Chattanooga Hotel Chalet Boutique Train Carriages – With Chattanooga’s growing popularity finding the best place to stay is becoming more challenging.  Tourists looking for a truly unique Chattanooga experience, today’s post is for you.  Let’s discover the new Chattanooga Hotel Chalet in the heart of the downtown fun. 

As a local Chattanooga travel blogger, I know all the places to stay in Chattanooga!  It’s no secret that I have been critical of the former Choo Choo Hotel.  It’s for that reason I got excited to learn the entire hotel and surrounding gardens were getting a complete makeover.    

Welcome to my local review of the downtown Chattanooga Hotel Chalet at The Choo Choo where authentic travel is found and now is a place I can 100% recommend. 

Accommodations at the Choo Choo weren’t always this glamorous.  That was until a 19 million dollar renovation and re-imaged train car accommodations made The Chattanooga Hotel Chalet the star of the show.  Steve and I were thrilled when we were invited to stay the weekend in one of these vintage train cars.

Train carriages include the sleeper deluxe depicted in this blog post.  Additional room types include the granddaddy of train carriages and the Macarthur Suite.  Traditional guestrooms can be found at the inn.  

The Hotel Chalet at the Choo Choo is in the prime southside neighborhood of downtown Chattanooga.  Guests can expect to find tons of dining, nightlife, shops, and historic places of interest.

The on-site restaurant, Elsie’s Daughter, provides amazing eats and offers a lot of special events.  Station Street, Main Street, and The Signal live concert venue are all near the Choo Choo property.

Distance to other Chattanooga top attractions include: The Aquarium, Tennessee River, Coolidge Park, Walnut Street Pedestrian Bridge, and High Point Climbing are about a 30-minute walk or a 5-minute drive.

We knew of the Chalet’s prime location, walking distance to amazing places of interest, and the best dining.  But would a stay inside one of these restored train cars be appealing?  Let’s find out!

As guests of The Chalet Hotel, we were assigned train car #28.  All restored railroad cars are painted a beautiful shade of green, and lined with elegant lighting and landscaping.

Opening the door to our railway accommodations felt like stepping back in time.  I also remember feeling that the guest accommodations and bathroom were much larger than I expected.  Yes, there is a bathroom.  I received that question most often from family and friends.

Windows inside the train cars offered an abundance of natural light.

Great use was made of the space including a king-size bed, coffee station, sitting area, and luxury bathroom.  We found the accommodations quiet despite the downtown location.  I recommend the sleeper deluxe for couples and romantic Tennessee getaways.

For those traveling with families, this particular room may be too small.  However, The Hotel Chalet does have a railway suite perfect for family vacations.

As for travelers on a budget, The Chalet boutique hotel also offers a delightful inn.  The rooms inside are also completely renovated and carry the same vintage Chattanooga Choo Choo feel.

Are you looking for pet-friendly places to book a stay in downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee?  The Hotel Chalet is one vacation spot that will cater to your four-legged friends.  Travel Tip: For adults traveling with dogs, check out the nearby Play Wash Pint dog park.

When considering where to stay on vacation, amenities are always top of my list.  Happy to say,  The Hotel Chalet is an excellent pick when considering comfort and on-site amenities.

Steve and I staycationed during the early spring months making it too cold for us to enjoy the delightful pool area.  We did notice a couple of children swimming in the pool and realized, omg the outdoor pool is heated!  How amazing is an outdoor heated pool and impossible to find at other Chattanooga resorts.

The Hotel Chatel pool is brand new and elegant to match the surrounding train cars.  The cushioned lounge chairs, umbrellas, and outdoor caboose drink bar make the space amazing.

Swim in the outdoor heated pool at the Chattanooga Hotel Chalet.

Maintain fitness goals in the fitness center while staying at The Chalet.

Enjoy amazing food and drinks at Elsie’s daughter’s restaurant.

Get some work done with complimentary wi/fi.  

Discover an effortless trip with daily room cleaning.

Bring Fido, since this 4-star Chattanooga Hotel is pet-friendly.

Besides being a vacation rental Chalet is also a premier wedding venue.

Check out seasonal events in Elsie Garden such as wine tasting, live music events, and fireside sessions.

Guests booking with The Chattanooga Hotel Chalet can plan for a lovely courtside breakfast delivered.

Elsie’s daughter is a brand new addition to downtown Chattanooga’s Southside. Steve and I had the pleasure of both dining and enjoying cocktails.  I found the main dishes to be very large and in hindsight shareable. Shown below are roasted half-chicken and curried sweet potatoes.

The menu is al-a-cart and portions are large.  Next time we dine at Elsie’s Daughter we will order more variety for sharing.  The Appalachian-inspired food at Elsie’s was fantastic and offered a lovely atmosphere.

Outdoor and indoor seating is available.  The restaurant space is quaint but when you factor in the outdoor seating there is plenty of room.

Elsie’s Daughter is also highly regarded for weekend brunch.  No matter where you booked hotel accommodations in downtown Chattanooga, TN, put Elsie’s Daughter on your dining list.

The boutique Hotel Chalet is located directly behind the historic Chattanooga Choo Choo.  The Choo Choo is a historic train terminal building that now serves as a downtown hub for all things fun.  Here you will find additional dining options, comedy shows, escape rooms, and plenty of bars.

When planning your Chattanooga, TN vacation, be sure to check out my list of the best activities and attractions.  Tourists will find many of my favorite things to do within walking distance.

The main entrance to Elsie’s Daughter is accessible via Station Street. 

Station Street is an entertainment district popular with adults seeking scenic city nightlife.  Open containers are allowed so that you can move about from bar to bar. Here you can find an entrance to the courtyard and restaurant.

I wasn’t sure what to expect before our guest stay at Hotel Chalet.  I wondered if the novelty of sleeping in a railroad car would be just that, a novelty.

I can truly say, I loved everything about it!  From the charming lobby areas to the outdoor pool oasis and vintage accommodations.  The railroad car was much larger than I expected and very chic.

Chalet offers modern amenities with a vintage charm.   My recommendation would be at least a two-night stay.  Hotel Chalet at the Choo Choo is a unique way to experience downtown. 

The railroad cars are perfect for romantic getaways, special occasions, or couples.  For more budget-friendly accommodations with all the same great benefits, consider booking a room at the inn.

For locals or those staying elsewhere, Elsie’s daughter is a wonderful place to dine and the area is my favorite downtown. 

Wishing you happy travels and fun exploring my home city of Chattanooga, Tennessee. 

Learn more about The Hotel Chalet in Chattanooga and Book today.

Address: 92 Choo Choo Avenue, Chattanooga, TN 37408 – Southside Historic District.