Your Guide to the Best Hotels in Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Set in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains, the lively little city of Gatlinburg, Tennessee is a quiet southern gateway with endless entertainment opportunities. When visiting any city, lodging is likely the first thing that comes to mind. Gatlinburg has many hotel options to fit all budgets. Whether you want a quiet stay away from the bright lights or a vibrant spot right in the middle of the city’s center, Gatlinburg hotels have it.

Why Choose a Hotel Over an Airbnb?

Airbnb has become a popular choice over the years. Homeowners can make a bundle by renting out a single room, entire home, or apartment to travelers. This arrangement can also be convenient for the customer because it fits their immediate travel needs. But there are several reasons why hotels are a more viable option.

• • Hotels don’t cancel  – It’s rare, but Airbnb hosts can cancel your stay and ruin your plans. Hotels won’t cancel on you!
  • Easier check-in process – No complicated instructions to follow. Just walk into the lobby!
  • Services – An Airbnb rental won’t come with amenities like a concierge, continental breakfast, room service, and staff to clean your hotel room!

It’s because of reasons like these that you should pick a hotel over an Airbnb rental for your stay in Gatlinburg. Here is a list of some of Gatlinburg, Tennessee’s best places to lodge.

1. The Park Vista – A DoubleTree By Hilton Hotel

This scenic hotel and convention center has an unbelievable view of the surrounding Smoky Mountains. A short trolley ride will take you right into Downtown Gatlinburg, the heart of great entertainment and good eating. Park Vista has a lot of wonderful amenities for guests. Enjoy the sweeping woods that give the hotel a nature-oriented feel. If you love the water, the Park Vista is the place for you!  Enjoy a miniature water park with several waterslides and a multi-level pool. Get in a workout at the fitness center or benefit from the friendly 24/7 room service. After a day of entertainment, wind down with a nice margarita at the onsite Vista Grill.

2. Baymont By Wyndham Downtown Gatlinburg

Guests can enjoy breathtaking views from nearly every point of the hotel. The private patios allow you to gaze at your favorite attractions and the glistening river. The Baymont By Wyndham Gatlinburg On The River offers amenities that will make your stay a home away from home. Start your day with a variety of hot and hearty breakfast choices. The comfortable rooms are equipped with flat-screen televisions, desks, and WiFi connections. Guests can also take advantage of the heated indoor pool, fitness center, and game room. Guests can visit the nearby Great Smoky Mountains National Park or Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum. The Gatlinburg Convention Center and Ober Gatlinburg ski resort are both just a two-minute drive!

3. The Lodge at Buckberry Creek

Dubbed “The Great Camp of the Smokies,” The Lodge at Buckberry Creek offers 14 elegant suites near the city’s downtown area. With this hotel, no comfort is spared. Guests can take advantage of private balconies, soaking tubs, full kitchens, and a fireplace. Enjoy the panoramic view of the Little Pigeon River and the Smoky Mountains. This family-friendly hotel has a video arcade and waterslides. Adults can sit by the pool and sip the beverage of their choice. Whether you are in town for a business trip or family getaway, The Lodge at Buckberry Creek will not disappoint.

4. Old Creek Lodge – Just Off the Parkway

The rustic Old Creek Lodge, set in the downtown area of Gatlinburg on River Road, puts you in a great location to see some marvelous attractions. This well-appointed hotel has beautiful, rustic-style rooms equipped with private living areas, jacuzzis, hot tubs, private balconies, and fireplaces. Get an awesome view of the Great Smoky Mountains and other scenic areas of the region. The awesome location puts you right near the trolly line where you can take advantage of great eating, sightseeing, and other entertainment options. If you are looking for a hotel to make your Gatlinburg stay a memorable one, check out the Rustic Old Creek Lodge.

5. Gatlinburg Inn

This historic hotel has served visitors since 1937. Centrally located, the Gatlinburg Inn maintains its southern charm with rocking chairs, parlor rooms, and other retro amenities. Guests can board the nearby Gatlinburg Sky Lift and the Gatlinburg Space Needle next to the hotel’s outdoor pool. The rooms come with a fireplace, free WiFi, a refrigerator, and a patio that overlooks the Smoky Mountains. Guests can also enjoy the outdoor seating area, free breakfast, and take a dip in the heated indoor pool. The Gatlinburg Inn is arguably one of the best on the river.

6. Hilton Garden Inn Gatlinburg

If you are looking for a great place to stay that has all the amenities you desire, look no further than the Hilton Garden Inn. Guests can take advantage of luxurious rooms and suites located within walking distance of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and other entertainment sites. It’s just a 10-minute drive down the road to Pigeon Forge and Dollywood. This property offers free site-wide WiFi, pet-friendly rooms, room service, flat-screen televisions, and heated indoor pools. Most dining and sightseeing spots are within walking distance. There is also a trolly line that takes tourists all over the area. Be sure to check out the on-site Garden Grille for a breakfast of bacon, eggs, waffles, and more.

7. Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg

Guests describe stays at the Margaritaville Resort in Gatlinburg as “paradise on earth.” Once you embrace this 4-star hotel’s tropical beauty, you will understand why. Surrounded by the picturesque Smoky Mountains, this destination offers spa treatments, massages, and colorful rooms with private patios. Take a dip in the indoor and outdoor pools with waterslides. This hotel has 24-hour front desk service and a picnic area. If you want to get out into the sun, entertainment is just a heartbeat away. Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies and Gatlinburg Skylift Park is just a 5-minute walk away.

8. Bearskin Lodge on the River

Bearskin Lodge on the River is styled like a mountain resort, but it’s in the heart of the action! It’s a great combination of comfort and value with all the amenities you’d expect to find in your own home, like a fridge, flat-screen TV, and free WiFi. It’s almost like being in your own living room! Enjoy the outdoor fire pit and pool as well as free parking. Plus, you’re just a short walk away from two of the best Mexican restaurants in Gatlinburg: No Way Jose’s and Estrella Hondumex.

9. Hampton Inn Gatlinburg Historic Nature Trail

The Hampton Inn Historic Nature Trail is a thoroughly modern hotel with a rustic atmosphere near the start of the Historic Nature Trail. The hotel features microwaves, mini-refrigerators, a state-of-the-art fitness center, an indoor pool, a year-round outdoor hot tub, and a patio overlooking Baskins Creek.

10. Quality Inn & Suites

Quality Inn & Suites is a budget-friendly hotel located just across from the Gatlinburg Mountain Coaster and Hillbilly Golf and a quick drive from the attractions and shops of Downtown Gatlinburg. This pet-friendly hotel also offers free WiFi and breakfast.

Find a Great Gatlinburg Hotel

Gatlinburg, Tennessee is one of the best vacation spots in the U.S. If you are planning a trip to Gatlinburg, keep in mind that there is an abundance of great lodging options. Not only are Gatlinburg hotels within close proximity to dining, shopping, entertainment, and sightseeing, but they also offer many great amenities based on your specific needs. Finding the right place to stay is just a phone call away. Make Gatlinburg your temporary home away from home with memories that will last forever.