The Best Hotels to Book in Gatlinburg, Tennessee

It’s a breeze to build an itinerary in downtown Gatlinburg, thanks to the location of Courtyard by Marriott on the Trolley Route. Wake the family up in your two-bedroom suite and bring a full appetite next door to the Log Cabin Pancake House for a syrupy stack of flapjacks. Hop the trolley to Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, before riding back to the hotel for pulled pork sammies at Bones BBQ Joint.

With a myriad of attractions and trolleys stopping right outside the front door, you couldn’t be better placed for exploring downtown Gatlinburg than at Greystone Lodge. But slow down a bit and you’ll see there’s plenty to appreciate in the lodge itself first. From an outdoor pool with a waterslide and 24-hour fitness center to a crackling fire in your suite, and views of the Little Pigeon River from your private balcony, Greystone Lodge is certainly more than just a crash pad.

After a full day of hiking, why not let the Historic Gatlinburg Inn help you plan a lazy day? The conjoined Parlor Rooms will help you keep your whole group on schedule. When everyone’s ready to rock, there’s a ski lift waiting right outside to grant you amazing views from Gatlinburg SkyLift Park. If anyone gets a little lightheaded at 1,800ft (548m), ride the lift back down and make a beeline for the Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery, where they’ve got more than enough liquor to calm those nerves.

One of the best ways to begin your budget-friendly holiday in Gatlinburg is by booking a room at Econo Lodge Inn & Suites on the Cliff Branch River. It’s a five-minute walk to the Gatlinburg Trailhead, which will take you deep into Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The same stroll in the opposite direction will lead you into town for the Amazing Mirror Maze and Circus Golf, the Hollywood Star Cars Museum, and other affordable family-friendly activities.

A getaway just outside downtown Gatlinburg, the Lodge at Buckberry Creek provides enough room to stretch your legs and relax – 26 mountainous acres (11ha), to be precise. But cozy suites with soaking tubs and fireplaces won’t make it easy to tear yourself away. Drive around the corner to the Gatlinburg Scenic Overlook for a view of the downtown lights, then head back for a beer on your private balcony.

Anglers, listen up. Stream-view rooms at the Old Creek Lodge give you a glimpse of things to come ahead of your fishing trip in the wide, fertile rivers of the Great Smoky Mountains. The Smoky Mountain Angler is 1.5mi (2.4km) up the road if you need to grab extra supplies before you head up to Little River, Tremont, or Elkmont. If you’re an early riser, you’ll be thankful for the coffee maker in your room and the grab-and-go breakfast in the lobby.

If you like your hotels with a dash of Spring Break silliness, the Margaritaville Resort could be the one for you. When you’re not sipping mai tais in the spa, live it up in your ultra-chill Jimmy’s Hideaway bungalow. The rain shower, stone fireplace, private outdoor bonfire, and jacuzzi tub in the bathroom will make you think you’ve stumbled upon a Caribbean island in the heart of Gatlinburg.

You’ll be more than happy staying at Appy Lodge, one of the best places to stay in Gatlinburg. The walk-in showers, fireplaces, and whirlpool tubs in some of the guest rooms will put a smile on your face, as will the convenient grocery store, gas station, and liquor store on either side of the property. Fuel up for a hike through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park or a drive through the Appalachian Mountains, and then come back for a quick float in the indoor pool.

There are few places better to stay in the colder months than Edgewater Hotel. An indoor heated pool and hot tub allow you to enjoy the hotel amenities year-round, while the gas fireplace in your suite makes warming up easy after you lose track of time counting snowflakes on your private balcony. Only steps from the center of downtown, you’ll hardly start to shiver before you reach the Mysterious Mansion, the Gatlinburg Wine Cellar, or dozens of other attractions and restaurants.