The Read House

The Read House has a deeply historic address. A hotel has stood on this downtown Chattanooga site since 1847. The current property opened in 1872 and was rebuilt in 1926 in the Georgian style. It’s long been a center of social activity and has hosted many dignitaries and celebrities, including Winston Churchill, Ronald Reagan, Oprah Winfrey, and the infamous Al Capone. It's retained its vibrancy, and it gets especially busy on weekends, when its spectacular Silver Ballroom hosts weddings and other functions. During the week, it fills with business travelers here to attend conferences and dine at the intimate Porter’s Steakhouse. The dark, elegant lobby exudes sophistication, with marble floors and rows of black walnut pillars and arches that reach up to the mezzanine level. Traditional brass and glass chandeliers hang over velour sofas. Wall sconces add a glow to the space.

The Read House is in downtown Chattanooga, about a six-minute drive or 15-minute walk (north) of the Tennessee Aquarium and other attractions along the city’s bustling riverfront. The city’s free electric shuttle bus stops in front of the hotel, and it makes other stops throughout downtown in a 15-minute loop. A 24-hour diner is across the street from the hotel, and several other restaurants are within walking distance. The Chattanooga Convention Center and Warehouse Row’s shops and restaurants are both within a six-minute walk, and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga is a two-minute drive away. Lookout Mountain and its famed attractions, like the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Parks, are a 15- to 20-minute drive from the hotel. Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport is an 18-minute drive, and the Volkswagen of America Group headquarters is 22 minutes away.

Rooms vary in size, but the King Room we saw was on the small side, with little room between the foot of the bed and the bathroom's entrance. Bathrooms also tend to be small, with pedestal sinks, magnifying mirrors, and modest shower stalls. Some rooms have shower/tub combos. Traditional rooms had king or queen-bed options. Suites have separate bedrooms and sitting areas, and some of the larger ones have wet bars. Past guests have praised the comfortable beds. Standard amenities include coffeemakers, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi. 

This full-service historic property hosts numerous corporate functions and social events in its 13,500 square feet of meeting space. The spectacular Silver Ballroom showcases 25-foot ceilings, silver-leaf moldings, and original 1926 sterling silver and Waterford crystal chandeliers. Corporate travelers and other guests can use the business center, which is open 24/7, and free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel. 

Another highlight is the Porter’s Steakhouse, offering fine-dining in an intimate setting. It also serves breakfast (for a fee) during the week and lunch daily. There's also an on-site Starbucks. Other perks include concierge services with valet dry cleaning and laundry and reasonably priced valet parking that includes 24/7 in-and-out privileges.