Tennessee played a huge role in USA’s recent history, particularly during the Civil Rights Movement and Women’s Suffrage Movement. Learning about the state’s history will help you appreciate what the USA has gone through as a nation. If you’re planning a trip here, why not give your itinerary a historical dimension? Visit museums such as the Carter House in Franklin and the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis as a deep dive into the movement, then learn about the state’s natural history at Discovery Park of America in Union City. You can also see all the well-preserved historic houses and civil war sites dotted around the state. Part of the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail is also here, where you can get to know more about the country’s Native American heritage. To complement your itinerary, check out the best historic hotels in Tennessee, USA.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) properties with historic significance, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on March 03, 2024.
1. The Read House, Chattanooga (from USD 134)
The Read House in Chattanooga as it now stands is a homage to the Jazz Age. This historic property has been around since the late 1800s, though. It has seen the city through its evolution and development.
Today, its vintage structure and style are complemented by its modern hotel facilities. It also offers easy access to some of the most popular sights in the city, including the Tennessee Aquarium, the Creative Discovery Museum, and Raccoon Mountains Caverns.
The Read House
Address: 107 West Martin Luther King Blvd
181.21 km (112.6 mi) from Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Earn OneKeyCash for every dollar spent on eligible hotels, vacation rentals, flights, car rentals, and more when you book across our family of brands.
2. The Russell, Nashville (from USD 213)
Reasonable pricing for a unique, historic hotel experience.
Contactless check-in, complimentary snacks, Dyson hair dryer, and vintage decor.
Conveniently located in a quiet, walkable neighborhood with easy access to downtown Nashville.
Proximity to diverse dining options, complimentary coffee, and support for local producers.
The Russell is one of the most unique hotels in East Nashville. Though housed in a repurposed church that’s more than 100 years old, its interiors are young, modern, and colorful. It has 23 stylishly furnished rooms curated by local designers.
This historic hotel also offers family rooms for bigger groups. Best of all, it gives a huge part of its proceeds to local homeless shelters, making it one of the most progressive boutique hotels in the city.
The Russell
Address: 819 Russell St.
2.49 km (1.6 mi) from Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
3. The Hermitage Hotel, Nashville (from USD 539)
This ornate hotel in the heart of downtown Nashville is easy to spot because of its iconic exteriors. Inside, the Hermitage Hotel retains its opulent look from its lobby down to each of its suites. It has been in operation since the early 1900s, but it’s completely modern in its amenities. Here you can enjoy free Wi-Fi all over the premises and 24-hour front desk service.
This historic property is conveniently located near many must-see spots in the city, including Bridgestone Arena and the Johnny Cash Museum.
The Hermitage Hotel
Address: 231 6th Avenue N
819 meters (0.6 ft) from Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
4. Peabody Memphis (from USD 249)
Reasonable room price, on-site parking, complimentary coffee in the morning
Historic property, beautifully decorated rooms, generous in-room facilities, duck parade
Convenient central location, within walking distance to attractions, close to Beale Street
Delicious dining options, lobby cocktail lounge, lovely room service, great ambiance
Peabody Memphis is an iconic landmark in the city that dates back to 1869, and it wears its history proudly both in its grand exterior and classic interior furnishings. Each room features traditional elements with modern and comfortable amenities. One of the perks of staying in this historic property is the French cuisine at its signature dining room, Chez Philippe, and Southern-style comfort food at Capriccio Grill.
Stay here if you’re planning to immerse in Memphis’ music scene. Spots such as the Memphis Rock ‘n Soul Museum, Gibson Guitar Factory, Orpheum Theater, and FedEx Forum are all within walking distance of the hotel.
Peabody Memphis
Address: 149 Union Avenue
316.79 km (196.9 mi) from Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
5. The Union Station Nashville Yards, Autograph Collection (from USD 341)
High price for a noisy hotel with lots of renovations. Valet parking is $50/day.
Beautiful historic building with live music, but limited facilities due to renovations. No pool or room service.
Great location within walking distance to Broadway, the Gulch, and downtown attractions.
Limited restaurant options due to renovations, slow service, and high prices for breakfast and dinner.
The Union Station is set in a unique structure—a former railroad station terminal back in the 1900s. It was repurposed as a hotel in 1986 and has since become one of the city’s most beloved luxury hotels.
Its refurbished interiors still bear its history as a bustling terminal, now made more stylish and artful by the original art displayed within the hotel. Each elegantly furnished room comes with a flat-screen TV, a work desk, a refrigerator, and a coffee maker. Guests can also enjoy American cuisine at its on-site restaurant.
The Union Station Nashville Yards, Autograph Collection
Address: 1001 Broadway
804 meters (0.5 ft) from Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
6. Gatlinburg Inn (from USD 143)
Minutes away from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg Inn is one of the city’s most famous landmarks. With a history that dates back to 1937, this hotel boasts a long list of esteemed guests, including Liberace.
Despite its age, this historic property offers modern facilities. Each room comes with air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, and an elegant private bathroom. Apart from the Great Smoky Mountains, sights such as Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, Gatlinburg Space Needle, and Gatlinburg Sky Elevator are only minutes away from the hotel.
Gatlinburg Inn
Address: 755 Parkway
297.5 km (184.9 mi) from Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
7. Chattanooga Choo Choo (from USD 160)
Chattanooga Choo Choo is not just a hotel; it is also firmly ensconced in the city’s history as one of its first preservation projects. The structure in which it stands was formerly the city’s Terminal Station, which was saved from demolition and reopened in 1974 as a vacation spot. If you’re in Chattanooga, participate in the hotel’s history by booking one of its spacious modern rooms.
Since 2014, the hotel has added amenities to the complex for guests’ enjoyment and convenience, including a music venue and restaurants.
The Hotel Chalet at The Choo Choo
Address: 92 Choo Choo Avenue
182.15 km (113.2 mi) from Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
8. Commodore Hotel & Cafe, Linden (from USD 99)
Commodore Hotel & Cafe traces its roots back to 1939. It reopened in the early 2000s after award-winning Rhode Island developers Michael and Kathy Dumont saved it from demolition. Guests at this hotel can enjoy free continental breakfast along with chic accommodations. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.
This historic property is minutes away from Linden City Park and Veterans Park, while Mousetail Landing State Park is less than 30 minutes away by car.
Commodore Hotel & Café
Address: 114 East Main Street
113.04 km (70.3 mi) from Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Top guest reviews
Host:
kind staff and great locationwe love staying at this charming hotel … the staff is amazingi loved the charm of the place the speak easy and the staffRead more reviewsLocation:
all was good great place to geet away good food all in all everything was grea
9. Central Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection, Sevierville
Central Hotel has a history that dates back to the 1800s, and President Roosevelt was one of its former guests. While it does celebrate its history, it’s a modern hotel with state-of-the-art facilities and updated amenities.
It is great for big groups and families as its suites can fit up to eight guests. It’s also ideal for extended stays—each room is outfitted like a luxury apartment with a full kitchen and a washer. Stay here if your itinerary includes a trip to Dollywood and Sevier Distilling Company.
Central Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection
Address: 101 East Main Street
290.63 km (180.6 mi) from Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
10. Holston House Nashville, in The Unbound Collection by Hyatt (from USD 209)
Open since 1929, Holston House in Nashville’s city center boasts Art Deco exteriors and interiors made better with state-of-the-art amenities. Each room in the hotel boasts modern furnishings, hardwood floors, and city views.
With its location in Lower Broadway, you’re only minutes away from some of the city’s best music venues, such as the Ryman Auditorium and Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge.
Holston House Nashville, in The Unbound Collection by Hyatt
Address: 118 7th Ave N
510 meters (0.4 ft) from Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Gain a deeper appreciation for Tennessee
By immersing in the history of a place, travelers can gain a deeper understanding of its present beauty. Enjoy a meaningful vacation on your next trip to the South by booking one of the best historic hotels in Tennessee, USA.
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
Create an account to