Hotel Cleo, Knoxville Downtown, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel — Hotel in Knoxville

I want to leave a great review of this property because the people are great! Knoxville was in desperate need of a hotel near to a luxury brand. I cannot give five stars because the free use of "luxury" is overused and does not fit the standards of other Luxury hotel brands.

Aria at the front desk is amazing, personable, intuitive and excited and knowledgeable about the property. I love it when the employees love their job/location. Chris at the bar was helpful and offered insight into the design of the new hotel.

I primarily seek hotel travel solo when I need to rest and recharge. It was my mistake to think this new location would be more quiet than The Oliver. It is not. Many hotels forget the silencing required with large windows. The sounds from room to room are wrapping around the walls via the windows (in most cases). I also had some interaction with the GM Rebecca and she helped the noise situation by switching rooms (it was not as nice as the first room but 'quiet' was my priority). Still could not sleep more than 2 hours at a time because of street noise or the AC not dropping low enough to keep the room cool. This is a concern at the end of May with Summer yet to come. To me, Luxury includes slippers (you're asking us to fetch our French Breakfast and we have no way to walk about the hotel). I saw people in robes going to the common areas - and I went barefoot. Luxury would mean those sound machines offered are already available in EACH room. Luxury would mean bath amenities in each room without having to ask. Luxury would mean extra blankets and pillows in the room - anticipating any need. My room did not have q-tips, etc. I was able to ask for a few things at the desk. Luxury properties have SUPER CLEAN glassware in all the rooms. One of the pillows was covered in makeup (I arrived and left the hotel without makeup).

Given the size drapery necessary to cover the windows; ideally they should mechanically operate via a switch. The curtain rods are too long and will probably break over time. The height needed to close the drapes was a challenge. A heavier drape may also provide more sound dampening. Not exactly luxury to outfit a full size headboard with a queen frame sticking out. Probably need many more King beds to round out this property.

If this property is your choice for a party trip, a concert, a music festival and you want to feel a little "posh" and have beautiful photographic spots - this will work for you if you can handle the street noise (which never stops). There are many beautiful nooks and places to sit downstairs and enjoy a drink in the heart of downtown Knoxville action.

New hotels have kinks and I do hope they continue to tweak upwards. However, it is a pet peeve when socials and photographs of properties do not materialize in real life. Please don't be like disney and give your influencers a different experience than an actual guest. I really wanted options in the pastry offered (like twists seen in photographs) at the communal breakfast. I also wanted orange juice - as did other guests and grapefruit was the only option (I don't drink coffee). Iced tea would be great, too! The website implies that "Fully stocked" mini fridges means "complimentary" - yet there was no price list in the room for mini fridge. The only way to contact staff is via the room phone. Luxury usually provides a text option or iPad option to make requests and converse with FB and front desk. These things I hope to see in the future. I'd love to return and see the night life at Lilou - the bar was completely empty when I entered at 10:55 for a drink. Looking forward to room service options as they roll out. This would have full five stars if the idea of luxury was consistent; Luxury is an interesting word - meaning different things to different people. Doing a comparison with Waldorf, St. Regis, Conrad and Ritz Carlton - - it's not there yet. The color palette is beautiful - the tasteful nods of orange were not lost on me (in a vol' town). Aesthetically...

My husband and I had the distinct pleasure of staying at The Hotel Cleo in downtown Knoxville on December 28th, 2023, and I feel compelled to share our enchanting experience. While I am usually not one to write reviews, our visit to this luxurious one-bedroom suite in the heart of the historic district was nothing short of extraordinary.

From the moment we stepped through the grand entrance, it was as though we had been whisked away to the romantic era of early 19th-century France. The meticulous attention to historical detail created an immersive ambiance that left us in awe.

The warmth and professionalism of the staff were evident immediately, as their welcoming smiles ushered us through a seamless check-in process. The journey to our suite was a visual delight, with the elevator's intricately designed tile floor that spoke volumes of the hotel's dedication to elegance and beauty.

Each morning, we were greeted in the sophisticated sitting area by the aroma of fresh-baked bread and pastries, complemented by a selection of fresh juices—all handcrafted by the hotel's chef. It was a small yet remarkable touch that truly enhanced our stay.

Upon entering our suite, words failed to capture the sheer beauty of the space. The French-inspired décor, from the lofty glass windows to the soft hues that adorned the walls, evoked the essence of a summer day in France. The bathroom boasted an expansive glass-encased shower, but the freestanding clawfoot tub situated regally in the bedroom became the centerpiece—an emblem of timeless luxury.

The soft glow of the chandelier added a layer of romantic ambiance to the room, perfectly complemented by the panoramic glass French doors that gracefully separated the sitting area from the bedroom. Moreover, the thoughtfully stocked refrigerator with various drinks was a testament to the hotel's commitment to our comfort.

The culinary experience at the hotel's restaurant was memorable in its own right, offering exquisite dishes that would satisfy even the most discerning palate.

Located a stone's throw from Market Square, The Hotel Cleo provided us with the convenience of exploring Knoxville's finest offerings. Every day, from ice skating to fine dining and boutique shopping, was a new adventure.

In conclusion, our time at The Hotel Cleo was more than just a stay—it was a memorable journey we are eager to embark upon again. To those seeking a touch of history, luxury, and impeccable service, we cannot recommend The Hotel Cleo enough. We eagerly anticipate our next visit. Thank you for an experience that will be cherished for years to come.

Anna...

The hotel itself is absolutely beautiful — we loved the historic vibe and the location overlooking Gay Street. The space and layout of our room were great, and the views were a highlight.

However, there were some major drawbacks to our experience. As longtime Bonvoy members, we had requested an early check-in, which was declined due to a full turnover (understandable). We were assured the room would be ready by the standard check-in time, but it still wasn’t available even an hour later. They explained they were short-staffed, with only one person handling all the rooms — still frustrating after a long travel day.

Once we got to the room, the issues continued. The bed was very worn, with large dips on each side that made it uncomfortable to sleep. We also found hair on the bed at arrival, and the TV had major sound issues — volume had to be cranked up to 80 just to hear it. At one point, we were grateful for the loud TV to help drown out the very audible sounds of a neighboring guest’s “good time” through the thin walls. She was at least enjoying the bed.

Valet, well, a bit disappointed here. I had left something in my car and stated I needed To grab it. The valet comes out with the keys and her phone giving me directions to the parking lot a half mile away. On a personal note, I walk with a limp due to nerve damage in my right leg, but that didn’t seem to faze her. She handed me my keys and sent me on my way to find my car. For $38 a day, go get the car!

Overall, while the potential is absolutely there — the hotel is charming and in a great location — the maintenance, staffing, and room conditions really need attention. We decided not to stay for our second night. With some improvements, Hotel Cleo could truly be an...