Getaway to Chattanooga: The Read House Hotel
A couple of weeks ago, the Read House Hotel in Chattanooga invited Sammy and me to be their guests. Chattanooga is less than two hours from Atlanta, making it a perfect getaway for people who live in surrounding cities. I was very excited to stay at this historic hotel and visit the downtown area.
The Read House Hotel in Chattanooga
The Read House Hotel is the longest continuously operating hotel in the Southeast and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It has endured floods, the Civil War, epidemics, the Great Depression, and an ever-changing Chattanooga.
Now, the fully renovated 241-room hotel’s design harkens to the 1920s, with soaring lobby ceilings, dramatic chandeliers, black-and-white checkered floors, and wood-clad walls polished to a high shine.
Noteworthy past guests include Bing Crosby, Ronald Reagan, Oprah Winfrey, and Winston Churchill.
Al Capone’s stay in room 311 is legendary—he was at the hotel during his federal trial in the 1930s (custom bars were fitted to the window).
The hotel is simply stunning, and the staff was very warm and gracious to us during our stay. In fact, I left a magnified vanity mirror in our room, and they shipped it back to me! Great customer service!
The hotel has many beautiful spaces, and I love all the antiques and art that you will find there.
There is a Victrola Phonograph in the lobby seating area that reminded me of a bygone era.
Do you remember using phone booths back in the day?
Shoe Shine, anyone?
There is a fitness center and an indoor pool for those of you who enjoy staying fit while on vacation.
The Haunted Room 311
Many believe Room 311 is haunted by the ghost of Annalisa Netherly – a guest who was allegedly beheaded in the bathtub by a jealous lover in 1927. You can sign up at the front desk to take a tour of room 311.
Our Room at the Read House Hotel
Sammy and I stayed in the Premier Double Queen room. The Premier Rooms are fit for F. Scott Fitzgerald himself. Each dwelling is elegantly decorated and boasts lavish custom bathrooms and soaring ceilings. There are also traditional rooms and a penthouse that you can book at the hotel.
Restaurants at the Read House Hotel
Starbucks® at the Read House
The hotel doesn’t serve breakfast or lunch, but I enjoyed getting coffee for Sammy and me every morning at the Starbucks® in the hotel. There is a coffee machine in your room, too, if you prefer to stay in your pajamas while having your morning coffee.
Bar & Billiards Room
Sammy and I enjoyed having a cocktail in the Bar & Billiards Room before having dinner at Bridgeman’s Chophouse.
You can also grab a cocktail and light bites at the Bar & Billiards Room. I highly recommend their signature cocktail, The Death of Anna Lisa, named after the ghost of room 311.
Bridgeman’s Chophouse
The primary place to dine on-property is Bridgeman’s Chophouse, named after server Peter Bridgeman, who worked at the hotel for 47 years, beginning in the 1930s. Chattanooga’s beloved flagship restaurant is notable for its delectable food served in an elegant, sophisticated setting: Think dark wood walls, white tablecloths, and banquette seating.
Sammy and I both shared the Blue Crab Oscar with our Center Cut Filets. We also had the Caesar Salad and the Wedge Salad. You can order sides to go with your entree, too. We had the Sweet Potato Souffle and the Port Braised Mushrooms. For dessert, our waiter gave us this Smore’s dessert to share with Sammy.
More travel posts with Sammy
Hotel Forty-Five in Macon, Georgia
Things to Do Near the Hotel in Chattanooga
Sammy and I spent the day at the Tennessee Aquarium.
I took so many videos at the aquarium and forgot to take more still photos!
John Ross Bridge – Market Street Bridge
Thank you to the Read House Hotel for inviting us! We had a wonderful time!
Until next time!
XXOOXX
