Rockbridge acquired The Tennessean Hotel and the Holiday Inn Knoxville Downtown Hotel, both of which are located in downtown Knoxville, Tenn. Aimbridge Hospitality will manage both hotels.
“We look forward to delivering a transformational renovation to the Knoxville Community that will bring economic prosperity to the region,” Jim Merkel, Rockbridge's CEO, said in a statement. “Matt Welch, who led this investment for Rockbridge, was instrumental in delivering our core values, that will result in a win-win-win for our customers, the Knoxville Community, and our investors.”
The Tennessean offers 82 guestrooms and full-service dining in the Drawing Room Restaurant. Situated near the banks of the Tennessee River, guests of the hotel will have access to attractions in Knoxville, including a variety of historic landmarks, outdoor recreational activities and an arts, theater and culinary scene. Knoxville is also home to The University of Tennessee, and is less than an hour drive from the Great Smoky Mountain National Park.
The 286-room Holiday Inn Knoxville Downtown will undergo a comprehensive renovation that will touch almost every area of the property, including guestrooms, lobby, meeting space, restaurant/lounge and exterior. The hotel is located adjacent to the Knoxville Convention Center and within walking distance to many attractions, including the Knoxville Museum of Art, historic Market Square and the University of Tennessee.
“It’s an honor to partner with Rockbridge, and we are proud to add these two hotels to our management portfolio,” Dave Johnson, chairman and CEO at Aimbridge Hospitality. “We look forward to providing world class service, and the positive results this partnership will produce.”