Lovell Field: where to stay, areas and recommended hotels

Chattanooga Airport is just 10-15 minutes from Hamilton Place, the commercial hub along I-75 closest to the terminal, and not much further from the historic downtown on the Tennessee River. Anyone who wants the aquarium, the Walnut Street Bridge, and the museums of the Bluff View Art District is better off staying downtown, 15-20 minutes by car from the gate. Anyone focused on Rock City, Ruby Falls, or the Incline Railway instead finds it more convenient to stay at the foot of Lookout Mountain, even though it means getting farther from the airport than the other two areas.

Hamilton Place

Airport area · 10-15 minutes by car from the terminal along I-75, with a free airport shuttle at both properties; downtown is another 15 minutes.

Best for: Anyone with a dawn flight or a short stopover who wants the commercial area closest to the terminal.

Pros

Free airport shuttle included at both properties
Hamilton Place mall and over 100 restaurants just minutes away

Cons

An area of highway interchanges and shopping centers, with little to do on foot in the evening
Farther from the riverfront and the downtown museums

Recommended hotels in this area

Hilton Garden Inn Chattanooga/Hamilton Place: At exit 5 off I-75, between downtown and the airport, with a free shuttle and an in-house restaurant for anyone arriving after dinner.
Homewood Suites by Hilton Chattanooga - Hamilton Place: Suites with a full kitchen and two separate rooms, with hot breakfast and an evening light meal from Tuesday to Thursday.

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Downtown and the riverfront

City centre · 15-20 minutes by car or taxi from the airport; there's no direct bus, so you'll need a taxi or rideshare.

Best for: Anyone who wants the aquarium, the Walnut Street Bridge, and the Bluff View Art District within walking distance.

Pros

Aquarium, Walnut Street Bridge, and riverfront museums within walking distance
A range of price points, from charming boutiques to large chain hotels

Cons

Parking is almost always paid
A very touristy area, busier on summer weekends

Recommended hotels in this area

The Dwell Hotel, a Member of Design Hotels: A 1909 building with just 16 rooms decorated in vintage style from the 1950s to the 70s, continental breakfast served in the Solarium.
The Edwin Hotel, Autograph Collection: On the riverfront between the Hunter Museum and the Walnut Street Bridge, with a panoramic rooftop pool and a riverside bar.
Hampton Inn & Suites Chattanooga/Downtown: Less than a kilometer from the aquarium, with both an indoor and outdoor pool, the most affordable of the other two.

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Lookout Mountain

Nearby town · 25-30 minutes by car or taxi from the airport (about 24 km); there's no direct bus, so you'll need a car or taxi.

Best for: Anyone visiting Rock City, Ruby Falls, or the Incline Railway who prefers to stay at the foot of the mountain.

Pros

A few minutes from Rock City, Ruby Falls, and the Incline Railway
Less touristy and more affordable than the two downtown areas

Cons

The farthest from the airport among the areas in this guide
You need a car to get around, with few independent restaurants nearby

Recommended hotels in this area

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Chattanooga-Lookout Mountain: At the foot of the mountain near I-24, with a hot breakfast buffet and an indoor pool.
Comfort Inn & Suites Chattanooga West - Lookout Mountain: Rooms 25% larger than average, just minutes from Rock City and Ruby Falls, with hot breakfast included.

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