Knoxville is an excellent base for exploring the incredible Great Smoky Mountains National Park. However, the city itself offers an abundance of attractions, with plenty of vibrant neighborhoods to explore and great hotels for a comfortable vacation. Stay amid historic buildings, discover Zoo Knoxville, and enjoy the outdoors right in the heart of the city. Book accommodations where museums and art galleries are often just steps from your hotel, along with diverse shopping and dining options. As the city is known for its genuine hospitality, visitors can look forward to a friendly welcome from the locals.
Where to stay
in Knoxville
Best Places to Stay for Outdoor Activities
Knoxville is a great destination for getting outdoors and into nature. For those staying at one of the many hotels in Downtown Knoxville, Ijams Nature Center is just a few miles away and perfect for hiking, biking, and observing wildlife. To get around by walking or cycling, paved "Greenways" link neighborhoods to each other, as well as to local facilities throughout the city. Knoxville is also a playground for boating, with miles of coastline and lakes. Stay in Loudon to launch a boat from a range of marinas. Just a short drive from Knoxville, find a room in Lenoir City for close access to Fort Loudon Marina.
Downtown Knoxville
Downtown Knoxville is known for its lively bars, and you can plan a trip to Tennessee Theatre and Bijou Theater while you're in town.
Recommended hotels in Downtown Knoxville
Loudon
Travelers like the restaurants in Loudon, and Tellico Lake is a top attraction you might want to visit.
Recommended hotels in Loudon
Lenoir City
Lenoir City is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Lenoir City Park and Fort Loudoun Lake.
Recommended hotels in Lenoir City
Great Neighborhoods for Culture and History
Museums, art galleries, and exhibition venues display the heritage of Knoxville, along with both local and international artworks. Book a hotel in Downtown Knoxville to explore the East Tennessee History Center, the Knoxville Museum of Art, the McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture, and the popular Arts District. Accommodations in the Old City are perfect for those wishing to explore the history of the railroad boom. Here, 19th-century buildings now host trendy cafés and boutiques, while renovated factory houses display studios and galleries. Stay near Old North Knoxville for shady streets lined with magnificent houses from the 1800s to the early 1920s.
Downtown Knoxville
Downtown Knoxville is known for its lively bars, and you can plan a trip to Tennessee Theatre and Bijou Theater while you're in town.
Recommended hotels in Downtown Knoxville
Old City
Visitors highly recommend Old City for its abundant dining options, and you can make a stop by The Emporium Center while you're in town.
Where to Stay for Shopping and Dining
Book accommodations near Market Square in Downtown Knoxville to be in the vibrant shopping, dining, and nightlife hub. From shoe stores to fashion boutiques and farmers' markets, the pedestrian-only area is a relaxing place to shop. Restaurants in and around the square serve up delights from Mexican and Italian to casual burgers. There are plenty of hotels located close to Turkey Creek, Knoxville's premier shopping venue featuring big brands, eateries, and a cinema. For those staying near the airport at Alcoa, popular chain hotels offer excellent restaurants on-site. Cedar Bluff is a short drive from West Town Mall and a great place to stay for a quiet escape.
Downtown Knoxville
Downtown Knoxville is known for its lively bars, and you can plan a trip to Tennessee Theatre and Bijou Theater while you're in town.
Recommended hotels in Downtown Knoxville
Alcoa
Get to know Alcoa by checking out its restaurants, mountain views, and shopping. Consider a visit to nearby sights like Capitol Theatre or Blount County Historical Museum during your time in the area.
Recommended hotels in Alcoa
Cedar Bluff
Cedar Bluff is popular for its abundant dining options, and you can check out Dead Horse Lake Golf Course, a top attraction in the neighborhood.
Recommended hotels in Cedar Bluff
More Hotel Options in Knoxville
- Hotels with Air Conditioning (128)
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- Hotels with Free Parking (118)
- Family Hotels (116)
- Business Hotels (110)
- Hotels with a Pool (109)
- Hotels with an Outdoor Pool (107)
- Hotels with Free Breakfast (104)
- Hotels with Laundry Facilities (103)
- Pet-friendly Hotels (87)
- Hotels with a Gym (80)
- Golf Hotels (70)
- Historic Hotels (66)
- Hotels with Connecting Rooms (64)
- Cheap Hotels (62)
- Non-Smoking Hotels (60)
- Hotels with Bars (55)
- Hotels & Resorts for Couples (46)
- Hotels with an Indoor Pool (45)