BLACK FRIDAY: Save up to $1,322 on our trips! Limited spots. Book Now.

The Most Affordable Hotels in Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Gatlinburg is a town in the Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee
Gatlinburg is a town in the Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee | © James Schwabel / Alamy Stock Photo

It’s no secret that Gatlinburg is a popular destination for nature lovers and thrill-seekers, but you’d be wrong if you’d assume that you’ll spend a full paycheck during your stay. A stone’s throw away from the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and even closer to Ripley’s best attractions, these affordable hotels in Gatlinburg deliver the goods without breaking your budget. Book your stay now with Culture Trip.

Old Creek Lodge

Independent Hotel

f7a46bbd - Old Creek Lodge
© Old Creek Lodge / Expedia

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.

Bearskin Lodge on the River

Inn

37a562fd - Bearskin Lodge On the River
© Bearskin Lodge On the River / Expedia

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.

Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park

Hotel

56e83393 - Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park
© Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park / Expedia

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 Lodge at Buckberry Creek

Independent Hotel

55e7a936_y - The Lodge at Buckberry Creek
© The Lodge at Buckberry Creek / Expedia

If you don’t mind parting from the busy parkway, the Lodge at Buckberry Creek offers stunning mountain views and quiet suites for any budget. Crackling fireplaces, bubbly soaking tubs and private balconies with priceless vistas are yours to savor from sunup to sundown. You can drive into town within ten minutes, but we have a feeling you and your bank account will prefer this unspoiled tranquility to a day on the tourist trail.

The Park Vista – a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel

Chain Hotel

ae5d6a35 - The Park Vista - a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel
© The Park Vista - a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel / Expedia

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.

River Edge Inn

Hotel

7cd5048a - River Edge Inn
© River Edge Inn / Expedia

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.

The Appy Lodge

Independent Hotel

ff8ecbd7 - The Appy Lodge
© The Appy Lodge / Expedia

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.

The Greystone Lodge on the River

Independent Hotel

237756714 - The Greystone Lodge On The River - booking.com
© The Greystone Lodge On The River / Booking.com

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.

Gatlinburg Inn

Inn

631afd44 - Gatlinburg Inn
© Gatlinburg Inn / Expedia

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.

Liked Gatlinburg? Extend your trip and pay a visit to the state’s capital, Nashville. We’ve sorted out accommodation for you and narrowed down the best hotels and luxury hotels in Nashville – they’re even bookable on Culture Trip. Then, try out the amazing things to see and do in Downtown Nashville, and use our essential guide to the best live music in Nashville to discover the history that lends Music City its name. To top it all off, enjoy a cold beer or an expertly crafted cocktail at one of the absolute best bars in Nashville.

White Oak Lodge & Resort

Lodge, Resort

d8d0bd9c - White Oak Lodge & Resort
© White Oak Lodge & Resort / Expedia

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.

If you click on a link in this story, we may earn affiliate revenue. All recommendations have been independently sourced by Culture Trip.
close-ad