Worth the Drive: Cloudland at McLemore Resort

When you drive up the mountain road to the entrance of Cloudland at McLemore Resort — at 2,300 feet above sea level, past the golf courses and the private homes — and turn to look at the hotel where you will be tucked away for the duration of your stay, you quickly realize where the resort got its name. Being at Cloudland at McLemore on Lookout Mountain, just over the Tennessee border in Georgia, feels like you are frolicking in the clouds. 

The clouds roll in and out at eye level from one of the hotel’s 245 rooms, which have large windows that afford views of the surrounding mountain ridges. The resort landscape has been designed to make it easy to get around (on foot or in a cart driven by valet staff), but not to detract from the natural beauty. Much of the resort is dark-sky-compliant, so you can see the stars, not the light pollution, and so wildlife aren’t disturbed by artificial light.

Cloudland at McLemore opened last year, after several years in development. When you get your head out of the clouds, you’ll see all that a major resort has to offer. Today, Cloudland is part of the Curio Collection by Hilton, which gives it a boutique feel with some independent features. (One of the bars, for instance, is sunken to keep the bartenders at eye level without making anyone sit at a high-top counter.) But you get the benefits, such as reward points from an international hospitality chain.

What’s nearby

Chattanooga is a 40-minute drive from the resort, so you can pop over for dinner or a night on the town. If you’re hardcore, try hiking or mountain biking the 34-mile River to Clouds trail from nearby Cloudland Canyon State Park to Chattanooga.

What to do

Cloudland at McLemore is home to three golf courses with cliff-edge greens, which offer great views and a reason not to overshoot your stroke. The Highlands is an award-winning 71-par course. The Keep, which is currently open for preview play, offers views of every hole from 60 feet or more. And The Cairn is a six-hole short course. 

If spending the day on the tees is not for you, Cloudland still makes a pretty compelling case for a getaway. There are hiking and walking trails throughout the property — plus, you’re just a 10-minute drive from Cloudland Canyon State Park, with its 60 miles of trails. 

The lobby-level library has seating for whatever your mood is, be it curling up on the couch with a good book, challenging your friends to a game of backgammon or sipping a glass of wine. The library collection includes more than 700 adult and kids’ books, both fiction and nonfiction. Swim in the pool and soak in the hot tub, both of which have cliffside views. Unwind from any activity at Selah Spa. Live music plays at several spots — outside The Creag is the most picturesque.

Where to eat

You can take in impressive views (of the ridges of the Cumberland Plateau, the swimming pool and the golf courses) and not eat at the same spot twice during a weekend stay. Auld Alliance, a fine-dining restaurant, is a highlight that blends Scottish and French traditions. As you would expect, it is home to a nice selection of Scotches and wines. 

Grab a happy hour cocktail at The Pocket Café before your evening activities. Spring through fall, Skyside is the poolside bar and restaurant with a jaw-dropping vantage point. The Creag has all-day dining overlooking the greens of the golf course, plus a cozy fireplace.

How to get a good night’s sleep

Cloudland offers 14 different room types, so there should be one that meets your needs. Gaze at original art in each room, and of course, enjoy the view. Rooms have custom-designed desks, in case you have to combine work and play.