We already know East Tennessee is picture-perfect come autumn, so staying in town this season is a no-brainer. However, maybe it’s time to change it up and enjoy a bit of pampering. If you’re looking for a luxury retreat but want to stay close, look no further than a weekend getaway at The Tennessean Hotel, your new home away from home.
Founded by Nicholas Cazana and opened in April 2017, The Tennessean Hotel boasts 82 guest rooms across five floors, plus two floors of residences, complete with the kind of concierge services that only comes with an experienced, dedicated staff. With their service-forward concept, every guest is welcomed in a true Southern hospitality fashion. Luxury is personal, so no detail is left undone.
It’s here where tradition intersects with what’s on trend. The linens are from France and there’s tea service in the Drawing Room, but there are also electric bikes available for use, and the hotel is pet friendly (check out the Paws in the City package). Whether you want a world-away experience, or you want to capture the essence of what makes Knoxville home, there is a warm, friendly staff ready to welcome you.
Stay and Play
One glimpse at an Executive King room will convince you to pack up and spend the weekend downtown. (Seriously, two king beds in one room? Yes, please.) Regardless of the sleeping arrangements you require, each space is outfitted with fine linens, pillow-top mattresses, and marble floors designed to reflect the aesthetic of our Tennessee River town. Look closely and you’ll notice every design has movement and flow to reflect our topography. Even the hotel floors are named after segments of the Tennessee River. From Classic Queens to panoramic King suites, every guest will experience an elevated level of comfort.
Location-wise, it doesn’t get any better than the corner of Henley and Clinch. The World’s Fair Park is your backyard, and the Sunsphere is your view. You have walkability to Gay St. and Market Square, the Knoxville Museum of Art, and, if you have tickets to the UT home game, concierge and valet services can get you to Neyland Stadium on time.
If you feel like taking to the road yourself, guests are welcome to borrow a Priority E-Coast bike, an electric cruiser that’s comfortable and easy to use. With its three-inch-wide tires and a dual control motor, you’ll enjoy an ultra-smooth ride around town across a variety of terrains. You can make the bike ride even more special by taking along a picnic lunch prepared on-site.
But, there is plenty to do on the property if there’s inclement weather or you simply feel like taking it easy. Anchoring The Tennessean and its attached neighbor, Marriott, is a sweeping gathering space for the Maker Exchange, a displayed collection of local wares and pieces curated by Dogwood Arts. The Curio features textiles, pottery, woodworking, paintings, and many other locally made works, many of which are available for purchase. Local artistry is also on display throughout the gathering spaces between the two hotels. Much of the leather work, carpentry, and lighting fixtures were all made by local artisans. (Look for QR codes as you walk the property.)
This open area is ideal for small gatherings or finding a nook to tuck into for some solo time. Adjacent to the space is a game room, complete with a pool table, shuffleboard, foosball, couches and chairs, and a few flatscreens for all your game-day watching needs.
Wine and Dine
No staycation experience is complete without good food, and there are two primary options on the property for guests to enjoy. Located in the Maker Exchange is Tavern, an upscale bar with an imaginative, pub-style food and drink menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It overlooks World’s Fair Park on one side and a two-story mural and convention lobby on the other. (The two-story mural, designed by Robin Easter Design and painted by Megan Lingerfelt and Curtis Glover, served as the palette inspiration for the Maker Exchange.)
For a more intimate gathering, take to The Drawing Room on the second floor, which boasts a stunning view of the Sunsphere. Here, guests can enjoy an elegant meal, a quick bite, or crafted cocktail in the company of friends. It’s where breakfast is served for guests each morning, and where they can return each evening for a proper, farm-to-table dining experience.
Not to be left out is Perk Up, which serves Vienna Coffee daily from 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Maker Exchange.
This fall, embrace Knoxville from a new point of view. Celebrate our city at Knoxville’s only Four-Diamond Hotel. For the full experience, opt-in for a VIP package and let the staff treat you to the luxurious staycation you’ve been waiting for.
Special thanks to The Tennessean Hotel, Maker Exchange, and Marriott.
TheTennesseanHotel.com, @TennesseanHotel
MakerExchangeKnox.com, @MakerExchangeKnox
Marriott.com/en-us/hotels/tyskn-marriott-knoxville-downtown/overview, @MarriottKnoxville
Location-wise, it doesn’t get any better than the corner of Henley and Clinch. The World’s Fair Park is your backyard, and the Sunsphere is your view.