Carrie Neal W.
Yelp
Sorry, Balmers in Switzerland - I thought you were awesome - you are right by Alpine skiing, of course - but you've been bested by this little hostel in Tennessee! Woot, USA!
This place is just - cool. I am spending a week, more or less, at this eco-friendly, modern-yet-cozy, super well-appointed (all work from wood on the beds and bunks to the bathroom counters to the kitchen tile and fixtures are by local vendors) facility. Breakfast is provided every morning: fresh eggs, a couple of bread choices, peanut butter (smooth and crunchy!) and a couple flavors of jam, butter of course, and local coffee made fresh and waiting for you. All the kitchen stuff you could possibly need, from a variety of pots and pans, to silverware, cups, plates, bowls, assorted glassware, oh and of course, a complete set of knives and plenty of spatulas and cooking spoons! Wow.
The bunks, one of which CN is occupying for a bit, are cozy and comfortable. With privacy curtains that let you do things, say, like watch TV on your computer using the 24-hour wifi, while an extra outlet also lets you charge your cell, and the shelf over your bed boasts plenty of room for a book or bottle of water and the CP-provided lamp. Oh, and there's a fan at the other end of the bed just in case you need it. Each bunk has its own - VERY spacious and deep, as in my huge Hartman rolling suitcase can fit in it, even with the handle that sticks still all the way out, and still have room on the side- locking space underneath.
Security is good, with your swipe card having to be used to get into the building, to access your rooms, and with the (nice) laundry machines and linen closet, and the bathrooms, in between the lobby and rooms.
With a bunk being $28/night and scaled up reasonable rates for larger rooms that fit 2-4, this is a sweet little place.
Oh, and really, very NPWH.
If you are in or passing through Chattanooga and want an outdoorsy-encouraging place, one just for a night or two, or are just on a tight budget (that still delivers a wallop for the cost), check out Crash Pad. I think you'll love it!