Because Ooltewah is a Collegedale enclave, it's almost impossible to talk about one without the other. They're technically separate places, but Ooltewah exists like a small island in Collegedale. The former is home to less than 1,000 residents, where the latter is closer to 12,000. Both towns are small compared to, say, Chattanooga, but that just means that you can enjoy big-city proximity, then come back to a serene, slow-paced area. Ooltewah offers even more relaxation and stands as the definition of the ideal getaway location.
The small-town feel in Ooltewah is obviously real. Visitors find that, more than anything else, it resembles a community. Locals often joke that it's not a tiny town at all, but an enormous neighborhood. It's one of those places where families tend to stay put for years. Children have the same school teachers as their parents before them, and it's entirely likely that everyone at least knows of everyone else by reputation if not by sight. The residents are connected through shared history and real estate, and even newcomers who are just passing through can feel the love and camaraderie.
The size of the town does not affect what it has to offer. There's no doubt that you'll want to venture out to Collegedale and over to Chattanooga, but there are plenty of local activities to occupy your time. It's a place you'll want to come back to after a long day of sightseeing and exploring. Ooltewah is the sort of place that turns into a yearly tradition, so that you, too, can become one of those recognizable faces. The first trip promises to be the sweetest, so do your due diligence in booking accommodations and planning your itinerary.
What is the best time to visit Ooltewah, TN?
Ooltewah enjoys a humid subtropical climate that incorporates all four seasons — more or less. Not for nothing is Tennessee a popular destination for snowbirds flying south to avoid the bitter cold of northern winters. Although Ooltewah, and Tennessee, in general, experiences winter, it rarely ever snows. Most years, the town only experiences a day or two when the temperatures drop below freezing. The average snowfall usually falls somewhere around half an inch. It's much more common for the months between November and March to experience rain and dampness. The temperatures are mild, however, so it's not necessarily cold rain.
Spring, summer, and fall are entirely different. Summer is, of course, the hottest time of year. By mid-July, the average temperatures are 80 degrees or above, and it's not rare for them to climb all the way up to 90 degrees — or higher. Spring and fall are more moderate, but for the most part, locals can swim from May to September, if not October. That's the best way to gauge the area's seasonality.
To estimate hotel rates at any given time, you need to check the calendar for sporting events as well as the weather. Winter won't bring many winter sports enthusiasts since there's no snow to speak of, and the snowbirds generally stay in timeshares or second homes rather than hotels. However, since nearby Chattanooga is well-known for its sports culture, hotels can fill up quickly if there's a college game, the minor league team's playing a home game, or athletes are busy training for the Volkswagon USA Cycling Championships or the Ironman Triathalon. Chattanooga hosts a regatta every November, too.
Expect to pay more for your room during high-traffic times. When you visit Ooltewah, it's possible that you'll have to stay in a nearby town. Hotels all throughout the area will fill up quickly if there's a hot basketball game scheduled or if it's the week before a big event.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Ooltewah, TN:
Ooltewah by Star Rating
Below are 3 charts demonstrating mean nightly cost trends by star rating class in Ooltewah, TN. You can use these charts to determine the most cost effective seasons to stay in Ooltewah for your upcoming travels.
Which luxury hotels are in Ooltewah, TN?
4 Star Average Prices: $234.50
The Hilton Garden Inn offers upscale luxury in Chattanooga. The hotel has a stellar reputation. The Doubletree prides itself on its amenities, which include MP3 docks in the rooms and a saltwater pool. In the mood for LCD TVs and spa treatments? The Chattanoogan ought to become the hub for your Tennessee vacation. The historic Chattanooga Choo Choo is another high-class pick. The exterior architecture alone is to die for, and you'll faint when you see the rooms. Do you want luxury at a slightly lower cost? Check out The Westin Chattanooga, a sleek, modern oasis that never disappoints.
What options are in Ooltewah, TN for the most affordable hotels?
3 Star Average Prices: $114.22
Tennessee knows how to treat its guests, and the closer you get to Ooltewah, the more obvious the hospitality becomes. It even extends to hotel rates, given how easy it is to book budget accommodations. Try the 4 A's Inn in Chattanooga, or snag a low rate at a Motel 6. The Microtel Inn by Wyndham is in Chattanooga, too, but it's only a few miles away from the center of Ooltewah. For a down-home experience, consider the Mountain View Inn, which is ideal for business travelers. The Travelodge is a solid choice for a travel budget.
