The incredibly charming Gatlinburg in Tennessee is the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Gatlinburg is all about the outdoors – if you can name the activity, it’s possible to indulge in it. Whether it’s exploring, eating, rafting, or hiking, fishing, or skiing, the city, and the surrounding region have boundless scenic views. Also, it has a host of other attractions like museums, amusement parks, and even a space needle of its own. Amidst all the outdoorsy attractions, there are tons of choices for staying both in the heart of the action as well as in tranquil retreats away from the bustle. Hotels in Gatlinburg, TN range from resorts to secluded chalets tucked into the mountainside foliage. Whether you want a hiking trail next door or a lazy river, hotels in Gatlinburg, Tennessee have it all.
What’s more, the city is so manageable in size that it takes just a few hours if you were to walk from end to end. Additionally, with the presence of the Gatlinburg Trolley, you’ll find it extremely easy to get around, no matter where you are. To that end, here are the best hotels in Gatlinburg, TN.
Where to Stay in Gatlinburg?
Gatlinburg lies on the northern boundaries of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, one of the Top Attractions in USA For Tourists. Most of the action is focused around the center of town, or downtown. It houses the town’s best entertainment, sights, shopping, and dining avenues. Plus, you have many choices of hotels in Gatlinburg, Tennessee in the town center. If you want to stay close to the entrance to Smoky Mountains, your best bet are the cluster of hotels towards the south-western end of the town. Here, you have the choice of resorts or cozy mountain chalets more than anything else. The same is the case with the northeastern end of town, where the winding mountain roads lead to some gorgeous hideaways.
Buckberry Creek Chalet
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The dreamy-looking Buckberry Creek Chalet is one of the top picks for chalet hotels in town. The cute and cozy cabin is nestled in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains, around 10 minutes from the town center. So, most of the town attractions, like the Ripley’s Aquarium, the Christ in the Smokies Museum, and others. The Buckberry Creek runs right by, and the property has lots of places to lounge and simply enjoy the outdoors. It’s, without doubt, one of the prettiest properties on this list and offers spectacular views of the mountains and the greenery.
The best part about this authentic yet comfortable place is that it blends 21st-century amenities with a traditional mountain chalet setting. The complete wooden interiors, as well as the stone fireplace and the grand piano, is sure to impress you. It features access to the Chalet Village Clubhouses, and so you have access to not one, but three swimming pools! Apart from that, there’s even a tennis court, a playground, etc. However, the highlight of the property itself is the lovely deck/patio. It has a jacuzzi, a barbeque, and a fire pit, making it the best place to enjoy a soak or an evening of grilling with your friends and family. It’s also the perfect place to begin your day in the Smoky Mountains.
The chalet also happens to have a fully-equipped kitchen, where making meals while gazing out to the greenery is a rare, once-in-a-lifetime experience. The living room with a flatscreen TV is the perfect place to curl up with your significant other and a glass of wine. The rooms are no less impressive and feature ensuite bathrooms and plush beds.
Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg
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If you have the urge to splurge on your Smoky Mountains vacation, then the Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg is one of the best hotels in Gatlinburg, TN. The top-notch spa hotel is everything a mountain resort should be, and then some. The resort melds understated luxury with rustic mountain elements to create a bucolic, tropical escape in the heart of the Smoky Mountains. What’s more, it lies right in the heart of town and is within walking distance of all dining, shopping, and entertainment.
The highlight of this hotel is the St. Somewhere Spa, which is one of the very few in town. As the resort puts it, it’s your “license to chill,” especially after having walked, hiked, and climbed all over town. Its freeform outdoor pool is one of the largest in the region. Since it’s seasonal, the indoor pool is rather a welcoming perk in colder seasons. Top off your relaxation regime with a soak in the large hot tub, or with a workout in the well-equipped fitness center. Above all, the resort even has a restaurant that serves superb food, along with room service.
After indulging in every activity possible outside, the rooms and suites here are rather welcoming. Besides private bathrooms, they all have standard mod-cons. The standout feature is the balconies or patios with spectacular views of the town and the National park.
Bearskin Lodge on the River
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There’s so much to love about the Bearskin Lodge on the River that you might just sleep for the least amount of time ever in your life. For one, it’s a stone’s throw from all of Gatlinburg’s attractions, including the trolley stop. If that wasn’t enough, the trails of the Great Smoky Mountains lie literally next door. All-in-all, the Bearskin Lodge is one of the best-located hotels in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.
The expansive and attractive property has a ton of delightful amenities to keep you on, or rather off your toes all day. To begin with, the freeform outdoor heated pool is a great place to lounge around on a balmy day, or indulge in a swim. The lazy river is easily the standout feature on the property, and it even has an island of sorts. Besides a fitness center, the property even has a fabulous fire pit with lots of seating space for you to enjoy a cuppa or a glass of wine while admiring the surroundings. Finally, begin your day with a superb breakfast of coffee, freshly-baked cookies, and more. Top off an amazing stay by regularly sipping on hot chocolate that’s available in the lobby all day.
The rooms are, without a doubt, one of the best in town. The rustic decor is perfect for the setting, while the modern amenities make it comfortable to stay in your own skin. Apart from the fireplaces, the best aspect of the rooms and suites are the private balconies and patios overlooking the mountain streams and greenery.
White Oak Lodge and Resort Gatlinburg
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If you want to splash out on your Smoky Mountains holiday, then the White Oak Lodge and Resort Gatlinburg is perfect. The unique feature of the property is that it’s surrounded by creeks, including Timothy creek, Webb creek, Darky branch, Redwine creek, Ramsey creek, and more. It’s obvious that the four-star resort lies off the beaten path in the heart of the Smoky Mountains, and boasts tranquil and peaceful living. But, it’s also just a 15-minute drive to the center of town.
Sitting on a 17-acre-huge property, the property features fully-furnished, high-vaulted log cabins with living areas and fully equipped kitchens. The two-three cozy bedrooms in every cabin radiate a rustic, romantic vibe. Moreover, the kitchens back up to peaceful woods, making it a unique living experience. A range of amenities makes staying here as comfortable as luxurious. Think charming rocking chairs on the porch, a game room in the loft, and screen-enclosed porches with hot tubs to unwind in. Rounding up the comfort factor are the DVD players, flatscreen TVs, and high-end linens.
There’s much to do on the property as well. Lounge by the gorgeous outdoor saltwater pool, which even has pretty waterfalls. Besides the tennis courts, outdoor grills are a great way to spend time in the evening grilling with your friends, family, or even your pet pooch. The highlight is the fantastic paved nature trail.
Hampton Inn Gatlinburg Historic Nature Trail
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Stay in style at the Hampton Inn Gatlinburg Historic Nature Trail, one of the best hotels in Gatlinburg, TN. The hotel boasts a terrific location along the Le Conte Creek at the edge of Smoky Mountains National Park. Moreover, it lies right near the Gatlinburg Scenic Overlook and is a mere 10-minute stroll to the town center. All-in-all, its location makes it a superb base for exploring Gatlinburg and the surrounding regions.
Staying here is made all the better by extremely comfortable rooms, which are divided into rooms and suites. No matter which one you decide to stay at, they all have lots of space to move around as well as seating areas. The suites, naturally, have more space. However, all are fitted with state-of-the-art amenities, including modern bathrooms, flatscreen TVs, etc. The highlight in all rooms is the lovely balconies that look out onto the creek and the greenery. A nice touch is the comfy Adirondack chairs.
The hotel has a litany of amenities to speak for. Besides the free Wi-Fi and the hearty continental breakfast, you also have a hot tub where you can enjoy a soak at the end of a long day. If you’re traveling with friends or family, enjoy an evening of grilling by the fire pit. Above all, the the hotel has a fitness center and a Starbucks, which is a real perk and a rarity.
Park Vista – A DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel
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The Park Vista – A DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Gatlinburg is one of the best hotels in Gatlinburg, Tennessee to stay at. Located right on the Gatlinburg Trolley Route, the property feature a unique circular architecture, resulting in panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. What’s more, it’s close to downtown Gatlinburg and all restaurants, attractions, and shopping avenues.
Park Vista has tons of amenities that make it an excellent hotel to stay if you’re visiting Gatlinburg with your family. For one, it features an excellent multi-level saltwater pool, complete with waterslides and even a whirlpool. So, you can easily lounge by the pool while keeping an eye on your children. In fact, the property even has a superb video game arcade that’ll keep the children busy while you enjoy happy hour at the restaurant. Moreover, the restaurant even has a children’s menu, so you won’t have to tear your hair out about food either. The presence of the outdoor areas ensures lots of avenues to enjoy long walks and playtime with your family. If that wasn’t enough, it’s also one of the Top 11 Pet-Friendly Hotels in Gatlinburg, TN! So, your pet is also bound to have a gala time.
The rooms and suites are perhaps one of the best features of the property. All have terraces or balconies with or mountain views. While some rooms have hot tubs, the suites have more space. That said, all rooms are furnished with state-of-the-art mod-cons.
Gatlinburg Inn
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Every once a while, you come across a hotel that ticks all boxes, and the Gatlinburg Inn is one such place. To begin with, the historic property sits in the heart of town. It’s so central that it’s outdoor area sits right next to the Gatlinburg Sky Lift! Plus, the property boasts gorgeous views of the Space Needle If that wasn’t enough, then the hotel’s origins go as far back as 1937, and you’re treated to the famous old-fashioned Southern hospitality.
When you enter the hotel, it’s as if you’ve stepped into another era. think you have stepped into a time machine when you enter the doors. The decor is thorough “1950s lodge,” complete with vintage wallpaper and wood-paneled walls. Even though the ambiance is of an era gone by, the amenities and comfort factor definitely isn’t. The property not only has tennis courts but even a heavenly outdoor swimming pool. Moreover, the property serves a delicious breakfast in the dining area.
Accommodation at the historic inn is equally dreamy and impressive, to say the least. All have plush beds, cable TVs, and modern ensuite bathrooms. Family suites have two separate bedrooms, while parlor rooms even have a separate sitting room.
Econo Lodge Inn & Suites on the River
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If you’re all about fishing and sitting by the river on your vacation, then you can’t get a better place to crash than the Econo Lodge Inn & Suites on the River. The stone-built hotel overlooks the gorgeous Le Conte Creek and is one of the best hotels in Gatlinburg, TN. Moreover, it’s a mere 15-minute walk to downtown and its attractions. The icing on the cake is that the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is right next door.
The rooms at this hotel might be simple, but they’re elegant and immaculate. They all feature ensuite modern bathrooms, as well as cable TV, ironing facilities, and mini-fridges as well. If you want to upgrade, go for the balcony rooms that overlook the central pool or the Le Conte Creek. The dining area features a refrigerator, microwave, and coffee-making facilities. The hotel itself has a slew of amenities that are quite welcome perk for a place its size. Besides the central pool and a tennis court, the main draw here is the onsite fishing. Just ensure you have a fishing license and enjoy spending time fishing contendedly in the river just behind the hotel.
The Appy Lodge
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Stay in one of Gatlinburg’s most popular ad favorite hotels, the Appy Lodge. This Marriott property might look rustic on the outside but is innately trendy once you step within. Think high-gloss wooden floors, vibrant carpets, and chunky, vintage furniture. The lobby, however, pays homage to the region’s decor with a gas fireplace and stone hearth.
Unsurprisingly, the Appy Lodge has a slew of amenities to make your stay comfortable. To begin with, the outdoor pool with its two-story waterslide and fountain is a huge hit with both adults and kids alike. You’ll probably like the hot tub and indoor pool better, which is a blessing on rainy or colder days. Breakfast is a hearty spread, complete with oatmeal, sausages, scrambled eggs, coffee, pastries, fruit, and more. It’s served in the vibrant breakfast room, which doles out hot waffles at the waffle station. If the weather is nice, you can even enjoy breakfast on the small outdoor patio right outside the breakfast room. What’s more, the property even has a small fitness center, which is great if you don’t want to miss your workout routine.
Rooms are stylish, coupled with convenience and comfort. Coffeemakers and flatscreen TVs are standard, but if you upgrade, you’ll even get living rooms and a hot tub in the bathroom.
Baymont by Wyndham Gatlinburg on the River
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The Baymont by Wyndham Gatlinburg on the River is one of the best hotels in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and it’s easy to see why. The pleasantly rustic-modern yet budget property boasts a host of amenities as well as a great downtown location. Plus, it’s hard to ignore its delightfully rustic vibe. Stone and log walls make for a memorable entranceway. It opens to a living room-style lobby with an interesting brick front desk and wood paneling on the ceilings and walls. The place also doubles a lounge, with a wooden coffee table and beige sofa and chairs. The highlight is the stone patio that is surrounded by the woodland greenery and overlooks the river.
That’s not all – the hotel has a bevy of features that lend absolute value to your stay. To begin with, the restaurant serves a complimentary Southern-style breakfast of tea/coffee, waffles, eggs, bicuits, gravy, and sausages. lahsings of sunlight filter onto the indoor pool which is more of a splash pool. Besides the fitness center, the place even has a small suna that’s perfect for a post-workout soak.
Rooms are equally impressive with framed black-and-white photography, dark-wood furniture, and modern touches. While some rooms have whirlpool tubs, others even have fireplaces that are perfect for romantic cozy nights. The best features in all rooms are the patios overlooking the river, complete with bright-red Adirondack chairs.
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson
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Country Inn & Suites by Radisson is an excellent hotel in Gatlinburg, TN. With wonderful facilities, a great location, friendly staff, and immaculate design, the hotel has quite a fan following in town. It sits right in the heart of town, opposite the Ripley’s Museum, the Hollywood Star Cars Museum, and the Skylift. What’s more, the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains and its many trails is merely a five-minute drive. Coming to the hotel, it has quite a few amenities to keep you and your family engrossed and happy.
For one, it boasts a fantastic indoor heated pool, which means it can be used throughout the year. Especially if you’re visiting during colder seasons, a swim in the heated pool is just what you need to soothe sore muscles. The property even has a fitness center, ensuring that you can continue to workout even on your holiday, Finally, a delicious complimentary and hearty breakfast is the best way to begin your day of exploring Gatlinburg.
Rooms are equally great and decked out in a modern minimalist style. All rooms feature basic self-catering facilities including cofeemakers, fridges, and microwaves. Mod-cons and private ensuite bathrooms ensure a comfortable stay.
Recommended Restaurants / Bars /Food Tours in Gatlinburg:
- Gatlinburg’s Best Moonshine Distillery Tour: Sample the best moonshine of the Gatlinburg region by visiting some of its best distilleries.
- Hofbrauhaus Restaurant: This restaurant has long been a favorite lunchtime spot in town. Dig into amazing German cuisine staples. Wash it all down with a pint of German beer.
Recommended Activities In Gatlinburg:
- Smoky Mountain Tour: The Great Smoky Mountains National Park has the country’s largest collection of human artifacts. Explore them all on this incredible tour.
- Foxfire Mountain Zipline Tour: You cannot visit Gatlinburg and not enjoy its best outdoor activities. Engage in this thrilling zipline tour in the Smoky Mountains.
