Engage your senses with Personal Luxury
Repurpose or destroy? Time passes. Times change. Too often with buildings the answer is destroy. Happily, that didn’t happen to the 1982 World’s Fair office building in Knoxville, TN that’s now The Tennessean Hotel (https://www.thetennesseanhotel.com/).
Outside it looks pretty much as it did in 1982, but inside it’s an entirely different story. Their “Personal Luxury” approach begins as soon as you arrive and continues throughout your stay.
Turn your vehicle over to Valet Parking when you pull up and don’t think about it again until it’s time to head home. Of course you can park in a nearby lot, if you prefer, but it’s nice to know your vehicle is secure and being looked after. And if you’re like me and forget something in the car, someone from Valet will retrieve it for you and drop it off at your room.
More reasons to Valet:
- Whatever you want to do in town is within walking distance.
- Free Trolley (Map) running four or five routes is picked up right outside the hotel.
- Don’t want to wait for a trolley, take advantage of their complimentary, luxury Black Car service.
- There are 112.5 miles of paved greenway and natural trails (Map).
My husband and I both appreciated the boutique feel and elevated service at The Tennessean. A soothing color palate of beiges and blues, accented in yellow/gold and a touch of black throughout sets the tone. Add the intentional effort at setting themselves apart from the ordinary by offering touches of personal luxury that will engage all your senses, and you have a wonderful getaway experience.
After checking in and freshening up a bit, we headed to The Drawing Room for Tea Service. It was absolutely wonderful! Three tiers of scrumptious made-in-house savory and sweet treats were served with specialty teas. Not just served. Served on gorgeous Wedgewood Bone China trimmed in 24k gold. Even though it’s dishwater safe, they wash every piece by hand!
Everything was delicious! I was happily surprised by the Chocolate Covered Strawberries that had been soaked or macerated before being dipped in chocolate. No more biting into a red strawberry only to find an white, unripe interior. My favorite tea was their Signature Sweet Peach Noir. A party for the senses!
They are planning a series of very special Tea Service events. Next up is the Princess Tea Service on July 31st. Bridal Tea Service is available as their take on a special Bridal Shower.
Princess Tea Service
“Calling princesses of all ages! You are invited to enjoy tea and assorted beverages, along with a variety of tea sandwiches, scones, pastries and desserts. Don’t miss a photo opportunity with our princesses and take away a special gift to remember the day. This tea service will be an event your family will cherish for years to come.
Seatings Available at 12:30PM and 2:30PM”
Tea Service, Breakfast, and Drinks are all served in their luscious Drawing Room. Take a moment to look at and feel the custom designed napkins depicting Knoxville that are imported from France. It’s especially posh in the evening for cocktails when the lights are low and conversations are muted.
Afterwards we took a couple of the free trolley routes to get oriented. Loved my first look at much of the Univeristy of Tennessee campus. Then walked all over town – historic Old City, Gay St, and Market Square. Did a little shopping, had dinner, and checked out a couple rooftop bars before heading back to the hotel.
Our corner room was spacious and comfortable. Two of the walls were mostly glass, giving us a great view of the Worlds Fair site and Sunsphere. Someone did an excellent job refitting the building with luxurious bathrooms.
Of course I had to feel the bed linens and thick, fluffy towels. I’ll admit to doing a few horizontal jumping jack moves after slipping into bed. Their bed linens have that luxury feel as they should since they’re also imported from France.
For families who are okay sharing a room, consider spacious their “Executive King/King”. For groups and events, definitely check out the Governor’s Suite! Multiple bedrooms, kitchen, dining room, living room with baby grand piano. Word is, a number of celebrities have stayed in this suite.
Both of us being kind of geeky, we turned the Tennessee River/Water themed interior into a scavenger hunt of sorts. Throughout our stay, we spotted themed carpets, lighting (sconces, table lamps), map murals above bed headboards, and art. It’s not overdone, though. The most unique theme expression is in a lobby lounge area, and comes in the form of a “wall of books” bound in a way that the book spines creates a beautiful stylized map of the Tennessee River meandering through Knoxville. See HOTEL PHOTOS here.
Epicurean Notes:
- Knoxville is an easy two hour drive from Asheville.
- UT football fan? Check out The Tennessean’s Luxury Football Experience! “Kick off game-day with our brunch menu options and Mimosa Bar before loading a luxury motor coach for complimentary transportation to and from the game.”
- A getaway to The Tennessean Hotel isn’t just for couples. Think girl’s getaway, a football getaway, family time, basically any kind of getaway.
- The most common thing heard in Knoxville these days is, “I had no idea all of this was here!”
The Tennessean Hotel
531 Henley St
Knoxville, TN 37902
Sponsored
