TL;DR

Historic charm: Former 1876 bakery with a modern, chic interior design.
Unique atmosphere: Peter Kern Library speakeasy and curated geometric/artful touches throughout.
Limited but thoughtful facilities: Day passes to nearby YMCA; all essentials covered.
Downtown location: Steps from Market Square, Tennessee Theatre, and local dining/shopping.
Check prices here

This superbly designed Olivier Hotel in Downtown Knoxville is a nice example of a historically focused boutique.

The building in question is a 1876 former bakery that will likely not be making any lists of historic sites, but still has the charm.

The interiors are decidedly modern, in that chic apartment way that screams “my best friend custom orders coffee tables from Italy.”

It’s all geometric carpets and gallery-hung stairwells and clever touches that make the space feel lush without crowding it.

We especially love the Peter Kern Library speakeasy, all local lore, warm leather and semi-secret passwords.

The entire hotel has this kind of atmosphere – something that once was and is now still, made new for new audiences and ready to impress.

Facilities are on the limited side, but it doesn’t feel like anything much is missing.

The hotel feels like it is what it should be, a place to enjoy a uniquely Knoxville way of existence.

What are the rooms like?

Room types: Queen Singles, King Singles, modest suites, signature Suite overlooking Market Square.
Capacity: Many rooms sleep up to four; good for groups.
Decor: Whites, navies, geometric patterns; sophisticated with subtle quirk.
Amenities: Mini fridge, luxury linens, tea/coffee, snacks, suites with separate living areas.
See each room in detail here

Rooms range from 200 square foot Queen Singles to a 675 square foot signature Suite overlooking Market Square.

There are plenty of options, from King Singles to more modest suites.

More than half sleep up to four guests, and there are options for group bookings, making it a surprisingly decent spot for larger parties.

Decor is simple and sophisticated, with just enough quirk to keep things interesting.

There are plenty of whites and navies to keep things classy, with geometric patterns woven into the furnishings and plenty of royal blues that liven up the space.

Even the most basic room includes a mini fridge, luxury linens, tea and coffee, and a little snack area complete with local bourbon.

Suites have separate living areas and some of the most charming architectural features.

What are prices like?

Check prices here

And what’s the food like? Any facilities we should know about?

Dining options: Oliver Royale (New American, brunch weekends), Tupelo Honey (casual comfort food).
Speakeasy: Peter Kern Library serves cocktails with local lore and literary-inspired drinks.
Local collaboration: Offers day passes to nearby YMCA.

There are a surprising number, we think, of dining options, all of them worth a visit.

The “restaurant” restaurant is Oliver Royale, a dinner spot that offers brunch on weekends. The cuisine is New American with a lot of effort to include local produce and seasonal dishes.

Peter Kern Library, the aforementioned speakeasy, might no longer be such a secret, but still serves a mean martini.

Signature cocktails are named after famous literary figures.

Finally, there’s Tupelo Honey, the most casual option open for brunch, lunch, dinner, and happy hour.

It’s a nice spot for elevated (but not too elevated) comfort food that will leave you more happy than heavy.

Facilities might be limited, but we love a local collab, and this hotel offers day passes to a nearby YMCA.

How is the neighborhood? Anything interesting nearby?

Central location: Downtown Knoxville, steps from Market Square, shops, bars, and restaurants.
Nearby attractions: Tennessee Theatre, World’s Fair Park, Knoxville Museum of Art, Laurel Theater, Graffiti bridge.
Nature escapes: Urban Wilderness Gateway Park, Ijams Crag, under an hour to Great Smoky Mountains.
University proximity: University of Tennessee campus within walking distance.

The hotel sits solidly in the center of downtown Knoxville.

Market Square is just around the corner, where you can find bars, restaurants, shopping, and more.

You can enjoy a quick stroll at Charles Krutch Park, and enjoy the public artwork. The Tennessee Theatre is a 5-minute walk from the hotel.

Head west past the highway, and you’ll reach the World’s Fair Park. It’s about 15 minutes on foot, and a lovely place to get some fresh air.

Once you’re there, you’re less than 5 minutes from the Knoxville Museum of Art, Laurel Theater, and the Knoxville Remembers Graffiti bridge.

You’ll also be walking distance from the University of Tennessee campus. They have their own art museum and multiple event spaces.

In our humble opinion, there should be at least one car ride to nature in a vacation to Knoxville.

If you’re feeling shy, bop down to the Urban Wilderness Gateway Park or Ijams Crag for some trails or some climbing or some lake views.

Yet, if you have any energy at all, it’s completely worth the sub-hour drive to Great Smoky Mountain National Park.

It’s one of a kind worldwide, and it’s hard to get closer unless you head right into the boonies.

And what about the reviews? What did other guests think?

Some things guests liked:

“The Oliver Hotel was such a great place to stay in Knoxville. It has a great location, was clean and had a lot of charm. The decor and art work was adorable. The front desk person Chris was so helpful and responsive and gave us great suggestions where to eat and where to go in walking distance. He recommended the Oliver Royale restaurant attached to the hotel and it was so good we ate there both nights of our stay. He also recommended the attached Speakeasy bar, which was fun….”

“ The location was downtown, which made it convenient to walk to places. I was offered a glass of champagne at check-in. The hotel had a “Great Gatsby” feel. …..”