Got guests coming in from out of town this holiday season? You could kick the kids to the couch and squish everyone into your family's residence - or you could take advantage of the hundreds of vacation for-rent-by-owner options available all over town, from south of the Tennessee/Georgia border to the top of Walden's Ridge.
Here's a quick look at some of the most popular and highest-rated from airbnb.com and vrbo.com, the two most prominent sites offering travelers a home away from home. Because the holidays can be such a hectic time, we relegated our search to whole-home offerings so both you and your guests can hopefully find a little peace and quiet.
The Artist's Gallery ResidenceThe Artist's Gallery Residence
Southside
Minimum stay: 2 nights
Rental fee: $195/night
Security deposit: N/A
Cleaning fee: $75
Pets allowed: No
Bedrooms: King-sized master; one with two twins, and when there are five or more guests, or by special request, a queen-sized murphy converts the gallery into a private third bedroom. A twin Aerobed is available as well.
Bathrooms: 1 1/2
Catering to you: The hosts will stock the refrigerator for your arrival or cater meals for an additional fee. Pack 'n play is available, as well as a video library.
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Historic Missionary Ridge StudioHistoric Missionary Ridge Studio
Missionary Ridge
Minimum stay: 2 nights
Rental fee: $95/weeknight; $125/night Fridays and Saturdays (max. 3 guests)
Security deposit: $150
Cleaning fee: $50
Pets allowed: No
Bedrooms: Studio space features an extra-large queen Sleep Number bed and one twin daybed.
Bathrooms: 1
Good to know: Renters must be age 25 or older - not suitable for very young children as the TV and decor are at child level.
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Log Chalet on the CloudsLog Chalet on the Clouds
Signal Mountain
Minimum stay: 2 nights
Rental fee: $165/night for up to 2 guests (additional charges for up to 7 guests)
Security deposit: Owner/manager may require a refundable security deposit or property damage protection plan.
Cleaning fee: $85
Pets allowed: Considered
Bedrooms: One with a queen-sized memory foam bed; one with bunk beds; upstairs loft with a queen-sized memory foam bed.
Bathrooms: 2
Extra amenities: Six-person hot tub overlooking the valley; interior fireplace; fire pit overlooking the valley with two picnic tables; 3-D TV with video library; charcoal grill. Children 1 years old and younger are free.
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Adorable Downtown BungalowAdorable Downtown Bungalow
North Chattanooga
Minimum stay: 2 nights Nov. 1-April 30; 4 nights during holiday weekends and special events
Rental fee: $185/night (max. 4 guests)
Security deposit: N/A
Cleaning fee: N/A
Pets allowed: Considered
Bedrooms: 2, each with one queen-sized bed.
Bathrooms: 1
Charming convenience: Steps away from shops, restaurants and downtown attractions.
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Wauhatchie Blue HouseWauhatchie Blue House
Lookout Valley
airbnb.com/rooms/6628925?s=nLtPkawZ
Minimum stay: 1 night
Rental fee: average $120/night for up to 4 guests (additional charges for up to 8 guests)
Security deposit: N/A
Cleaning fee: $55
Pets allowed: Yes
Bedrooms: Queen-sized master with full-sized pullout; bunk room with one full and three twin beds.
Bathrooms: 2
Get away from it all: Dining deck off the kitchen with charcoal grill; 5 almost totally wooded acres; short walk to Skyuka Springs trailhead which connects to Sunset Rock, Point Park, Chattanooga Nature Center, horse and bike trails; 2 kayaks and 1 canoe available for borrow from hosts; fire pit patio; heated pool; playground.
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Cozy Log Cabin on LookoutCozy Log Cabin on Lookout
Lookout Mountain
Minimum stay: 1 night; 2 nights on Fridays and Saturdays
Rental fee: average $95/night for up to 4 guests (additional charge for up to 5 guests)
Security deposit: $100
Cleaning fee: $20
Pets allowed: Considered
Bedrooms: King-sized suite; one with 2 twin beds; air mattress available.
Bathrooms: 1
Special touches: Concierge services; cooked-to-order breakfast available for $12 per person - food is fresh and locally sourced from farmers markets and on-site garden; pick your own veggies for breakfast or dinner, but no full kitchen; couples packages available; next door to Lula Lake Falls and the hiking opportunities there (open the first Saturday and Sunday of each month); whirlpool tub; free use of Covenant College's nearby gym; gas grill; wood smoker; fire pit.
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Le Petit ChateauLe Petit Chateau
Brainerd
Minimum stay: 1 night
Rental fee: average $100/night for up to 4 guests
Security deposit: $1,000
Cleaning fee: $15
Pets allowed: Yes
Bedrooms: One with queen-sized bed; couch features queen-sized foldout.
Bathrooms: 1
Updated style: Cozy and rustic yet chic decor inside; excellent sunrise view outside.