Tennessee Plans New Hotels and Attractions Across Nashville, Memphis and the Smoky Mountains

Standfirst: Tennessee is preparing a broad programme of hotel, cultural and entertainment developments for 2026, spanning Nashville, Chattanooga, Memphis, Gatlinburg and other destinations. Several projects remain announced targets rather than confirmed openings, so travellers should check directly with each operator before booking.

Tennessee is expanding its tourism offering with new accommodation, restored historic properties, museums, sports facilities and family attractions planned across the state in 2026. The developments are designed to give visitors more reasons to explore beyond Nashville, while strengthening established destinations such as Memphis, Chattanooga and the Great Smoky Mountains.

The investment comes after Tennessee recorded 150 million visits and US$32.5 billion in direct visitor spending during 2025, according to figures released by the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. Visitor spending increased by 2.7% compared with the previous year, demonstrating the importance of tourism to local economies.

New Tennessee hotels will target music, heritage and nature travellers

The accommodation projects announced for 2026 reflect the variety of experiences associated with Tennessee. Planned properties range from music-focused hotels and restored urban buildings to boutique mountain accommodation and extended-stay rooms.

• SongTeller Hotel, Nashville: A music-inspired property planned to include museum experiences, rooftop hospitality and live entertainment. Its original target was June 2026.
• The Waymark Hotel, Chattanooga: A hotel within a restored 1927 bank building, including a venue known as The Vault.
• The Scoundrel Hotel, Gatlinburg: A boutique property drawing on Appalachian heritage, with spacious rooms and an open-air courtyard.
• Wyldstay Smoky Mountains, Jefferson County: A luxury nature retreat overlooking Douglas Lake and the Smoky Mountains.
• The Motorcycle Inn, Kodak: A themed motel featuring motorcycle-inspired interiors and individually designed rooms.
• Marriott StudioRes, Clarksville: An extended-stay property announced with 124 rooms and an August 2026 target.
• Hyatt Place, Jackson: A planned 127-room hotel with dining, fitness facilities and a swimming pool.
• Timber Rock Lodge, Oneida: A boutique lodge, spa and events venue near the Big South Fork region.

These projects could broaden the choice of accommodation available to visitors, particularly those seeking stays linked to music, outdoor recreation, regional history or longer trips. However, announced dates should not be treated as proof that a property is open or accepting reservations.

Nashville’s SongTeller Hotel links accommodation with music tourism

Nashville remains the centre of Tennessee’s music tourism economy, and the SongTeller Hotel is intended to build on that identity. The project was designed around Dolly Parton’s musical career and is expected to combine accommodation with immersive cultural experiences.

Plans include the Dolly’s Life of Many Colors museum, a rooftop bar and live entertainment facilities. Rather than operating solely as a place to stay, the development is intended to make music history part of the visitor experience.

The June 2026 opening date was an announced target. Travellers planning a Nashville break should confirm the latest construction and booking information before including the property in an itinerary.

Chattanooga combines historic restoration with new entertainment venues

Chattanooga’s planned tourism development includes both heritage-led accommodation and new entertainment infrastructure. The Waymark Hotel is being created within a former bank building dating from 1927, preserving elements of the structure while adding modern hospitality facilities.

The project also includes The Vault, a subterranean venue accessed through the building’s original basement vault door. Alongside the hotel, Erlanger Park—a baseball stadium announced for spring 2026—could add another reason for visitors to spend time in the city’s riverfront area.

For short-break travellers, the combination of historic architecture, outdoor activities, restaurants, sport and cultural venues may make Chattanooga suitable for itineraries that extend beyond a single attraction.

Smoky Mountains destinations expand boutique and family experiences

Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and nearby communities are adding accommodation and attractions aimed at families, couples and outdoor-focused visitors.

The Scoundrel Hotel is planned opposite the Gatlinburg Convention Center and is intended to reflect Appalachian storytelling and craftsmanship. In Jefferson County, Wyldstay Smoky Mountains is being positioned as a luxury retreat overlooking Douglas Lake and the surrounding mountain landscape.

In Kodak, The Motorcycle Inn offers a more specialised accommodation concept, with rooms designed around motorcycle themes. The property may appeal to visitors looking for a stay connected to a particular hobby or travel interest.

Attraction investment is also continuing. Dollywood’s NightFlight Expedition was announced for spring 2026 at Wildwood Grove in Pigeon Forge. The immersive experience is planned to combine mountain-themed adventure, water effects and ride elements.

Gatlinburg’s Anakeesta is undertaking its multi-year Making More Magic programme. Announced elements include the Crystal Express glass gondola system, changes to Firefly Village, expanded treetop experiences and additional evening attractions.

Memphis prepares for a new downtown art museum

Memphis is expected to add a major cultural attraction with the planned Memphis Art Museum. The downtown project has a December 2026 target and is intended to include exhibition galleries, classrooms, a theatre, a café and a rooftop sculpture area featuring native Tennessee plants.

The planned museum is also designed to offer views towards the Mississippi River. If delivered as announced, it would complement Memphis’s established music and heritage attractions and give visitors another reason to build longer cultural itineraries in the city.

December 2026 remains a target date, not confirmation that the museum has opened. Visitors should consult the official project or museum information before arranging travel around it.

What Tennessee’s tourism investment means for visitors

The 2026 programme points to a wider shift towards experience-led travel. Visitors can expect planned developments connected to:

• Music and live entertainment in Nashville
• Historic buildings and urban culture in Chattanooga
• Arts and riverfront experiences in Memphis
• Family attractions in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg
• Luxury retreats and outdoor recreation in the Smoky Mountains
• Special-interest accommodation in Kodak

The projects may also encourage travellers to divide their time between several Tennessee destinations rather than staying in one city. That could benefit local businesses, although the ultimate effect will depend on construction progress, demand and the confirmed operating schedules of each venue.

What travellers should check before booking

People planning a Tennessee holiday in 2026 should treat the announced developments as a planning guide rather than a guaranteed schedule. Before paying for flights, accommodation or attraction tickets, check:

• Whether the hotel or attraction is open on the intended travel dates
• When reservations or ticket sales begin
• Any revised opening or construction dates
• Transport connections and local operating hours
• Cancellation terms if a project is delayed

Travellers from Ireland and elsewhere should also confirm current entry requirements, flight schedules and travel insurance conditions through official sources. Tourism announcements do not replace immigration, airline or airport information.

Conclusion

Tennessee’s 2026 tourism programme could significantly expand the state’s mix of hotels, cultural venues, sports facilities and family attractions. From the SongTeller Hotel in Nashville to the planned Memphis Art Museum and new Smoky Mountains experiences, the developments give travellers more potential reasons to visit different parts of the state.

The key point is that many opening dates remain targets. Anyone building a trip around a new Tennessee hotel or attraction should verify its operational status directly before booking, while monitoring official updates as 2026 approaches.