The Tennessean Hotel
Refined Southern boutique. Think dark wood, warm lighting, leather lounge chairs, and bourbon — lots of bourbon. Personal service is the whole point; the front desk staff knows your name.
Ask for the Smoked Old Fashioned at The Drawing Room — it's their signature and worth it
Why It Matters
Holds a 2025 Michelin Key — a significant distinction for a downtown Knoxville property. The only hotel in the city with this recognition. Also recognized as a Condé Nast Traveler Reader's Choice Winner and Top Hotel in the South, plus AAA Four Diamond. The Pat Summitt Suite donates a portion of room rates to the Pat Summitt Foundation.
The Tennessean is downtown Knoxville's most serious boutique hotel — 82 rooms, a lobby fireplace, and a restaurant that locals actually choose on purpose. It sits right on the edge of World's Fair Park, a short walk from Market Square, the Bijou Theatre, and Neyland Stadium. The rooms are done in warm, Tennessee-inflected style with marble bathrooms and pillow-top beds. And the accolades are real: a 2025 Michelin Key, Condé Nast Traveler Reader's Choice, and AAA Four Diamond.
Where You'll Stay
8 room types available
Classic King
10 rooms at 470 square feet. One king bed with rollaway option for a third adult. The bread-and-butter room type — comfortable, well-appointed, no drama.
King · 44 sqm
Classic Queen Queen
17 rooms across the property at 470 square feet. Two queen beds, accommodates up to four people. Crib available on request. Solid choice for families or friends traveling together.
Two Queens · 44 sqmExecutive King King
647 square feet with two king beds, a separate sitting area, and a proper bathroom with both shower and tub. Sleeps up to five adults. Connects to the Panoramic One Bedroom Suite for larger groups. One of the best configurations for families who need real space.
Two Kings · 60 sqm
Governor's Suite
The hotel's largest and most impressive room at 1,646 square feet. East Tennessee touches woven throughout, city lights and river wave views. Full suite amenities including Samsung 55" TV, tile shower with footrest, robes and slippers, Keurig, refrigerator, iron, in-room safe, and makeup mirror. Video tour available online.
King · 153 sqmPanoramic King
Nearly 360-degree city views from a wraparound window configuration. One king bed, 450 square feet of Tennessee-crafted furnishings. Good for couples who want the view without the suite price tag.
King · 42 sqmPanoramic One Bedroom Suite
875 square feet with separate living quarters, a king bed, and sweeping downtown Knoxville city views. Tennessee-crafted furnishings throughout. Connects to the Executive King King room. Sleeps four.
King · 81 sqmPat Summitt Suite
Dedicated to the legendary Tennessee Lady Vols basketball coach, this suite overlooks World's Fair Park and features classic Tennessean decor woven with Pat Summitt memorabilia. A portion of every room rate goes to The Pat Summitt Foundation supporting Alzheimer's research. Suites include Samsung 55" TV, tile shower with footrest, robes and slippers, Keurig, refrigerator, in-room safe.
King
Premier Cityview King
Corner room with grand windows looking straight at the downtown Knoxville skyline. 470 square feet, sleeps two. Best city views among the standard rooms.
King · 44 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
2 venues on property
Restaurant
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Four-course dinner with each dish paired to a specific bourbon or Tennessee whiskey. Pours come in handcrafted glassware from local Knoxville maker Pretentious Glass Co. Draws from the Kentucky Bourbon Trail and Tennessee Whiskey Trail. Available at The Drawing Room starting April 2025.
Weekly Sunday tea in The Drawing Room from 12:00 PM to 2:30 PM (last seating). Seasonal specialty teas throughout the year including Mother's Day (with live harp music) and themed character teas. Private tea packages available for special occasions.
Chauffeur-driven black car service to any destination within a 3-mile radius of the hotel, including Market Square, the Old City, and the Bijou Theatre. Airport transfers to McGhee Tyson Airport available for $90 each way. Arrange through concierge.
Open-air golf cart service within a 3-mile radius of the hotel for a more casual way to get around downtown. Staff chauffeurs guests through city streets.
Hotel fleet of e-bikes in partnership with Priority Bicycles. Good for the riverfront paths and flat downtown streets. Arrange through concierge.
Board games (Scrabble, Clue, Monopoly, Chess, Trivial Pursuit) available from the front desk. Curated library of books and podcasts accessible via QR code. Nightly tea selection in the lobby. Craft cocktails served on floor 2.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Business center with computer station available for guests.
16,500 sq ft of meeting and event space including a conference center, flexible breakout rooms, executive boardroom, and the Governor's Suite for private functions.
Room service available with a $5 delivery fee and 21% gratuity. Breakfast in bed and in-room dining through The Drawing Room menu.
Around-the-clock concierge team handling concert tickets, dining reservations, airport transfers, dry cleaning, turndown requests, group activities, and local recommendations.
Dry cleaning and laundry services available through the concierge.
Dogs up to 50 lbs welcome. Non-refundable $100 pet deposit per stay. Dogs must be kenneled if left alone. In-room doggie bed and water bowl provided. Dog park adjacent to parking garage.
Free high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the property and in all guest rooms.
Valet-only parking in a secure, covered garage. $40/night plus tax added to folio at checkout. Car can be retrieved within 15 minutes via concierge or SMS Valet system. No self-park option on-site.
Tesla high-power charging stations available on property.
State-of-the-art fitness center with machines and free weights. Described by guests as adequately equipped for a boutique hotel, though smaller than a large chain.
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