Chattanooga Choo Choo

It is not bad enough of that the hotel rents subpar rooms for this property. If you have any problems they charge your credit card for there problems then proceed to get rude and hateful with you if you complain about your problems you have.
We were there for a convention and one of our beds was broken. My friend sat on the bed and feel straight to the floor and was nearly impaled by a broken board pointing straight up. He mentioned it to a maintenance person in the elevator and nothing was done about.
The hotel then charged us for the bed and refused to discuss it with us including hanging up on us numerous times! Staff is so rude. Horrible horrible experience.

Our out of town guest said it was his worst hotel stay in the continental United States. And he is not a high-​maintenance person. Yikes!

My family and I stayed here overnight for a friend’s wedding. Unfortunately the Choo Choo was was not what we expected especially for the price of $ 140 per night. It wasn’t very clean, one of the beds was broken, there was a barking dog in the room down the hall and the walls were paper thin. I understand it is a tourist attraction but it is way overpriced for the room quality. We concluded that the Choo Choo was not cha cha, just Ching Ching.

This place looked like it would be a unique place to stay when looking on Hotel Tonight. It even came with a «solid» recommendation from them.
Normally I’d check Unilocal before, but we had a fussy baby and needed somewhere to stay on our way to Florida.
Walking in the lobby is incredible and staff was very pleasant. Stacey handled out very short visit as well as she could have.
Got to our room and it was very dated but seemed to have charm. It is an old hotel after all. I left to get our bags while my wife got the baby ready for bed. Upon my return she was standing in the hallway, evidently she found a bunch of ants in the bathroom along with hair on the bed and pillow cases. The bathtub was also grimy as well.
Made a phone call to the front desk requesting a new room and noticed that our phone said 126 on it when we were in room 227. Not a huge deal, but got me all confused when they asked what room we were in.
She promptly sent up someone with a key to a new room and I figured our adventure for the day was over. To my despair the next room also had bugs in the sink as well as a stray ant in the bathroom as well. Feeling defeated I just called hotel tonight back to request a refund and promptly booked a new room at the Hampton Inn a mile or so away.
Don’t waste your time here until the alleged renovations are completed.

Edit: I have decided to update my review since the manager has gone out of his way to try to make things right. We spoke this morning and he has offered to reimburse some of the cost of our stay and basically do whatever he can to make us happy. I do believe if I would have been able to address the issues with him or the staff during our stay they would have tried to accommodate us. He mentioned the hotel is going through some renovations, so perhaps with some improvements this hotel experience will be better. My advice would be to address any issues you may have with him or the staff. It would be nice to support them and try to help restore what really is an architectually beautiful building.
Despite the multitude of poor reviews, I foolishly decided to book the Queen Train car for our family because I thought the train car experience would be fun for our kids VS a standard hotel room. The train car had a queen bed and a day bed with a pull out trundle. As soon as we walked into the car we knew we were in trouble. It had a terrible musty smell and was poorly ventilated. The bottoms of my children’s socks were literally black after playing on the carpet for a short time. The covers on the queen bed looked ancient, dirty, and uncomfortable. Something you would expect at a shady Motel. The day bed mattress was very uncomfortable. My 2 year old slept on it and was whimpering all night as the springs were poking into her back. The bathroom was run down and also dirty. The tub/​shower had staining at the bottom and a couple spiders living there. The toilet was micro sized and was next to a wall that was cracking with rust spots. I did not have high expectations, but at $ 200 a night, you expect the place to be at least clean. The train car is also TERRIBLY noisy. There is actually a notice inside the train car warning patrons of the carrying of sounds. You can hear EVERYTHING going on around you ALL night. This warning would have been nice to have when I booked the room, not after! The folks in the lobby were nice enough and the lobby itself is quite charming. I should have complained and booked else where but we did not have time to make other arrangements. We were trying to get to the Polar Express train ride at the TV Railroad Museum and we were only there 1 night. I should also mention that while there was WiFi it was SUPER slow. It was basically unusable despite decent signal strength and easy access. I did email the manager (per his request on the checkout note) of our experience. I would have liked to get some of our issues looked at and some of our money back. But alas, he never responded. His inbox is probably filed with letters like mine. Save yourself an uncomfortable night and check out other accommodations.

My husband and I booked a room here on a whim as we were passing through. After reading some of the other reviews I have to admit I was worried. Now that we are here I’m so glad we didn’t pass by.
We didn’t stay in a train car so I can’t speak to those accommodations but our room suited us just fine. The carpet and pictures on the walls were updated and the room was clean. The staff was friendly and accommodated a personal request.
We ordered a pizza and some beers on one of the train cars and it was quite charming. We enjoyed a walk around the grounds including a pretty garden area with fountains.
I would stay here again if we were in the area.

I had volunteered at an event across from the Chattanooga ChooChoo earlier this year. I was very intrigued by the idea of the hotel and theme that I decided to book it for my boyfriend and I. I had read some of the reviews previously to booking but it truly looked like it would be a cool experience so I ignored the reviews and called.
When I first arrived and walked into the hotel lobby I was highly impressed. It was absolutely beautiful! The staff was also extremely friendly. It turned out that there was a mistake made with my reservation which was handled both professional and prompt. I was even more impressed.
When we walked in the room we were, rather taken back. Here is why:
— The train car was FILTHY.
— Paint chips were scattered all over the carpet from layers and layers of terrible paint jobs slopped around.
— There was rust water all down the walls of the train car, and it was still dripping in many areas. Our pillows and bedsheets were covered in many of these rust spots from the ceiling leaking.
— The previous guest’s hair was all over the bathroom and bathtub/​shower combo.
— There was a very foul smell of some sort. We never were able to figure out what it was.
— No matter what the temperature was set at, it was beyond freezing.
— The blankets & sheets had the texture of a hospital paper gown.
To be honest. The list goes on and on.
We had planned on booking one of their Christmas train car dinner tours when we checked out the following morning. We opted to skip that and will not be returning. We have many trips to the Chattanooga area and will be booking elsewhere. It truly is unfortunate that something with so much possibility can be treated and executed so poorly.
I also was deeply disturbed to see a Chattanooga ChooChoo employee trolling Unilocal and commenting on the positive reviews practically bashing those that did not have a wonderful experience. I wish I had seen that previously, as it alone would have caused me to not book and saved me the $ 218.00. Chattanooga ChooChoo should be taking the good with the bad and using the bad as a possible learning experience. Not behaving in childish antics.

I’m disappointed to be leaving such a low review for a place I really, really wanted to love. As I’m dating a train enthusiast and am personally a fan of all things «old» and reinvigorated, staying in a train car was definitely something we were looking forward to this past weekend.
When we checked in there was a gorgeous christmas tree up in the lobby and Santa (!!!) was hanging out with some of his «elves» to take pictures with the little kids. The lobby was absolutely stunning when adorned with christmas decorations, and the staff members responsible for checking us in were very friendly and helpful.
While the hotel staff was kind and accommodating, sleeping in the train cars was an uncomfortable experience due to the noise level and the worn out mattress/​bedding. I understand that staff have done all they can to sound-​proof the cars, but it was a very loud and sleepless night for my boyfriend and I as we were back-​to-​back with a family traveling with infants, and we heard all the drunk revelers returning to their rooms throughout the evening. Furthermore, the hotel breakfast was grossly overpriced for such a low quality breakfast — the eggs, sausage and gravy were all cold by the time we sat down to eat at approximately 6:45am when breakfast was but out at 6:30am. For two adult buffet meals (we couldn’t even finish a first plate, it was that unappetizing) and two orders of coffee, our bill came to over $ 30. When I saw that ticket on our table my jaw dropped, but shame on me for not asking about pricing before we dined. Had I known the expense I would have opted to eat on the road for far, far less. I cannot speak to the quality of the other restaurants on the property, but this one was lacking. Severely.
I really, really wanted to love this experience — and I’m glad I gave it a chance — but for the prices we paid throughout our trip the quality of food and accommodations was sub par. The hotel staff was outstandingly friendly and helpful, so major points on that front for the Choo Choo. I understand that the property is undergoing extensive reservations, and perhaps my man and I will be back in the future to give things another shot, but in the meantime I would (sadly) recommend to potential guests to lower their expectations should they stay her in the interim.

I purchased two Groupons to stay at this hotel. I was curious about it. I knew it was on the national register of historic places. The Christmas decorations were up and the lobby was lovely. Our room in the McArthur building was remodeled and very nice. This building also has a nice lobby and a decent sized indoor pool.
The bed was a little hard for me but other than that we loved our stay. The comedy club on the property was a treat. I would definitely come back!
The staff was very helpful and friendly. And I got to hug Santa!

I recently stayed at the Chattanooga Choo Choo, and what is now called the Empress Building was more aptly named Hotel 3 just a few weeks ago. Take note that there is no photo of the outside of the Empress on their website (see my photo posted). At the time I booked my room, I thought I would be staying on-​site. When I checked in, I was given a map and told to drive to Hotel 3. It was creepy as could be back there and dated. I felt like I had been tricked into staying at a Motel 6. There must be better accommodations in the area. The upside is that it is next door to the Terminal Brewhouse which served a great black bean burger.

I feel as if I’ve stayed somewhere in an alternative universe reading others’ reviews. I did not experience any negativity while staying at the Chattanooga Choo Choo with my family.
We traveled in September to stay the night in a Victorian train car with our boys. When we arrived, I was greeted by the hotel staff. They are currently undergoing renovations, but the opening is astounding. We scored in receiving free tickets for our family of five to the local minor league baseball game that night. Took the free shuttle to the game. Came home went to bed and went to Ruby Falls and Rock City the next day. Maybe i am colored by the fabulous time with my family, but I gave it five stars. The kids also said the pool was awesome.

I’m an old house person. And I love repurposed things from the past that take on a new life in the present. So imagine my delight when I found out that a recent road tour I was on was going to take me to a renovated train station where I could actually sleep in an old train car, many dating back to the early 20^th century.
We pulled in Chattanooga in the afternoon up to the historic train station. I loved that this was one of the very first train stations that were saved across the county reminding people of an era gone by. The actual station is the reception area and they are under going an $ 8 million renovation so things are a little out of place. I also think that it is going to take a lot more than $ 8 million to get this place up to the level that it deserves. That money will probably be gone just to re do the public spaces.
But I digress. The Chattanooga Choo Choo is located on 24 acres of land and has two hotels a couple of pools and rows and rows of vintage train cars that you can actually spend the night in. It needs renovation. All of it. The main spaces feel like the 1970’s, one of the pools was closed and the hotels look like something out of the old Soviet block.
My room was in one of the train cars. While I loved the concept, it just wasn’t good because it didn’t feel clean. The bathroom was abysmal with peeling paint and rust (although the shower had decent pressure), the upholstered chairs were sticky, and there were a couple of flies in my room. Also– there are blinds on all the windows which were coated in an inch of dust. Guess it didn’t matter to raise them as all the windows have a film on them so you can’t see out anyway.
On the positive side– the bed had fresh linens on it and was pretty comfortable. And the wifi worked well in the room. And given it was almost 100 out, I was thrilled that the air conditioning worked quite well. And some that I traveled with had better looking rooms than I did so maybe it’s the luck of the draw.
The staff was a mixed bag. I felt that there were way too many rules when we checked in (they even print them up for you) and the front desk staff wasn’t all that helpful when we asked where to get gas. But there was one gentleman who was great (I wish I had gotten his name but he was one of the guys riding around in a golf cart) Not only did he tell us the best place to park, but told us where to get gas AND suggested a place for lunch. He also liked my car which was nice of him to say.
The other thing they were great at was maintenance requests. In addition to some of my other issues, I had two light bulbs out in my room. I called the front desk and within 5 minutes a maintenance guy was there fixing the problem. Loved the service.
So does this place have potential? It does. It just needs a little TLC and a lot more money than they are planning to spend. But I hope they pull it off. For if you can look past the dirt, the dust and all the things that need replacing, this place has a soul. It has a history that most places lack today. It just needs someone to love it enough to find that soul and bring it back to life.
Old house people have a motto to «leave it better than you found it». I hope that is the case with the renovation of the Chattanooga Choo Choo hotel.

I would give it zero stars if possible.
What should be a complimentary breakfast is $ 30. The management is rude. You are harassed if you use the facilities, or the pool.
Not worth it. Don’t do it. Stay ANYWHERE else.

Very, very mixed review here. If you stay in the hotel building itself (not the train cars), expect something that doesn’t even measure up to your local Motel 6. It’s dirty, old, and in very bad repair. Strangely, the pool is quite nice. However, do stay in the train cars for a unique experience that is also great for kids. Such a cool novelty. The hotel bar is excellent, as is the daily breakfast. There is a quaint coffee shop, and the opportunity to sit in one of the most historic and nostalgic spots in Chattanooga. Walk the grounds, and enjoy a very good dinner in the attached restaurant. Renovations to the hotel are underway. Fingers crossed.

DO NOT stay at this hotel. I wish I had read the prior reviews before staying there. The hotel had such promise of charm and history by looking at the website, and my 4 year old son was super excited to sleep overnight in a train car. Reality was a totally different story.
Here is a few of the things wrong with my room (764): A lot of black mold in the shower and on the bathroom tile floor. Cracked bathroom tiles. Stained toilet. Blinds dusty and the metal car almost rusting through at the window seams. But the worst — BLOOD STAINS on my linen. I did talk to the manager on duty (Lydia?) the night I stayed and I told her directly, «You should be ashamed to be charging the rates you are for these rooms.» To her credit she quickly volunteered to knock 50% off my bill… but it wasn’t enough to change my thought about this hotel.
$ 8 million investment on the property going on right now? No amount of money will cover up the properties inept performance from the staff, the lack of management oversight, or the desire to save money by not cleaning the facilities properly. DO NOT stay at this hotel. You’ve been warned.
UPDATE after receiving multiple PMs:
The manager and I talked on the phone and he said he wanted to make it right, and wanted me to come back and stay a night on him. I told him I was not interested in returning to the hotel. After telling me about the current renovation, I say I’ll come back ONCE DONE to re-​evaluate the property (on his dime). He agreed.
Until things radically change, I maintain my first statement: DO NOT stay at this hotel.

The Chattanooga Choo Choo is an old area landmark, and I had not been inside in at least 10 – 15 years. However, after having a delicious lunch at the Terminal restaurant next door, my sister-​in-​law, husband, and I took a quick tour.
The front lobby still feels very stately and grand, but as I looked around the large room, I wondered if the chairs and sofas were the same furniture that was there when I visited many years prior. We walked beyond the lobby to the restaurants and shops, and I was surprised to see that it was all shut down. There seems to be extensive renovation occurring, which was visible from the exterior, and I hope that the Choo Choo can re-​build its restaurant and touristy shop clientele once the spaces are re-​opened.
We were intrigued by the ability to occupy a train car for the evening. Though we tried to snoop around a little bit, everything was obviously under lock and key. I would love to take a tour of one of the rooms in the future, though the number of (sadly) negative reviews of the train cars would discourage me from personally paying to stay in one myself.

Oh why oh why did i NOT read the comments before i booked this place! This place is horrible!
The train car had the worst musky smell and nasty moldy bathroom. We should have know from the rude check-​in experience that this hotel is going to be bad.
If you HAVE to stay in this motel, bring clorox wipes and your own sheets. I was itchy all day since we stayed. Now i must burn my clothes. one word to describe this place? YUCK.

CHOO CHOO!
I love trains because they always connect me to my son who has always had a fascination with them. We visited this hotel so that we could find a souvenir for him. While they have some gift shops that are located in a separate building, they were way overpriced and did not have what we needed. On the other side of the hotel’s dining room, we noticed that there was a small, easy to miss gift shop that had just what we were looking for at a more than reasonable price.
After looking at the reviews for this hotel, I am shocked that people would actually stay here as it is clear that it is not fit for habitation. It has great potential and beautiful details but needs a good scrubbing and extensive renovation. I was told that it is currently being renovated and that is why the dining area is now closed. A hotel of this magnitude deserves to be restored to its full glory or sold to a more responsible owner.
It is embarrassing that this once elegant landmark has been allowed to fall into such disrepair. Someday, I do hope to see it fully restored to it’s previous elegance.

Not that great of a hotel for it to be famous.
We didn’t get a room in a train car like we thought we were getting. We got an old runned down room. It was next to the indoor pool. We smelt chlorine all night long (strong) and I coughed alllllll night… Not a great experience.

So to start this off, we did not stay at the hotel. We went for a day visit to see the train exhibit and gardens. Glad we didn’t stay the night expecting more. This place is run down and in need of updates. I took my toddler who was not impressed with anything except the water fountains in the garden.
I paid $ 3 for the trolley ride and she rode free. The history lesson was nice and the trolley was neat. I guess that was about the highlight for my day. The gift shops seemed reasonable and parking was free. Other than that there wasn’t much else going on… Maybe we went on the wrong day/​time.
We didn’t go to the train museum/​exhibit. The lady on the phone said it would take about an hour and I didn’t think my daughter would enjoy that part, so I have no insight on that.
Would I go back? Meh. Although it was pretty inexpensive as a day trip, there wasn’t much to do. I might go back if friends came in from out of town and wanted to see The place, other than that, I don’t plan on going back any time soon!