Looking For The Best Hotels, Vacation Rentals, And Campgrounds in Knoxville? Here it is!
Choosing where to stay in Knoxville isn’t an easy task, whether you’re on your way to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, in town for Big Ears or visiting the University of Tennessee.
In recent years, Knoxville has started to become a vacation destination in its own right, and the hotels and vacation rentals have exploded to meet the demand.
Knoxville is a bit of an under-the-radar-vacation destination for many people – I actually overheard a tourist at a downtown restaurant call it “Asheville before it was Asheville.”
You have many options for lodging, and I will talk about all the different areas you could choose to stay in, the pros and cons of each, and what I think are the best lodgings in each area.
So buckle up everybody as this is a super long and detailed post. If you already know what area of Knoxville you want to stay in, use the Table of Contents below to skip ahead.
P.S. Looking for things to do in Knoxville? See some of our downtown favorites here.
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Where To Stay In Knoxville In A Nutshell
We have a ton of in depth opinions in this blog, but for those looking for a quick answer, we’ll just cut to the chase here:
The Embassy Suites and the Hyatt Place are both in great locations on Gay Street in the middle of everything downtown. Restaurants, shops, and entertainment are all within walking distance. Modern amenities including fabulous rooftop restaurants/bars and gorgeous lobbies. Both pet-friendly.
For a luxury stay, check out The Tennessean, also downtown, on the edge of Worlds Fair Park. It was selected for a Southern Living South’s Best Award, and I can vouch for the attention to detail from top to bottom. Pet-friendly.
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Knoxville West- Papermill is one of 4 hotels clustered around the Papermill interstate exit in West Knoxville. A very nice hotel that costs less than downtown yet is still within a 5 minute drive of some great local restaurants and a huge park in the Bearden area. No pets.
“Garden” 2 BR/ 2 Ba overlooking Market Square in downtown Knoxville is one of 4 apartments in this building on the corner of Market Square in the heart of downtown. Any of the 4 apartments listed is a great price for a great location. (pets OK)
Historic 4th & Gill Area, Fun Decor, Walk downtown. A charming 2 BR/1 BA cottage in the historic 4th & Gill neighborhood in North Knoxville. You can walk, bike, or take a short Uber to all the craft breweries and trendy restaurants in NoKno as well as easily get downtown.
Log home On 50 Acres. Private, Convenient, Beautiful. A Little Bit Of Paradise. Log cabin on a horse farm with pool and owners will take you riding – what’s not to love? This is a gorgeous property in South Knoxville, just off Chapman Highway.
Lodging Tips
If you are visiting Knoxville, we always recommend staying downtown if you can get a hotel or vacation rental for a good price. Tons of restaurants, several theaters, museums, and fun things to do in a compact, walkable area make downtown an attractive spot for tourists.
There are quite a few hotels in a relatively compact area so there can be good competition on prices. That being said, downtown hotels are fairly expensive as you are paying a premium to stay downtown.
Also know that lodging prices will go out the window on home game weekends as everyone goes slightly nuts for the UT Vols.
Don’t get me wrong, I bleed orange and love it. But if you aren’t planning to go to the game, you might want to pick another weekend to visit.
Also, note that most downtown hotels will charge an extra daily fee for parking.
Tip: Request a higher level room to reduce street noise.
There are vacation rentals in downtown Knoxville as well, but they tend to be small apartments, are often pricey, and can have noise problems. But again, the location can’t be beat so if you find one you like, I would go for it.
If you want a vacation rental (often cheaper than hotels) or quieter than downtown but still close-by, then look at VRBOs in South Knoxville near the Urban Wilderness or in the historic 4th and Gill/Happy Holler area of North Knoxville.
West Knoxville around the Papermill exit of the Interstate-40 is a good choice for cheaper, suburban hotels without being too far from downtown. There are some nice restaurants and a huge park in that area as well.
Just remember that vacation rentals in parts of Knoxville, such as the Old City in downtown and NoKno in North Knoxville, can be more of an urban environment than say, suburban West Knoxville. Some people love this and others feel it is sketchy. I don’t find it unsafe personally but everyone’s comfort level is different.
There isn’t a hotel downtown that I would absolutely avoid, and I’ve stayed in many of them or put visiting family/friends up in almost all of them.
Lodging Areas In Knoxville
To Make It Easier To Figure Where To Stay In Knoxville, I Split It Into 6 General Areas:
- Downtown Knoxville – Includes Gay St, Market Square, Worlds Fair Park, and the Old City
- University of Tennessee – Includes campus, Fort Sanders, and “The Strip”
- South Knoxville – Includes Sevier Ave and SoKno (and the airport, Alcoa, and Maryville in this blog)
- North Knoxville – Includes NoKno and along I-75 north
- West Knoxville – Includes Bearden and further along the interstate west
- East Knoxville – Includes along I-40 heading east
Hotels In Downtown Knoxville
Generally speaking, “Downtown” is my usual answer when people ask me where to stay in Knoxville. It is a compact, walkable area with tons of restaurants, the Theater District, museums, galleries, and shops.
You are going to want to take advantage of all of the fun stuff downtown without fighting traffic and parking. So park the car for the weekend and walk or take a free trolley to all the interesting things to do in downtown Knoxville.
To see all of our top recommendations of what to do in downtown, check out our downtown Knoxville page. For restaurant recommendations, check out Where To Eat In Knoxville.
For my purposes, Downtown Knoxville roughly encompasses everything from the Tennessee River out to the I-40/I-75 interstate. So that includes:
- Gay St – The main commercial street with tall skyscrapers and the Theater District
- Market Square – A large pedestrian square that is Knoxville’s social hub
- Worlds Fair Park – An expansive park leftover from the 1982 Worlds Fair with playground, green space, and small lake, and of course, the iconic Sunsphere
- Old City – A historic district with mostly early 20th century, 1-3 story brick buildings
Our Top Choices In Downtown Knoxville
The area encompassing the Tennessee Theater on Gay Street and Market Square (a pedestrian plaza) are essentially the heart of downtown Knoxville’s restaurants, theaters, and shops.
The pedestrian Market Square is where everyone comes to hang out and meet up. It is chock full of restaurants with large outdoor seating areas, a stage where they have live music, and a skating rink in the winter.
The Farmer’s Market is held on Market Square every Wed and Sat spring thru fall as well.
The Hyatt Place and the Embassy Suites are are perhaps my top picks for their central location on Gay Street, just steps from the Tennessee Theater, a short walk to Market Square and the Bijou Theater, and so many restaurants choices within a block or two. (See more details below.)
They are all catty-corner to each other near the intersection of Union Ave and Gay Street so the locations are similarly fantastic.
But again, all hotels in downtown Knoxville are good, so look for the best price.
Hyatt Place Hotel Downtown Knoxville (top choice)
Located in the historic Farragut Hotel on Gay Street, the Hyatt Place boasts a wonderful rooftop bar/restaurant and a beautiful lobby. The building has had a recent, gorgeous renovation, with a nice mix of traditional decor and more modern pieces.
The rooftop 530 Lounge is one of my go-to places for a drink if I am out in downtown Knoxville as it has wonderful views. The food is decent too- the sliders are the kids’ favorite.
Embassy Suites By Hilton Downtown Knoxville (top choice)
Besides being in another recently renovated building on Gay Street, the Embassy Suites has some of the best in house amenities of the downtown hotels.
There is a mini Top Golf in the lobby, a K Brew outlet (a great local coffee shop), plus a Ham N’ Goodys outlet, which besides yummy sandwiches, has the lemon cookies that are my desert island food. (Seriously- it would be my one food. They are that good.)
The Embassy Suites is a great option if you are traveling with a large family or group as it has suites that sleep 2-6.
The rooftop pool and restaurant have fantastic views of downtown and even out to the mountains. (Warning- The pool is small.)
And I think the lobby is gorgeous, definitely one of my favorites in downtown. Breakfast is included as is an Evening Reception (light snacks, house wine, and beer).
The Courtyard by Marriott and the adjoining Residence Inn by Marriott (studios and suites with kitchen) share a building just one block off of Gay Street and within about a 5 minute walk of downtown’s Market Square.
They are within walking distance to all the fun and are perhaps a bit quieter by not being right on Gay Street itself.
The Hilton Knoxville may be the price point hotel in the downtown area. You can sometimes find incredible weekend deals. Its location is a little bit quieter as well as it is 2 blocks from Gay St and just a 6 minute walk to Market Square and the Tennessee Theater.
Fair warning: You may never leave the Hilton’s cozy, sunken outdoor patio with its nifty firepit. We have often ended up there to hang out with friends after UT games. It is a nice place to end the night.
Also has an outdoor pool for the kiddos.
The Crowne Plaza Hotel has been around for a long time but just underwent a massive renovation. I haven’t stayed in the new rooms yet, but the lobby area and ballrooms look very nice. (I was there for a wedding.)
The Crowne Plaza is located on Summit Hill Drive, near the north end of Market Square and the 100 block of Gay Street, a mini neighborhood of Gay St with its own vibe.
It is a 10 minute walk to the Theater District on Gay St, but you are closer to the Old City. You are still within about a 5 minute walk over to Gay St or Market Square.
Downtown Boutique Hotels
These two unique hotels are perfect for a romantic weekend with charming interiors and excellent locations within walking distance to everything downtown.
The Oliver Hotel is located right on Market Square. It is part of the Southern Living Hotel Collection and only has 28 rooms. With its hidden speakeasy, the Peter Kern Library (one of my favorite cozy spots for a fancy cocktail), it packs a lot of charm into those spaces.
Besides the hidden speakeasy, there is also an attached restaurant, the Oliver Royale, as well as Tupelo Honey, one of the most popular places to eat in Market Square.
Hotel Cleo is a relatively brand new (open Dec 2023) boutique hotel on Gay Street above the French restaurant Lilou Brasserie.
The hotel styles itself as a European pied-`a -terre, with antique furniture. It is a luxury retreat where no two rooms are exactly alike. Rooms sleep 2 max.
If you have time, see how to spend one simply awesome day in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Hotels Near The Knoxville Convention Center And Worlds Fair Park
The hotels around Words Fair Park are my first choice if you are attending an event at the Convention Center (obviously convenient), but they are also a good choice if you need to be near UT’s campus as they are a little closer than the hotels on Gay St.
The area around the Convention Center/Worlds Fair Park is a great area for families as there is a splash park, a playground, and a lot of green space to run around. And of course, the famous (infamous?) World’s Fair relic, the Knoxville Sunsphere.
It is about a 5-10 minute walk from the Knoxville Convention Center to Gay St. There is a pedestrian skybridge over busy Henley St that connects the Convention Center to Clinch Ave and makes it easy to get to Market Square and Gay St.
There are 4 hotels near the Convention Center and Worlds Fair Park in downtown Knoxville, and I’ll describe in detail below:
- The Tennessean Hotel
- Marriott Downtown Knoxville
- Hampton Inn & Suites Knoxville
- Cumberland House, Tapestry Collection by Hilton.
The Tennessean Hotel is Knoxville’s first personal luxury hotel. Everything in this hotel from the marble down to the hand towels has been considered and chosen for quality and design. The staff is top notch and you feel just a little more glamorous just by being here.
One of my friends recently stayed in this hotel when she came in town and I can speak to the massiveness of the room and bathroom. Just a general air of luxury and attention to detail as well.
We ended up hanging out in the room for awhile, as it was so comfortable and roomy. And the views out of the window over the Sunsphere were nice too.
The Marriott Downtown Knoxville is right next door to the Tennessean and steps away from the Convention Center as well. It was a Holiday Inn before undergoing a massive renovation in recent years and reopening as a Marriott.
I really like the vibe of the new lobby and onsite bar, quite trendy but still comfortable. No pool.
The Cumberland House is on the other side of World’s Fair Park from the Sunsphere and is technically in the Fort Sanders neighborhood (aka “The Fort”- creative, I know). It’s a 15 minute walk to downtown but just an 8 – 10 minute walk to UT’s campus.
The Cumberland House is a nice hotel and relatively new as it changed from a different chain a couple of years ago and was renovated. They have complimentary bikes so you can explore around all of Knoxville’s great greenways.
You can opt for a King suite that has a balcony overlooking Worlds Fair Park (do this if you can, it is a pretty view). There is an onsite restaurant/ bar which is great because there isn’t a lot closeby for food. Breakfast is not included.
Valet parking costs $35 a day and there isn’t a cheap garage nearby. This is probably my biggest negative.
The Hampton Inn & Suites Knoxville, is on the corner of Main St and Henley St, catty-corner to the Knoxville Convention Center and Worlds Fair Park. This is a relatively quiet area for commercial activity – meaning no bars, restaurants, or shops nearby.
However the hotel is not as quiet as you might think as busy Henley Street has constant traffic. Ask for a room on the opposite side of the hotel from Henley Street if you can. The hotels puts ear plugs out on the beds if that tells you anything.
I stayed here years ago and thought the hotel was nice and I don’t remember hearing traffic. However, I had friends stay here with young kids more recently and they said that while they could hear traffic, it wasn’t bad and they enjoyed the hotel, especially the breakfast.
The Best VRBOs And Airbnbs In Downtown Knoxville
Anything in downtown Knoxville will be a good location, but look for Market Square and Gay St in the listing descriptions to be especially close to everything.
You will also find several listings in neighborhoods without hotels, like the Old City or along the riverfront in downtown which can be a great reason to choose a VRBO over a hotel.
*Be aware that the Old City does have train tracks running though it, so read the listings carefully for noise issues. Also parts of the Old City are definitely more unpolished than others (meaning more homeless people and dingier buildings) so be ready for that too.
“Garden” 2Br, 2Ba, overlooking the Square in Downtown Knoxville
This 2 BR/ 2 BA apartment is right on the corner of Market Square, above Tommy Trent’s Sports Saloon. It is small but nicely furnished and you can’t beat the location.
Noise can be a problem on weekends if you are a light sleeper so bring your earplugs or use the ones provided.
The owners have 3 more apartments in this same building and they also own several restaurants/ bars in Market Square, like Preservation Pub, Bernadette’s Crystal Gardens, Scruffy City Hall, as well as Tommy Trent’s Sports Saloon on the ground floor.
The owners clearly know how to run a successful hospitality business which is why all of these apartments have great reviews. The other 3 apartments in the building are “Market View” (2BR/ 2BA), “Lofn” (1BR/ 1BA), and “Zen” (1 BR/ 1 BA).
Tailor Loft Penthouse with Rooftop Deck
This is a luxury 2 BR/2.5 BA apartment in a fantastic location on Gay Street. With 1800 sq ft, you will have room to spread out and invite some friends over.
I am dying to hang out on the rooftop deck with its view of Gay Street. It is on my dream list for a girls weekend staycation. Sleeps 6 total and averages $733 a night.
Tailor Loft Urban Apt. in the Heart of Knoxville
In the same building as the apartment listed above, this smaller 2 BR/2 BA place shares a similar amount of luxury and fantastic location but without the rooftop deck.
Trivia Time – The Tailor Lofts are in a historic building built in 1876 and the only building on the block that survived a massive fire in 1897. The front facade dates from the 1920s and includes antique glass blocks in the transoms above the first floor windows. So even if you don’t stay there, take a look at the cool exterior while you are walking on Gay St.
Amazing Heart of Market Square, outdoor veranda overlooking the Square!
If you want absolutely the best porch in Knoxville, then check out this apartment with its huge veranda overlooking Market Square.
This 3 BR/ 2.5 BA listing is next door to Soccer Taco and is on my dream list for a Game Day weekend with the family except I don’t think I would go to the game. I would just hang out on the veranda all day (it’s that inviting!).
The Best VRBOs And Airbnbs On The Tennessee River In Downtown Knoxville
Downtown•Riverviews •Walk To Market Sq & UT
This small but cute 1 BR/2 BA apartment in a historic building has a beautiful communal deck overlooking the river. It is a 5-10 minute walk to Market Square and also to Neyland Stadium or Thompson- Boling Arena.
Rent A Houseboat On The River Downtown
If you are tired of the same old hotels and VRBOs, check out a riverboat in one of the marinas downtown. The boats listed below are anchored at Volunteer Landing Marina, which is next to Calhoun’s and Ruths Chris restaurants, so they are super handy for dining options.
All of these boats are permanently anchored so unfortunately there is no sightseeing along the river. But it is still a fun and unusual way to spend your weekend and something the kids will love. The marina rents pontoon boats so you can get out and explore/ ski/ tube that way if you want.
Volunteer Landing Marina is incredibly convenient for UT football games as you can walk about 0.7 miles straight down the Neyland Greenway along the river to the stadium. Gay Street is about the same distance away but you have to go up a hill at first. 🙁
There are people who live at the marina full time so loud parties on the boats are not tolerated which makes it great for families and people who want a relaxing vacation. Maybe avoid with small children though as the boat railings are not exactly toddler friendly.
BEAUTIFULLY RENOVATED HOUSEBOAT on Tennessee River (**Boat cannot be moved**)
- This 2 BR/ 1 BA houseboat was recently renovated and has glowing reviews. Big rooftop deck to hang out on.
- Sleeps 5 total and averages $250 a night.
- Pet – friendly but based on pre- approval from owner.
Magnificent 70′ Houseboat with Roof Top Party Deck Walking Distance to DT Knox
- The 2 BR/ 1.5 BA “Moonlight Madness” houseboat has everything you need for a party on the river, including kayaks, a SUP, and cruiser bikes for you to explore Knoxville with. This boat has personality in spades.
- Sleeps 6 total and averages $334 a night.
- Pet – friendly – 2 total, 50 lbs max.
You should absolutely take a paddleboard or kayak out on the river if you can while you are in Knoxville. It is one of my favorite things to do. This is the view of the sunset you will have while kayaking down river from Volunteer Landing Marina and then you get the nighttime view on the way back. So pretty!
Hotels Closest To The Campus Of The University Of Tennessee- Best Choices
The sprawling University of Tennessee campus adjoins downtown proper and 7 Saturdays a year, downtown becomes a sea of orange belting out Rocky Top as a 100,000+ fans head to riverfront Neyland Stadium.
Football may be how many people know of Knoxville but there is lots going on outside of football season – there’s basketball season, soccer season, baseball season…
Just kidding, the city has lots going on outside of all things UT but it is a huge and beloved part of our hometown.
Staying near UT wouldn’t be my first choice of area to stay unless you had to be on campus for something. There is lots of massive and loud construction currently on Cumberland Ave (aka “The Strip”), which is the main commercial artery through campus.
Also there are better restaurants downtown (except for Sunspot- it is fantastic), and the parking is something awful anywhere near campus.
There is a fun UT themed hotel on the Strip, The Graduate Knoxville, and if you are into the color orange (like a lot into orange), it could be an option.
The hotel bar is called Saloon 16 and is owned by Peyton Manning (hence the “16”). This is really your only lodging choice that is very close campus. I would not get a vacation rental in the Fort Sanders neighborhood (aka “The Fort”) as it is almost all student housing and tends to be loud.
If you are coming to Knoxville for a football game at Neyland Stadium or a concert at Thompson- Boling Arena, check out A Local’s Opinion Of The Best Places To Stay Near Neyland Stadium Or Thompson- Boling Arena In Knoxville.
West Knoxville- Best Lodging Choices
If you’re not staying downtown, West Knoxville is the best place to look for chain hotels near good restaurants and shopping in a suburban environment.
Stretching along the combined I-40/ I-75 interstate from downtown all the way out to Farragut, West Knoxville is a suburban paradise. You can find a lot of nice chain hotels in this part of Knoxville and this is where I would look first if I couldn’t get a hotel in downtown Knoxville.
Traffic can be a real issue for West Knoxville, with the interstate getting very bogged down at rush hour and the other main road, Kingston Pike, has a traffic light every 5 feet. (It is where I grew up so I know it well.)
So while the hotel prices will get better and better the farther you go out, like at Cedar Bluff or even Campbell Station, you have to balance it with car time, especially if you are planning to spend a lot of time downtown.
I think the Bearden area in West Knoxville is the next best place to look for a hotel if you can’t find one in downtown Knoxville. You are only 10-15 minutes away from downtown, either by the interstate or on Kingston Pike, unless you are trying to make the trip during rush hour. Don’t do that.
The Best Hotels In West Knoxville
Near the Papermill/ Northshore exit from I-40/ I-75 in Bearden, you will find four good chain hotels:
- Courtyard By Marriott West/Bearden
- Hilton Garden Inn Knoxville Papermill Drive
- Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Knoxville West- Papermill, an IHG Hotel
- Hampton Inn & Suites Knoxville Papermill Drive
The Bearden area has a lot going on, plus the price will be half that of a downtown hotel.
There are several restaurants I really like in the Bearden area — Aubrey’s is a popular local restaurant chain with a location at Papermill, there’s a Krispy Kreme (best doughnuts ever!) on the corner of Kingston Pike and Northshore Dr, Calhoun’s is a local favorite BBQ place and it has a location on Kingston Pike up on Bearden Hill.
Nama Sushi is amazing sushi fusion, First Watch is a packed breakfast/ brunch place, Holly’s Gourmet Market is another packed brunch place, and Soccer Taco is the place to watch all things soccer while also enjoying great Mexican.
There is a Ham N’ Goody’s branch also in this area and I already talked about my love for their lemon cookies when I mentioned the downtown location.
If you like a craft brewery that’s family friendly and has food, Abridged Beer Company is a favorite.
If you are looking for a fantastic park for hiking, running, dog- friendly, and has a great playground, check out Lakeshore Park near these hotels.
A Google Map of the 4 hotels (circled in blue) that can be found by the Papermill exit of I40/ I75 in west Knoxville. I also circled some of my favorite restaurants in orange. This is the Bearden area and it is a great location with lots to do locally but also only 15 minutes from downtown. 
I just had to include a photo of my dog posing at Lakeshore Park. It is a beautiful park if you happen to visit.
If you keep heading west along the interstate you will find more hotels, especially clustered around the Cedar Bluff exit. The price will be good but avoid coming in or out of downtown anytime around rush hours in the morning and the afternoon. It will not be pretty.
If you are looking for a vacation rental in the Bearden area, this charming cottage near campus has 3 BR/2 BA in Westmoreland, a pretty neighborhood not far from downtown and near lots of shops and restaurants.
South Knoxville- Best Lodging Choices
South Knoxville is the best place to look for vacation rentals near the Urban Wilderness or to find a cabin in the woods. I use “South Knoxville” to loosely refer to everything south of the Tennessee River until you get out to the Seymour area or Alcoa.
Immediately across the river from downtown is a nice little area known as SoKno that includes the area around Sevier Avenue, the lovely Island Home neighborhood, and the Urban Wilderness.
Sevier Avenue has a small strip of restaurants, breweries, and there are a couple more restaurants by Baker Creek Preserve, one of the parks in the Urban Wilderness so you don’t even have to leave the area for great food.
SoKno is my first choice for looking for lodgings in South Knoxville as it has a fun vibe all its own, but you are also just a hop across the river from downtown.
South Waterfront Light & Open Urban Apartment Bright, open urban living in a newly-renovated 2-story brick historic building. Enjoy the quiet, fully equipped 1 BR/ 1 BA apartment (#201) within 2 miles of downtown, UT, and the Urban Wilderness. They also have a 2nd private 1 BR/ 1 BA apartment across the hall if needed for a larger group (see apt #202 listing).
To find out more about Knoxville’s fantastic Urban Wilderness, see our Urban Wilderness page. And if you are looking for places to eat in South Knoxville, we got you covered there too.
Hotel In South Knoxville
Ancient Lore Village. If the Lord of the Rings is your favorite all-time movie then have we got the place for you! Imagine stumbling upon the Shire but instead of New Zealand, you are in South Knoxville.
Billed as a “whimsical, quaint, magical village,” you can stay in a fairy cottage, a leprechaun’s lair, or an orc home, among other choices. It isn’t a cheap stay but it is certainly guaranteed to be a unique stay. And the attention to detail is top-knotch.
Cabins And Other Vacation Rentals In South Knoxville That Are Farther Out From Downtown
Historic Mid-Century Modern Gem If you’re looking for something unique, this one-of-a-kind mid-century modern gem is on the National Register of Historic Places. Has period MCM furniture and everything. 2600 sqft, 2 BR/ 3 BA. Sleeps 4 total and averages $253 avg/night. This listing is just off Aloca Highway, a bit south of UT Medical Center so very easy to get to downtown. No pets.
Log home on 50 acres. Private, convenient, beautiful. A little bit of paradise.If you wanted a 3 BR/ 2 BA log cabin on a horse farm where the owners could take you riding but you are still only 6 miles from downtown, this is your dream place. It even has a pool. This is a gorgeous property in south Knoxville, off of Chapman Highway, with a fishing pond, horses, llamas, goats, chickens, and peacocks. Sleeps 7.
Old World Swiss Cabin Nestled In The Woods A charming 1930s log cabin in the woods with a shady porch, 2 Br/ 1 Ba and kitchenette that looks pretty perfect. It is right by Chapman Highway but tucked away so you don’t feel as if you are by a busy highway that can take you into Knoxville in less than 10 minutes. Sleeps 5 and averages $150 a night. Pet friendly- 1 dog, max 50 lbs, $100 fee.
Log Cabin near UTK on 16 acres, FP, hottub, fishing, trails This 2 BR/ 2 BA log cabin called Lil’ Joe is on a 16 acre property with walking trails and a pond for bass fishing. Pet friendly (up to 50lbs and with a fee), you are a bit far out from downtown but still within a 20 min drive. But you are closer to the Townsend entrance to the GSMNP which is just about 45 min away. (Google Maps will show the property as Ponderosa Cabins.) Sleeps 6 and averages $209 a night. Pet friendly- 2 total, max 50 lbs, contact owner for approval.
Hotels Near The Knoxville Airport
Knoxville’s airport, McGhee-Tyson, is about 20 min south of downtown Knoxville, just beyond South Knoxville in the neighboring city of Alcoa.
Alcoa is a small town about halfway between the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and downtown Knoxville.
There are 2 new hotels, the Fairfield Inn & Suites Alcoa Airport and the Home2Suites Alcoa Airport, that have great views of the Smoky Mountains and are worth a look is you are thinking of splitting time between the national park and downtown Knoxville.
The Fairfield Inn has a seasonal outdoor pool and no pets are allowed. The Home2Suites also has a seasonal outdoor pool and is pet- friendly ($75 fee) with a pet walking area.
The Airport Hilton sits adjacent to the airport terminal and is the closest hotel to the Knoxville airport. Because of its proximity, it tends to be a bit more expensive than those hotels listed above.
Beautiful And Historic Lodge In Maryville
If you are in the mood for something different, keep heading south on Alcoa Hwy and check out RT Lodge on the grounds of Maryville College in Maryville, TN – about 30 min from downtown Knoxville. This is more like a very fancy inn than a hotel and it is wonderful.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, RT Lodge was built originally as a private house for the widow of Andrew Carnegie’s business partner. It is an absolutely gorgeous place with high attention to detail and set in the middle of Maryville College Woods so there are hiking trails and bike paths right out your door.
The dining is fantastic as well at RT Lodge and it is quite popular among locals to come here for special occasions, myself included. I love coming here.
North Knoxville – Best Lodging Choices
North Knoxville is the best place to look for vacation rentals in historic houses near craft breweries.
North Knoxville can mean anything north of the interstate in downtown Knoxville going all the way beyond the I-640 bypass north.
The area closest to downtown is sometimes called “NoKno” and includes Happy Holler, North Central St, North Broadway, and the 4th & Gill neighborhood so look for these watch words on vacation rental listings.
Much of the NoKno area was once a wealthy suburb of Knoxville served by a streetcar line and you can find lots of lovely early 20th century Craftsman and Victorian houses.
The NoKno area became less popular during the 1970s and 1980s as people moved to the newer suburbs of West Knoxville but it has seen a revitalization lately, as the historic houses are getting renovated and businesses are moving back into the area.
This is the heart of Knoxville’s craft brewing business with several within walking distance of each other, like Schulz Brau, Yee- Haw Brewing, Crafty Bastard, Gypsy Circus, and Next Level Brewing Company.
There are no hotels in NoKno but this area is a good bet for vacation rentals not too far from downtown but much cheaper than in downtown itself. The area is quite mixed though, with some houses beautifully renovated and others still a bit ramshackle.
You will either love its hipster, urban feel or decide you would rather be in a newer hotel in West Knoxville.
If you want a hotel in North Knoxville, you need to head farther north on Interstate 75. You will find clusters of chain hotels at some exits, especially the Merchant Drive exit which has about 14 chain hotels and is the first place I would look.
The Best VRBOs and Airbnbs In North Knoxville
- Historic 4th & Gill Area, Fun Decor, Walk downtown. A cute 2 BR/ 1 BA cottage in the lovely 4th & Gill neighborhood, you can walk, bike, or take a short Uber to all the craft breweries and restaurants in NoKno as well as downtown. No pets.
- 517 Townhome · ✧Luxurious East TN Townhome ✧ Walk to Downtown This large and gorgeous recently renovated 4 BR/ 3.5 BA brick home harks back to when NoKno was a wealthy suburb built around a streetcar route from downtown. In recent years, this area has undergone a revitalization and you will find great breweries and restaurants within walking distance. 3 floors mean plenty of space for a large group. Sleeps 12 and averages $594 a night. Pet friendly – 2 total, 50 lbs max, $50 per pet per night.
- Jennings – Downtown Knox! Walk To Food & Drink + Fire Pit A very cute 2 BR/ 2 BA bungalow very typical of the houses in the old North Knox area. It is on the block behind Schulz- Brau Brewing (my favorite brew- pub in Knoxville, looks like a castle and has a fantastic German- style beer garden that’s family friendly). The house backs up to Old Gray cemetery as well (a beautiful place for a walk) and the excellent Remedy Coffee is just down the street. Sleeps 8 and averages $261 a night. Pet friendly – 1 pet less than 50 lbs, $35 per night.
The Best Hotels In North Knoxville
There are at least 14 hotels at the Merchant Drive exit of Interstate 75, about 20 minutes north of downtown. All chain hotels and surrounded by a lot of chain restaurants and gas stations, the area around the exit isn’t particularly charming but the hotel prices are really good.
The Hampton Inn & Suites, Fairfield Inn & Suites, and the Holiday Inn are my top picks out here but you can see all of the hotel listings on this page.
Pro Tip- If you do stay out near Merchant Drive, you might want to drive 20 min further north on I 75 to check out the excellent Museum of Appalachia and Norris Dam State Park- it would make a great day trip to a really pretty area.
East Knoxville- Best Lodging Choices
There is not a lot in East Knoxville hotel or vacation rental- wise until you get all the way out to the Strawberry Plains exit from I 40 where you will find a cluster of chain hotels and restaurants.
I would only stay this far out if price was a major issue or you wanted to split the difference between Sevierville/ Pigeon Forge and Knoxville. If you were spending a couple of days in Knoxville and then a couple of days at Dollywood, this area could be a good compromise.
Hotels In East Knoxville
At the Strawberry Plains exit of I 40, there is a cluster of hotel listings right by the interstate. It is about 25 min from downtown but this would not be my first choice of places to stay unless price was a real issue or you wanted to stay closer to Sevierville.
VRBOs In East Knoxville
There are some pretty interesting vacation rentals in this area. There is a glamping retreat that looks super fun as well as some nice cabins. Vacation Rentals Around Strawberry Plains And Kodak, TN.
The Best RV And Tent Camping Spots In Knoxville, TN
Low Meadow Farms. 13 tent/ RV sites in a 4 acre meadow surrounded by a creek sounds pretty great right? It’s like primitive camping but they have potable water and a port-a-potty onsite.
The property is in South Knoxville, very near Forks of the River Wildlife Management Area, one of the parks in the Urban Wilderness. You could ride your bike to the trailheads from here.
It is also just 15 minutes to Market Square from Low Meadow Farms. Tent sites sleep 2 and cost $30/ night unless you get one of the two bigger sites that sleep 6 and cost $50/ night. Book through hipcamp.com. Dog friendly.
I hope you have a great time in Knoxville on your visit and if you have any questions about the extensive (some might say overly exhaustive) list of lodging choices I have given you, please shoot me an email. I love to play tour guide for my awesome hometown! See our Knoxville Backyard & Beyond website for all of our faves! – Happy Trails! Amanda
wow!!!!! thank you so so so so so much. probably the best article i’ve read!!!!!!!