The Dwell Hotel

If you love the design and retro vibe, hotel owner and designer Seija Ojanpera is opening a shoppe just next door, scheduled to open in 2019. If the hotel fulfills all your mid-century dreams, the shoppe will no doubt be a must-see.

From the moment you walk into the Dwell Hotel, you know it’s something special. Unassuming from the outside, once the double oak doors open, you’re transported into a world of fantastically curated wow. The bold walls at the front desk, the neon accented sign, the smiles and offers of a complimentary round at the bar had us before we could think straight.

After our round, Nick led us to our room, the aptly named Dandelion Suite due its unique design. The King Private Balcony Suite featured a silky relaxing bed, rustic hardwood floors, private balcony, gas fireplace, chic writing desk, and the kind of bathroom you write home about. 

The renovated boutique has retained all of the building’s good bones, including original brick, tile and creaky wooden floors, which lean toward charming more than annoying. With every turn, there is a new nook with Seija Ojanpera’s quirky vintage finds: an old television with a faux aquarium inside; multi-color swag lights; the pink velvet wraparound sofa that is the site of many a saved photograph; there is nothing in this hotel you won’t want to savor.

While there is a burgeoning food scene in Chattanooga, it was hard to leave the hotel with both the swank Matilda Midnight bar serving up hand-crafted cocktails and the newly opened Solarium Cafe. The two share a killer menu with completely different vibes but be ready to feast in style with all-day breakfast, sandwiches and a lavish selection of flavorful entrees (our favorites: the Midnight Burger and the crispy duck egg rolls) resourced heavily from local makers.