Scene
There’s a lot of history built into the newly-renovated Hotel Chalet. Before it was home to a hotel, the building was Chattanooga’s passenger terminal, which opened in 1909. After the last Southern Railway train passed through in 1970, the complex became home to restaurants, shops and a hotel, first a Hilton. (It would get its name, Chattanooga Choo Choo Terminal Station, after a later renovation, inspired by the Glenn Miller song.)
Now, in October 2024, The Hotel Chalet at The Choo Choo — it’s a mouthful — is set apart from the rest of the complex and on the back side of the former Terminal Station. Guests check in on the back side of the building in the retro lobby, which has a coffee counter surrounded by plush floral couches and a small shop with essentials. Despite its cozy appeal, most of the action happens on the opposite side of the property, the patio area that includes the pool, a caboose bar, and the restaurant, all of which back up to the lawn of the Choo Choo area.
Location
The heart of the city’s Southside neighborhood
The Hotel Chalet is within walking distance of several shops, bars and restaurants. It’s also right next to the bus depot. For first time visitors to the city, many attractions, like the Tennessee Aquarium, can be accessed directly by the free electric shuttle that picks up in front of the Choo Choo. There’s also a Chattanooga Bike station here if you’d rather get around on two wheels.
Here are some things to check out in the area:
- You can take in Tennessee’s longtime distilling tradition at Gate 11 Distillery, which is at the Choo Choo.
- Chattanooga Whiskey, part of the official Tennessee Whiskey Trail, is just across the street. It offers tours and tastings.
- All brewing is done onsite at Velo Coffee Roasters which is a few blocks away. It also has pastries from Bread & Butter, a local bakery.
- Niedlov’s Bakery and Cafe is another morning favorite. You can get freshly-baked bread pastries, as sandwiches. The cafe serves breakfast and lunch throughout the week and Saturday brunch.
- Tucked behind a door in the Kinley Hotel, the Company Speakeasy is right across the street from the Choo Choo and brings a retro energy and a menu of creative cocktails like the house Old Fashioned and Negroni.
- Southern Star is a 20-year-old staple serving blue-plate specials every day for lunch. The menu includes Southern-style dishes like fried chicken, tomato pie, and Brunswick stew.
- While modest in size, the Bessie Smith Cultural Center is the city’s African-American museum honored in the name of its native daughter. The exhibits include artifacts from the singer’s life, as well as local history from Native American tribes that lived here before the Trail of Tears and African artwork.
- End the night with live music and local beer at HiFi Clyde’s, which also has barbecue and bar food.
Rooms
Wes Anderson would feel right at home
The Hotel Chalet has 127 guest rooms, including 25 set inside restored Pullman train carriages from the 1920s and 60s. If you’re imagining old-world design with soft green tones and brass details, you’re already here. The rooms have all the basic modern amenities — coffee setup, mini fridge (stocked with local beer), robes, TV, WiFi — but you’ll also find fine Italian linens and towels, toiletries from The Botanist and The Chemist, and Bluetooth speakers. Rooms are also pet-friendly for a $50 fee.
Guest room types:
Chalet King
The 350 square-foot room sleeps two, offers standard amenities, and is in the main hotel building. Some have outdoor patios.
Chalet Double Queen
These rooms are the same square footage as the kings, but have two queen beds and can accommodate four people.
Chalet Suite
The hotel building’s largest room is 700 square feet with a separate room for entertaining. It has a wet bar, bathroom with a bathtub plus a powder room, and a king bed and sleeper sofa.
Sleeper Deluxe Train Carriage
This room is inside one of the sleeper cars, which are divided into two rooms. The 300 square foot space can accommodate two to four people between the bed and sleeper sofa. All train cars also have heated floors in the bathroom for when you’re out of the full-sized shower.
MacArthur Suite Train Carriage
The most luxe room at the hotel is this full-sized 700 square-foot train car that opens up directly onto the pool area. It has a separate dining and living room with a dining table. It can sleep two to four, but even more if it’s just an afternoon party. It has both an ensuite bathroom and a powder room.
Amenities
No train travel required to enjoy the hotel’s restaurant
Guests of The Hotel Chalet have plenty of perks but the best is likely the outdoor pool, which is open much of the year. It’s right next to a caboose bar, where you can pick up drinks and light bites to enjoy poolside. The fitness center is covered in floral wallpaper with state-of-the-art machines like ellipticals and treadmills. Parking at the hotel is around $18 per day, but you can also find street parking or use the deck next to the Choo Choo for $9 per day.
Elsie’s Daughter
Named for the wife, daughter, and granddaughter of the architect of the station (all sharing a name), Elsie’s Daughter is a popular local restaurant from the creators of The Rosecomb, another Chattanooga favorite. Open for dinner and brunch, the menu focuses on Appalachian fare, including a local mushroom tartine and smoked trout dip.
The Comedy Catch
Touring comedians stop by this club inside the Choo Choo for weekly shows alongside local acts. The Comedy Catch also hosts an annual comedy festival, open mic nights, and drag shows.
Stir Restaurant
The oyster and cocktail bar is also inside the Choo Choo. Stir creates its own ice, artisanal bitters, and juices incorporated into cocktails, with hard-to-find bottles of spirits. Chow down on the steakhouse burger and lobster crab cake, two menu favorites.
FAQs
What are the check-in and check-out times?
Check-in is 3:00 p.m. and check-out is noon.
Does the hotel offer airport transportation?
Yes, though this is an additional fee. Contact the hotel’s concierge team to arrange.
Do you have a fitness center?
Yes. There are machines as well as free weights.
Is Wi-Fi available in the hotel?
Yes.
Is the hotel smoke-free?
Yes
Are pets allowed in the hotel?
Yes. For a one-time fee of $50, dogs up to 50 pounds are allowed.
Is there on-site parking?
Yes.