Steeped in history and reminiscent of an Adrianus Eversen painting, the Mayor’s Mansion Inn offers accommodations right in the beating heart of Chattanooga. With three levels and room to live comfortably, the 1897 mansion exudes Southern charm at every turn, from the hand-laid parquet floors to the Victorian gables that solidify the bed and breakfast’s stoned curves. The inn that once faced battle and survived now stands strong, witnessing the beauty of the historic Fort Wood District.
This Victorian Romanesque home established its name when former owner Edmond G. Watkins was elected mayor of the Scenic City. It was Watkins’ desire to create a place just as unforgettable as the city of Chattanooga itself. The cozy inn now features a spiral staircase, a peaceful library with a wide selection of literature, and a private garden, and its Fort Wood ballroom breathes an elegance ideal for weddings and corporate events. Victorian windows allow the sun and trees to peek inside, while the classic color palette and wallpaper give presences without being overpowering. Embodying all the forms of the small living things that one may need while optimizing a Victorian lifestyle functionality, the inn has become its own accessory in what makes Chattanooga so intriguing.
Guests have their choice of five charming rooms and six luxurious suites, each with its own private bath, and each room has been given a name unique to Chattanooga – allowing local history to linger in the halls of the inn. While furnishings vary from room to room, items such as canopy beds, tapestry fabrics, hand-stitched chairs, and antique vanities instantly transport guests back in time. These heirloom treasures, combined with modern amenities including Wi-Fi and cable TV, make any stay a memorable one. The inn also provides bicycles so that guests can easily access and enjoy some of the best eateries, locally owned stores, and art that Chattanooga has to offer, and complimentary parking is available on-site.
Served in the Tiffany room each morning beginning at 8 a.m., the inn’s complimentary three-course breakfast is a highlight of many guests’ stay. The seasonal menu features Southern fare prepared with fresh ingredients and might include everything from cinnamon swirl waffles and eggnog French toast to slow-roasted beef hash and hash brown frittatas. The chef-selected menu is posted daily, providing guests the opportunity to request adjustments based on allergies and dietary restrictions.
The Mayor’s Mansion Inn offers the perfect locale for a romantic getaway as well. The inn has three romance packages – Silver, Gold, and Platinum – each including champagne or wine complemented with an exciting evening sightseeing downtown Chattanooga on the Southern Belle riverboat. As the packages vary, so do the pleasantries with the promise of chocolate-covered strawberries and a couple’s massage.
Boasting an enviable location, the inn is only blocks away from some of Chattanooga’s most-loved sites and attractions. Guests can catch a show at the Tivoli Theatre, walk the pedestrian-friendly Walnut Street Bridge, or try their hand at rock climbing at High Point Climbing and Fitness. The Tennessee Aquarium showcases no less than 12,000 animals representing almost 800 different species from the mountains to the seas, while the Hunter Museum of American Art displays stunning architecture and exciting temporary and permanent artworks. On nearby Lookout Mountain, icons of the city such as Rock City and Ruby Falls attract guests in all seasons.
For an authentic Chattanooga experience, live like a local and stay at the Mayor’s Mansion Inn.
