Hampton Inn Chattanooga West/Lookout Mountain

The hotel is situated in a standard Hampton Inn building -- cream cement with red lettering, and attractive gray brick along the first of the four floors. The lobby area is smaller and less decorative than many in the chain, but is nonetheless welcoming. The reception desk -- dark wood with blue panels -- is flanked by the small convenience store that sells snacks and drinks. There's a pleasant, relaxing feeling in reception due to the earthy color scheme: brown tile floors, ecru rug, beige-brick accent wall, and dark-brown armchairs below a framed black-and-white nature photo. Just beyond is the dining room and lounge area, which looks more like a comfortable bar than a breakfast room -- there's another stacked-brick accent wall, a pair of beige couches with bright orange pillows, clusters of slick tables, and a long counter lined with blue-cushioned chairs. There is a large TV on the wall, and coffee and tea facilities available all day. Adults tend to frequent the indoor pool, which is plain and adjacent to the large fitness room, while families and kids flock to the outdoor pool, which has a twisting slide in the deep end and a fountain in the shallow end.

This hotel is located up on a large hill shared with a Fairfield Inn (different brand, same owners). Down the hill is a gas station on the corner, and a fairly busy street with a Wendy’s and several other hotels. There is nothing of much interest within walking distance, but Interstate 24 is right around the corner. The hotel is about a 10-minute drive from Lookout Mountain and its historical attractions, as well as from downtown Chattanooga and its family hotspots, such as the aquarium, IMAX center, and Creative Discovery Museum. The hotel is about a 20-minute drive from Chattanooga Airport (without traffic), and about two hours from Nashville and Huntsville airports.

Painted a soothing and subtle aqua color, rooms at this Hampton Inn are nicely furnished with sleek, dark wood headboards, cabinets, and nightstands. Beds are super-comfy, and each room has free Wi-Fi access, desk with rolling chair, flat-screen TV, mini-fridge, microwave, and coffeemaker. Some King Rooms have sofa beds and are slightly larger, although sofa beds are situated quite close to the main beds. Windows aren't huge, but some have nice views of the surrounding forest. Bathrooms are relatively large, and nicely decorated in cream and pale aqua; some have spacious stall showers with glass doors, while others have shower/tub combos.

Besides the usual array of Hampton Inn amenities -- free outdoor parking, Wi-Fi access, and hot breakfast buffet with waffle-making station -- this hotel has not one, but two swimming pools. The indoor pool is small and nondescript, but the outdoor pool is large and built for kids, with a twisting slide and a playful fountain. There is also a spacious fitness room with high-end equipment. The small shop has drinks and snacks, and there's a coin-operated laundry room. The business center has two computers, and printing/copying services.