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Jacuzzi in Room · Knoxville

Hotel Cleo, Knoxville Downtown, A Tribute

4.1 (77 reviews) $279 - $300 per night Hand-verified for 2026
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Why we picked it

"A 4.7-rated boutique Tribute Portfolio hotel above a French restaurant with design-led rooms and valet parking."

At a glance
01
A 4.7-rated boutique Tribute Portfolio hotel
02
A romantic, design-led downtown stay above a French restaurant
03
Valet parking, concierge, and evening entertainment
04
A prime Gay Street location near Market Square
05
Gorgeous, individually styled rooms and bathrooms

About The Hotel

Hotel Cleo, Knoxville Downtown, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel on Gay Street is a 4.7-rated (27 reviews) boutique Tribute Portfolio hotel in downtown Knoxville, set above the French restaurant Lilou, with valet parking, a concierge, evening entertainment, and design-led, individually styled rooms. The romantic, upscale downtown pick; it is not a pool or hot-tub property, so confirm any in-room soaking tub at booking and choose it for the boutique experience and walkable location. Guests rave about the elegantly designed rooms, the bathrooms, the prime location, and the upscale feel.

What Guests Are Saying

“The Hotel Cleo is lovely. The lobby and restaurant are elegant and welcoming, and the room was romantic and charming — quiet and comfortable. The bathroom was gorgeous and the shower divine. Perfect for a couple looking to relax and recharge.” — Bourbon_47, 5 stars

“Amazing to stay at this quaint little hotel hidden in a French restaurant. The floor and room had so much charm and space. The renovated bathroom with a huge shower was awesome, and the sitting room overlooking the city was relaxing.” — Rica, 5 stars

“Everything was wonderful: from the valet to the front desk to the bartender and French cuisine at Lilou. The spacious and comfortable room was beyond what I expected. Definitely a place I will return to.” — Ken D, 5 stars

Pros & Cons

Pros:

  • A 4.7-rated boutique Tribute Portfolio hotel
  • A romantic, design-led downtown stay above a French restaurant
  • Valet parking, concierge, and evening entertainment
  • A prime Gay Street location near Market Square
  • Gorgeous, individually styled rooms and bathrooms

Cons:

  • Not a pool or hot-tub property — confirm any in-room soaking tub at booking
  • A premium boutique price
  • A small property — books up for weekends
  • Some street noise on Gay Street on busy nights

The Location

On Gay Street in downtown Knoxville above the French restaurant Lilou, steps from Market Square and the Old City. You can find more details or book your stay on TripAdvisor.

What's at the hotel
restaurant Restaurant
local_bar Bar
newspaper Newspaper
wifi Free WiFi
wifi Internet
local_parking Valet Parking
free_breakfast Breakfast
meeting_room Meeting Rooms
smoke_free Non-Smoking
hotel Concierge
ac_unit A/C
smoke_free Non-Smoking
Location & neighborhood

Knoxville,
Knoxville.

428 South Gay Street, Knoxville, TN 37902
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Guest reviews

What guests are saying about Hotel Cleo, Knoxville Downtown, A Tribute.

4.1 out of 5· 77 reviews
★★★★★
5/5
a month ago
"From the moment we arrived, this hotel exceeded expectations. The property is beautiful and elegant, with a truly upscale feel while still being warm and welcoming. The staff was incredibly accommodating and attentive, always going out of their way to make sure our stay was perfect. The rooms were spotless, comfortable, and thoughtfully designed with a luxurious touch. The location was ideal—close to everything we wanted to see and do. Every detail, from the amenities to the service, made this stay feel special. If you’re looking for a hotel that offers comfort, sophistication, and an unbeatable location, this is the place. We would absolutely stay here again and highly recommend it"

— M. Richardson

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★★★★★
5/5
a month ago
"If I could give this hotel 10 stars I would. Ask not to be on Gay street if you want quiet. We read the reviews and knew what to ask for so we got a perfectly quiet room and I got the best sleep I’ve ever had on a trip. The hotel itself is GORGEOUS. Feels like a historic mansion with beautiful furniture and fixtures. The staff are so friendly, attentive and kind… we felt thoroughly looked after. This hotel is elegant and charming and perfectly situated within walking distance to all the shops and restaurants. We will be back, and we will tell all our friends."

— Pepper Raefin

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★★★★★
5/5
a month ago
"We enjoyed our stay at the Hotel Cleo. Our room was large and well appointed. My only note is that our bed was a bit too soft. The bathroom was spacious. The staff was friendly and attentive. We ate in the restaurant the first night of our stay. It was a bit pricey, but very convenient for us. I would definitely recommend."

— Michelle Hagan

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