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11 Unique Places to Stay in Tennessee (that you can actually afford)

11 Unique Places to Stay in Tennessee (that you can actually afford)

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When it comes to unique places to stay in Tennessee, there is no shortage of options.

Whether you are looking for rustic log cabins with panoramic views of the mountains, historic boutique hotels with a storied past, charming fairytale escapes or even quirky tree-houses and retro motels, Tennessee has something to suit every taste.

I’ve personally combed through the reviews of each of these properties.

This list only features places to stay that have excellent reviews and several guests who have stayed there – so you know it will be a trustworthy stay.

If you want more tips about booking a vacation rental property, read my full guide with 12 tips and tricks to guarantee a great booking each time.

This post contains affiliate links, meaning if you click through and make a purchase I may make a small commission. I only share information about things I know, love and trust!


Modern Hobbit House

Location: near Johnson City

Image credit VRBO

A dreamy and modern hobbit-style house, this is the most magical place to stay in Tennessee.

The entire property is enchanting, including your waterfront sitting area, which you can also see from the massive floor to ceiling windows. 

This one of a kind property gets booked up fast, so I recommend booking as early as you can. 

Check availability here


Luxury Treehouse Escape

Location: Just outside of Pigeon Forge

Image credit VRBO

This is one of the coolest and most memorable ways you can experience the Smoky Mountains in the Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge area.

Amenities include a private hot tub and two massive decks connected by a suspension bridge.

Plus, this treehouse was designed and built by the Treehouse Guys from the DIY network show.

This would be a perfect stay for families or even couples who want an adventurous romantic getaway in the mountains.

View availability on VRBO here


Tiny Log Cabin in the Clouds

Location: 10 miles from Chattanooga

Image credit VRBO

Perched overtop of the Sequatchie Valley (one of the longest valleys in the world), the million dollar views from your porch and back door are breathtaking.

This is the perfect hub for a hiking vacation, as you’re so close to many trails nearby.

After hiking or exploring all day, come back to your cozy cabin and soak away your aches in the hot tub during sunset.

Perfect for an anniversary trip or just getting away from the hustle and bustle. 

Tip – visit SueBob’s Diner nearby for amazing Reuben sandwiches

Nearby attractions:

  • Snooper’s Rock
  • Mushroom Rock
  • Cloudlands Park 
  • Foster Falls

Add this Chattanooga Walking Food Tour to your itinerary for the perfect weekend getaway.

View availability here


Story Book Country Cottage

Location: South of Cleveland

Image credit: Booking.com

It’s time to experience the peaceful countryside of Tennessee. If you’re in search of a quiet getaway, this cottage set in a quiet countryside setting is just what you need.

On this farm stay you can feed and interact with donkeys, alpacas, chickens and more farm animals.

You can also purchase farm fresh eggs each morning to make breakfast in your fully stocked kitchen.

Complete with a back porch swing, it doesn’t get more picturesque than this. This unique Tennessee cottage is pet friendly. 

Nearby attractions include:

  • Red Clay State Historic Park
  • Sugarloaf Mountain 
  • Ocoee Scenic Byway

Check availability here


Fairytale Guest House

Location: near Cleveland

Image credit VRBO

Located on an elegant estate property, this is a magical getaway like no other.

Your charming gazebo-like cottage opens up to its own private forest, ponds, a creek and scenic trails. 

No elegant detail has been spared in the décor and amenities. 

This is a perfect getaway near Chattanooga, where you can head into the city and spend time at the salt cave

View availability here


Blue Mountain Mist Country Inn and Cottages

Location: Just outside of Pigeon Forge

Image credit Booking.com

Stay at the Blue Mountain Mist Country Inn for a unique romantic getaway in Tennessee, especially if you’re looking for a peaceful and quiet retreat vibe.

Between the rural comforting rural setting and the homemade breakfasts, you’ll feel more like you’re staying with family members (ones that you like, anyway!

Your stay includes a hot breakfast each morning and a dessert bar is served every evening. The perfect accompaniment to watch the sunset. 

You can explore the property on trail walk, relax on the wrap around veranda, but you’re also close enough to Pigeon Forge and all its surrounding attractions. 

This is also a perfect Tennessee getaway for those of Christian faith.

Biblical touches throughout, Christian music plays in the main lodge, and prayers before breakfast create a spiritual stay for guests. 

Nearby attractions:

  • Dollywood
  • Wineries
  • Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg

View available rooms here


A-Frame Glamping Cabin

Location: Cocke County

Image credit VRBO

Nestled in the cedar grove, this off-grid A-frame cabin is perfect for an adventurous couple, or those who want to try out camping in something more comfortable than a tent. 

Nearby attractions:

  • Dollywood
  • Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg
  • Gateway to Great Smoky Mountains
  • The Forbidden Caverns

Check availability here


Vacation Dome Home

Location: Chattanooga

Image credit VRBO

Just minutes from downtown Chattanooga, you can stay in this unusual but quaint dome with a 14 foot ceiling!

Skip the boring hotels – this unique suite has everything you need – a fully stocked kitchen and an outdoor patio and grill. 

Nearby attractions:

  • Lookout Mountain Incline Railway
  • Ruby Falls (underground waterfall)
  • Chattanooga Zoo
  • Lake Winnepesaukah Amusement Park

Check availability here


The Dive Motel 

Location: East Nashville

Image credit Booking.com

This could be one of the most unique themed hotels in Nashville.

You’ll find groovy retro vibes here! Upon checking in, it’s like you’ve entered a time capsule back to the 1960s and 70s theme and decor in this vintage motel. 

There are 23 uniquely themed rooms to choose from, with themes such as: cabins, disco lights, and retro rooms complete with shag carpets.

And if you’re visiting in the summer, the retro pool parties are a hit, complete with food trucks on site. 

View available rooms


The Russell

Location: Minutes from downtown Nashville

Image credit Booking.com
Image credit: Booking.com

The Russell is a former church that’s been converted to a trendy boutique hotel.

Not only is this a funky spot, it’s in a perfect location, in a quiet and historic neighborhood, yet within walking distance to downtown Nashville.

They’ve kept the beautiful stained glass and incorporated vibrant colors in each of the rooms (including repurposed church pews).

Plus, you can feel good about staying here, as a proceed of the nightly fees are donated to local homeless shelters. 

Inside tip – you’re not far from the Donut Distillery, one of the cutest donut shops in town!

This is one of the highest rated hotels to stay at in Nashville, so book early if you can!

View available rooms here


Graduate Nashville

Location: Nashville, on Broadway

Stay on Broadway in the heart of Music Row, only 2 minutes from downtown Nashville.

This funky hotel is the perfect blend of contemporary, retro and quirky, with splashes of pink throughout.

Since the entire hotel is full of Instagram-worthy backdrops, it’s where you want to stay in Nashville for a bachelorette party or girls getaway trip! (click the link for more hotel options).

One of the best parts of this unusually adorable hotel is the White Limozeen.

This is the Dolly Parton-inspired rooftop bar and lounge. 

Add this to your itinerary:

View available rooms here.


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