Historic hotels in Tennessee let you do more than visit the past. You can actually spend the night in it. Sleep inside an old train station. Check into a small-town inn that has welcomed travelers for generations. Or stay at a grand Memphis hotel where one unusual tradition has been drawing a crowd since the 1930s.
These 13 historic hotels across Tennessee make the story part of the stay. And a few might surprise you.
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From Stagecoach Stops to Grand Hotel Lobbies
Tennessee’s old hotels tell pieces of a much bigger story. Travelers once arrived by stagecoach and railroad. Small-town inns became stopping places, while grand hotels opened near busy train stations and growing downtowns.
Some disappeared as the way we traveled changed. Others found a second life.
The 13 that follow are still standing. Better yet, you can still check in.
Hale Springs Inn | A Stagecoach-Era Stay in Rogersville
Imagine arriving in Rogersville by stagecoach instead of car. Hale Springs Inn is one of East Tennessee’s historic hotels where that story is still easy to picture. Built in 1824 along a busy stagecoach route, this historic East Tennessee inn became a stopping place for travelers passing through Rogersville.
A few famous travelers stopped here, too. Andrew Jackson, James K. Polk, and Andrew Johnson all stayed at the inn. Later, during the Civil War, Union forces used the building as their headquarters.
More than 200 years later, you can still check in. Hale Springs Inn has just nine rooms and suites, including three named for its presidential guests. McKinney’s Restaurant & Tavern is also inside the inn.
What to Expect at This Historic Stay
- Rooms: 9 rooms and suites with private bathrooms
- Breakfast: Free full breakfast included
- Dining: McKinney’s Restaurant & Tavern on-site
- Parking: Free self-parking
→ Check Rates & Availability at Hale Springs Inn
Historic Eureka Inn | A Main Street Stay in Jonesborough
Before this was a hotel, it was someone’s home. Today, Historic Eureka Inn is one of Tennessee’s small historic hotels where you can still spend the night inside that story.
The story of Historic Eureka Inn begins in 1797, when Robert and Harriett Mitchell built a home along Main Street. Over the years, the building changed hands, grew larger, and eventually became a boarding house.
In 1900, Peter and Angeline Miller opened the Eureka Hotel for travelers and businesspeople. Through the years, the building also housed a restaurant, grocery store, and even a taxi company before being restored as a historic Tennessee inn.
Today, you can spend the night right on Main Street in Tennessee’s oldest town. The inn has just nine individually decorated rooms, and several carry names tied to its history. Angeline’s Room and Peter Miller’s Room, for example, are named for the couple who opened the Eureka Hotel in 1900.
What to Expect at This Historic Stay
- Rooms: Nine individually decorated guest rooms
- Breakfast: Family-style breakfast offered on weekends
- Parking: Private, off-street parking
- Location: Main Street in historic downtown Jonesborough
→ Check Rates & Availability at Historic Eureka Inn
General Morgan Inn | A Historic Hotel in Greeneville
The General Morgan Inn is a historic Tennessee hotel with roots in Greeneville’s railroad days. As train travel brought more visitors to town, the Grand Central Hotel opened here in the 1880s to welcome them.
Over time, neighboring railroad hotels were joined together. After closing in 1981, the building was restored and reopened as the General Morgan Inn in 1996.
Today, you can check into the same downtown property that once welcomed Tennessee’s railroad travelers. The hotel has 51 guest accommodations, Brumley’s Restaurant & Lounge, and a rooftop terrace.
What to Expect at This Historic Stay
- Rooms: 51 guest rooms, suites, and apartment accommodations
- Dining: Brumley’s Restaurant & Lounge
- Parking: Complimentary parking
- Location: Historic downtown Greeneville
→ Check Rates & Availability at General Morgan Inn
Historic Rocky Waters Inn | A Riverside Stay in Gatlinburg
Historic Rocky Waters Inn historic Tennessee hotel with roots in Gatlinburg dating to 1935. Long before Gatlinburg became the busy mountain town it is today, travelers were already staying along this stretch of the Little Pigeon River.
Today, the riverside property has a very different feel. It has been reimagined as an adults-only luxury inn near downtown Gatlinburg.
Each room has a private riverfront balcony. The Heirloom Room is also on-site for dinner and drinks after a day in the Smokies.
What to Expect at This Historic Stay
- Rooms: Riverfront rooms and suites with private balconies
- Dining: The Heirloom Room on-site
- Guests: Adults only, ages 21+
- Location: Near downtown Gatlinburg
→ Check Rates & Availability at Historic Rocky Waters Inn
The Historic Gatlinburg Inn | Gatlinburg
The Historic Gatlinburg Inn is a historic Tennessee hotel that has welcomed Gatlinburg visitors since 1937. One of its best stories, however, came 30 years later.
In 1967, Felice and Boudleaux Bryant wrote “Rocky Top” here in Room 388. Today, you can still book the room where the famous Tennessee song was written.
Today, the inn remains right on the Parkway in downtown Gatlinburg, close to Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
What to Expect at This Historic Stay
- Rooms: 70 rooms and specialty suites
- Breakfast: Complimentary hot breakfast
- Location: Walkable downtown Gatlinburg
- Don’t Miss: The Rocky Top Room
→ Check Rates & Availability at The Historic Gatlinburg Inn
The Oliver Hotel | A Historic Hotel in Knoxville
The Oliver Hotel is a historic Tennessee hotel with a sweet beginning. Its 1876 building once housed Peter Kern’s bakery and candy business in downtown Knoxville.
Over the years, the building changed with downtown Knoxville before eventually becoming a boutique hotel beside Market Square.
Today, the hotel has just 28 rooms and suites. Downstairs, you can dine at Oliver Royale or find Peter Kern Library, a speakeasy named for the baker behind the building’s early story.
What to Expect at This Historic Stay
- Rooms: 28 boutique rooms and suites
- Dining: Oliver Royale on-site
- Drinks: Peter Kern Library speakeasy
- Location: Steps from Market Square
→ Check Rates & Availability at The Oliver Hotel
Hotel Cleo | A Boutique Stay in Downtown Knoxville
Hotel Cleo is a newer hotel inside one of downtown Knoxville’s historic buildings. This historic Tennessee hotel occupies the Hope Brothers Building, which dates to 1897.
Over the years, the Gay Street building housed a shoe store, bank, jewelry stores, and other businesses. In 2024, its upper floors began a new chapter as the 16-room Hotel Cleo.
Today, the building’s history is still part of the experience. Each of the 16 rooms has its own look, mixing historic details with French-inspired style. Downstairs, Lilou serves French-inspired food and drinks.
What to Expect at This Historic Stay
- Rooms: 16 individually designed rooms
- Dining: Lilou on the first floor
- Style: Historic details with French influence
- Location: Gay Street in downtown Knoxville
→ Check Rates & Availability at Hotel Cleo
The Read House | A Grand Stay in Chattanooga
The Read House is a historic Tennessee hotel that has welcomed travelers in downtown Chattanooga since 1872. Its grand 1920s design still gives the hotel much of its character today.
There’s also a mystery. Room 311 is tied to the hotel’s best-known ghost story, and visitors can still tour the room.
Today, the restored hotel still carries its Roaring Twenties style, with updated rooms, an indoor pool, and several places to eat and drink.
What to Expect at This Historic Stay
- Rooms: Renovated rooms and suites
- Dining: Bridgeman’s Chophouse and other on-site options
- Pool: Indoor pool and fitness center
- Parking: Valet parking available
→ Check Rates & Availability at The Read House
Hotel Chalet | A Railroad Stay in Chattanooga
Hotel Chalet turns Chattanooga’s railroad history into a place you can actually spend the night. Located at the city’s former railroad terminal, this historic Tennessee stay keeps its train history at the center of the experience
Best of all, you can actually sleep inside a restored train carriage. Traditional hotel rooms and suites are available, too.
The hotel sits within the Chattanooga Choo Choo complex, putting restaurants and entertainment within an easy walk.
What to Expect at This Historic Stay
- Rooms: Traditional rooms, suites, and restored train carriages
- Unique Stay: Overnight accommodations inside historic train cars
- Location: Chattanooga Choo Choo complex
- Nearby: Restaurants and entertainment
→ Check Rates & Availability at The Hotel Chalet
The Hermitage Hotel | A Historic Stay in Nashville
The Hermitage Hotel is a historic Tennessee hotel that has stood in downtown Nashville since 1910. Its grand Beaux-Arts design quickly made it one of the city’s landmark hotels.
In 1920, the hotel became part of the fight over Tennessee’s ratification of the 19th Amendment. Both sides of the women’s suffrage debate used the hotel as a headquarters.
Today, this five-star Nashville hotel pairs its historic architecture with luxury rooms, dining, and a location near the Tennessee State Capitol.
What to Expect at This Historic Stay
- Style: Five-star historic luxury
- Dining: Drusie & Darr and The Pink Hermit
- Location: Downtown Nashville
- History: National Historic Landmark
→ Check Rates & Availability at The Hermitage Hotel
Union Station Nashville Yards | Railroad History in Downtown Nashville
Union Station Nashville Yards is a historic Tennessee hotel inside Nashville’s former railroad terminal. Opened in 1900, the station once welcomed train travelers beneath its soaring barrel-vaulted ceiling.
Today, the restored station is a luxury Nashville hotel filled with reminders of its railroad past. Its grand lobby, stained glass, and original architecture remain at the heart of the experience.
What to Expect at This Historic Stay
- Rooms: Modern rooms and suites
- Dining: Restaurant and bar on-site
- Style: Restored railroad architecture
- Location: Downtown Nashville
→ Check Rates & Availability at Union Station Nashville Yards
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The Peabody | A Memphis Hotel With a Famous Tradition
The Peabody is a historic Tennessee hotel with roots dating to 1869. Its current downtown Memphis building opened in 1925 and became one of the city’s best-known landmarks.
Its most famous guests have feathers. The Peabody Ducks began visiting the lobby fountain in 1933, starting a tradition that continues with their daily march.
Today, that 1933 tradition continues alongside updated rooms, several dining options, and a prime downtown Memphis location.
What to Expect at This Historic Stay
- Rooms: 463 guest rooms and suites
- Dining: Several restaurants and bars
- Don’t Miss: Peabody Duck March daily
- Parking: Self-parking and valet available
→ Check Rates & Availability at The Peabody Memphis
The Central Station Memphis | Memphis
The Central Station Memphis is a historic Tennessee hotel inside a former Memphis train station. Opened in 1914, the station once welcomed railroad travelers into the city.
Today, the hotel mixes its railroad history with another Memphis favorite: music. Guest rooms feature custom speakers, while Eight & Sand pairs cocktails with a large vinyl collection.
What to Expect at This Historic Stay
- Rooms: 123 rooms and suites
- Dining: Bishop and Eight & Sand
- Location: Historic South Main district
- Parking: Self-parking available
→ Check Rates & Availability at The Central Station Memphis
Find Your Historic Stay in Tennessee
Some hotels give you a room for the night. But these Tennessee stays give you a story to take home.
From small-town inns to grand downtown landmarks, each one holds a piece of Tennessee’s past. Better yet, you can still check in and experience it for yourself.
So, when planning your next Tennessee getaway, consider staying somewhere with a little history behind the door.
Happy Trekkn’, Friends!
Disclosure: This site contains links from our trusted partners, including Amazon. If you book or purchase through these, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting Tennessee Trekkn!