Honestly, if you drive past the intersection of State of Franklin Road and Highway 321 in Johnson City, you can’t miss it. The Carnegie Hotel & Spa looms over the edge of the ETSU campus like a grand piece of the 19th century that somehow survived a time warp. It’s got that heavy, red-brick Baroque vibe that makes you feel like you should be wearing a top hat or at least a very expensive coat.
But here’s the kicker: it’s actually a replica.
The original Carnegie Hotel opened its doors back in September 1891. It was the "Gem City's" crown jewel until a massive fire gutted it in 1910. For decades, that piece of history was just... gone. The current building we see today is a faithful reimagining that opened much later, but they did such a good job with the mahogany, the oil paintings, and the Tiffany-style lamps that most people just assume it’s been there for a hundred years.
What You’re Actually Getting Inside
Most hotels in the Appalachian Highlands are "fine." You know the type—beige walls, breakfast in a plastic bag, and a TV that works half the time. The Carnegie is a different animal.
The rooms are huge. Like, weirdly huge for a boutique property. A standard room is around 400 square feet, which is bigger than some New York City apartments. If you go for the Presidential Suite, you're looking at 1,000 square feet with a brick fireplace and a clawfoot tub that looks like it belongs in a movie.
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- The Beds: They use these wooden sleigh beds. They look stiff, but they’re actually incredibly soft.
- The Vibe: It’s "Affordable Luxury." You get the AAA Four Diamond treatment without having to sell a kidney.
- Connectivity: Yes, there’s free Wi-Fi, but you’ll probably be too busy looking at the antique furniture.
The Austin Springs Spa Factor
If there is one thing that puts this place on the map for locals, it’s the Austin Springs Spa. It’s located right inside the hotel. It isn't just a "hotel massage room" with a folding table. It’s a full-service setup—facials, massages, nails, the works.
I’ve heard people complain that the saltwater pool (which spa guests get access to) can sometimes be full of kids because it's shared with the hotel. Pro tip: if you want the "zen" experience, stick to the "cocoon" of the actual spa area. They’ve got these seasonal packages that change every few months, which is a clever way to keep the locals coming back.
Eating at Wellington’s (And the 400 Whiskeys)
You can’t talk about the Carnegie without talking about Wellington’s Restaurant.
It’s moody. Dark wood, leather chairs, very "old-school study." The menu is basically Southern Appalachian food that went to finishing school. You’ve got your Fried Green Tomatoes and Shrimp & Grits, but then they throw a Deconstructed Wellington at you with filet mignon and foie gras.
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The bar is the real star, though. They have an antique Brunswick bar from the early 1900s and a collection of over 400 whiskeys. 400. That’s not a typo. Whether you’re a bourbon snob or just want a cocktail after a long day of meetings at ETSU, this is the spot.
The Dog Situation
People get confused about the pet policy here. Yes, the Carnegie Hotel & Spa is dog-friendly, but there are rules.
- Price: It’s $75 per pet, per day. That’s steep compared to a Motel 6, but this isn’t a Motel 6.
- Size: They’re pretty cool with big dogs (any size, usually), but no cats. Sorry, feline friends.
- Access: Don’t expect to bring your pup into the high-end dining room. You can walk them through the lobby to your room, and there are designated relief areas outside.
Why Location Matters (ETSU and Beyond)
The hotel is literally across the street from East Tennessee State University. If you’re in town for a graduation, a football game at the William B. Greene Jr. Stadium, or a show at the Martin Center for the Arts, there is no better home base.
If you aren't a student or a parent, you’re still close to the good stuff.
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- Tannery Knobs: A mountain bike park with killer views of the city.
- Tweetsie Trail: A 9.5-mile rails-to-trails path that’s flat and perfect for a morning run.
- Downtown JC: About a 5-minute drive. Go to Yee-Haw Brewing for a beer or White Duck for a taco.
The Reality Check
Is it perfect? Nothing is. If you’re looking for a hyper-modern, glass-and-chrome "I’m in 2026" tech hotel, the Carnegie might feel a bit "dusty" to you. It’s unashamedly traditional. The elevators aren't the fastest in the world, and the "old world" décor means a lot of heavy fabrics and dark colors.
But if you want a place that actually has a soul—and a spa that will melt your stress into the floorboards—this is the place. It’s a landmark for a reason, even if it is a "new" version of a very old story.
Next Steps for Your Visit:
- Book Directly: Often, the hotel's own site has "Affordable Luxury" packages that include spa credits or breakfast at Wellington's which you won't find on the big travel sites.
- Check the Event Calendar: Since it's next to ETSU, graduation weekends and home games see prices spike and rooms vanish. Book at least 3 months out for those dates.
- Dinner Reservations: Wellington’s fills up fast on Friday and Saturday nights. Even if you're staying at the hotel, call ahead to snag a table near the fireplace.