Questions for Knoxville Aggies or Aggies who have stayed in Knoxville in the past:

For hotel/motels on the less expensive side what areas of Knoxville should I avoid? Are there small towns outside of Knoxville to to cross off the list? I'm seeing lots of affordable options for 4-10 miles distance from the UT campus, but I'm just not familiar with the area. Obviously I don't plan to spend much time in my room, but of course I also don't want to be in the drug dealer/crack ***** area (if that even exists in Knoxville).

I appreciate your recommendations!

The bad areas of knoxville are generally just east and just south of campus

It seems like almost all of the least expensive motel chains across the country are disgusting places filled with drug addicts these days. Even the next little step up in that $120-140/night range is often pretty dirty.

You might want to use Google Maps street view to check out the areas around the hotels that you are looking at to see if the area looks decent or not.

My daughter went to Tennessee so we went to several games. The four points is an easy walk to the stadium. If you drive, a lot of chains off of 40 west.

There are some hotels and motels on 75N at Merchant Dr. This seems like a decent area, but if it isn't please steer me away.

Just asked my daughter about that area. Said it wouldn't be too bad-15-20 to Neyland. Not a lot around there, though.

I live close to the airport (which is in Blount County). There are a few hotels near the airport (Hilton, Marriott Courtyard, Hampton Inn) that I'd recommend. In Knoxville, I'd recommend anything on I-40 West of Downtown/Campus. I-75 near Merchants Drive are OK as well (as you mentioned). There are also several nice hotels in downtown Knoxville.

Stay away from anything east of downtown. South Knoxville is across the river, which you don't want either.