The Country 'Vampire' Inn

[Bird's Nest]

Just had to share our experience...

Last weekend we had plans to go to Chattanooga, TN because our sons were rowing in the Head of the Hooch. This is the second largest rowing regatta held in the US each year. Very big deal for Chattanooga.

We had been trying to figure out a way to take the Airstream and just could not make it feasible. So, at a late date I was trying to book a hotel. My search for nice hotels came up empty handed. Ditto for the mid-range. I called direct, used on-line travel services and on-line hotel sites. Nothing.

So, I lowered my expectations and distance from down-town. The only TN hotel vacancy that came up was at a Country Hearth Inn & Suites. The name was nice, the website was nice, but the price was scary. Less than $40/night.

I was desperate and booked a room.

When we arrived on Friday night I as on the computer trying to find a room as soon as we pulled into the parking lot. It was that bad.

We decided to check in anyway. There was a lot of construction. We passed abandoned cars in the parking lot. The security door was broken, there was trash in the halls and elevators. It smelled like smoke even in our "Non-smoking" room. We wouldn't even sit on the bed! Out came the computer and, thank goodness they had free wi-fi. We booked a Holiday Inn Express in GA and left without checking out.

We met a couple cleaning rooms on our way out (I think they were the owners) and they were surprised we were checking out so fast. I guess it was a quicker than usual turn around even for this hotel!

We left laughing and Dave Dubbed it the Country Vampire Inn. I added "Where you check in, but never check out."

We have another "hotel" weekend coming up and I hope we do not have a repeat performance.

We sure prefer bringing our own accommodations with us!

[Foiled Again]

Did you try the Chattanooga Choo-Choo? Years ago, they had RV sites and conventional rooms, but of course things could have changed. You could get room service in your trailer or moho.

Paula

Just checked on the internet and made a phone call. Holiday Inn is no longer running the Choo-Choo - and of course they couldn't provide me with a direct number to the hotel. I can't find anything new on the internet yet, but I rather doubt that the hotel will be closed. It's built over the old train station which has become a museum of old pullman cars, etc. If a member in Chattanooga could chime in that it's still in business, I'd like to put it on my summer itinerary.

[Mike Leary]

Originally Posted by Foiled Again

You could get room service in your trailer or moho.

KOA, are you listening?

[Bird's Nest]

Yes, we tried the Choo Choo and many other big and little inns. All booked. Rowing teams are enormous. They came from from all four corners of the US and at least two teams were from Canada.

Sub 24 hour trip. Boondocking would have been the only option to take the Airstream, but down-town Chattanooga is not a friendly place for a GMC 2500 with a 28' trailers.

We have checked out three of the local campgrounds and stayed at one. They were all pretty sub-par.

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by Foiled Again

Did you try the Chattanooga Choo-Choo? Years ago, they had RV sites and conventional rooms, but of course things could have changed. You could get room service in your trailer or moho.

Paula

Just checked on the internet and made a phone call. Holiday Inn is no longer running the Choo-Choo - and of course they couldn't provide me with a direct number to the hotel. I can't find anything new on the internet yet, but I rather doubt that the hotel will be closed. It's built over the old train station which has become a museum of old pullman cars, etc. If a member in Chattanooga could chime in that it's still in business, I'd like to put it on my summer itinerary.

They are indeed still in business, you can either stay in a conventional room, or a railroad passenger car:
Chattanooga Choo Choo
1-800-872-2529

You can tell them I sent you, maybe they've stopped having nightmares about our last visit there...