"Why we love it: An Elvis-theme stay that lets you live like The King himself The Highlights: - Elvis-themed suites - An on-site arena offering family-friendly shows - Shuttles to Graceland, downtown Memphis, and Beale Street The Review: Memphis-based developer DreamCatcher Hotels consulted with Priscilla Presley to help design this property adjacent to the mansion at Graceland, ensuring reverence to The King without any of the usual gaudiness. At the 430-room hotel, guests now find an homage to Presley with just enough glitz and glam to keep things interesting. In addition to the simple but comfortable standard rooms, the Guest House offers 20 special themed suites, with one or two bedrooms and clever details like bold colors, extravagant furnishings, and Vegas-style metallic accents. The hotel’s two full-service restaurants include Delta’s Kitchen, which serves classic Southern cuisine for breakfast and dinner, and the more-casual EP’s Bar & Grille, where guests can enjoy everything from bar fare and pizza to steak and seafood while watching the game on several large TVs. For a different kind of entertainment, head to the on-site arena, which offers 464 stadium-style seats and family-friendly shows that add to the guest experience."

"Why we love it: A historic property that’s become the heart of Memphis The Highlights: - A historic property, but with updated rooms - The twice-daily Duck March tradition - Afternoon English high tea, served Wednesday through Sunday The Review: The Peabody may be most famous for its entertaining Duck March—when the hotel’s five North American mallards waddle from their Royal Duck Palace on the rooftop to the lobby fountain—but it’s only a small part of the property’s charm. For more than a century and a half, this ornate Italian Renaissance building has represented the height of luxury in Memphis. In celebration of 150 years of hospitality, the 464 guest rooms and suites were recently refurbished, adding modern amenities to the already elegant hotel. While The Peabody is conveniently located near all the highlights of downtown Memphis, guests have everything they need right on property. Specialty shops ring the lobby (including Lansky Bros., which was known as the clothier to The King when Elvis ruled Memphis), while the opulent Chez Philippe continues to set the bar for downtown fine dining with its menu of classic French cuisine and regular English afternoon tea service. Other, more casual drinking and dining options range from the convivial Lobby Bar—a favorite gathering spot for locals—to Capriccio Grill, serving some of the best steaks in Memphis."

"Why we love it: Group-friendly accommodations with all the conveniences of a modern hotel The Highlights: - A dedication to local businesses like Frothy Monkey and Nicky’s Coal Fired - An on-site chef’s kitchen for formal dinner parties - Two-, three-, and four-bedroom accommodations that are perfect for groups The Review: If you’ve been burned by lousy Airbnb accommodations but still need a group-friendly getaway, then Bode is the hotel for you. The property features classic single rooms as well as stylish two-, three-, and four-bedroom accommodations—each with fully stocked kitchens, some with balconies or backyards—that have the proportions and privacy of a home but the conveniences of a hotel. A concierge is on hand to book activities or dinner reservations, housekeeping is on demand, and local coffee, pastries, snacks, and spirits are available for purchase at the café market. There are also communal workspaces, a concert stage and tailgate area, a pub for light bites and drinks, and a fire pit for late-night gatherings. All this and a downtown location within walking distance of Nashville’s hot spots help make home shares a thing of thepast."

"Why we love it: A boutique property offering top-notch F&B and relief from the craziness of Lower Broad The Highlights: - Decor and amenities by local makers - A range of culinary options, from elegant to casual - A location steps from the historic Printers Alley entertainment district The Review: This member of the Marriott Tribute Portfolio boasts 224 rooms and suites, with a variety of floor plans for travelers with specific needs. From cozy Classic rooms to a range of suites topping out with the Penthouse, all the guest rooms display a dedication to stylish design and first-rate amenities, including Red Flower bath products, handwoven robes, and copies of in-house publication The Line . Ideal for travelers seeking a little separation from the rollicking honky-tonks of nearby Broadway, Noelle also attracts those in search of unique food and beverage experiences. Tucked in the basement of the hotel, Makeready Libations & Liberations places as much attention on its craft beer selection as its wine list, with a trained cicerone on staff to help guests pair pints with the seasonal tavern food on offer. There’s also Trade Room for cocktails and oysters on the half shell, Drug Store Coffee for Barista Parlor brews and Conny & Jonny doughnuts, the rooftop Rare Bird for draft drinks and views of downtown Nashville, and the speakeasy-style Hidden Bar, located . . . well, you’ll just have to ask someone or find it on your own. No need to fret—the staff are happy to point guests in the right direction."

"If you’re looking for the city’s hippest stay, you’ll find it at Thompson Nashville. The 12-story hotel has brought a whole new level of urban chic to The Gulch—a LEED-certified city-within-a-city between Music Row and downtown—thanks to elegant rooms tricked out with mosaic-tiled bathrooms, claw-foot tubs, barnwood doors, and graphic works by local artists, plus skyline vistas visible through floor-to-ceiling windows. Guests can also appreciate those views from the rooftop bar, where DJsfrom Jack White’s label, Third Man Records, drop by to spin vinyl. Between sightseeing, music aficionados shouldn’t pass up an opportunity to peruse the record collection in the lobby library—just be sure to save time for snacking on blue-crab fingers and barbecue shrimp at Marsh House, a seafood restaurant with a Southern twang."

"Across the Cumberland River from downtown, residential East Nashville got its first taste of hipster cool in 2016 when this Instagram-friendly bed-and-breakfast opened in a renovated Queen Anne mansion. Like its sister property in Brooklyn, Urban Cowboy’s eight suites and freestanding cabin are each uniquely named—Midnight Rider, the Lion’s Den—and decorated with geometric inlaid woodwork, Southwestern-inspired designs, and handcrafted furniture, plus custom wallpaper and copper and claw-foot tubs. The communal music parlor encourages interaction among guests with a collection of gently worn instruments, as does the all-weather fire pit, where blankets and good cheer are plentiful, especially after enjoying craft cocktails and wood-fired meals at Public House, the property’s on-site restaurant and bar."

"Why we love it: A peaceful mountain hideaway with easy access to outdoor activities like golf, tennis, and hiking The Highlights: - A location surrounded by the campus of the University of the South and its history - Luxurious rooms and common spaces with golf course views - Popular Sunday brunch The Review: Owned and operated by the University of the South, the Sewanee Inn has become an important part of its small mountain town. Regular visitors include alumni and families visiting campus as well as fans of the great outdoors, who take advantage of the on-site Gil Hanse–designed golf course and the myriad hiking and biking opportunities on nearby Monteagle Mountain. Guests can also carry drinks from the cozy Shakerag Hollow lobby lounge out to the expansive open patio to enjoy beautiful sunsets over the edge of the ridge and to heckle their golfer friends as they approach the eighth green. The entire property is intertwined into the history of the university, with artifacts thoughtfully positioned in nooks and shelves around the common areas and a small museum gallery just off the main lobby. Even the hotel restaurant, Eighteen58, is named for the year the university received its official charter. Guests and locals alike love the elevated comfort food served here, but especially popular is the Sunday brunch in the soaring Founders Hall, which includes a generous buffet, pancake and omelet stations, a Bloody Mary bar, and live entertainment. After brunch, hit the fitness center, borrow one of the inn’s complimentary bicycles, or simply return to your room, where amenities like cotton linens, flat-screen TVs, and Gilchrist & Soames bath products make for a luxurious retreat."

"Why we love it: A family-friendly stay with views of Lookout Mountain and easy access to downtown Chattanooga The Highlights: - Downtown activities and restaurants are just a short walk or free shuttle ride away - A variety of room types well suited to families - Amenities designed for relaxation, like outdoor fire pits and a luxury day spa The Review: A fantastic home base for families visiting downtown Chattanooga, The Chattanoogan offers a convenient location near museums, restaurants, and more, plus a range of amenities to enjoy on property. In addition to almost 200 guest rooms and extensive common areas, the hotel features a heated indoor pool and whirlpool as well as outdoor fire pits with views of the surrounding mountains. Rooms range from family-friendly options with two double beds up to luxurious suites, but all offer plenty of workspace and extras like refrigerators, coffeemakers, and high-speed Wi-Fi. In the lobby, a design reminiscent of a locomotive pays homage to Chattanooga’s history as a famous railroad hub, while cannonballs stacked by the fireplace reference the city’s role in the Civil War. Also on-site are three restaurants: Stroud’s Sidewalk Cafe for specialty coffee, plus pastries, salads, and sandwiches for breakfast and lunch; The Foundry gastropub for elevated bar food and creative cocktails; and the Broad Street Grille for a robust breakfast and lunch buffet. On the second floor, a day spa offers stress-relieving massages as well as body treatments, facials, and nail services."

"Why we love it: The first luxury boutique hotel in Chattanooga, with mid-century cool to spare The Highlights: - Every room is different, so guests can discover a new favorite on each visit - Attention to detail all the way down to thoughtful room amenities like electric kettles and a welcome cocktail on weekends - Surprisingly affordable rates for such a refined property The Review: As much gallery space as boutique hotel, the 16-room Dwell occupies an early 20th-century building in downtown Chattanooga. Bold wallpaper in the public spaces and individually designed guest rooms lend the property a modern-art vibe, while furniture and fixtures are more in line with the building’s history. It’s all the vision of first-time hotelier Seija Ojanpera, who has created a haven for business travelers seeking a stylish spot to rest up for meetings, as well as tourists eager to explore “The ’Noog.” Each room is designed differently and sports a unique name, allowing guests to request specific lodgings. Some feature working gas fireplaces, while all come with soaking tubs and rain showers to promote relaxation. Some balcony rooms offer views of downtown, but with enough separation to ensure a quiet night’s sleep. That is, unless you stay up late at The Dwell’s stylish cocktail lounge, Matilda Midnight, where talented bartenders serve expertly prepared drinks and small plates for snacking until the change of day."

"Why we love it: A conveniently located boutique property where history meets hip The Highlights: - A location just steps from bustling Market Square - Handcrafted furniture and local art throughout the property - A popular speakeasy that draws guests and locals The Review: From the team behind the recently refurbished Hotel Clermont inAtlantaand the design-forward Fairlane Hotel in Nashville, The Oliver shares the same dedication to historical preservation and cool, minimalist design as its sister properties. It’s also extremely convenient, with a location near Knoxville’s popular Market Square and some of the most beloved restaurants in the city. The circa 1876 building was home to a bakery, a drug store, and a dancing hall before becoming a hotel in time for the 1982 World’s Fair. When two young developers took control of the property in 2011, they set out to create a hotel that honored that history but also offered the modern amenities guests crave. Their success is your gain at this boutique stay, which features 28 elegant rooms filled with regional art, handcrafted furniture, and fixtures created by local artists. Dining options include Oliver Royale, which uses ingredients from local farms and purveyors in its elevated comfort food, and an outpost of the popular farm-to-table Tupelo Honey café, where guests can enjoy lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch just steps from the hotel lobby. Most notable, however, is the much-buzzed-about Peter Kern Library, with its speakeasy vibe and craft cocktails. Now that the word is out, patrons line up under the red lamp in the alley that marks the secret entrance, but hotel guests can just stroll in through a door in the lobby like they own the joint."

"Why we love it: A chic hotel offering luxury in the midst of downtown Knoxville The Highlights: - Stylish decor featuring the work of Tennessee craftsmen - Modern room amenities delightfully juxtaposed with old-school furnishings - A pet-friendly policy that pampers pooches The Review: Once an administrative building for the state government, The Tennessean turned a utilitarian space into a stylish boutique hotel, conveniently located near the burgeoning Old City and Market Square districts. With 82 plush rooms and suites overlooking downtown and World’s Fair Park, the hotel offers accommodations to suit tourists, business travelers, families, and even guests with pets. Whichever you choose, expect furnishings made by local craftsmen, plus amenities like luxury linens and modern gadgets in every room. While The Tennessean doesn’t offer self-parking, it does have valet along with butler service on request. On-site dining is available at the Drawing Room, which morphs from a cozy breakfast spot to an elegant bar and bistro at night, but there are several other fine-dining options within a short walk of the hotel."

"Set on 4,200 secluded acres of hillocks, ponds, and gardens at the foot of the Tennessee Smoky Mountains, this award-winning resort, a member of the prestigious Relais & Châteaux brand, is awash in genteel luxury, from its splendid spa to its exquisitely appointed rooms, suites, and cottages. But make no mistake, the family-owned property takes the “farm” in its name to heart: Its James Beard Award–winning restaurant, The Barn, as well as the more informal Dogwood restaurant, wereearly leaders in the farm-to-table movement, welcomingguests who come to pay homage to the inn’s self-described foothills cuisine. In addition to several gardeners, the farm employs its own butcher, cheese maker, and beekeeper, along witha preservationist whomakes pickles, jams, and jellies. Thestaffraise their own sheep, pigs, and chickens, and forage the land for mushrooms, berries, ramps, wild crab apples, and muscadines—which you’ll share at the table with other guests (all meals are included in your stay). Thankfully, a roster of on-site activities—including cycling, wakeboarding, archery, paddleboarding, hiking, fly-fishing, swimming, tennis, and golf—allow you to indulge without feeling guilty."

"Why we love it: A conveniently located stay that’s perfect for families visiting Dollywood The Highlights: - A family-first design, including some rooms with bunk beds - Perks like discounted tickets and a free shuttle to Dollywood - Two on-site pools with views of the Smoky Mountains The Review: When Dolly Parton came up with the idea for her DreamMore Resort, she was hoping to create a “front porch” for Dollywood, a place where families could relax and share time together after a day of fun at the park. To that end, almost every detail of the property is designed with families in mind, including 11 different guest room configurations with amenities like bunk beds and adjoining doors. The resort also offers discounted passes and a free shuttle to the theme park. An expansive pool area features waterfalls, a splash pad, and more placid areas for adults, all within view of the stunning mountains that surround the resort. For when parents need a break, there’s also a luxurious salon and spa with treatments designed to relax and rejuvenate. The food and beverage offerings at DreamMore aren’t fancy, but they offer good value for families, including an ample buffet at Song & Hearth and grab-and-go fare at DM Pantry. After the kids have gone to bed, end your day with a nightcap in The Lounge, which serves Southern-inspired cocktails in an old-timey ambience."

"Just 30 minutes from the bustling tourist towns of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge sits this secluded bed-and-breakfast surrounded by 200 forested acres. Accommodations at Christopher Place are intended for couples rather than families: Nine individually decorated rooms, four with in-room hot tubs for two and several with fireplaces, have only one bed, and children younger than 12 aren’t allowed. You can savor in-room breakfasts and dinners in a few of the rooms; everyone else can enjoy meals at the Mountain View Restaurant, which serves an affordable, seasonal four-course menu with a backdrop that’s just as satisfying. Hearty breakfasts will gird you for a full day of exploring Great Smoky Mountains National Park, or just hiking the trails outside the resort’s front door. Return for a dip in the pool, then a cocktail or glass of wine in front of a roaring fire at Marston’s Library Pub, named after the property’s owner."

"Why we love it: A faithful reimagining of a classic travelers’ hotel The Highlights: - Conveniently located right next to East Tennessee State University and near downtown - Delightfully comfortable sleigh beds - Historically accurate decor, including oil paintings and antique furniture The Review: While the original Carnegie Hotel in Johnson City was lost to a fire in the early 20th century, guests can get a taste of history at this faithful re-creation, which offers upscale accommodations for both business and leisure travelers. Today, the hotel combines historical grandeur with modern amenities, such as a state-of-the-art fitness room, a heated outdoor pool, and a full-service spa for massages and body treatments. In the 128 rooms and 11 suites, guests also find sleigh beds with mattresses so comfortable they’d be wise to set two alarms for the morning. The on-site restaurant, Wellington’s, serves elevated Southern cuisine made with traditional Appalachian ingredients, while the bar offers craft cocktails and a wide selection of whiskey. After your meal, take a nightcap down the hall to the clubby Roosevelt Library lounge, where you can admire original oil paintings, dark wood accents, and antique furniture that recall the Carnegie Hotel of yore."