Escape to the ‘Nooga for premier lodging
By Robert J. Nebel
Editor, Men’s Traveler



Taking a vacation in this economy might be a tough task for most of us. Skyrocketing plane fares coupled with fluctuating fuel costs made “staycation” the buzzword of 2008. After taking two “staycations” this year, I decided it was time for a change of scenery. I wanted to take a break from it all without breaking the home piggy bank. We jumped in the car and went two hours north to Chattanooga, Tennessee. Indeed many of us in the Atlanta area know that it’s a popular, affordable getaway, but every time I take the wife and kid, I rediscover it. On a recent trip, I rediscovered The Chattanoogan Hotel. This well-maintained Benchmark Hospitality property always provides me and my family with great times.

Lodging at its best

When I’m in Chattanooga, there is no doubt that I want to stay in a place that is convenient, comfortable and affordable. The Chattanoogan Hotel on the city’s downtown Broad Street delivers all that and more. Located just minutes off of I-24, The Chattanoogan welcomes visitors the minute they pull up to its main entrance. Bellhops gather and deliver your luggage while you quickly check in. The Chattanoogan has one of the most efficient and courteous check in/out systems in the country.

After staying at the property several times over the years, I find that The Chattanoogan gets better with each visit. From their world-class spa, where I have been spoiled with deep massages, to its workout facility, this hotel goes beyond pampering its guests. What tops of this lodging experience is The Chattanoogan’s indoor heated pool. Very few things in life beat taking a swim or lounging in a hot tub with picturesque views of southern Tennessee’s nearby mountains.

If you get a chance to experience The Chattanoogan’s spa, you will find that it’s a top-notch facility that offers full facials, therapeutic massages, wraps and nail treatments. The nearby locker rooms are incredibly clean and well-equipped.

The Chattanoogan offers 199 spacious, comfortable rooms. No matter where you stay in this hotel, you cannot go wrong. Whether it’s a double or suite, each of The Chattanoogan’s rooms provide fresh, comfortable beds and furniture complete with high-speed Internet access and of course, beautiful views of the mountains.



Even though Chattanooga is chock full of excellent restaurants, I find that I don’t have to go far for good food. The hotel’s Broad Street Grille offers an array of mouth-watering dishes including Beef Filet, Pan Seared Grouper, Apple Brined Pork Tenderloin and more. In addition to the culinary treats, the service is impeccable.

If you’re hungry in the morning, look no further that the Broad Street Grille’s Sunday Brunch. This is a great deal if you’re here with the family. The choices at this brunch seem endless with pancakes, sausage, hash browns, fresh fruits, yogurt, cereal, breads and pastries. My advice is to arrive early. Many locals love to come here on Sunday mornings.

If you’re a jazz lover, then The Foundry is for you. This martini bar located adjacent from the Broad Street Grille features live jazz each Friday and Saturday. Patrons love to chill out to live jazz, specialty martinis, wines and appetizers. The Foundry even offers a dinner menu with selections including their Crab Cake Sandwich, Kobe Beef Sliders or Portabella Mushroom Ravioli.

When and/or if you run out of things to do in the hotel, there is so much to do in the Chattanooga area. For adventure, look into hang gliding off of Lookout Mountain which is right down the road from the hotel. In the other direction, there is tons of sightseeing, dining and shopping in the downtown area. From the world famous Tennessee Aquarium to the Children’s Discovery Museum, Chattanooga has something for the entire family.

If happen to find yourself vacationing in the Southeastern United States, give Chattanooga and The Chattanoogan a try.

The Chattanoogan Hotel

Lookout Mountain hang gliding

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