The Best Places to Stay in Knoxville, Tennessee
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There are few greater gatherings of people in the country than game day at Knoxville's Neyland Stadium. Being the sixth largest stadium in the United States (and the eighth largest in the world to fully fill out its brag sheet), Neyland packs in a mighty crowd of attendees more populous than the town of Bend, Oregon, within its official capacity of 101,915. Under the glitter of those Saturday night lights, surrounded by panoramic views of orange and white, you're never more connected to what it means to be a Volunteer than when you join in the chorus of 100,000-some voices belting out “Rocky Top.” Whether your favorite part of game day is loading up on wings and dip at a pre-game tailgate in a campus parking lot, or watching The Pride of the Southland Band turn into a human etch-a-sketch during their Circle Drill, weekends during football season are the highlight of fall in East Tennessee.
When it comes to looking for places to stay near Neyland Stadium, you may be searching for a quiet place to retire after the day's festivities, or an energetic home base to keep the momentum of a great game going. No matter your preferences, we've curated a list of stays sure to satisfy the needs of any crew. Below, the 11 best places to stay near Neyland Stadium just ahead of the 2025 football season.
FAQ:
What is the best area of Knoxville to stay in?
Knoxville itself is just over 100 square miles, and great places to set up camp are plenty. But if you're specifically in town to see a game, you'll want to stay close to Neyland, which is located in Knoxville's downtown. You'll find a handful of cozy spots used to hosting big events around Gay Street, Market Square, and World's Fair Park.
When is the best time to go to Knoxville, Tennessee?
With a temperate climate, Knoxville experiences all four seasons. If you want to see flower blossoms in the spring, you can drive through nearly 90 miles of the city's dogwood trails. Fancy yourself more of a winter person? On a chillier night, there's no better evening than catching a show at the Tennessee Theater or skating around at the Ice Chalet. Come summer, enjoy the wealth of natural beauty the city has to offer at the Ijams Nature Center or botanical garden. During autumn, right in the heat of football season, you've arrived at the best time to leaf peep in the Smokies just an hour and 15 minutes away from city center. The foliage turns into a wonderful medley of gold, sienna, and orange and stretches out for as far as the eye can see.
What are the best things to do in Knoxville?
While you're downtown, be sure to roam around Market Square, Knoxville's central plaza that houses quaint shops like Nothing Too Fancy, where you can get some of the best personalized souvenirs from the city; Knoxville's best restaurants, such as Emilia's where you can savor your butterscotch budino on the patio; and free live concerts. You can also take a step back into the ‘80s by visiting the Sunsphere, a structure the city originally built in honor of the World’s Fair. UTK's McClung Museum of Natural History & Culture provides a fascinating look into local anthropology and archaeology if you fashion yourself a bit of history geek.
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Courtesy Hilton KnoxvilleHilton Knoxville
The Hilton Knoxville is the platonic standard of a downtown stay. True, that the city sees milder, balmy temperatures as autumn approaches, but in case the summer heat still lingers, you'll be able to run some much needed laps in the outdoor pool. Marble City Kitchen and The Firefly is the dynamic duo that serves as the hotel's restaurant and bar concept, and connecting rooms make easy family family suites. If you've got a large group on your hands with picky tastes, this is a crowdpleaser that places you all in the heart of the action.
Courtesy Courtyard Knoxville DowntownCourtyard Downtown Knoxville
This is just the place to park if you prize walking distance convenience. Being just steps away from UTK's campus, Market Square, the Convention Center, and all sports bar and swanky downtown spots peppered in between, you might just be able to pull off a car-free visit as everyone else tests their endurance hunting for a coveted parking spot. The Courtyard's centralized location in the beating heart of downtown is far from its only amenity. The hotel also offers digital check-in for a seamless transition in; an on-site restaurant, bar, and convenience store; a complimentary fitness center; and even its own laundry so you can check out feeling as refreshed and reset as you do stepping out of a post-workout shower.
Courtesy Graduate by Hilton KnoxvilleGraduate by Hilton Knoxville
For guests who seek to live and breathe the Volunteer lifestyle while they're visiting Knoxville, consider the Graduate Vol cultural immersion. The tone is set the instant you step into the lobby, where the herringbone floor alternates between what else but orange and white, the front desk is a themed speedboat, and footballs abound. While it's all too easy to veer into cheugy territory with such strong theming, this hotel stays well within the bounds of tasteful. The impeccable match of ceruleans with pops of amber and orange is a color combination one can only describe as joyful. While the surroundings as they are, are just downright charming, fall head over heels with the place at Saloon 16, their high-end Western dining concept that they collaborated with none other than football legend and UTK alum Peyton Manning to create.
Courtesy Oliver HospitalityThe Oliver Hotel
Another distinguished small stay in Knoxville's catalogue, The Oliver is an intimate 28-key that prides itself in being a space that has all the literary character of Oxford while still maintaining its wholesome Knoxvillian spirit. It's hard to get more upscale than this—the guest rooms and lobby space are decorated with muted blues, bright salmon pink, and velvety suedes, while the hushed, warm lighting instantly sets the mood. Make sure to make a night out of the Peter Kern Library, the city's one and only speakeasy with cocktails inspired by characters from the great Western novels served amongst rows upon rows of classics illuminated by a flickering fireplace.
Denise Retallack/Courtesy The TennesseanhotelThe Tennessean
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Readers' Choice Awards 2018, 2019, 2021, 2024Opening its doors in April 2017, The Tennessean—with 82 guest rooms and 12 luxury residences—offers amenities such as tailored concierge services, an experienced staff who collectively speak nine different languages, as well as delicious small plates and specially crafted cocktails available in the chic Drawing Room. Situated near the banks of the Tennessee River, guests have easy access to attractions in Knoxville, including a variety of historic landmarks, outdoor recreational activities, and a vibrant arts, theatre, and culinary scene. Less than an hour drive from the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Knoxville is also home to The University of Tennessee and the prestigious 1982 World’s Fair Park.
halbergman/GettyHotel Cleo
If winding down in an ambience of refinement feels like just the type of R&R you're craving, look no further than this boutique hotel. Cleo calls itself a hotel with, “a certain je nais se quois,” but if we had to put a finger on it, what makes it so special might just be its historic exposed brick walls, farmhouse-style rafter beams, brass furnishings, and dark mahogany flooring. In fewer words, they just have an immaculate, detail-obsessed vibe. Each suite provides a little something different, whether its the Presidential Suite's generous 635 square feet of legroom, or the Executive Suite's inspiring views of the city. While there's no bad room in the building, the Lilou Brasserie downstairs is worth the visit alone. With a robust wine menu drawing from 19 different wine regions in France, what else is there to say but “cin-cin”?
Bed & bath: 1 bed, 1 bath
Top amenities: Free parking, dedicated workspace, self check-inWhile the Hexagon Suite technically lies within the bounds of UTK's campus, this tricked out apartment is the farthest thing from a sticky-floored frat house. Named as such because of its signature geometric tiling, this suite has not a hair out of place. The centerpiece of the living room is the UT-themed mural showcasing major landmarks and cultural icons like Smokey, the university's Bluetick Coonhound mascot, that make Knoxville, Knoxville. The rest of the place simply feels classy with a well-kept monstera, playful monstera, and faux marble bathroom. Of course, pops of Tennessee Orange sprinkled throughout are to be expected.
Bed & bath: 1 bed, 1 bath
Top amenities: In-unit laundry, long-term stays, King bedHigh-ceilinged artists lofts with windows galore for natural light are not an endemic species to Brooklyn. This apartment lets light be the hero, and the decor shows it off accordingly. Minimalist and almost nautical feeling with all of its creams, light wood, and soft blues, you'll never want for a brighter environment here. Pair that with its seat on downtown's historic Gay Street, and all of Old Knoxville is your oyster.
Bed & bath: 1 bed, 1 bath
Top amenities: Fully stocked bathroom with Dove products, room darkening shades, walk-in closetWe love to see a studio with its own personality, and if you're all Vol-ed out after a visit to Neyland Stadium, this is just the downtown alcove to retire to. Shaded with warm woods, olive greens, and cozy dark furnishings, everything here embodies aspirational downtown chill. And though the listing is for one bed, the couch pulls out and allows the space to comfortably sleep four should you find yourself traveling with a small group of friends or your family.
Bed & bath: 2 beds, 1 bath
Top amenities: River views, private hot tub, TV equipped with RokuYacht rock lovers, this one's for you. While Tennessee is technically a landlocked state, Knoxville enjoys plenty of time on the water thanks to the Tennessee River, the largest tributary of the Ohio River. If you're looking to forgo the raucous parking lot tailgates this year and want to try your hand at a “sailgate,” picnic right on the water when you stay at this classic ‘70s yacht. If you’re tempted to take a dip, you can even paddle around the couple of kayaks this beaut has stashed on board.
Bed & bath: 1 bed, 1 bath
Top amenities: Fully stocked kitchenette, outdoor fire pit, hot tubWhile the modern cabin façade may not look it from the outside, once you pass the threshold, this apartment transforms into Barbie's dream apartment. Pink neon signage welcoming you into “the jungle” is befitting of an interior filled with greenery and wallpaper printed with ruby snakes squiggling over fanned out palms. With board games, a fire pit with access to a barbecue grill, and a hot tub, you might be tempted to stay an extra day and get to know this little home away from home taken straight off of Mattel's drawing boards.
