The Read House
"Why did this hotel catch your attention? It’s impossible not to be dazzled by The Read House hotel, with its Georgian-style bones and a top-to-bottom $25 million-plus renovation. The structure was built in 1872 (the hotel is celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2022) and has survived through floods and epidemics of years past. 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. What's the backstory? The property was purchased in 2016 by Charleston-based Avocet Hospitality Group. The independent company prioritized restoring the hotel, which has a place on the National Register of Historic Places, to its former splendor and updating it to delight modern sensibilities. Noteworthy past guests have included 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). Tell us all about the rooms. The hotel has two distinct areas: the more elegant “tower” rooms, which were gutted and built from scratch during the recent renovation, and the “manor” rooms, which received a refresh. Because of this historic nature of the hotel, even rooms in the same class can vary in size. However, all are generously sized and sleek, with bright white bedding accented with pops of stately blue, silver and hot pink. Bathrooms feature frameless glass showers and period-appropriate black and white tile. Is there a charge for Wi-Fi? There's no charge for Wi-Fi throughout the hotel. It's fine for email, web surfing and other average uses. Drinking and dining—what are we looking at? The primary place to dine on-property is Bridgeman’s Chophouse, named for server Peter Bridgeman, who worked at the hotel for 47-years beginning in the 1930s. The 60-seat restaurant is known for its cooked-to-perfection aged steaks, seafood towers, classic cocktails and extensive wine list. The restaurant also manages the hotel’s room service program, so having a steak delivered to your room is easy. There’s also a full-service Starbucks in the hotel if you're in a hurry for a morning coffee. Anything to note about the service? While The Read House doesn't have a concierge, it does sport a team of lobby ambassadors who can help with reservations and directions. What type of travelers will you find here? The crowd varies depending on when you come. Weekdays have a steady stream of road warriors traveling for business, while weekends it's a popular spot for families visiting the many kid-centric attractions in Chattanooga (little ones love the hotel's indoor pool) and leisure travelers in town to explore. The friendly service, comfortable rooms and downtown location give it wide appeal. What about the neighborhood? What else is nearby? The Read House is smack in the middle of downtown Chattanooga. In fact, the city's free electric shuttle stops right in front of the Broad Street entrance. If you're planning to visit the Tennessee Aquarium, walk along the river or go shopping, there's no need for a car once you've parked it at the hotel. Is there anything you'd change? Here's hoping one day breakfast will be included in your stay. Why are we choosing the Read House? The location is terrific and it's refreshing to see an independently owned hotel execute such a stunning historically relevant restoration." - Jennifer Bradley Franklin
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