Hampton Inn & Suites Chattanooga / Downtown

Housed in a modern, six-floor, brick and concrete building, this Hampton Inn draws a mix of families, business travelers, and various tourists seeking proximity to downtown. The overall interior look is bright and colorful with lots of citrusy hues, starting in the entranceway, where a striking sculpture is composed of a pale orange pillar encircled by plush, lime-green- and orange-cushioned seating. The rest of the lobby is a mashup of wood laminate floors and brown-patterned carpeting, clean-lined vinyl seating in various shades of green and orange, and pale yellow walls. There's a free coffee/tea station prominently displayed on a dark wood cabinet, which also holds newspapers. Beyond is the breakfast area, with yet more yellow and green -- from the hanging, cylindrical lamps to the dining chairs and couches -- along with a few, large HDTVs and many windows. It looks as if there should be a lively bar somewhere, but there is not, just the breakfast buffet corner. The meeting rooms are spacious and equipped with conference tables, plus lounge areas. The outdoor pool is beautiful, with a waterfall fountain feature, plenty of patio couches and armchairs, and an outdoor gas fireplace -- an unexpected bonus that almost feels like a five-pearl touch. 

The hotel is on Chestnut Street in a busy downtown area about a block from Highway 27, with close proximity to I-24. There are several restaurants and bars within a five-minute walk. Also within five minutes' walk are the Creative Discovery Museum and Tennessee Aquarium IMAX Center. The river is about a 10-minute stroll away, and both The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and Chattanooga Convention Center are about 15 minutes' walk. Lookout Mountain is a 15-minute drive away. Chattanooga Airport is about a 15- to 20-minute drive. 

The bright orange color scheme continues in the rooms with accent walls, colorfully patterned armchairs, and bright canvas paintings. The dark wood furnishings include desks. Standard rooms are not huge, but have large windows that help to brighten them up. Bathrooms are done in beige and copper tones, and have either shower/tub combos or large, stall showers with glass doors. Each room has free Wi-Fi access, a 37-inch HDTV, mini-fridge, microwave, coffeemaker, safe, and ironing facilities. The suites are considerably larger, but do not have separate bedrooms; they're studio-style, with large overhanging desks separating bed and lounge areas. Enormous bathrooms have shower/tub combos, and some suites have balconies with city views. Some rooms are subject to noise from traffic on the street.

Like all Hampton Inns, the Chattanooga Downtown property offers a free breakfast buffet with hot items, such as eggs and sausage, or a breakfast to-go option. There is free Wi-Fi access in rooms and throughout the hotel. The gorgeous outdoor pool area has a fireplace, and the pool extends indoors. There are also a well-equipped fitness room, snack shop, and coin-operated laundry room. Small meeting and event space is available, with space for up to 30 people. The business center has a free computer and printer. Garage parking next door is subject to a daily fee. The only things missing are a bar and restaurant for lunch and dinner. Pets are not allowed.