The Tennessean

Character and identity

Opened in April 2017 on the banks of the Tennessee River in downtown Knoxville, The Tennessean is a polished, small-scale luxury property with 82 guest rooms alongside 12 private residences. The design register is understated and old-world rather than flashy, anchored by The Drawing Room, a chic lounge serving small plates and cocktails, plus an indoor pool. Service is the defining note here: a tailored concierge approach and a staff who collectively speak nine languages. The setting puts you within walking distance of World's Fair Park, the University of Tennessee, and Knoxville's theatre and dining scene.

Who's it for

Bottom line

What you're paying for is service and setting rather than a sprawling amenity list: a small, well-run riverside hotel where the concierge team and The Drawing Room do the heavy lifting. Book it if you want a calm Knoxville base for downtown culture, university visits, or a Smokies trip, and consider a river-facing room for the view.