The Crash Pad: An Uncommon Hostel

I had an amazing stay at the Crash Pad in Chattanooga! This place is clearly geared toward a younger, hipper crowd, but in the best way—it’s vibrant and social without feeling overwhelming, striking the perfect balance of energy and chill vibes. The location is super convenient, making it easy to explore the city. One of the highlights for me was having access to a full kitchen whenever I wanted—it really made the space feel like a home away from home. The communal areas encourage connection, and while it’s not a conventional hotel, that’s part of the charm. Sharing spaces with others felt comfortable and welcoming rather than crowded or impersonal. If you’re looking for a unique, friendly, and convenient place to stay in Chattanooga, the Crash Pad is a fantastic choice. I can’t recommend it enough!

Stayed here for the first time with my wife. We visit Chatt all the time, but we’re looking for a more affordable option within walking distance of bars and restaurants. The suite we stayed in was perfect. We also enjoyed meeting new people and the fire pit in the evenings. I would definitely stay here again. Only downside was no TV, but that’s not a big deal. The location is amazing and we had a great time.

First time staying in a hostel and first time in Chattanooga, but had a great experience; the facility, staff, and even other guests were all super nice. The location is perfect, too. Convenient to the interstate, but all of south downtown is walkable and it's close to the downtown shuttle if you're going to the riverfront area. Loved it here and plan to return.

I vastly prefer a hostel to a hotel, even when it comes to a conference. So when my outdoor writer's conference had their event downtown I booked The Crash Pad. I got a mile-long ruck to and from the event every day, a solid sleep each night for far, far less money, and I meet a slew of interesting people which is part and parcel of hostel life. Crashpad is well-run, Will was able to let me in early from his remote location so that I didn't cook in the midday sun, and everything you need is right there. Good hostels are hard to find; this one has all the amenities. It's super clean, concerned about sustainability and even gives you ear plugs for those times when people are getting enthusiastic next door. I stayed in room J, a double bunk upstairs. Simple, spare, the only thing missing might be a chair, but otherwise a great stay.

The Crash Pad had been on my bucket list awhile, I'm so glad I got to book a stay. They give you a parking pass for the gravel lot, I didn't know this and had paid in advance, but I didn't mind. The bunk bed was super comfortable, and as someone who sleeps with a fan, I appreciate the thoughtful element of the overhead fan. It was peaceful and quiet, and the staff were very friendly. I'll definitely be back for future stays. There were several local restaurants and coffee and bakeries in walking distance, though I was sad to learn Ernest Chinese permanently closed.

I stayed with 2 friends in the Hamilton Suite on the second floor of the hostel. The location is incredible - literally steps from an amazing bakery, restaurants, great coffee right down the street...and free parking which is near impossible to come by in this city. Although the suite technically sleeps 6, I would not recommend more than 3 if you're partial to a non-saggy bed. The pull-out queen was very lumpy and 1 of the pull-out singles had a huge dip in the middle. It can get loud at night between hostel guests walking up and down the stairs outside the suite and drunk folks from the train station area. For a hostel, it met my expectations!

This was a great experience! The room is clean and has a big window. The staff are so nice and welcoming and make the experience great. The location was perfect I was 10 mins or less from everything I had to do. Parking was simple during my stay but I noticed spots fill up fast after 5 or 6. This was my first hostel experience so it was very different lol but I’d do it again for sure. I’ll definitely be back! Dog lovers there is a park across the street and really nice restaurants in walking distance!

A cool hostel, great location close to restaurants, cafes, not far from downtown. You don't have to be a climber but if you are, it fits the bill. You can rent one of their crash pads if bouldering, they have guide books, etc. A informative and friendly host.

I came in town for a convention and booked my stay at this hostel in one of the dorm rooms. I've stayed at quite a few hostels, and this one was very nice!! The dorm was clean, the bed had thick curtains, a bright lamp, and working outlets. I really appreciated the fact that we were able to grab extra blankets if needed as it did get a bit chilly. They had a nice little area in the front of the building with a kitchen/counter area, a computer area, and a section of couches and chairs ... really nice for socializing with other guests! Note, pack ear plugs! I was in the bed closest to the door so I could hear/feel when people entered and exited. Also no free parking, but it is discounted.

Loved my stay here. It was in walking distance to so many of my favorite places. I booked a private room and it was basic with a bed, side table, and sink but it worked well for me! Everything was clean and management was amazing. You can pay for parking behind the crash pad for $12 per night. Felt very safe. Everything was lovely, can't wait to come back.

The staff was timely and helpful. Even when we changed the night of our stay because of a sudden shift in plans they were patient and kind. The accommodations were easy to navigate and made for a cozy one night stay in Chattanooga at the best price in the city.

Love this place! Exceptionally clean and maintained! The room is comfortable, beds are great, pillows are plush. This is our first experience with a hostel. It was a great experience. The staff is great and helpful. We enjoyed the huge fire pit. The Flying Squirrel is next door! When you're in your room, the outside world is quiet. Clean bathrooms. WiFi! All you need!

My stay here was great. I am so happy I went the hostel route in Chattanooga and saved myself hundreds of dollars rather than book a hotel for a wedding weekend. The Crash Pad looks as nice as the pics - it's all accurate. Positives: price, friendly and knowledgeable staff that can give outdoorsy recs, free breakfast (you have use of kitchen and they put out eggs and toast and coffee - you help yourself), there are macs to do anything you need online, there is free parking in a lot, the location is excellent, all the doors auto lock behind you which increases safety (you get a key fob), there are a ton of bars and restaurants next door and around the block, the bathroom was clean. I don't really have anything negative say here. I was lucky and it happened to be pretty quiet when I was there. I'm sure all the positives above would apply when it's full, but I liked having the bathroom to myself :)

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!

I was so pleased with my stay here! The atmosphere is so cozy, inviting and safe. The staff is very friendly and go above and beyond to make your stay wonderful. The space is very clean and organized. It is in a great location and truly the perfect place to stay when visiting Chattanooga. I wish every city had a place like this! I'll be back!!

It was a good experience. The only downside is that you have to remember about green buttons and your keys, or you are screwed lol Also the shower at Mens was not really adjustable, as long as the temperature adjustment goes. It was doing its own things...

Jordan at the Crash Pad was very helpful and accommodating during my stay. The space I had reserved was overbooked and I was upgraded for free. I was also pulling a motorcycle trailer and Jordan was helpful in finding a place to park. It's obvious that customer service is very important at The Crash Pad.

We have had sketchy experiences with hostiles in the past, but this place was amazing. From the facility, to the staff, to the other guests, everything went above and beyond expectations. The facility itself is small, not cramped but comfortably compact. The main area is very hospitable - there is a good amount of comfortable seating, a full kitchen, and computers available for use - and guests often congregate there. They make up for the small common areas with a large outdoor area, equipped with picnic tables, chairs, and a gas fire pit. But limited space shouldn't deter travelers, just be sure to book your spot before hand as they tend to be pretty full. The facility is unique in that it is very eco-friendly, which is reflected in the overall vibe. My husband and I stayed a night with our young son. In reality the only reason we were able to stay was because they have private rooms in addition to the bunks. The room was great - the queen sized bed was clean and comfortable, if a bit tall for our son which wasn't a big deal, and there was a sink and mirror inside - and we felt very safe. The facility is locked down 24/7, guests are given little key ring thingy's that allow them to access the building, the sleeping areas and, for those like us with rooms, access to their private residences. So we were the only ones who could enter our room; as parents traveling with our child, this was important. Granted this means you need to remember to carry your key ring with you at all times, but in the event you get locked out, there are generally people, both guests and staff, around who can let you in; even if it happens after 9pm when the staff leaves, they remain on call to help you out if no other guests are around. This is the perfect stay for young travelers and even small families. The staff and guests were amazing, they let my son show them his map and his toys and were overall fun and kind. We left having made several friends and wishing we could have stayed longer.

Great! Absolutely spotless, quiet, well-run. I stayed in a single room on tje second floor - queen bed, sink, bedside table. There's an overhead fan and central air, and men's and women's rooms right down the hall with nice big showers . I thought it would be noisy at night with the bar next door that's open to the outside, but I didn't hear a thing. The bar keeps the music in the background, and it's mostly people chatting and enjoying the evening. It's also very secure - you get a key fob that lets you into the building, onto the second floor and into your room. And there's free parking. Great location, too. Right near a bunch of restaurants and a short walk to the free shuttle to the north side. Everyone was very nice and the staff is really helpful. I highly recommend this an an alternative to a hotel.

Awesome facility, Needed a place to crash for a few days and TCP was perfect (no pun intended). Facility- well kept, simple, safe Staff- totally helpful. Location- perfect for enjoying Chattanooga or just needed a quiet night of sleep. Food- enjoyed the flexibility to whip up your own breakfast in the kitchen I'll be back for sure! EE

I have always hostels - The Crash Pad did not disappoint! Loved the architecture and uniqueness of the building. Employees were helpful and answered any questions we had. We stayed in a private room and THE BED WAS SO COMFORTABLE!! Seriously - I wish I could have brought that bed home with me. Everything in the room was simple and I loved that it had a sink! Plenty of great restaurants and bars in walking distance. Also, it was so quiet in the hostel - that was such a nice surprise! We're already looking forward to our next visit!

I'm sometimes hesitant to give a five star review, especially when there are a ton of them, but the Crash Pad really is as good as it gets. I am not a hostel person. I repeat: I am NOT a hostel person. But I wanted something different for this trip and the Crash Pad was definitely different. And it has everything you need for a great stay out of town - a clean bed, a clean bathroom, great location, and cool owners and staff. I told them when I left that it felt like I'd stay at a friend of a friend's house - people I didn't know who let me stay a couple of nights because they knew a friend of mine. So Al said, "Now you know us." Yeah, now I do. I was really nervous about the shared bathroom because I have germ phobias and I will only use a public toilet in the event of a seriously-about-to-wet-my-pants-and-can't-leave-to-go-home-emergency. But this is a shared but not public toilet and it was always clean. Always. And I never saw anyone cleaning it. Magic cleaning fairies maybe? I opted for the private room because I didn't want to go around flashing people - although the bunks are pretty spacious and have curtains. (I probably would have fallen out half naked in front of a bunch of mountain climbers.) The private room was awesome and I would recommend it if you're a little shy. These guys support the nature-loving community, so if you want to know about the outdoorsy stuff, they can help you out. They also know where to get fine food, beer and libations too. There are a lot of restaurant and bar options near the Crash Pad. I didn't get to chill around the fire pit while it was lit *sad face*, but I did sit next to it while reading during the day, and it was great. It was just the peace I needed. I don't think it's always going to be like that - I think I just got lucky. The Crash Pad is located on the south side of downtown (in the Southside neighborhood), near the free electric shuttle South station. I would walk to the station in about 5 minutes and catch it to the north side of downtown. You can also walk to the north side if you're not in a hurry to get anywhere. Everyone was really friendly here. And as an indoctrinated Atlantan, I was a bit socially awkward talking to people I don't know. John and Al saying, "Good morning, Cynthia," in unison was sooo different from how I'm ignored by the Atlantans I see every day in my busy office. Even after a late night out they were still "sprightly" the next day. Whenever I visit Chattanooga, I'll be staying at the Crash Pad. And it's cool because I know them now. Yelp 52 #13

This place is beautifully minimal, clean, and friendly. Considering their location, it's also very affordable. By boyfriend and I stayed here on out way back to Indiana from Florida, and got a private room for under $100. We didn't use the kitchen other than to grab some coffee on our way out, but I want to! We'll be back. The bar right next door is owned by the same folks, and while I wasn't too into the crowd, the food and beer selection were commendable. All around, it was a very good experience. Upon checking out, I realized I only had one glove. It hadn't turned up by the time we left town, so the friendly folks at Crash Pad sent it to me in the mail. What nice folks!! Thank you!

Best hostel in the U.S.! Five star service and facility! Hostels have the image that they are not very family friendly, but the Crash Pad is different. With the private rooms that they have, the Crash Pad is appropriate for all sorts of guests. A very unique place - focus is on going green and leaving little foot print as much as possible. Everyone that works there climbs and are into bouldering. Many of the guests are cyclists, climbers, international travelers, and Roadtrippers passing through town. I had a great time with my family, staying up late with other travelers learning about their stories, the places they have been to, and sharing my own. We enjoyed the night by cooking together, eating, playing card games, and sharing drinks. A family away from home. It was an ideal hostel experience. If in Chattanooga, the Crash Pad is a great place to stay!!!

All I can say is, if you planning to stay at The Crash Pad, this place may make all other places you have stayed feel like you have missed out on something. To be honest, I was not expecting to have a great experience staying at this hostel. I have heard negative reviews of hostels in the US. I am glad that The Crash Pad was nothing like what some people had anticipated. Here are some of the things I like about The Crash Pad: 1. The staff are very friendly and helpful. I was checking in after hours and had a little trouble finding parking, one of the staff stayed passed their time to help me out. 2. They offer great prices. I stayed an entire week and I was pleased with the price. 3. The facility is well kept. It building is located downtown, in walking distance you have everything. A lot of the nearby local business work with The Crash Pad, meaning great discounts for just staying here. 4. Despite being in the middle of downtown, you feel safe. 5. They have laundry on site. For breakfast, they provide everything and you make yourself what you want. All together, this place is phenomenal. I highly highly recommend this place. Rather than staying in a hotel, give this place a try. This hostel has the option of having your own room if needed.

Such a cool place! I am no stranger to hostels, though I have not stayed in any in the U.S. until now. This one was great!! We stayed there on our way out on an overnight backpacking trip on the North Chickamauga Creek trail, and there were 12 of us in the end. Although we originally made reservations for only 9, the staff was super accommodating and moved us to the bunks on the top floor so that we could all be together. Speaking of the bunks, I LOVED the curtains and the fan inside. I like my friends, but I don't want to hear them snore all night. The curtains made it nice and dark and quiet, and the personal fan kept it from being too stuffy. The breakfast in the morning was top notch, with local breads, jams and eggs (again, they had no problem with us making eggs for 12 people. We just made extra for anyone else that wanted some). If you go next door to the Flying Squirrel, be sure to tell them you are staying next door because there was a discount. I will definitely stay there again anytime I'm in Chattanooga!

Great place! My friend and I got a private room for a wedding and it was perfect. The bathrooms and common areas are super clean. We were able to save money here instead of staying at one of the hotels which is always great since we had to spend a lot of money on our flights. Super nice staff too!

5 star for hostel accommodations, clean, private room, free parking , healthy breakfast ( make your own egg dish, Niedlov's breads, peanut butter, Nutella and oatmeal) and a great location. Arrived 6 pm , walked to the Bitter Alibi for a cocktail, dinner at Main Street Meats ( + another delicious cocktail), wake up , coffee at Niedlov's Breadworks , 5 + mile walk to the North Shore and back, PB&J toast ( Niedlov bread at the hostel) with coffee. Friendly staff. Would definitely stop by here again. Loved Chattanooga.

Awesome place. Wife and I stayed here two nights and you can't beat the price or the experience. We chose to each have a bunk instead of a single room just for the experience of it all! Amazing staff and close to everything we wanted to go to.

If this place has a vacancy and you stay somewhere else you should be taken out to a field and shot. you are unfit to reproduce. I've stayed in many hostels around the country and around the world. this is the finest to date. honestly, I've stayed in hotels that weren't half as nice yet they cost twice as much. the purpose-built building has a modern feel that strikes one at once as clean, stylish, and efficient. the wireless is free, the computer access is free, the parking is free, the kitchen is very nice, and the staff is friendly and eager to engage in conversation. the location is right in the center of Chattanooga so there are plenty of bars within walking distance. key-card access to access the building and again to access the sleeping areas keeps ones person and belongings free of molestation. I paid about $30 to stay a night in a dorm style bunk area. the beds are shrouded in wood and curtains that negate any nearby lights that might be turned on by a cohabiter at 3am. the mattresses are extra long (that's actually a technical term in mattress-speak) which is a HUGE deal if you are a 6'5" ogre like me. the bunks also have a reading lamp, a fan, two extra outlets, and a shelf. you can stay up reading nudie mags with a gentle breeze blowing whilst safely charging your iPhone and iPad, all the while nobody knows anything because your curtains are closed. though i don't know why you'd waste your time *reading* pictures of naked girls if you have an iPad... at any rate, each bed also has a very large locker under the bunk that will fit all but the most impossibly large luggage. to reiterate: if there is a vacancy here, reject all other options and stay at this hostel.

Hey Crash Pad - you win as my 100th review! Your prize? 5 stars. You earned it. The Crash Pad really is as good as it gets. Boyfriend and I took a nice two-day, one-night trip to Chattanooga for bouldering, sightseeing and maybe a little hiking. We came across their website and were immediately intruiged. A hostel for the outdoorsy folks? Slip and slide/BBQ event? LEED certified in the works? So awesome. The hostel was clean and safe, and the staff was friendly and accommodating the entire way through. We got a private room, which was definitely the best choice for us, but the bunks looked like a lot of fun!! The room was super clean and comfortable, and came with a sink and some hooks to hang up your clothes/bags/towels. They supplied bedding, towels, and offered soap and other toiletries downstairs for a small fee if needed. The bed was super comfy, and the shower was unbelievably clean. I may have used the word "pristine" in one conversation. I also really appreciated that they didn't skimp on the environmental friendliness. There were hand towels instead of paper towels, the kitchen was stocked with glass cups, plates. The works, really. Also, this place is walking distance to some great restaurants, bars, and an overall nice part of downtown. And, it's right around the corner from the Chattanooga Choo Choo Hotel/Museum, for those who wanted to sightsee. As if all of this greatness weren't enough, they also have a great rapport with the community. This shows, because they had discounts to half the restaurants/bars, and even offered a free pass to go climbing @ Urban Rocks Gym, only 15 minutes away. It's hard to find people who walk the walk, but this place was started by two guys who do just that. These guys started this amazing project, and I am so lucky to have had the opportunity to visit such a smart, fun and exciting business! It's the perfect spot to stay after a good, hard day of climbing @ LRC, so you know we'll be back!

I convinced my mom (who was incredibly skeptical at staying in a hostel). We stayed in a private room so I can't say anything about the bunks other than they looked nice. The single room was awesome! Super quiet and even had a sink and mirror in it to brush your teeth/wash your face. The bathrooms were nice and eco-friendly since they recycle hand wash water to flush toilets with. The showers were clean and large and had an area to set your stuff/change. The decor is industrial and they paid close attention to using local items/artisans even down tot he sinks and light fixtures. They have a pretty rad kitchen to cook/eat in. They have computers and a nice place to hang in downstairs. They also have Sodaworks you can buy - yum! The breakfast was okay (some bread and eggs and jams). I would recommend making the trek across the street to Niedlov's (they do buy some sandwich bread so that you can make toast though). The guy at the front desk was the highlight though (I can't remember his name). He was super animated and welcoming - even moving his car when there wasn't room for me to park. He went above and beyond showing us around and showing us where to go and what to see in Chattanooga. GREAT experience! Plus the restaurant next door looked fun and busy. Don't stay at a dumb, impersonal hotel - come here! I only wish they had more hostels in Tennessee/the U.S.

What an amazing experience! I was suggested this by a friend who lives locally and thank goodness. This place was perfect. It had everything I needed. Service: All of the staff introduced themselves and were very friendly. I was a late check-in and John came back to make sure I got the full tour. They all had awesome suggestions for what I could do for the weekend I was out as well. Perks: Organic breakfast that you make yourself, on their dollar. It had come really nice common rooms. And the WiFi was steady even when I was Skyping home outside in the super nice bonfire area. Cleanliness: You think Hostel, you think dirty...the place was so clean. You don't get that gross feeling like when you walk into a 3 star or lower hotel (like you are worried about what happened in the room.) They are also very eco-friendly with lots of recycling, etc. Location: It was super close to a bunch of places in town for great food and drinks out on the town, not to mention the Chattanooga Marketplace on Sunday. I also heard the MegaBus will be dropping off right near there now. So you save the Uber fare to get there! Outdoor: It was also perfect for my outdoor activities. First, they have a list of things to do and places nearby which is convenient when you are not familiar with the area. I went kayaking on Saturday - I had a place to park my rental no problem and didn't want to bring wet clothes back in my suitcase so for $5 I got to wash my clothes. Perfect. I will be back when I am ready for more Chattanooga. I wish there was Crash Pad in every town. I would probably never stay in a regular hotel again.

This place is the best!! I had to be in Chattanooga for a month over the summer and they put me up in a hotel and every time I saw this place I dreamed of staying in there instead. I finally got my wishes when I decided to take my husband to Chattanooga to show him all the fun things I did and places I went while I was on my work trip. I immediately knew we were going to be staying in The Crash Pad. We got a private room which is purrrfectly priced. All the staff is incredibly nice and hospitable. We got stuck in traffic and they waited past the time check out was intended to be for us and didn't make us feel unwelcome because of it. Sometimes people think hostels are dirty and unsafe and I am here to say this one is immaculately clean and nothing but safe. With your stay you get to enjoy the company of others traveling around the world and listen to their life stories all while enjoying a breakfast on the hostel. In the morning in the kitchen you'll find local bread, eggs, jam and honey. We didn't partake in breakfast because I was too excited to show my husband around to everything!! Chattanooga is a pretty walkable city but the Crash Pad is in the perfect location to all my favorite places and you know what! While you're staying at more than 10 places if you show your key card you get a discount. It was a match made in Heaven. I will be back and I am already impatient!

This place was unbelievable! The Rivendale of Chattanooga I was just on a small bouldering tour of the south with my friends. After four days of camping/climbing at Stone Fort, we realized that we forgot to book our last night of camping! So in desperation, we googled the crash pad (we had heard of it the day prior) It was 10:30. We saw that it closed at 10 but decided to call anyway just in case. We called and they couldn't have been friendlier. They said it was no problem we were coming in late and they were happy to accommodate us. Anyway, it was just the best place to be. Everyone was so nice, the beds were so comfy, the slack line was great. Best of all, I didn't feel skeeved out by the beds at all. Everything was so clean! I highly recommend this place. It was the best 27 dollars i have ever spent! Thanks Crash Pad

I stayed at the Crash Pad for three nights in private room F on the second floor and I loved everything about this place. The staff are friendly, the facility is spotless, the location is great, and even my fellow guests were nice. I liked room F because it was the furthest away from the restaurant next door which can get a bit noisy at night. Although, I was so tired every night that I barely heard any noise even with my windows open. I love that the windows open. It's funny how you miss fresh air when you stay in stuffy, chain hotels. I also love that many of the doors are secured so non-guests can't get very far very fast. And as far as noise inside the building, my fellow guests were respectful as far as quiet hours which is a big deal for me when I travel since I like to go to bed relatively early. I would definitely stay at the Crash Pad again and would recommend it to anyone traveling to Chattanooga. Sure you could stay at a conventional hotel for the same price. But honestly, why would you? This place is much cleaner and the staff are great. Plus, the Crash Pad isn't soulless like a chain hotel and they actually use sustainable, green practices. I personally wouldn't stay anywhere else.

It is new and it is brilliant. This is one of the best hostels I have stayed in the US or Canada. Conceptualized and brought to reality by 3 young entrepreneurs, Crash Pad was the perfect place to stay during my 3 days of bike racing in Chattanooga. They took a quite space off one of the downtown streets and put in a very affordable home away from home. I enjoy the hostel experience because it allows me to utilize a kitchen, sleep in a (usually) comfortable bed, and shower in relative privacy. This place gets 5 stars on all fronts. The entire building fits with the urban revitalization that sweeping the streets of Chattanooga. With local art adorning the walls, locally made furniture, cabinetry, kitchen counters, lighting, and more, the owners really put their best attempts into showcasing what their city has to offer. I am only going to ask one more question . . . "Is that local?" It is located only a 5 minute walk from much of what the resurging downtown has to offer. Food and drink, art, and culture, are all easy to navigate. If you are unsure what to do or where to go with your time ask the owners who also happen to work the desk and clean the place. They are very happy to help. I look forward to returning to the race and staying at the Crash Pas again.

This place was awesome! I can't say enough good things. We stayed in the private room, but if you're not bashful they have public bunks that are very affordable! The bathrooms were shared but don't fret. I was just as worried about my comfort in sharing with strangers, but they were nice and I had no issues with any of it! This place had so many great reviews, it's hard to believe they are that awesome. They are! I took my boyfriend on a birthday trip. Scheduled our paddle boarding session through crash pad, and our stay. The bar next door is so convenient and just as friendly and great! Great place, loved every minute of our stay!

1st time staying in a hostel and it was fabulous! Staff assured me it would be a perfect fit for my 12 yo son and I and they were right! He loved the whole concept, especially the bunk beds and having his own key fob. We stayed for 3 nights, enjoyed the fire pit, rented bikes, took the duck boat tour, saw rock city, and went caving at Raccoon Caverns. Staff was helpful and friendly, the place is spotless, right on the edge of downtown, and very safe.

Clean, safe and secure high tech hostel with a cool industrial vibe . Clean- the hostel provides clean linen, towels and blankets with an on site industrial washer & dryer and everything is stripped and washed when you leave. The design is thoughtful with concrete floors and pine bunks with hot showers modern, minimalist design - very pleasing to the eye. Secure- you are given electronic pass keys to enter both the building and then again a secure keyed entry to the sleeping quarters. Additionally the bunks have a secure locked space under each bunk to store your stuff. ( unfortunately it squeaked LOUDLY whenever it was opened) A wrapped around curtain and a reading light and shelf in each bunk makes it a private cozy space. The common space was a little cramped but there is an outside patio to make use of . A free breakfast is included. The restaurant next door which included a brewery is co-owned by the same people that built the hostel. The restaurant was kinda high end and pricey- for my budget not a place I felt comfortable dressed unless I was dressed up but it is BEAUTIFUL. Be sure and get a list of reasonable restaurants from the hostel because Chattanooga is a very touristy city and just getting pizza and beer can set you back $30 if you are not careful. This is not your usual hostel. The owners really go out of their way to make your hostel stay the best it could possibly be. Tip- 1 block from hostel you can rent a bike for 24 hours for less than 15 dollars. The city which is environmentally forward has provided rental bikes that you can pick up and then lock up or return at bike stands around the city. Its a very walkable downtown with lots of people out and about.

Crash pad is awesome if you're staying alone for one night. Unfortunately, if you want to sleep restfully for a couple nights and you have someone else with you, it isn't the best. An actual room at crash pad is also pretty expensive, and not worth what you get. Could have gotten a much quieter room at a hotel for a lesser price.

The location is perfect- walkable to many local things to do, easy to find, and handy from the interstate. The condition is immaculate- yes, it's brand new, but the owners keep it in pristine condition and take pride in all the details (even down to how a towel is folded- really?) The amenities are great- the showers/bathrooms are clean/spacious, the common area is setup with the latest technology, and the kitchen really feels like you're living in a kindof homey manse. This place is wonderful. Not only is it the epitome of the perfect hostel, but the staff and guests alike really make it feel like home- something often (sorely) missing when traveling 80% for work. I look forward to coming back next week.

The best hostel I've ever stayed !!!! Really nice rooms and beds with privacy. Unusual hostel and this is good. Free breakfast with good products. A must stay when your in this area

When you're tired of the primitive camping next to T-Wall, book a few nights at the Crash Pad! My boyfriend and I booked a private room, but the bunks looked pretty rad and quiet too. We were thrilled to have clean showers, a kitchen where we could cook our food, and free coffee and breakfast in the morning. The staff were friendly and professional, and I had fun meeting and talking to other climbers. There are also several restaurants and bars nearby where Crash Pad guests get a discount!

LOVED. THIS. PLACE. I had a great stay, especially for the price. The front desk personnel are some of the friendliest and most enthusiastic people you'll meet (a refreshing break from the hustle and bustle mindset of DC). They provided great recommendations for restaurants and budget-friendly things to do. I, along with a friend, slept in the Chatt Room and it worked out splendidly. The couch is appx. 6ft long and sleeping on it did just fine. The whole place, particularly the restrooms, were clean and orderly. Coming from two females, safety was NOT a concern in the least while staying at CP. Entry into the building and the bedroom areas required a key fob. For actual rooms, CP provides another actual key. I've stayed at all different types of places around the world (cozy B&Bs, swanky hotels, and family members' couches), but this place is definitely one of my favorite places to stay. Stay here or get talked about.

Wow! The Crash Pad hostel in Chattanooga is totally awesome! My girlfriend and I recently crashed here for a night after a hard day of bouldering at LRC. I was really excited about staying here. From the picture I saw online, it looked sweet. And boy was it! Everyone that worked at the hostel was very friendly and welcoming. As soon as they checked us in, they gave us the grand tour and walked us to our private room. Now days, how often does someone walk you to your room? So, this made me feel even more at home. Our room was very nice and spacious. We had our very own sink which was a nice addition. The double bed was very comfortable, which I was not expecting at all. I couldn't get over how clean everything was. Clean sheets, clean towels, clean everything. There was a community bathroom down the hall from us, with two shower stalls that were cleaner than my shower at home. The common area downstairs was nice too. Kitchen, free computers, fire pit outside, fridge stocked with inexpensive beer, the list goes on and on. The location was great. Very close to a lot of the bars in the downtown area.The guys at the front desk even gave us a great suggestion for some dinner, Urban Stacks. Is an awesome hamburger restaurant that's only a 5 minute walk away. If you are staying at the hostel this is a must try. I cant wait to take another trip back to Chattanooga where we can spend another night at the Crash Pad. Keep up the good work. You guys rock!

Not to just repeat everything that has already been posted in the previous reviews but this place really deserves the 5 stars and accolades. Aside from the place being in a great location, the staff is super friendly/helpful, the amenities are great, beds were comfortable and I could go on and on and on. It is awesome that they support local artisans and business and everything is very unique. I most definitly recommend it to any one planning to go to Chattanooga, and will stay there agian the next time I am in town.

GREEN AS A BEAN! I have heard so much about this place that I had to see it for myself. My husband and I dropped in for a little tour and John was very gracious to invite us in. This little place has been here for approx . four years and it is very unique. They strive to be as green and as environmentally conscious as possible while using local vendors for many of their products and services. This is a cool place to stay on a girlfriend trip and it is perfect for college students who are on a tight budget but want to explore the city. I love that they have a large international presence due to the many foreign travelers that visit. Cool idea, great execution.

....ya, if you're having doubts about staying at this place, don't! My wife and I had a really amazing stay at this place. Its very clean and feels very comfy. They do have private rooms but the bunk bed rooms have a cool set up and provide enough privacy for each bed. When you check in you get a keyless remote that opens all the doors, and you get a small key to a locked area under the bunk beds for you to store your belongings. When it came to sleeping it wasn't hard to fall asleep. There is a little fan in each bed which is a huge plus for me because i love sleeping with a fan on because i get really hot at night. I was worried other people would make a lot of noise but non of that bothered me at all. It was obvious there was other people sleeping nearby but everyone was courteous and quiet throughout the day. \ There is a men and woman bathroom close to the sleeping area. The bathrooms are clean and have showers so you can clean off from your travels. Breakfast in the morning had to be my favorite part of staying here. You do have to make it yourself, but everything is so fresh and tasty. Worlds better than any continental breakfast I've ever had! There are other people using the kitchen, eating and cooking around you. Everyone was very friendly and provided for a great breakfast experience. In the end I was little sad that we could stay another night. This was a very cool and refreshing experience and I can't wait to stop by the next time I visit the area!

Easily one of the coolest hostels I've ever been too. The Crash Pad is LEED certified which basically means it's super environmentally friendly. It's also very clean, modern, hip, secure, and comfortable. The big roomy bunk beds for $30 or so a night is a terrific deal. For breakfast all of the supplies to make breakfast are laid out for you in the kitchen/lobby: coffee, eggs, bread, juice, milk, oatmeal, cereal, etc etc. And it's free! I knew I would love the place when I saw a cooler full of craft beer right behind the check-in desk! The Crash Pad caters specifically to rock climbers, campers, and adventurers. Be sure to ask about where to rent crash pads if you're climbing. They actually used to rent them out as well.

Super friendly and knowledgeable staff, leed certified, clean, secure, beautiful building, has good breakfast foods in the morning. Would definitely stay here again.

Dan is tha Man and Crash Pad is awesome! When I planned a Labor Day weekend trip to do some outdoor stuff in Chattanooga I found out about The Crash Pad. Staying in a hostel sounded much more fun than a hotel or B&B. First things first and that is you need to understand the heart and soul that created the Crash Pad. Unbelievably this place was started by a couple of 20-something rock climbing enthusiasts from the East Coast. Come to find out Chattanooga is one of the top rock climbing destinations in the US. These guys realized that it needed an affordable, cool place to call home for not just those rock climbing lovers but also all the people drawn to Chattanooga for such outdoor things. The site of The Crash Pad was originally a vacant lot with vagrants frequenting an abandoned house. Dan and his crew took the broken beer bottles and other materials from that site and used it to build The Crash Pad. Yes, those green/red/blue gleaming chips of glass you see embedded in your sink at The Crash Pad came from this. In fact all of the materials used to create this hostel came locally. The fact that these young souls had the innovation to re-use existing material to build their hostel blew my mind. The place is immaculate. Downstairs has comfy couches, a full kitchen with stainless steel fridge, stove and sink. There is free wifi available all over the building. They also have a couple of desktop Apple computers. Your option to stay will be either bunk beds or private rooms that have a sink and queen sized bed. There are male/female bathrooms that include 2 showers each. The cost of the private room the weekend we went was $70 and to bunk costs $25. The bunk beds have thick black curtains you can pull to keep the light out and storage bins that lock. If you need to wash/dry stuff they have state-of-the-art washer/dryers for $1 each. They also offer bottled water for a nominal price. This sounds corny but one of my favorite features were their towels: Big, fluffy, very soft white towels. Nothing better to wrap yourself in after a hard day playing outside. Each bed also comes with a soft blanket. The location of the Crash Pad is the southern part of downtown Chattanooga. It is a little over a mile from the activities of downtown. We went to the Riverfront Nights Summer Music Series which is further north of downtown and found it easier to drive there, though it was a short drive. Crash Pad is very accessible to the areas of parks and rivers that outdoor lovers will want to have access for. We also visited Point Park and Ruby Falls and found the drive from The Crash Pad to take about 15 minutes. For an affordable, cool place to stay while rock climbing or just staying in Chattanooga look no further than The Crash Pad.

So cool!! Love the vibe. Clean attractive well equipped. We are a hip middle aged couple and enjoyed a private room with double bed. Plan to return!

Stayed for 3 nights. It was a very cool experience. Located close to a lot of really cool shops and restaurants. The staff are excellent!

This is quite possibly the best hostel anywhere in the US. It provides (very) clean rooms and showers, exceptionally quiet and sturdy bunks, a friendly yet chic atmosphere, and an awesome free breakfast. The whole place does a great job of following an environmentally friendly ethic by recycling water, buying local food, and producing little waste. Even the building itself has been artfully designed from the remnants of an old structure that once stood on the site. Supremely unique, clean, and comfortable, I'd prefer the Crash Pad to many a hotel I've stayed at, and it's way cheaper!

What this hostel is doing is something that everyone visiting Chattanooga needs to experience. What a treasure this place is, as are the people who run it -- they are truly inspiring young people who have ideas and a business that is and will stay something near and dear to the city they love. If you're adventuring around, you can always be surrounded by people of a like mind here -- everyone is so friendly and gives this hostel a feeling of home away from home. If I could, I would just move in :). This was my first visit to Chattanooga, and I can honestly say I love it, and this place is largely why.

My favorite place to stay in Chattanooga. Always clean and friendly. Beautiful building as well. Mainly a climbers hostel, but it is well located and a great spot for anyone coming to the city. They provide a nice breakfast, but I recommend hopping over to the Bluegrass if you've got time. For dinner, go to the Flying Squirrel at least once. It's next door, delicious, and 20% off for Crash Pad guests.