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We split the year with winters in Tampa, FL and our primary residence in Chicago, IL. On our trip back to Chicago, we spent the night at the Element Chattanooga East. This was our second stay at this hotel (we also stayed on the way down to Tampa). The hotel opened in October 2022 and our last stay was two weeks after it opened.
Anthony’s Take: The hotel is easy to access from the highway and provides a convenient place to spend the night when we travel between homes. The Element Chattanooga East is not even a year old and it feels like a new hotel. The staff is friendly, efficient, and makes your stay that much better. We found the room comfortable and spacious. Element Hotels are meant for extended stays and the room is well equipped if you choose to cook. Overall, we know that we’ll be back at this hotel each spring and fall as it perfectly suits our needs and serves as a good halfway point for us.
Booking
I booked directly from Marriott.com on a “Member Flexible” rate. Rates at this hotel are reasonable and many nights can be booked for a little more than $150. I booked a Studio, 1 King, Sofa bed. If not paying cash, you can expect a range of 15,000-22,500 per night when redeeming Marriott Bonvoy® points.
Transportation to/from the Hotel
We were en route to Chicago and found its location perfect as a midway point for our drive.
Location
The hotel is located right off of US Route 75. It has a host of stores, gas stations, and restaurants surrounding it. A Courtyard by Marriott is under construction nearby, so if you’re loyal to Marriott you’ll soon have a second choice.
Check-in
I arrived at the hotel around 8:00 PM. The room was ready (as expected). The app kept crashing, so I did not do a mobile check in. There was no line and I had my key right away. I received the room that I booked. I knew that we would only be at the hotel to sleep, so I did not ask about an upgrade. My welcome amenity was 500 points. The agent confirmed that I wanted points as an amenity (you can also choose a F&B credit). She explained that breakfast was served in the lobby and that coffee was available 24/7. She asked when I was checking out. I did not need a late checkout as I was leaving around 8:30 AM. I was in my room a few moments later.
The lobby has a bar (it closed by 9:00 PM) and lots of seating. It had a good crowd right before closing.
Additional seating could be found behind the check-in desk.
Coffee is available 24/7 in the lobby.
Complimentary water and apples are also available.
A small market is located across from check-in. It sells snacks, beverages, and other sundries.
The elevator lobbies are bright and fresh.
The hallways are clean and still have that new smell.
Studio, 1 King, Sofa Bed (726)
There are 132 rooms and suites at the hotel.
The room opens into a kitchenette with a closet to the left and bathroom to the right.
The kitchen has dishes, pots and pans, and kitchen tools. It also has a dishwasher, cooktop, microwave, and refrigerator.
A Keurig and condiments for coffee were also on the counter.
The closet next to the kitchen area had an iron and ironing board, extra blankets, and a safe.
The bathroom was located across from the closet.
The bathroom had a large, glassed-in shower with great water pressure.
Wall-mounted shampoo and body wash were inside the shower. They were both Pharmacopia brand.
The vanity was huge with plenty of counter space. A blowdryer was found in the drawer.
There was Pharmacopia body lotion and a makeup remover wipe on the counter. There was also a generic soap bar. It was one of the smallest I have ever seen.
The bed was located just past the kitchen. There was a small counter and two chairs off to the side of the king-sized bed and nightstands.
The nightstand had a clock as well as the TV remote.
The wall decor was interesting. It had a sort-of Native American vibe. I think it’s meant to play into Element’s brand theme of wellness.
A desk, chair, and TV were across from the bed.
A small couch was located next to the desk.
Breakfast
Element Hotels offer breakfast to all guests. I ran out and grabbed Starbucks, but did take a few pictures on my way back to the room. Breakfast includes made-to-order eggs and pancakes, yogurt, fruit, cereal, juice, breads and pastries.
Fresh fruit
Yogurt bar
Bread and muffins
Toaster and condiments
Cereal
Juice and milk
Eggs and pancakes were made to order.
Public Areas & Amenities
The hotel has a fitness center, a pool, a bar, the breakfast room above, and bicycles that can be borrowed. Since the hotel is still new, almost everything was in good shape and clean. The pool looked as if it needs some cleaning.
The fitness center had plenty of equipment as well as free headsets, towels, water, and hand sanitizer.
Hand sanitizer and wipes
More equipment, water, and towels.
The pool is in the back of the hotel accessible near the elevators.
Overall Impression:
The Element Chattanooga East offers spacious, comfortable rooms and lots of amenities for stays long and short. It’s perfect for my needs when heading between Tampa and Chicago. I know I’ll be back soon.
Anthony’s Credit Card Pick: When I’m staying at a Marriott hotel, I want to maximize my points earned. My card of choice is the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card. With it, I earn six Marriott Bonvoy® points for each dollar spent at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program. It also includes up to $300 statement credits per calendar year (up to $25 per month ) for dining in restaurants worldwide. Plus, a free night award every year after my card renewal month that I can redeem at any Marriott hotel with a redemption level at or under 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points. Learn more. For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card, please visit here. Terms apply.
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any of these entities.
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Advertiser & Editorial Disclosure: The Bulkhead Seat earns an affiliate commission for anyone approved through the links above This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. We work to provide the best publicly available offers to our readers. We frequently update them, but this site does not include all available offers. Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed, or approved by any of these entities.
