The Most Affordable Hotels in Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Old Creek Lodge offers affordable accommodations in a prime location right off the parkway – too prime of a location, to be honest. You’ll be torn between a short stroll east to the Ole Smoky Moonshine distillery and a western walk to the Gatlinburg Trailhead. You can think it over a bit in the pool, beside the gas fireplace in your room or sitting on your private balcony while you sip a fresh cup of java.

Got a bare-bones budget? Bearskin Lodge on the River, located on the Trolley trail, will keep your wallet from running wild. A free grab-and-go breakfast will send you off with a full stomach. If you really want to reel in the savings, you can spend a day floating along the lazy river, warming up by the fire pits and kicking back on your private balcony with a lovely stream or city view.

Your kids won’t care about the dreamy villas, serene spa or delicious comfort foods at Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park. All they’ll be focused on is fitting in a ride on the Flying Bear Zipline as they splash their way through all 60,00sqft (5,575sqm) of the Wild Bear Falls Water Park. While they’re busy having fun, you may notice that you’ve kept your budget in check enough to reward yourself with some moonshine at the Southern Comfort Lobby Bar.

The Park Vista knows that you’re here for the mountains, so allow the hotel to set you up with an affordable stay that’ll keep you on schedule. Grab a complimentary cookie, and walk from the lobby to the Twin Creeks Trail in seconds. A rainy day won’t ruin your hike, but, if you’d rather get wet indoors, the multi-level indoor pool with waterslides and a whirlpool will soak you with fun while you wait for the sun.

Before you tackle the Appalachian Trail, get a good view of the mountains from a private-balcony room at River Edge Inn. This simple hotel is easy on the eyes and budget, offering an affordable stay that’s as relaxed as it is romantic. Hot coffee, sugary pastries and breakfast to go will fuel you up for a hike through Great Smoky Mountain National Park – or give you just enough energy to spend all day floating in the pool.

You could walk from the Appy Lodge to the center of Gatlinburg, but your hosts want you to save your steps for the mountains. They’ll hook you up with a downtown parking pass so you can come and go as you please. When you’re not bouncing around the tourist sites, you’ll be hopping between the indoor and outdoor pools. Request a room with a whirlpool so you can give your toes a much-needed soak each night.

With Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, Ripley’s Super Fun Zone and Anakeesta adventure park all within view, you’ll be happy you saved money by staying at the Greystone Lodge On The River. This downtown hotel serves up a free breakfast every morning – that is, if you can find the will to leave your private river-view balcony. For a few pennies more, nab a room with a soaking tub and fireplace, guaranteeing that you’ll keep your wallet cozy and closed in the room with you.

Take a welcome reprieve from the modern thrills along the main strip, and embrace the slow pace of one of the most historic hotels in Gatlinburg. For a rate that’ll make your wallet feel like it’s 1937, you’ll effortlessly get comfy in the refreshing pool and the king bed in the family suite. Fill up on free breakfast, and hardly break a sweat walking to the SkyLift next door. Check out the wall of fame to see if celebrities like Liberace and Lady Bird Johnson once shared your room.

Settle into mountain living the right way as you rock the day away on the front porch of your log cabin. The cabins at White Oak Lodge & Resort each have fully equipped kitchens, plush king beds and a hot tub on the back porch that you won’t want to leave. The calm swimming pool and grotto, the laid-back nature trail and the cozy communal fire pit will keep you on the property – and on budget – without complaint.