Fairfield Inn & Suites Chattanooga I-24/Lookout Mountain

The hotel sports a standard chain hotel look from the exterior, a four-story beige box. Inside, however, the decor is vibrant -- almost to the point of tacky -- with loud carpeting in bright blues and neon citrus tones throughout the common areas and hallways. But there is nice natural light in the welcoming lobby, where a couple of pink armchairs and a cushioned bench surround a gas fireplace. The reception desk is basic wood laminate, as are the shelves lined with a couple of red and green vases.  A few more lime-green, faux-leather benches are tucked into a corner. There is a table with free coffee and tea available all day. The dining room is also vibrant and similarly multi-colored, with a green and orange palette. Several four- and two-top tables have comfortable, cushioned chairs, while a high countertop provides outlets for working and faces a flat-screen TV. Guests include a mix of families and tourist couples, many in town for access to Lookout Mountain. The hotel also draws some business travelers, with its spacious banquet/presentation room -- a well-lit space decorated in neon green and bright blue. 

This hotel is located up on a large hill shared with another Marriott property with the same owners. Down the hill are a gas station, other hotels, and various casual and fast-food restaurants. 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 15-minute drive from Rock City, with ancient rock formations and gardens. It's a seven-minute drive from Ruby Falls, a 20-minute drive from Chattanooga Airport (without traffic), and about two hours from Nashville and Huntsville airports.

Subtler than the lobby, rooms are decorated with just a couple splashes of vibrant lime-green. The rooms are reliably clean and spacious, though with chain-standard furniture and little decoration. Beds are large and comfortable, with crisp, white blankets and padded headboards. Each room has a wooden desk with rolling chair. All rooms also have free Wi-Fi, HDTVs, mini-fridges, microwaves, coffeemakers, and ironing facilities. There are nice views of Lookout Mountain in the distance from some rooms, and bathrooms are relatively large, with attractive, dark-granite countertops and white shower/tub combos. The Studio rooms are great for groups and families -- each has a separate bedroom and living room divided by a wall, along with a sofa-bed and two flat-screen TVs.

This Fairfield Inn (owned by Marriott) offers free outdoor parking, Wi-Fi access, and hot buffet breakfast with eggs and a waffle station. Free coffee and tea are available in the lobby all day. The hotel has a nice indoor pool with an adjacent outdoor patio. The tiny, 24-hour fitness room has just a few cardio machines and free weights. There are a snack shop and coin-operated laundry on-site. The business center has a pair of computers and a printer, along with fax and copying services. The 836-square-foot presentation room has banquet tables and all the necessary audiovisual equipment. Pets are not allowed at this hotel.