The Read House Hotel offers a rich history, tragedy, and mystery in the heart of Chattanooga, Tennessee. The iconic hotel is where elegance meets eerie, where the echoes of the past mingle with the glamour of the present. Today, it’s a haven for guests seeking luxury while also attracting those with a taste for the supernatural.

The Read House exudes an air of quiet sophistication in its modern era. The grand halls are filled with a mix of the world’s elite and everyday travelers, all enchanted by its opulent charm. 

Yet, behind its polished facade lies a history steeped in intrigue and tragedy, which has left its mark on both the building and its visitors.

From Crutchfield House to The Read House

The site of the Read House has been home to hotels since 1847 when the grand Crutchfield House first opened its doors. Built near the bustling new railway station, it quickly became a popular stop for travelers and dignitaries alike. 

The Crutchfield family struck gold with their prime location, but as the Civil War unfolded, the hotel became a backdrop for far darker events.

During the war, Crutchfield House was a hospital for Union troops, a place of suffering and recovery. However, the property would soon be plagued by misfortune, as it burned to the ground in 1867, leaving behind ashes and ghosts of the past. It was reborn in 1872 as the Read House Hotel, ushering in a new era of luxury while still carrying the weight of its storied past.

The Glamour and Grit of the Gilded Age

By 1926, the Read House underwent a dramatic transformation. 

Architects from the prestigious firm Holabird and Roche designed the current 10-story, Georgian-style building, a tribute to the luxury of the early 20th century. With its marble inlays, soaring columns, and gleaming chandeliers, the hotel became a symbol of Chattanooga’s resurgence. 

Its Silver Ballroom, with its shimmering sconces—rescued from the dustbin of history—has hosted countless elegant affairs. At the same time, its famed Porterhouse restaurant continues to serve lavish meals.

As beautiful as the Read House is, it is haunted by a dark history. The hotel’s glamorous halls hide tragic tales of war, death, and betrayal. And for the past 80 years, whispers of restless spirits have woven into this establishment’s fabric.

Room 311: The Heart of the Hauntings

For those who dare, the infamous Room 311 holds the key to the Read House’s most spine-chilling secrets. It is said that the spirit of Annalisa Netherly haunts this room, where she met a gruesome end in the 1920s. 

According to legend, a jealous lover brutally murdered Annalisa while she bathed, her throat slashed so violently that her head was nearly severed. 

Her spirit has never left.

Guests who stay in Room 311 often report strange sensations—mainly men, whom Annalisa is believed to harbor a special disdain for, especially if they smoke. Unexplained noises, the feeling of being watched, and sudden cold drafts are just some of the eerie experiences guests have shared over the years. 

Some have even fled the room in the dead of night, unable to bear the oppressive presence any longer.

Ghosts in the Halls

Beyond the legend of Annalisa Netherly, the Read House is filled with other spectral inhabitants. Guests have reported seeing shadowy figures roaming the halls, especially on the fourth floor, where soldiers from the Civil War may still be marching through the corridors. 

Some believe these spirits are the lingering energy of those who died when the building served as a Union hospital.

Cold drafts, fleeting shadows, and strange sounds at night are common, but the Read House’s haunted legacy goes beyond mere ghost stories. It is woven into the very walls, a reminder of the hotel’s long history of struggle, survival, and transformation.

A Famous Guest List

The Read House has hosted some of the most famous figures in history, including Winston Churchill, Oprah Winfrey, and Tallulah Bankhead. 

Even notorious gangster Al Capone stayed at the hotel during his federal trial. He is rumored to have been confined to Room 311, though he never mentioned encountering the room’s ghostly resident.

Its haunted past has attracted paranormal enthusiasts from around the world, all eager to experience the supernatural. For those feeling brave, a stay in Room 311 offers the chance to come face-to-face with Annalisa’s spirit.

A Haunted Stay Awaits

The Read House Hotel is more than just a luxurious destination—it’s a portal to another time, a place where the past and present collide. Whether you’re drawn to its grand architecture, storied history, or the promise of a ghostly encounter, the Read House promises an unforgettable stay.

For those with a love of history and a penchant for the paranormal, the Read House is the perfect place to start your journey through haunted Chattanooga. Book Room 311 if you dare, and maybe you’ll have your own story to tell.