The Oliver Hotel

The Oliver Hotel, a Michelin Key Selected property in Knoxville, United States, consistently garners high praise for its blend of historic charm and modern luxury. Guests frequently highlight its exceptional service, prime location, and thoughtfully designed spaces, making it a standout boutique destination in downtown Knoxville.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The Oliver Hotel is widely regarded as "wonderful" and "exceptional" by guests, with ratings of 9.3 out of 10 on Booking.com based on 115 reviews and 9.3 out of 10 on Priceline based on 260 reviews. The general sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with many guests stating they loved "everything" about their stay, from the property's history and beautiful renovation to the dining experience, comfort, location, and the warm welcome from the staff. It is often described as a "boutique gem" with a unique and chic atmosphere.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud The Oliver Hotel for several key aspects:

• Service & Staff: The hotel boasts "stellar staffing" and an "outstanding staff" known for their "warm welcome" and helpfulness. Reviewers frequently mention staff being friendly, accommodating (even with last-minute travel changes), and efficient. The staff consistently receives high ratings, including 9.7 on Booking.com and 9.8 for Staff & Service on Hotels.com.
• Location: Its "prime location" in "Knoxville city center" is a major draw. The hotel is "right inside Market Square," placing guests just steps away from bustling attractions, restaurants, and entertainment. It's considered an "unbeatable" location for exploring downtown Knoxville. Location scores are exceptionally high, with 9.8 on Booking.com and a perfect 10 on Priceline.
• Design: Housed in a beautifully restored 1876 building, the hotel blends historic character with modern elegance and Southern hospitality. Guests describe the property as "adorable and so chic" with a "unique hotel and bar" and "art deco decor." The interiors are noted for their warm, welcoming, intimate, and elegant feel.
• Amenities: The Oliver Hotel offers a range of modern amenities including a fitness center, free WiFi, a business center, and 24-hour front desk service. Guests also appreciate the room service, valet parking, and thoughtful touches like locally roasted coffee in rooms and minibars with some complimentary items.

3. Room Quality

The hotel features 28 "thoughtfully designed rooms" and suites, offering 4-star comfort. Guests frequently describe the rooms as "spacious" and "comfortable," with some noting them as "very large."

Room amenities include air conditioning, private bathrooms (often with a separate toilet and shower), flat-screen TVs, tea/coffee makers, refrigerators, work desks, and free toiletries. Pillowtop beds with down comforters and premium bedding, along with a pillow menu, contribute to guest comfort.

The design elements incorporate crown moldings, stately tufted headboards, Midcentury modern furnishings, and custom artwork, creating an eclectic yet sophisticated ambiance. Room sizes vary, from Queen rooms at 200-300 sq ft to King Suites ranging from 475-600 sq ft, and even the luxurious Oliver Suite overlooking Market Square. Comfort is rated highly at 9.4 on both Booking.com and Priceline, while cleanliness scores 9.6 on Booking.com.

4. Dining Experience

The Oliver Hotel offers a diverse and acclaimed dining experience with three distinct establishments:

• Oliver Royale: An upscale New American restaurant open for dinner nightly and brunch on Fridays through Sundays. Executive Chef Darin Hoagland sources seasonal ingredients from local purveyors, and the restaurant features an extensive drink menu with a particular focus on whiskeys and bourbons.
• Peter Kern Library: A popular speakeasy cocktail bar hidden behind the lobby. Known for its "speakeasy vibe," dark wood, fireplace, and cocktails named after literary characters, it offers a "warm and cozy atmosphere where time seems to stop."
• Tupelo Honey Cafe: A more casual modern Southern comfort-food establishment located at the base of the hotel. It serves scratch-made, responsibly sourced Southern food for brunch, lunch, and dinner, with American cuisine, vegetarian, and vegan options available.

Guests frequently praise the "cocktails and dining experience" at the hotel, and room service is noted as "excellent."

5. Service & Staff

The service and staff at The Oliver Hotel are consistently highlighted as a major strength. Reviews repeatedly mention "outstanding staff," a "warm welcome," and staff that are "friendly and helpful at every turn." Guests appreciate their accommodating nature, such as assisting with changed travel plans due to flight cancellations. The staff's attentiveness contributes significantly to the positive guest experience, reflected in their high ratings for staff (9.7 on Booking.com and 9.8 on Hotels.com).

6. Location & Accessibility

The Oliver Hotel boasts an "unbeatable" central location in the "Downtown Knoxville district." It is literally "just steps from bustling Market Square" (656 feet or a 5-minute walk).

Key attractions within easy walking distance include:

• East Tennessee History Center (2-minute walk)
• Charles Krutch Park (10-minute walk)
• Sunsphere Tower (7-minute walk)
• University of Tennessee Neyland Stadium (1.1 to 1.6 miles away)

The hotel is approximately 12 miles from McGhee Tyson Airport. For transport, a bus stop (Summitt Hill WB Past Gay St) is a 10-minute stroll away. Parking is available for a fee, including paid off-site private parking and valet parking services. Public parking is also available at the adjacent Market Square Garage.

7. Value & Pricing

While The Oliver Hotel is a 4-star property and a Michelin Key selection, offering boutique luxury, its value for money receives a solid 8.9 rating on Booking.com. Some guests have noted that pricing can be "slightly high compared to nearby options". However, the majority find the property beautiful and its central location well worth the cost. Room prices can range broadly, from approximately $121 to $1928, depending on the room type and booking conditions, with typical starting rates often around $121 or $270.

8. Common Complaints

Despite the overwhelmingly positive feedback, a few minor recurring issues have been mentioned:

• Pillows & Towels: Some guests found the pillows "too puffy" for their liking, and a few noted that the bath "towels were rough and stiff." The hotel has acknowledged this feedback and stated they are working on improvements.
• Parking Fees: While valet parking and other parking options are available, the associated fees can be "frustrating" for some guests, although the hotel explains these fees help ensure secure access in a high-demand downtown area.
• Minor Room Issues: One guest reported an "issue with our shower," but highlighted that the staff "did a great job accommodating" to resolve it.

Sources

1. booking.com
2. priceline.com
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4. theadventuristmagazine.com
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6. hotelknoxville.net
7. theoliverhotel.com
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9. michelin.com
10. visitknoxville.com
11. momondo.com
12. travelocity.com
13. oliverroyale.com
14. knoxville-hotels.net
15. theoliverhotel.com
16. trip.com
17. theoliverhotel.com
18. michelin.com
19. downtownknoxville.org
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