The Ooltewah center is approximately 1 mile northeast of Summit of Softball Complex and 6 miles northeast of Erlanger East Hospital.
Ooltewah enjoys a humid subtropical climate that incorporates all four seasons — more or less. Not for nothing is Tennessee a popular destination for snowbirds flying south to avoid the bitter cold of northern winters. Although Ooltewah, and Tennessee, in general, experiences winter, it rarely ever snows. Most years, the town only experiences a day or two when the temperatures drop below freezing. The average snowfall usually falls somewhere around half an inch. It's much more common for the months between November and March to experience rain and dampness. The temperatures are mild, however, so it's not necessarily cold rain.
Spring, summer, and fall are entirely different. Summer is, of course, the hottest time of year. By mid-July, the average temperatures are 80 degrees or above, and it's not rare for them to climb all the way up to 90 degrees — or higher. Spring and fall are more moderate, but for the most part, locals can swim from May to September, if not October. That's the best way to gauge the area's seasonality.
To estimate hotel rates at any given time, you need to check the calendar for sporting events as well as the weather. Winter won't bring many winter sports enthusiasts since there's no snow to speak of, and the snowbirds generally stay in timeshares or second homes rather than hotels. However, since nearby Chattanooga is well-known for its sports culture, hotels can fill up quickly if there's a college game, the minor league team's playing a home game, or athletes are busy training for the Volkswagon USA Cycling Championships or the Ironman Triathalon. Chattanooga hosts a regatta every November, too.
Expect to pay more for your room during high-traffic times. When you visit Ooltewah, it's possible that you'll have to stay in a nearby town. Hotels all throughout the area will fill up quickly if there's a hot basketball game scheduled or if it's the week before a big event.
A variety of hotels in and around Ooltewah offer discounts to select guests. Pull out your AAA card, your driver's license, or your military ID so that you can save on your hotel and spend extra elsewhere. Even the higher tier hotels have special rates. The Hampton Inn loves veterans and members of the military, as do the Embassy Suites in the area. The Read House Historic Inn & Suites allows AAA members to enjoy a discount. Take advantage so that you can splurge on phenomenal accommodations. Hit up the Residence Inn if you're a senior on an adventure.
Discounts let you save on rates that are already low, too. The Knights Inn in Cleveland, Tennessee, has special prices for senior citizens. Americas Best Value Inn & Suites welcome seniors, too. Head to the Super 8 for military discounts. AAA members can see what kind of deals are available at the Econo Lodge.
What's the best value for you? You need to think about how long you want to stay, the nature of your visit, and where you most want to be. For example, if proximity to the airport is important, then you probably want to focus on hotels in Chattanooga. It doesn't hurt to see if they have shuttle options, as well. That way you can get to and from the airport without worrying about transportation. Marriott hotels are notoriously good about this.
Visitors who intend to stay for longer than a week ought to check out extended-stay accommodations in the area. The rates are typically available at a discount, but more importantly, you can enjoy all the comforts of home. The presence of laundry services and kitchenettes further helps you to save money because you can wash clothes and cook for yourself at the hotel.
Relaxation is the most tempting activity to indulge in during your stay in Ooltewah, and Collegedale can help with that. Take a step out of the enclave and head to one of Collegedale's many parks to enjoy a picnic or play a game of baseball. There are parks for dogs and parks for the kids, such as the Imagination Station and Pavilion. It's worth a trip to the Nature Nook, too. The amphitheater is a favorite among residents and visitors alike. Before you leave, stop to pay your respects at Veterans Memorial Park. The statues there are a popular draw.
You can also venture to Chattanooga to find entertainment. It's home to a wealth of museums, many meaningful and some quirky. The International Towing and Recovery Museum falls under that mantle, although one must remember that Chattanooga is the site of the very first tow truck. The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum is a bit less niche, and who doesn't love trains? If art museums are more your speed, then don't miss out on the Hunter Museum of American Art. Every visitor should spend time in the Chattanooga African American Museum, as well.
Although the town of Ooltewah is small, the area is diverse. You have the option of hanging out at the Tennessee Aquarium or exploring underground caverns. You're not far from the Tennessee River, either, whether you meander along the Tennessee Riverwalk or go off the trail. Keep an eye out for the "See Rock City" barns located along the highway — those are holdover pieces of classic Americana. They're meant to invite people to Lookout Mountain in Georgia, which is none too far. Head over the border, if only to buy a ticket on the Lookout Mountain Incline Railway.
Below are reviews of the city of Ooltewah, TN from an actual visitor's perspective.
Good roads that are well-marked, there are good places for groceries such as Walmart and Publix nearby along with a great selection of places to eat. It's close to Chattanooga without being in the city. In another direction not too far away is Cherokee National Forest and the Ocoee River, with outdoor activities to satisfy every need for nature. Or just drive to the Volkswagon plant exit two miles south and walk or bike at Enterprise Park, complete with a dog park for your pooch and nice visitor center to educate you about the local flora and fauna. A couple miles further south is all the shopping one could ask for. Ooltewah is a real gem.
This location provides relief from the traffic in Chattanooga and quick, easy access to I-75 north.
It was nice town everything was convenient.
Staff was super helpful. Room was clean. Visit Cambridge Square in Ooltewah for a variety of good food, drinks, and shopping!
Our son and his family live there. We shop at the Little Debbie store.
Nice location with many dining options.
Location. Cleanliness! And quiet!
The area had several restaurants to enjoy; ease of getting to the hotel from the Interstate; a small town feeling; nice, friendly people!
Lush woodlands.