The Read House Hotel

The Read House Hotel at 107 W MLK Blvd is a landmark of downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee, having operated as a premier address since the current building opened in 1926, though the Read House name has been associated with Chattanooga hospitality since the Civil War era. The neo-Georgian exterior and ornate public rooms — including a grand lobby retaining original millwork and a Prohibition-era themed bar that has become one of Chattanooga's most recognized social spaces — place it among the most historically significant hotels in the southeastern United States. The property hosted a notable roster of 20th-century guests including US presidents and entertainment figures, and a comprehensive renovation in recent years returned the hotel to its peak-era condition while modernizing guestrooms and operational facilities. Accommodations are offered in Deluxe Room, Signature Suite, and Grand Suite categories. Guest rooms are appointed with period-consistent design details including dark wood furniture, layered textiles, and custom art, while maintaining modern amenities such as smart flat-screen TVs, USB charging, and premium bath products. Suites add separate living areas and in some cases elevated views across downtown Chattanooga toward the Tennessee River corridor. The on-site restaurant provides dining across multiple meal periods. The Prohibition-era bar in the lobby is the hotel's most celebrated public space, drawing both hotel guests and local residents for cocktails in a setting that evokes the speakeasy atmosphere of the 1920s. The bar has become a recognized Chattanooga dining and nightlife destination independent of its accommodation role. Chattanooga's free electric shuttle stops near the hotel, enabling car-free access to the Tennessee Aquarium, Riverfront, and other downtown attractions within a 5–10 minute walk.