The Read House celebrates 150th anniversary in Chattanooga
January 16, 2022

Historic hotel remains the longest continuously
operating hotel in the Southeast

The Read House lobby; image courtesy of the Read House

CHATTANOOGA, TN — The Read House, owned and operated by Avocet Hospitality, recognizes its 150th Anniversary with a year-long celebration. Originally opened on January 1, 1872, the historic Chattanooga hotel is honoring the milestone with various events and opportunities for guests and team members to celebrate the longest continuously operating hotel in the region.

The Read House Silver Ballroom; image courtesy of the Read House

“We are excited to announce our 150th Anniversary this year, as we welcome new and returning guests to share in the celebration throughout 2022,” says Jim Bambrey, General Manager of The Read House. “So many people from around the country and the world have experienced the hotel over the years, and we look forward to it being around for another 150 years as the grande dame of Chattanooga.”

Originally opened in 1872, The Read House has established itself as the premier historic hotel in downtown Chattanooga and has hosted prominent individuals including Oprah Winfrey, Winston Churchill, Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, Ronald Reagan, and Al Capone. The Read House unveiled a $28 million renovation in October 2018, featuring 1920s-inspired design and decor coupled with an experience of grandeur and opulence from the era. Unique experiences such as guests greeted by bellmen in top hats and servers in flapper attire, were intentionally incorporated as the hotel worked with historians and architects to recreate a modern version of the property’s 1926 stateliness.

The Read House circa 1914; image courtesy of Chattanooga Public Library

“This hotel is like a hidden vault full of priceless treasures to uncover, and I’ve spent countless hours pouring over photographs, newspapers, and other hotel ephemera,” adds Tyler Logue, Historian of The Read House and board member for the Chattanooga Area Historical Association. “In my role, I’ve read about the hotel’s deep connection to the history of Chattanooga and asked myself if Samuel Read would be happy with today’s hotel. He always looked toward the future and how to make The Read House a place where guests truly feel at home. Knowing that, I think he would be extremely proud of where we are today.”

The Read House will recognize this milestone throughout the year with various in-house activations, highlighting special elements of the hotel and its surrounding community. Visiting guests and local Chattanoogans can anticipate offerings, such as the following:
● Commemorative time capsule with guests, staff and local dignitaries - past and present - invited to contribute memorabilia
● Quarterly dinners in the famous Green Room featuring historic menu items from the last 150 years
● Discount offer on the Historic Tower Rooms at $150 per night, including a daily $25 dining credit, on select dates here
● Collaborations with local charities, community partners and downtown neighbors, including J.W. Kelly whose founder once owned the hotel’s in-house bar
● Specialty food and beverage items added to daily menus at Bridgeman’s Chophouse and the Bar & Billiards Room
● Historic touches throughout the hotel to embrace the past 150 years, including antique displays and branded mementos

“We are pleased to have a role in the storied history of The Read House,” says Jon Weitz, Founder and President of Avocet Hospitality. “Providing guests with a memorable experience paired with exceptional service is our passion, and it’s an honor to be a part of the Chattanooga community.”

Avocet Hospitality looks forward to celebrating this milestone with The Read House and its guests throughout 2022. To learn more about The Read House, visit www.thereadhousehotel.com.