Holiday Inn Express Athens  

In the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, just off I‑75 at Exit 49 in Athens, Tennessee. Minutes from Athens Regional Park, McMinn County Living Heritage Museum and McMinn Field, with quick drives to Watts Bar Lake, the Lost Sea and the Mayfield Dairy Farms Visitor Center.

A modern, smoke-free hotel with spacious, air-conditioned rooms that include microwaves, refrigerators and flat-screen TVs. Rooms come with desks, coffee/tea makers and free local calls, plus complimentary wireless internet so you can stay plugged in after a day on the Cherohala Skyway or exploring downtown.

Dive into the indoor pool, soak in the spa tub or hit the fitness center. Enjoy a peaceful walking trail a quarter-mile away at Athens Regional Park and free self-parking onsite. Sensory perk: easy, breezy mornings thanks to quick access to scenic drives and outdoor stops nearby.

A 24-hour business center and a 750-square-foot meeting room make this a solid pick for work trips. Complementary newspapers, dry cleaning/laundry services and wireless internet help keep meetings and prep straightforward.

Complimentary buffet breakfast is included to kickstart your day. A variety of restaurants and cocktail lounges are within easy walking distance for local flavors and evening plans.