6 Best Luxury Hotels in Gatlinburg TN

Gatlinburg is a gorgeous little city in Tennessee, mostly known for being the gateway to the one-and-only Great Smoky Mountains. We’re an outdoor enthusiast and sightseers, so every chance we have to visit Gatlinburg is a blessing. Known for its nature and rustic charm, one may wonder whether there’s any fancy accommodation in the city. If you seek a getaway that blends adventure with upscale comfort, you’ll be surprised by some of the options. Today, we’ll help you find your perfect luxury hotel in Gatlinburg, TN. So, what can you expect? Think opulent resorts, intimate accommodations, and breathtaking mountain views. They’re the place to unwind, recharge, and experience the magic of the Smokies in style.

Embassy Suites By Hilton Gatlinburg Resort

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Best Service. Kicking off this list is the Embassy Suites By Hilton Gatlinburg Resort, and our stay there was fantastic. It felt like a bit of a resort oasis tucked away yet convenient. The staff were all friendly and helpful. They were happy to answer all of our questions and even helped us with reservations. Another big perk for us was the complimentary breakfast. It was a full buffet spread, so there was something for everyone. This Gatlinburg hotel had an evening reception with snacks and drinks, which was a nice way to end the day.

Our room was spacious and comfortable. We loved having a separate seating area, which made it feel more like a little apartment than just a hotel room. It even had a balcony, allowing us to take a sip of a morning coffee while taking in the fresh air. Everything was clean and well-maintained, including the bathroom, and we couldn’t ask for anything better.

The hotel amenities were excellent as well. We spent a lot of time relaxing by the pools – both the indoor and seasonal outdoor options were great. The resort-style pool with a slide and lazy river was a highlight, especially if you’re traveling with kids. In the evenings, we enjoyed grabbing drinks at the bar and unwinding in the shared lounge. Perfect!

Brookside Lodge

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Best for Families. Of course, we have to recommend the Brookside Lodge. Let’s start with its amazing resort amenities. First of all, there are two refreshing outdoor pools on the property. So, make sure to pack your goggles and swimming suits. In addition to that, you can also work up a sweat in the fitness center and let your kid have fun in the playground. During our stay, there was never a moment when we felt bored as there were so many things to do. Have we mentioned there are also courts for basketball, volleyball, and shuffleboard?

Another perk? Free parking and Wi-Fi! Those are always a welcome bonus. What’s more, this lodging also offers a lovely sundeck and a patio area with BBQ grills and a fire pit right by the Roaring Fork stream. It was so relaxing to roast marshmallows by the fire and listen to the water flowing. You should definitely give it a try.

Additionally, we had breakfast included in our stay for an additional 5 USD. The scrambled eggs, sausage, waffles, and fresh fruit were our kind of way to start the day. When it came to the room, we booked the King Room. We loved how it had a private balcony with views of the mountains. Waking up to that scenery every morning was a real treat. Plus, the fireplace was so cozy—perfect for relaxing in the evenings after a day of exploring.

Want to visit the city with your lover? Here are the most romantic hotels in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.

Fireflies and Moonshine

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Most Private. If you’re planning to visit Gatlinburg with your precious ones and looking for 5-star hotels in Gatlinburg, take a look at the Fireflies and Moonshine. It may not carry the official 5-star rating, but it certainly feels like one. The chalet is fantastic. It’s ridiculously big and has three bedrooms, which is great for everyone having their own space. We spent a lot of time relaxing on the patio, enjoying the mountain air. The evenings were cozy by the fireplace, and we also loved watching movies and playing foosball in the living room.

Having a fully equipped kitchen was fantastic since we had a few picky eaters in our group. We cooked most of our meals there, and everything we needed was on hand, from the dishwasher to the oven. Plus, the washer and dryer made everything more convenient. After a long but exciting day, it was amazing to soak in the hot tub and unwind. Don’t forget your favorite champagne!

The location is also worth praising. We were close enough to drive into Gatlinburg and check out all the fun attractions, like Ripley’s Aquarium, but also far enough away to feel secluded and peaceful. There’s even a picnic area on the chalet complex grounds, perfect for a relaxing afternoon outdoors.

The Park Vista – A DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel

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Best to Visit the Smoky Mountains. Conveniently located just outside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, The Park Vista – A DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel is the perfect base camp for exploring Galtinburg’s natural beauty. The location is hard to beat. Stepping outside the hotel, we could practically smell the fresh mountain air. Plus, being right on the Gatlinburg Trolley Route made it a breeze to get downtown for shopping and dining. No wonder it’s named one of the best 4-star hotels in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.

Our room, the King Room with Mountain Views, was spacious and comfortable. Our favorite part was the private balcony. It was the perfect spot to enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning while taking in the stunning views of the Smoky Mountains. The room also had everything we’d expect from a Hilton hotel: a comfy bed, a huge flat-screen TV, and a mini fridge.

Speaking of amenities, they’re top-notch. One of the hotel’s highlights is the multi-level indoor swimming pool that’s perfect for unwinding after a day of hiking. There’s also a well-equipped fitness center for those who want to lift some weights or do some cardio on the treadmill. Oh, you should also visit the Vista Grill. It offered us delicious southern-inspired cuisine. We also loved hanging out at Firefly’s Patio Lounge for a drink.

Also, did you know that The Park Vista is one of Gatlinburg’s best pet-friendly hotels?

Greystone Lodge on the River

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Best Location. Our stay at the Greystone Lodge on the River was simply magical. This casual hotel is perfect for those who want to have a downtown Gatlinburg getaway. Right across the street from Ripley’s Aquarium and only a short drive to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the location of this lodging can’t get any better. Dollywood is a bit further, and it took me quite a while to get there, but it was still manageable for a day trip if you’re a theme park enthusiast.

Those looking for 5-star hotels in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, will definitely love the Greystone Lodge. We booked the King Executive Room, and it blew our minds. With the perfect blend of rustic charm and modern conveniences, we enjoyed each night with a big smile. The fireplace was the star of the show, and we loved relaxing by it after a long day of exploring. Other rooms have a private balcony or a spa tub—the choice is yours.

The complimentary amenities were a great perk. The free breakfast (which tasted so good) helped us save money in the mornings. The highlight, though, was definitely the heated outdoor pool with a waterslide. It was a great way to cool off after a hot day and unwind. They even have a fitness room if you’re looking to get a workout in.

Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg

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Best Amenities. The Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg is arguably the most popular resort in town. Our stay at this resort was a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. First, Margaritaville is all about location. It’s only a three-minute stroll from the thrilling rides of Anakeesta Theme Park, and exploring the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a breeze, too, as it’s only a mile from the resort.

“When it comes to luxury accommodations, nothing can top Margaritaville. It has all the pampering amenities you could ever think of.”

WOW Travel

We spent our nights here in the pool-facing King Room and loved everything about it. Having a mini-fridge, microwave, and Keurig coffeemaker made our mornings much more enjoyable. We were even tempted to upgrade to a suite with separate living and dining areas. For the ultimate luxury, choose Jimmy’s Hideaway. It’s an exclusive bungalow on a separate island only steps away from the resort. But since we didn’t want to spend the whole day in the room, we thought the King Room was our wise option.

Moreover, the amenities of this luxury hotel in Gatlinburg, TN, are equally fantastic. We loved grabbing a casual bite at the grill or enjoying a cup of coffee at the coffee shop. In the evening, you should unwind at the bar, which has a laid-back vibe. For some pampering, consider visiting the on-site spa. Whether you’re looking to take a dip indoors or soak up the sun by the outdoor pool with its fun spiral waterslide, Margaritaville has you covered. In fact, it’s named one of the best hotels in Gatlinburg with a pool. It even has a 24-hour gym for those who like to maintain their fitness routine. But with all the walking and exploring we did, we barely needed it.

Our Verdict!

Each of the hotels above is nothing short of amazing, and they’ll make your stay in Gatlinburg feel extra luxurious. If you have a problem deciding which one is best for you, you should take a look at the list below. We’ve classified the hotels based on the following categories:

• Best Amenities: Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg
• Best Location: Greystone Lodge on the River
• Best to Visit the Smoky Mountains: The Park Vista – A DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel
• Most Private: Fireflies and Moonshine
• Best for Families: Brookside Lodge
• Best Service: Embassy Suites By Hilton Gatlinburg Resort

Where to Stay in Gatlinburg, TN?

Of course, you can’t go wrong with staying in downtown Gatlinburg. It’s the bustling center of the city with tons of restaurants, shops, and attractions. It’s a great place for those who want to be in the heart of the action. Plus, there are many hotels and resorts to choose from. However, you should note that it can be noisy and crowded, especially during peak season.

But if you want somewhere quieter, consider Sugarcreek. It’s just outside of downtown and close to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It’s a good choice for those who want to be close to the outdoors but still have easy access to Gatlinburg’s amenities.

For the ultimate experience, you can consider staying in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains or along its outskirts. The national park is a popular place for hiking, and plenty of tours offer you an intimate experience, too. Here are the best hotels in the Great Smoky Mountains.

Why is Gatlinburg so famous?

There are many reasons why Gatlinburg is so famous. For one, it’s the gateway to the Smoky Mountains, bordering the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most visited national park in the U.S. In addition, it’s a charming resort town itself, offering fun activities, delicious food, and unique shops.

Is it better to stay in Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg?

Though near each other, the two offer different experiences. Pigeon Forge is ideal for those who love excitement and a bustling atmosphere. It has many theaters, amusement parks, and outlet stores. Meanwhile, Gatlinburg offers a more relaxed, scenic experience with beautiful mountain views and direct access to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

How many days is enough for Gatlinburg?

This depends on your itinerary. Two to three days is a good amount of time to experience the town’s main attractions and do some light hiking. However, if you want to delve deeper into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and go on some longer hikes, you’ll want to plan for at least four or five days.