DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Chattanooga Downtown

Housed in a boxy, 13-story concrete building painted rust, gold, and gray, this DoubleTree stands out amidst the shorter buildings on its street. The lobby is airy and open-concept, with walls of windows that make the place feel enormous and bright, dwarfing the long beige sofas, chocolate brown armchairs, and even the staircase leading to the second-floor bar. Colorful throw pillows in modern patterns decorate the chairs and couches. Eleven restaurant is cheerful and vibrant, with bright pink booths divided by lime-green faux grass. The H2O Bar, however, is a bit dark, with gray carpeting and tall turquoise and silver chairs lining the bar, behind which is a pair of flat-screen TVs. The outdoor pool is surrounded by the building’s yellow concrete walls; a nice lounge area occupies part of the checkerboard pool deck, with pillow-topped wicker chairs, comfortable patio couches, and loungers around a small fire pit. Business travelers are frequent guests here, as there is meeting space available, including a room with red walls and playfully printed chairs and carpets. Some families and other travelers also stay here, and everyone gets free chocolate chip cookies on arrival. 

Situated on a downtown city block, there is another hotel across the street, a YMCA a block away, and the Creative Discovery Museum a three-minute walk down the road. There are also several restaurants within walking distance in every direction. Tennessee Aquarium IMAX Center is a five-minute walk along Chestnut Street, and the Chattanooga Convention Center is a 10- to 15-minute walk away. Driving is convenient as the hotel is located just off of I-24 and Highway 27. Lookout Mountain is a 15-minute drive away and Chattanooga Airport is about 15 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic. 

All rooms are nicely -- and similarly -- decorated with abstract cityscape paintings in orange and black. Beds are firm, and furniture is slick and dark, including large units that serve as dressers, TV stands, and desks. Each room has air-conditioning, a large HDTV, microwave, mini-fridge, Mp3 clock radio, and small coffeemaker with chef Wolfgang Puck coffee. Desks have rolling chairs, and there are large armchairs with cheerful red cushions. Bathrooms have shower/tub combos, and stylish, white basin sinks atop attractive, dark granite counters. Suites are especially spacious, with separate living rooms equipped with two large sofas and ottomans, two LCD TVs (one in the bedroom), and huge bathrooms with bathtubs and large standing showers. There are no balconies, but higher rooms have nice views of the city and mountains in the distance.

The DoubleTree Chattanooga Downtown offers free Wi-Fi access in rooms and throughout the hotel. The outdoor pool and fitness room -- with several weight machines and treadmills -- are also free for guests. Parking is paid and available in a choice of self-parking or valet. Eleven restaurant serves a breakfast buffet -- not included in the room price -- with hot eggs and omelets, plus lunch and dinner buffets. H2O Bar serves a variety of burgers and sandwiches, and there is a Virtual Lounge with electric piano and computers available to guests. A series of meeting rooms and a banquet hall are available for special events, and there is a convenience shop that sells snacks and drinks. Room service is available. Pets are not allowed.