Athens has a population of 13,458 and is the county seat of McMinn County. The Cherokee lived in the area at the time the first European explorers arrived. In 1819, the tribe signed the Calhoun Treaty, selling land that included all of what is currently McMinn County to the United States government. The county was then organized, and Athens was founded in 1822. Athens is between Knoxville and Chattanooga, providing easy access to both metropolitan areas.
Athens is tucked in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains near lakes, streams, and parks. The city is the home of Tennessee Wesleyan University and is known for arts, cultural, and outdoor activities, including hiking. It's a welcoming place with accommodations that will make you feel like you're home.
When are the best times to visit Athens, TN?
Athens has hot summers, so if you're looking for comfortable weather, spring and early fall are your best bets for traveling here, specifically from mid-April to the end of May and early to mid-September to the beginning of October. Average highs in summer range from 85 to 88 degrees, while April and May average highs of 71 and 78 degrees respectively. In September and October, average highs are 82 and 72 degrees respectively. Winter average highs range from 48 to 53 degrees, with average lows from 26 to 29 degrees.
June is the busiest month for tourism, followed by March and July, so book early if you're traveling in spring or summer. You could save a little by visiting in fall, but you'd save the most in winter if you don't mind cool temperatures.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Athens, TN:
Athens by Star Rating
Below we've posted 3 graphs demonstrating mean price patterns by star rating class in Athens, TN. You can use these line graphs to determine the cheapest seasons to book in Athens for your upcoming travels.
Are luxury hotels an option in the Athens, TN area?
4 Star Average Prices: $159.00
For an upscale place with more amenities and luxurious touches, try Holiday Inn Express & Suites Sweetwater in nearby Sweetwater. Your smartly decorated room will be equipped with a refrigerator and microwave, LED television with cable channels, desk, coffee/tea maker, and free Wi-Fi. After a long day of hiking or exploring, you can relax in your deep soaking bathtub. You can also take a dip in the indoor pool and work out in the fitness center. Complimentary hot breakfast is served each morning, and free newspapers are in the lobby.
In addition to standard guest rooms, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Sweetwater offers executive rooms as well as suites with separate living quarters, sofa beds, and larger flat-screen TVs with expanded cable and HD channels. At this Holiday Inn, you'll be 15 minutes from The Lost Sea Adventure and Rock Springs Golf Course.
Comfort Inn Athens offers attractive contemporary rooms and spacious suites with pleasing amenities. All the rooms have plasma televisions with cable programming, coffee/tea makers, and free Wi-Fi. Suites are spacious and have extra amenities, such as whirlpool baths and sitting areas. The hotel has a business center, free hot breakfast, and a welcoming lobby with free newspapers. You can enjoy the indoor pool and spa tub. You'll be a few minutes from Athens Regional Park and 4 miles from the McMinn County Living Heritage Museum.
Does Athens, TN have affordable hotel options?
3 Star Average Prices: $132.53
If you'll be out most of the day exploring, a basic hotel with affordable rates might be the perfect accommodation. Scottish Inns has a seasonal outdoor pool so you can cool off after a long hike. Rooms have queen or king beds and TVs with cable and HBO. Some rooms have refrigerators so you can keep snacks and drinks on hand. Complimentary continental breakfast is served each morning. You can read a free newspaper while you eat and then head to nearby Athens Regional Park.
Motel 6 Athens is another budget choice that positions you near Athens Regional Park and the McMinn County Living Heritage Museum. Rooms feature refrigerators, microwaves, desks, LED televisions with cable programming, and free wireless internet access. Motel 6 is pet-friendly so that you can bring your dog with you on your mountain adventure in Athens.
2 Star Average Prices: $85.88
Where can you find the best discounts in Athens, TN?
Seniors and AAA members can get discounted rates at Red Roof Inn Etowah – Athens, TN. You'll be 10 minutes from Ridgewood Golf Club and Cook Park, 8 miles from Heritage Park, and 9 miles from Veterans Memorial Park. Rooms come with refrigerators, microwaves, flat-screen TVs with cable programming, desks, coffee/tea makers, and free Wi-Fi. The hotel has a complimentary breakfast, a business center, a meeting room, and fitness facilities. Upgrade to a Superior Room for upscale bedding, extra pillows, and a snack box.
Econo Lodge in Athens offers senior and AAA discounts. The hotel is less than 4 miles from the McMinn County Living Heritage Museum. Affordable rates will get you a spacious room with a refrigerator, microwave, 37-inch flat-screen TV with cable, free Wi-Fi, and a deep soaking bathtub. You'll have a desk and free bottled water in your room as well. The hotel serves a complimentary continental breakfast every morning.
What are the best hotels in Athens, TN?
Days Inn is in the heart of Athens just three minutes from Athens Regional Park and other attractions in the city. The hotel is a great accommodation for the money, offering spacious rooms with refrigerators, microwaves, flat-screen TVs with cable programming, in-room tea and coffee, and free wireless internet access. The hotel provides complimentary breakfast and newspapers. Swim some laps in the large outdoor pool or catch some rays in one of the poolside chairs.
Super 8 by Wyndham Athens is highly rated among guests, who praise the convenient location, friendly service, and comfortable beds. The rooms feature refrigerators, microwaves, flat-screen TVs with premium channels, and free high-speed internet service. You can enjoy coffee both in your room and in the lobby.
Does Athens,Tennessee have activities and attractions?
The McMinn County Living Heritage Museum is a must-see attraction. Thirty permanent exhibits contain more than 10,000 artifacts that illustrate the history and culture of Southeast Tennessee from the 1700s to the 1940s. Explore the history of Native Americans in McMinn County; in the Cherokee Indian exhibit, you'll learn more about the Cherokee Removal, known as the Trail of Tears. You'll also see exhibits on the USS Charles R. Ware, African-American history, veteran history, and the Battle of Athens, in which returning World War II veterans took over the county government. The museum also offers rotating exhibits and special events.
Try your hand at one of four area golf courses: Ridgewood Golf Club, Springbrook Golf & Country Club, White Oaks Golf Course, or Willow Springs Golf Course.
You can also take the kids on a tour of Mayfield Dairy Farm to see the process of milk being bottled and try some ice cream.
FAQs about hotels in Athens
How much does a cheap hotel in Athens cost per night?
In the last year, a 2 star hotel in Athens can be as cheap as $85.88 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
How much does a 3 star hotel in Athens cost per night?
In the last year, the average 3 star hotel in Athens has been $132.53 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
How much does a 4-5 star hotel in Athens cost?
In the last year, the average 4 star hotel in Athens has been $159.00 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
What are the most popular Choice Hotels branded hotels in Athens?
Comfort Inn Athens, Quality Inn and Econo Lodge are the best rated Choice Hotels branded hotels (based on HotelPlanner reviews score).
Recent traveler reviews of Athens, TN
Below are reviews of the city of Athens, TN from an actual visitor's perspective.
"Lots to Do in Athens, Tennessee!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Lots of restaurants and places to shop. The people are really friendly here also. Lots of different things to do in Athens, Tennessee!
Chris B., from 13-May-2024
"A Pet Friendly Hotel for a Decent Price"
Score
5.0 / 5
Able to obtain decent price through 3rd party. Pet friendly is a plus.
Daphne R., from 01-Apr-2024
"Very Accommodating"
Score
4.0 / 5
We got carryout from Angela's. Nice, friendly staff! Very accommodating!
Megan H., from 01-Mar-2024
"Lovely Small Town"
Score
4.0 / 5
I just slept and had a quick dinner in Athens but it looks like a lovely small community.
Shawn P., from 05-Nov-2023
"Awsome Park Nearby!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Awesome nearby park!
Janine K., from 04-Nov-2023
"Shopping & Food!"
Score
4.0 / 5
There were shopping and food options!
Barbara M., from 30-Mar-2023
"First stay in Athens"
Score
5.0 / 5
This was my first stay in Athens. It was close to a lot of different places that we enjoyed. I found it easy to get around.
Shirley H., from 04-Nov-2013
The average traveler rating of the city of Athens, TN shown above is
4.4 out of 5 based on 7 reviews