Tourism: Chattanooga has Historical Hotel to Offer Visitors

Not too far down the road in Chattanooga, there is a hotel with a lot of history.  For more than 150 years, The Read House has stood as one of Chattanooga, Tennessee’s most recognizable landmarks. Located in the heart of downtown at 107 W. M.L.K. Boulevard, the historic hotel has welcomed generations of travelers, businesspeople, celebrities, and residents while remaining an important part of the city’s history.

The story of The Read House dates back to 1872, when the original hotel was established. Over the decades, Chattanooga changed dramatically around it, but the hotel continued to serve as a gathering place in the downtown community. Its current character reflects a later era, drawing heavily from the elegance and atmosphere of the Jazz Age and Roaring Twenties.

One of the most significant chapters in the hotel's modern history came with an extensive restoration. A major renovation completed in 2018 helped restore and enhance the property while preserving many of the characteristics that make it distinctive. Today, guests can experience historic architecture and décor alongside modern hotel amenities.

The Read House is also known for its connection to Chattanooga's entertainment and social history. Its location makes it convenient to many of the city's downtown attractions, including the Tennessee Aquarium, riverfront, theaters, restaurants, and convention facilities.

Perhaps the most famous story associated with the hotel involves Room 311, which has become the center of one of Chattanooga's best-known ghost stories. The room is associated with the legend of Annalisa Netherly, and the story has helped give The Read House an additional place in local folklore. The hotel itself does not claim that paranormal activity occurs there, but the room has nevertheless attracted the curiosity of visitors interested in the hotel's unusual history.

Today, The Read House offers much more than a historic setting. The property features guest rooms and suites, an indoor swimming pool, fitness facilities, and several dining and entertainment options. Among them is Bridgeman's Chophouse, which specializes in steaks and seafood, along with the Bar & Billiards Room and a Starbucks located in the hotel.

The hotel also remains an important destination for weddings, meetings, and other special events. With more than 17,000 square feet of event space and numerous individual venues, The Read House continues the tradition of being a place where people gather for important occasions.

What makes The Read House particularly interesting is the way it connects Chattanooga's past with its present. It is both a functioning modern hotel and a reminder of an earlier Chattanooga—a time when downtown hotels served as centers of business, entertainment, and social life.

For visitors looking for more than an ordinary hotel stay, The Read House offers an opportunity to experience a piece of Chattanooga history. Its architecture, stories, dining, events, and long connection to the city have helped make it a landmark that continues to attract attention more than a century and a half after its beginning.