Oct 25, 2023

THE JOURNAL

/

Travel Inspiration

3 Cool Hotels in Knoxville, TN: Fora's Guide

Fora Author Fora

The Modern Travel Agency

Fora

Icon Share

SHARE

Looking for recs for awesome hotels in Knoxville, TN? We’ve got three solid choices for you.

Or: connect with Fora to plan and book your trip, and we’ll hook you up with tailored hotel recs that fit your travel style and budget instead. Even better, we can supply you with expert travel suggestions and tips sure to level up your stay, regardless of whether you’re visiting Knoxville for fun, business or anything in between.

What’s the best part of Knoxville to stay in?

Image courtesy of Fora Advisor Jill Kennedy

Generally, Downtown Knoxville and the area surrounding the University of Tennessee, including the Fort Sanders neighborhood, tend to be the most interesting places to stay in the city. Both areas are loaded with neat sights, great eateries and plenty of pubs and bars, especially around the historic Market Square. And just as importantly, you’ll find the best hotels in Knoxville, TN in these two areas. 

(Looking for other destinations in Tennessee? See our guides to hotels in Memphis, TN and hotels in Nashville, TN, too.)

The 3 best hotels in Knoxville, TN:

Read on for a quick breakdown of three of the top Knoxville hotels.

Or get personalized recs instead when you plan and book your stay with Fora.

1. Graduate Knoxville: great for visiting the University of Tennessee or catching Vols games

First and foremost, Graduate Knoxville is conveniently located near Neyland Stadium, the University of Tennessee's massive football arena. But it’s also a great place for prospective students and visiting families to stay. 

The hotel’s theme and amenities are steeped in Tennessee history — like a bar owned by alumni and NFL legend Peyton Manning — and the rooms are surprisingly homey, with a fun and vibrant decor style that’s both youthful and delightfully upscale. 

2. Cumberland House Knoxville, Tapestry Collection by Hilton: a nice, contemporary hotel overlooking World’s Fair Park

On the other side of Cumberland Avenue and just outside Downtown, you’ll find Cumberland House Knoxville. A solid choice if you’re looking for casual digs, this Knoxville hotel provides basic amenities and surprisingly stylish (if somewhat dated) accommodations.

Like Graduate Knoxville, Cumberland House Knoxville is close to Neyland Stadium. But it also has the benefit of overlooking World’s Fair Park, which regularly hosts family-friendly festivals and concerts.

Need more intel? Plan and book your trip with Fora.

3. THE TENNESSEAN Hotel: one of the most luxurious hotels in Knoxville

Image courtesy of Fora Advisor Jill Kennedy

Moving further east into Downtown Knoxville, THE TENNESSEAN Hotel provides one of the most luxurious stays in the city. 

The decor and theme are notable upgrades over our prior two choices, with artfully designed rooms (and private residences) that incorporate subtle nods to Tennessee’s history and geography. A dark color palette and contemporary furnishings provide a sleeker, classier look and feel, too.

Location-wise, THE TENNESSEAN also borders World’s Fair Park. But it also has the benefit of only being a few blocks from Knoxville’s historic shopping district.

Want more recs for great hotels in Knoxville, TN? Connect with Fora

There are certainly more hotels in Knoxville, TN than the three we’ve mentioned here. If you want to break down all your options, why not work with a pro who can give you insider intel on all the top accommodations, plus recs for restaurants, things to do and more? All you have to do is connect with Fora to plan and book your stay. 

Not so sure Knoxville is the right choice for your next trip? Check out these guides, too:

This article has been fact checked by Fora Advisor Jill Kennedy, an expert on travel to Knoxville, Tennessee.

    Book with Fora

    Tell us more about yourself to get matched with a Fora Advisor and start planning your dream trip today.

    Furnished room behind open barn style doors