, steakhouse, and fitness center. It’s also right in Nashville’s city center, so you’ll be within walking distance of a lot of great stuff.

Best Boutique Hotels in Tennessee

Luxury resorts are always appealing, but sometimes a boutique hotel is a way to go. These two options are perfect for first-time travelers to Tennessee and locals who are looking for a fun staycation.

Located only a mile away from Music Row, this sophisticated hotel is a great option for a true Nashville experience that is both unique and a little more upscale. The guest rooms are especially opulent, featuring granite countertops, rainfall shower heads, and designer toiletries. You can also upgrade to a penthouse suite, which offers incredible panoramic views of the city. All guests have access to 24-hour room service. The Hutton Hotel offers a spa, a restaurant offering farm-too-table cuisine, and even creative spaces for artists. The thing that makes this place special, however, is the Analog: a 300-person venue that features live music performances and hand-crafted cocktails.

If you’re coming to Memphis, The River Inn of Harbor Town is definitely a hotel to consider for your stay. It’s got a great location in Harbor Town, which is a quaint area just outside downtown Memphis’s business district. Upscale rooms feature modern amenities in addition to four poster beds with Italian linens, and upgraded rooms offer a sitting area, wet bars, and fireplaces. The hotel is home to three restaurants, lots of inviting sitting areas, and a rooftop bar that overlooks the Mississippi River. Not to mention, this property offers a wine hour, breakfast, and evening port with truffles.

Best Resorts in Tennessee

After learning about some of the best hotels in Tenessee in certain categories, you may already have some ideas about where you’d most like to stay during your visit. But before you pick a favorite, check out these four hotels that we think are some of the very best overall!

9. Dollywood's DreamMore Resort & Spa, Pigeon Forge

A list of the best resorts in Tenessee simply isn’t complete without Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort. This bright and welcoming hotel is the perfect spot to stay for a visit to the great smoky mountains- especially if you’re a Dolly fan! This family-friendly hotel features cozy guest rooms that offer typical amenities to ensure a comfortable stay, and some offer bunk beds and pull-out sofa beds to make room for more guests. And the resort has a lot to do- there’s an outdoor pool, a Southern restaurant, a spa, a salon, and lots of other activities for guests of all ages. Shuttle service to and from the parks is complimentary, but keep in mind that there’s a lot to see and do outside of Dollywood. Be sure to ask the front desk about what else there is to see and do in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg!

Another one-of-a-kind hotel, The Peabody Memphis is a wonderful place to stay for many reasons. Aside from bright and elegant guest rooms, this 13-story landmark hotel is home to some great experiences, including a spa, a French restaurant, an Italian steakhouse, a sophisticated lobby bar, and even Sunday brunch and afternoon tea. One of the best things to see here, however, is the resident ducks and their parade to the fountain- a tradition that’s been going on for about 90 years! And with the location being so close to the iconic Beale Street, you’ll surely have a great time and plenty to do as a guest here.

Located in the city of Knoxville, the Tennessean is a wonderful hotel that offers a great location and a lovely atmosphere. Standard guest rooms are simple but sophisticated, while suites offer more living space. Some rooms offer beautiful views of the surrounding area, but all guests of the hotel have easy access to Market Square, which is very close by. The University of Tennessee isn’t too far from here, either. You’ll love the Tennessean’s indoor pool, gym, and the vintage-inspired restaurant that’s on-site. Also, the smoky mountains are just about an hour’s drive away!

12. The Lodge at Paris Landing, Buchanan

Finally, we’ve reached the final hotel on this list: The Lodge at Paris Landing in Buchanan. This new accommodation is set in Paris Landing State Park, and we think it’s one of the most amazing hotels on this list for several reasons. All guest rooms feature private balconies with unbelievable views of Kentucky Lake, but you can choose what room to book in order. enjoy certain amenities: standard rooms provide typical in-room offerings, but you can upgrade to a unit with more space, such as a three-bedroom suite with a kitchen and fireplace. The lakefront restaurant offers a Southern-style menu, and guests can also enjoy an outdoor pool, picnic areas, a marina, and beach access. There’s also plenty. of outdoor activities, such as hiking, birding, boating, and golfing. This newly built resort is the perfect place to experience some of Tenessee’s natural scenic beauty while also enjoying that vacation experience. This is also. a hotel that offers free parking, which is great!

Whether you’re set on exploring downtown Nashville for the first time, or your home is in Tennesee and you want to enjoy some of the natural sights at a slower pace, there are many great options to consider! We think these 12 hotels really are some of the very best, and we hope you’ll agree. Have you been to any of these accommodations? Let us know what you thought!

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