The Chattanooga Choo Choo Hotel at 1400 Market St in downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee is one of the most distinctive lodging experiences in the southeastern United States, built within and around the Terminal Station railroad depot that opened in 1909 and operated as Chattanooga's main passenger rail hub until 1970. The terminal's Beaux-Arts exterior and soaring domed lobby — retaining the original stained glass, ornate ironwork, and arched windows — have been preserved as the hotel's central public gathering space. The property takes its name from the 1941 Glenn Miller Orchestra song that immortalized the overnight passenger train running from Cincinnati to Chattanooga, a piece of American musical history that made the city's name internationally recognizable. The hotel offers two fundamentally different accommodation styles. Standard rooms and King Suites are located in renovated wings of the former depot building, with contemporary fittings and comfortable configurations. Victorian Railcar Rooms occupy restored Victorian-era sleeper cars stationed on tracks within the hotel grounds, offering a narrow but atmospheric sleeping space with curved car walls, vintage fittings, and an immersive sense of rail travel history. Both categories are available for booking, and the railcar rooms are among the most unusual accommodation options available anywhere in Tennessee. Multiple restaurants, bars, and a beer garden serve the property, covering breakfast through late-evening dining and entertainment. A live music venue on the grounds reflects Chattanooga's broader music and arts culture. Indoor and outdoor pools provide leisure facilities, and the landscaped gardens surrounding the terminal add outdoor space for relaxing between activities. The hotel is within walking distance of the Tennessee Aquarium and the Chattanooga Riverfront, and Chattanooga's free electric shuttle connects the area to other downtown attractions.
Room types
- Standard Room
- Victorian Railcar Room
- King Suite
Amenities
- Historic 1909 train terminal
- Sleeping car suites in actual railcars
- Indoor and outdoor pools
- Gardens
- Multiple restaurants and bars
Location
1400 Market St, Chattanooga, TN 37402
35.0448, -85.3085 View on map
Highlights
- Victorian Railcar Rooms inside authentic restored sleeper cars stationed on hotel grounds
- Preserved 1909 Beaux-Arts train terminal with original domed lobby and stained glass
- Multiple restaurants, bars, beer garden, and live music venue on the property
- Indoor and outdoor pools with landscaped terminal gardens
- Walking distance to Tennessee Aquarium and Chattanooga Riverfront
Tips for visiting
- Victorian Railcar Rooms are limited and book out well in advance — reserve as early as possible for these
- Railcar rooms are narrow by their historic nature; guests who prefer more floor space should book the hotel wing
- Chattanooga's free electric shuttle connects the area to the Tennessee Aquarium and other riverfront sites
- The beer garden hosts live music on weekend evenings and can become crowded; check the event calendar
- The 1909 terminal lobby is worth exploring as a historic landmark even when visiting as a day visitor
Accessibility
The Chattanooga Choo Choo Hotel offers ADA-compliant standard rooms with accessible bathrooms in the hotel wing. Victorian Railcar Rooms may not be accessible for guests with significant mobility limitations due to the narrow historic interior dimensions of the restored rail cars. Guests requiring wheelchair or mobility accommodations should book standard hotel wing rooms and confirm details when reserving.
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Frequently asked questions
What are the Victorian Railcar Rooms at Chattanooga Choo Choo?
These are guest accommodations inside authentic restored Victorian-era railway sleeping cars parked on tracks within the hotel grounds. They offer a narrow, atmospheric sleeping space with vintage fittings and curved car walls, representing one of the most unusual lodging experiences in Tennessee.
What is the origin of the Chattanooga Choo Choo name?
The hotel takes its name from the 1941 Glenn Miller Orchestra hit that described the overnight passenger train from Cincinnati to Chattanooga, one of the most recognized pieces of American popular music associated with the city.
How far is the Chattanooga Choo Choo from the Tennessee Aquarium?
The hotel is within walking distance of the Tennessee Aquarium on the Chattanooga Riverfront, approximately a 10-minute walk. Chattanooga's free electric shuttle also connects the two.
Does the Chattanooga Choo Choo have a pool?
Yes, the hotel has both indoor and outdoor pools available to guests.
When was Terminal Station built?
Terminal Station, the Beaux-Arts railroad depot at the core of the Chattanooga Choo Choo Hotel, was completed in 1909. It served as Chattanooga's main passenger rail hub until 1970, when it was preserved and later converted into the current hotel property.