Top 10 Great Stays When Visiting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is an excellent destination for everyone. Whether you are there for work, on a romantic getaway, or are looking for a family or friend adventure, there is something for everyone.

With so much to do in the area, from visiting The Island to going to Dollywood to seeing it all from the sky in a chairlift. Perfect in the summer, amazing in the winter, there is so much to see and do all year round.

If you intend on visiting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, or the surrounding towns of Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge, then travel in style with these top 12 amazing stays.

1.    Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park

This all-in-one resort offers something for the whole family and features a pool, spa, and even a full water park.

The Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park is easily one of the best resorts in Gatlinburg for the family or for big group vacations. Not only will you enjoy stunning views and clean, stylish, and comfortable accommodation the resort also offers many exciting activities for everyone. Enjoy a full spa, a zipline, a mini-golf course, on-site restaurants, and of course, the Wild Bear Falls Water Park.

With rooms perfect for two all the way to 20, there is something for everyone and for every group. With so much variety in 56\the room and room types, this is the perfect hotel for solo travelers, couples, friend groups, families, family reunions, and of course big company excursions.

2.    Holiday Inn Club Vacations Smoky Mountain Resort

This central resort is great for families and offers rooms with full kitchens, dining spaces, and living rooms for a getaway adventure.

The Holiday Inn Club Vacations is just 4 miles away from Ober Gatlinburg Amusement Park and a short distance away from the national park itself. Available to all guests is access to its indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a games room, barbecue grills, and a fire pit.

This resort even offers suites that come complete with full kitchens, dining spaces, and living rooms. You will either have a porch or a balcony as well to soak in the great outdoors.

3.    Hilton Garden Inn Gatlinburg

This eco-friendly hotel is the first in Tennessee to obtain a LEED certification and features an indoor saltwater swimming pool, hot tub, and other great green features.

Find more than 50 restaurants within a short, 10-minute walk from this eco-friendly hotel. Not only will you find a variety of rooms perfect for families, groups, and couples alike, but you will also be able to enjoy great amenities like a fresh indoor saltwater swimming pool and hot tub.

There for a romantic getaway? Choose one of their suites that come with an en-suite whirlpool tub and a king bed. Families can choose a room with two queen beds or two rooms that connect.

4.    Park Vista Gatlinburg

This hotel is set 1000 feet above Gatlinburg and offers great views and an indoor, multi-level pool with waterslides and a whirlpool.

This high-rise hotel offers stunning mountain views and private balconies for guests to soak in the unrivaled natural beauty of the area. Each room is tastefully decorated with a contemporary and clean design for the most comfortable stay.

Rooms vary in size to suit your trip and your needs. You can book a suite with a pull-out sofa bed for your kids or can book a suite that comes with its own jacuzzi tub.

All guests, of course, have access to the indoor pool, which even comes with its own waterslide. You will also have access to a hot tub, a gym, and an on-site restaurant. Want to enjoy a slow evening in the mountains? Check out the fire pits on the mountain-view deck.

5.    Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg

This resort is within walking distance of the outdoor theme park Anakeesta and is a great spot for downtown and mountain adventures.

Margaritaville is a family favorite and offers great connections to both the national park and also to the Anakeesta theme park. Here you will find a fun mountain-meets-island theme with tropical colors and décor throughout.

Here you will be able to enjoy a swimming pool, a spa, and several dining options right on-site. If you feel like eating out, there are many exceptional restaurants a short walk away.

6.    Courtyard by Marriott Gatlinburg

This hotel is located in the heart of downtown and is perfect for those visiting Gatlinburg or the Gatlinburg Convention Center.

In the area for the downtown fanfare? A popular option for those in the area for conventions, work, or for the town itself is Courtyard by Marriott Gatlinburg. This hotel is just steps away from the convention center and is closely located to many restaurants, bars, and shops.

The hotel itself is sophisticated and welcoming, with great on-site dining options from The Bistro and the ability to buy a drink at the bar and relax by a roaring fireplace.

 

7.    Wild Bear Inn

Perfect for adventurers all the way to family vacationers, this inn offers affordable comfort right at the foot of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

For a relaxed, budget-friendly option, the Wild Bear in is the perfect option. Each room is cozy, rustic, and offers great amenities for adventurers like a refrigerator, coffee machine, and cable TV. At the on-site restaurant, you’ll find great eats like the homestyle pancakes or the infamous burgers and sandwiches. There is a pool on-site, a bar, and of course, on-site parking. You will find it right at the foot of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, making it a perfect choice for those looking for a hiking getaway.

8.    The Lodge at Buckberry Creek

This family-owned hotel combines rustic elegance with the pristine beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains and is perfect for a romantic getaway.

This family-run hotel has been in operation since 2005 and offers rustic elegance that makes it a big hit for those looking for a romantic getaway. It was developed and is now run by the McLean family and was designed by Jeanie Johnson.

Here you will find luxurious décor and amenities against the unrivaled backdrop that is the Great Smoky Mountains, National Park. It is a great choice for bachelorette parties, romantic getaways, family reunions, and even company vacations.

9.    River Terrace Resort and Convention Center

This charming hotel and convention center overlooks the Little Pigeon River and is conveniently located next to the heart of downtown Gatlinburg.

Another great option if you are in town primarily for work is the picturesque River Terrace Resort and Convention Center. This hotel backs out right onto the river and offers stunning views from the balconies of its suites. You will find two outdoor pools, free self-parking, a 24-hour front desk, and 20,000 square feet of meeting space. It is ideal if you are planning a company convention or holiday and want the combination of great views, meeting spaces, and comfortable living.

The hotel offers two outdoor pools, and a burger bar and is within 1 mile of many top attractions like Ripley’s Aquarium, skybridge, and even Ober Gatlinburg. With such a central location, you can walk and enjoy the town to its fullest.

10.                     Baymont by Wyndham Gatlinburg on The River

This riverside hotel is one mile away from the Gatlinburg Space Needle observation tower and offers a cozy, country vibe for all travelers.

Another great river spot is the Baymont by Wyndham Gatlinburg on the River hotel. It is less than one mile away from the Gatlinburg Space Needle observation tower and many other top downtown spots. It is a great option for solo, couple, business, and family travelers in the area. All guests have access to the indoor and outdoor swimming pool, the games room, workout room, and a country breakfast.

This small, three-story hotel has a relaxed country vibe, and each room features a balcony with views of the river. Most suites even feature their own fireplace, and some even offer jacuzzi tubs. The best part is that children under the age of 18 stay free in your room, as opposed to paying the extra guest charge.