Unique places to stay in pigeon forge tn

You might be surprised to hear that there are some amazingly unique places to stay in Tennessee. From cabins to boutique hotels, and treehouses to refurbished historic sites, there are some really fun places to choose from.

Here I have picked out some of our favorite unique getaways in Tennessee whether you live here or are visiting from out of state – perfect for a staycation OR vacation! I’ve divided these accommodations into area- from Tennessee unique accommodations around Nashville, Memphis, Chattanooga, and properties that are more remote areas like the Smoky Mountains and not too close to a big city.

While most people choose to stay in the monotonous hotel chains, I picked some cool lesser-known hotels and rentals for you to choose from. Some of these hotels or Airbnbs will make your next trip the most memorable. Or, if you want a getaway in nature, make sure to check out some Tennessee treehouse rentals.

PIN THIS! Save these fun Tennessee accommodation options

  • Unique Places to Stay in Tennessee – Nashville Area
    • The Russell – East Nashville Boutique Hotel
    • Black SwanSoBro Retro Guest House Nashville
    • Germantown Inn Nashville
  • Unique Places to Stay in Tennessee – Chattanooga Area
    • Log Cabin in the Clouds
    • Private Log Cabin for Big Groups
    • The Mayor’s Mansion Inn Chattanooga
  • Unique Places to Stay in Tennessee Small Towns + Mountains
    • Refurbished Caboose on a Bison Ranch in the Smoky Mountains
    • Unique Cabin by Bear Lake
    • Under Canvas – Glamping in Tennessee
    • TreEscape Treehouse Pigeon Forge
  • Unique Places to Stay in Tennessee – Memphis Area
    • 3 Bedroom Townhouse in Downtown Entertainment District
    • ARRIVE Boutique Hotel Memphis

Unique Places to Stay in Tennessee – Nashville Area

We naturally have to start with the city with some of the most unique places to stay in Tennessee – Nashville. Nashville is one of the liveliest and most cutting-edge cities in the State – if not the whole country!

You can find tons of boutique hotels and super unique rentals and airbnbs in this city. Here are my faves! Or, if you are a view and pool person, check out my list of epic Nashville hotels with rooftop pools for summertime. Don’t forget to check out my favorite quotes and captions about Nashville for all the inspiration for your journey and pics from your trip!

The Russell – East Nashville Boutique Hotel

The Russell Unique refurbished
church hotel in east nashville lobbyThe impressive and vibrant Main Lobby (Expedia)colorful lobby unique hotels
in tennessee nashvilleColorful furniture compliments old stained glass windows! (Expedia)

Location: East Nashville

A lovely 1904 church has been turned into a trendy Nashville boutique hotel. Walking inside this brick church, you’ll second guess that you have the right location… but once inside, you’d have no idea that the vibrant and eclectic Russell Hotel was built so long ago!

Sitting on the historic East Side of town, this hotel is ideally located for people who want to explore the city and especially the downtown area.The hotel is full of colorful rooms and modern artwork, and the bar is modern and chic.

I strongly recommend checking out the photos of each room because each one is totally unique and differently designed and colored – surely one of the most unique places to stay in Tennessee! There is also a rooftop bar and pool overlooking parts of the city. It’s the perfect idea for a city break or staycation!

Black SwanSoBro Retro Guest House Nashville

SoBro Guest house unique
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in downtown nashville tennessee outdoor partySoBro Guest House Event (Photo from Expedia)unique suites in sobro guesthouse unique boutique hotel nashvilleChic Interiors (Photo from Expedia)

Location: South of Broadway, Nashville

The SoBro Guest House is a cool and modern hotel in Nashville that is growing in popularity thanks to its retro-chic suites and convenient location. It is a self-catering accommodation that is within walking distance from the Music Hall of Fame and many other popular Nashville sites – the perfect choice of unique places to stay in Nashville.

This boutique hotel is comprised entirely of suites/1-bedroom apartments in the “SoBro” part of town. This stands for ‘South Broadway” for anyone unfamiliar with Nashville!

Without a bar or restaurant in the hotel, guests are encouraged to try out all the amazing restaurants and bars in downtown Nashville. All the rooms come in bright colored decor and wallpapers, perfect for young adults who are looking to paint the town red.

Germantown Inn Nashville

Germantown Inn Nashville
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hotel outdoor fairy lights areaCharming outdoor area (Photo from Expedia)unique places to stay in
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nashville hotel room decorChic interior (Expedia)

Location: Germantown, Nashville

This bold and yet charming boutique hotel is situated in Nashville, Tennessee, and is full of character. It is a little bit far from the busy streets of the Music City – perfect for those who opt for a more quiet location but still want to be close enough to the action.

This 10-room boutique hotel is located in Germantown and puts a luxe-chic twist on a 19th-century building which still retains its charm.

It is also a refreshing change of pace from the normal hotel chain we are all accustomed to. This unique Tennessee hotel does not have a restaurant but does serve breakfast. The bar serves drinks and small snacks, but there’s plenty to explore around the area.

Unique Places to Stay in Tennessee – Chattanooga Area

Chattanooga has a lively city surrounded by gorgeous forests and mountains – which makes it the perfect area in Tennessee to find a unique stay. There are TONS of cabins in the surrounding mountains, but the city also offers some unusual places to stay as well. Take your pick of these three while I look for more to add to the list!

Log Cabin in the Clouds

log cabin in the clouds
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vrbo chattanoogaIsn’t it cute? (VRBO)amazing view from log cabin
unique accommodation tennessee chatanoogaAmazing cabin views (VRBO)

Location: 30 Minutes from Chattanooga

Not too far from Chattanooga sits this small cabin that has a fully wooden interior and an AMAZING view. The listing doesn’t say ‘million-dollar view’ for no reason! Perched high up on a hill, the views are incredible and there are hiking trails GALORE with sunset views. It’s remote and epic for a getaway.

The large porch and beds look out towards a sweeping view on one side and a forest on the other. The cabin has a large kitchen with all the appliances you need.

When you are not relaxing in the cabin, you can enjoy fishing, rock climbing, hiking, and biking in the nearby nature. You’ll only be about 30 minutes from Chatanooga – close enough to access plenty of points of interest while still being secluded. This Tennessee cabin rental is perfect for a couple – or two!

Private Log Cabin for Big Groups

unique log cabin for groups
chattanooga tennesseeLog Cabin Interior (VRBO)

Location: Just outside Chattanooga

This extra-large cabin is one of the most unique places to stay in Tennessee for large groups. Boasting 5 bedrooms and a super cool interior, it’s a great option for a Tennessee getaway with family or friends. The property is massive, yet really close to the city.

You can relax on the porch, head down to the lake, chill in the hammock, or have an evening in the enclosed hot tub on the patio. The cabin has all the rustic components of a forest getaway, while having luxurious amenities too (flat screen TV’s, fully stocked kitchen, games, and more).

The Mayor’s Mansion Inn Chattanooga

the mayor's mansion old fashioned place to stay in chattanooga mansion tennesseeHow’s that for a room to take you back in time? (Expedia)

Location: Downtown Chattanooga

The Mayor’s Mansion Inn takes a completely Victorian and Old-fashioned take on the Tennessee boutique hotel. Located in the city of Chattanooga, just outside the downtown area, it’s a unique place to stay while exploring this beautiful city.

All 12 rooms in this mansion have different old-fashioned decor that will take you back in time. You can access a snack bar and drinks on the property, but for all else you might want to walk around the area and explore Chattanooga!

Unique Places to Stay in Tennessee Small Towns + Mountains

These unique places to stay in Tennessee aren’t particularly close to any towns, but are worth checking out just the same. Some are remote in forests, while others are among the smoky mountains.

Refurbished Caboose on a Bison Ranch in the Smoky Mountains

smoky mountains unique places to stay in tennessee caboose tiny home convertedThe cute little caboose (VRBO)tiny home converted from an old caboose in smoky mountains tennesseeSpacious interior (VRBO)

Location: Buffalo Creek/Crabtree – Smoky Mountains

Yes, you read that right…. you can sleep in a refurbished train caboose as a ‘tiny home’ in the smoky mountains… on a bison ranch! This space might be small but is perfect four couples or even a family as it can fit 5 people, and a unique stay in one of the best national parks on the East Coast.

Wake up and watch the local bison roam and feed while enjoying your morning coffee. Have a barbecue and have your kids play on the custom Buffalo Creek play area complete with ziplines, climbing nets, and swings. Or explore some amazing hiking trails, go fishing, and more! It’s yet another perfect and unique tennessee getaway.

Unique Cabin by Bear Lake

bear lake cookeville cute cabinCabin Front (Photo from VRBO) unique loft cabin interior tennessee Living room + loft ladder (photo from VRBO)

Location: Cookeville

This wonderfully unique Tennessee cabin is located in Cookeville – near Bear Lake as its name suggests. It has 2 bedrooms a wonderful view of the lake. It can fit up to 5 guests; there is one regular room and one lofted room with two full beds that can be accessed by ladder (making it extra fun and unique).

The house is perfect for a small family getaway in Tennessee. It also boasts a wonderful interior where wooden furniture and beams meet modern metal ornaments. A small kitchen, living room, and outside deck make it a great place to relax and unwind. Yopu can also relax or roast marshmallows in the fire it at night!

It has 2 working spaces which makes it attractive for long-term travelers who want to work at the same time. The home also has floor heating under the concrete floor, making it ideal year-round!

Under Canvas – Glamping in Tennessee

tennessee glamping under canvas smoky mountainsInside view with some other tents outside (Expedia)

Location: Pidgeon Forge, Smoky Mountains

If you are looking for a unique glamping experience in Tennessee, Under Canvas could be for you! It’s located in a pretty remote part of the Smoky Mountains, but quite close to Pidgeon Forge if you need some amenities of a (albeit tiny and cute) town.

One of the most popular nearby attractions are Dolly Parton’s stampede (dinner), ziplining, TONS of hiking, fishing and nature, and the Comedy Barn too.

Even if camping isn’t really your thing, you should still check this place out. Some of their glamping tents are massive and luxe – some with multiple rooms and space for the whole family or friend group.

TreEscape Treehouse Pigeon Forge

The TreEscape on a snowy winter’s morning! (VRBO)

Location: Pigeon Forge/Gaitlinsburg Area

This TreEscape is one of the best unique getaways in Tennessee as it was actually built by “The Treehouse Guys” from the DIY network TV show. If you haven’t seen it, no worries; you will still be reeled in by the charm of this treehouse.

Inside the treehouse are a loft bedroom with two different sunset views from the queen-sized bed, a full bathroom, and a nice kitchen. Outside, visitors can enjoy a fire pit, grill, suspension bridge, and large view deck. It also features a romantic hot tub, a bar, and a pub with hanging chairs where you can relax and bond with your loved ones over a drink!

Unique Places to Stay in Tennessee – Memphis Area

Memphis is one of the most historical cities in Tennessee. They say it was the birthplace of Rock-n-Roll AND Blues music… which is really impressive and lends itself to the music culture in the city today. Don’t miss out on live music here OR in Nashville!

3 Bedroom Townhouse in Downtown Entertainment District

memphis unique townhouse for groups in downtown areaTownhouse living room (VRBO)

Location: Downtown Memphis

If you want a unique place to stay in Tennessee’s second music capital for groups, check out this amazing 3 bedrooms townhouse with a cool retro design (which seems to be a theme in fun tennessee accommodation). They say Memphis was the birthplace of Blues AND Rock-n-Roll… and it’s still a great time today.

Staying in this amazing townhouse will leave you just blocks away from Memphis’s famous downtown area – full of bars, restaurants, and music venues. If you are gathering a group for a unique Memphis trip – from bachelor/bachelorette or special occasions, this would be the MOST fun rental.

ARRIVE Boutique Hotel Memphis

Arrive boutique hotel
lobby memphis tennessee unique decorLobby unique decor (Expedia)cute rooms at arrive
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cool hotel memphis tennesseeDesign rooms (Expedia)

Location: Downtown Memphis

If you are looking for a unique and boutique hotel in a great part of Memphis, check out Arrive. This trendy and edgy art hotel is steps from downtown, located in a a historic building, and has all the amenities you could need.

This mid-sized boutique hotel actually has restaurants, a bar, AND a cafe right on-site if you dont feel like exploring downtown (which you still definitely should). The views from the large windows aren’t so bad either!


That’s it for the cool places to stay in Tennessee! I am always adding to my unique accommodation lists, so be sure to let me know if you have any ideas for additions to this list! Or, check out some other roundups:

  • Unique Places to Stay in Texas
  • Unique Places to Stay in Ohio
  • Unique Places to stay in California
  • Unique Places to Stay in Scotland
  • Unique Places to Stay in Bali
  • Unique Places to Stay in Tulum Mexico
  • Unique Boutique Hotels in Cozumel

… more to come soon!

Which is better to stay Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge?

All in all, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg are both incredible spots to visit. If you're looking to experience the true tourist experience of the Smoky Mountains, you'll want to visit Gatlinburg. If you're looking for an equally thrilling experience, but a little away from the crowds, Pigeon Forge is your answer.

Which is cheaper to stay Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg?

So, when it comes down to it, Pigeon Forge is generally the cheaper option when comparing lodging, activities, and restaurants.

What is the best month to visit Pigeon Forge?

The magical sweet spot to visit Pigeon Forge is from the last week of April through the end of May. The reason for this is that school spring breaks last from March until around mid-April. There is also the opening of Dollywood in March and the massive Spring Rod Run in mid-April.

Where should I stay if I want to visit the Smoky Mountains?

The most popular places for guests to stay in the Smoky Mountains are:.
Pigeon Forge..
Gatlinburg..
Sevierville..
Wears Valley..