Embassy Suites by Hilton Knoxville Downtown

The rooms were incredibly nice, and the hotel’s location is right in the center of everything. Breakfast was great, the front desk staff were friendly, and there’s both a coffee shop and bakery in the lobby. The five high-speed, futuristic elevators meant we never had to wait. Parking was easy to figure out: valet costs $35, but a city garage a block away is free on weekends and $7 a day on weekdays, with a bridge straight to the hotel. Just perfect.

The rooftop bar is a highlight, with a lovely view of downtown Knoxville, several fire features, and cool, friendly bartenders. The rooms are spacious and well kept, with a hot shower. The digital key generally works and can be shared, though my wife couldn’t open our door with the one I sent her. It wasn’t a big problem for us, but test it if you’re relying on it. The hotel is in a great downtown location, and overall it was a good stay, though I’d compare options if you want the best fit. You could stay a few blocks away and still come here for the rooftop bar at the Embassy Suites. A few arrival details caught me out. There are only three or four spaces to unload for valet, and you need to approach heading north on Gay Street. GPS usually directs you the wrong way. If you arrive heading south, they’ll have you turn around in the middle of Gay Street and come back from the other direction. I understand the reason, but backing up and turning around is annoying, and there’s no sign warning you. The valet staff were nice. Breakfast was decent, but the staff there were unfriendly and sometimes rude. When I picked up a biscuit by hand, I was told, “Use the tongs!” I asked for a takeaway box to bring breakfast to my wife, but the employee only nodded. I carried her food upstairs on a hard plate instead, which worked, though a little courtesy would’ve been nice. Late checkout was inconsistent. I asked the day before this stay and got noon instead of the usual 11, while a friend staying the same night got 1 pm. On an earlier visit, the front desk said they were “full on late checkouts,” so I’m not sure how that works.

The room was so quiet, and the blackout curtains shut out the light so well that I lost track of the time. I loved the separate room layout, the rooftop bar, and breakfast. Great location, and one of the nicest stays I’ve had in a while.

We were welcomed warmly while our football team played at Rocky top, and getting from check-in through checkout was easy. The hotel is beautiful and right in the middle of everything, so we walked to ice cream, coffee, and dinner. The rooftop reception each evening was lovely, with amazing views and strong complimentary drinks. Since the last game on Sunday ran late, we called the front desk and extended our stay to Monday without any trouble. Breakfast felt upscale, and the waffles were to die for. We loved it and plan to return.