10 Top-Rated Resorts in Gatlinburg, TN
Whether you're headed to the eastern Tennessee town of Gatlinburg, the gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, for a family vacation or a romantic retreat, you'll discover there are top resort choices for all styles and budgets of travelers.
If you're coming specifically for the national park, for instance, you will want to check out spots like The Lodge at Buckberry creek, which is just a few miles from all the things to do at Great Smoky Mountains National Park and is designed to resemble an Adirondack-style "Great Lodge" from a century ago. Or consider the Bearskin Lodge on the River Hotel, which sits right on a mountain stream and comes with a mix of rooms, including some romantic choices with whirlpool tubs and fireplaces.
Most of the top resorts and properties with resort-like amenities in Gatlinburg are designed to cater to a mix of families, couples, groups, and business travelers. Few have on-site restaurants, but other dining options are usually nearby.
Find the best place to stay on your next getaway with our list of the top resorts in Gatlinburg.
1. Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg
Accommodation: Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg
Just a few minutes' drive from the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park and within walking distance of the outdoor theme park Anakeesta, Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg is in a great location for outdoor adventures.
A family favorite, it features a mountain-meets-island vibe throughout. This includes faux palm trees and tropical foliage in the lobby, and beach-style art and colors in the rooms and suites.
Accommodations come in a number of sizes, and families will appreciate the Double Queen or King Family Suites, which have separate rooms with pullout couches for the kids.
On-site amenities here include a swimming pool; a relaxing spa; and a number of dining options, including a grill that does good American fare. There are more dining options at local restaurants within walking distance of the resort.
2. Bearskin Lodge on the River Hotel
Accommodation: Bearskin Lodge on the River Hotel
Anyone visiting Gatlinburg specifically for a visit to Great Smoky Mountains National Park should check out the Bearskin Lodge on the River Hotel as it is only a few minutes' walk to the park entrance and set along a bubbling mountain stream. It also sits on the city's trolley route, making it easy to access town.
The rooms here are contemporary, with black-and-white artwork and colorful wallpaper, along with rustic wood furnishings. The best rooms come with Jacuzzi tubs, fireplaces, and balconies fronting the stream.
Amenities include a free continental breakfast (but there is no restaurant on-site for other meals) along with an outdoor heated pool with a lazy river and mountain views and a workout room and fire pits.
3. Holiday Inn Club Vacations Smoky Mountain Resort
Accommodation: Holiday Inn Club Vacations Smoky Mountain Resort
The Holiday Inn Club Vacations Smoky Mountain Resort is in a central location off Highway 441 and just about four miles from Ober Gatlinburg Amusement Park. It is also not far from Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which is filled with hiking trails.
The resort is a favorite with families, as it offers large, clean, and comfortably decorated one- and two-bedroom suites with full kitchens, dining spaces, living rooms with pullout sleeping couches, and either a porch or balcony. They also feature free in-room Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and some have fireplaces.
Away from the rooms, you'll find indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a games room, barbecue grills, and a fire pit. There is also a kids' club, with activities on-site, and a fitness center.
4. Bent Creek Golf Village
Accommodation: Bent Creek Golf Village
If you're hoping to play some golf on your Gatlinburg vacation check out Bent Creek Golf Village, in a wooded setting about 20 miles from the Dollywood Theme Park and near outdoor adventure activities like ziplining and hiking.
Here, you'll find clean and comfortable, good-value, one- and two-bedroom villa suites, which all feature full kitchens, living rooms with pull-out sleeping sofas, fireplaces, flat-screen TVs, and spacious bathrooms with walk-in showers.
This family-friendly property also has an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, games room, fitness center, and the Gary Player-designed golf course on-site. There is no restaurant, however.
5. Hilton Garden Inn Gatlinburg
Accommodation: Hilton Garden Inn Gatlinburg
The eco-friendly Hilton Garden Inn Gatlinburg was the first hotel in Tennessee to pursue LEED certification, which it has obtained. It offers a number of green features, including a chemical-free, indoor saltwater swimming pool and hot tub, and in-room recycling among others. The property has a very walkable location on the west side of town. Great Smoky Mountains National Park and more than 50 restaurants are within a 10-minute walk of the hotel.
The Hilton caters to couples and families alike. If you are on a romantic vacation, book the one-bedroom suites with whirlpool tubs. These come with king beds and a separate living area with a full-sized sofa bed, coffee table, and large-screen TV. There is also a microwave, fridge, and coffee maker in the room.
Families can choose from suites or even more affordably priced rooms with two queen beds. Interconnecting rooms can also be booked. Kids stay free in a room with an adult.
Amenities include a grill restaurant that serves breakfast and dinner daily. There is also a 24-hour convenience-style store on-site that sells ready-to-cook meals to be microwaved in your room, as well as beverages and snacks. A fitness center and an outdoor fire pit facing the Pigeon River round out the amenities.
6. Park Vista - a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel - Gatlinburg
Accommodation: Park Vista - a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel - Gatlinburg
Park Vista is in a beautiful mountainous location about a mile from the Gatlinburg Space Needle observation deck and some 11 miles from Dollywood.
This high-rise property is contemporary in design and comes with an impressive soaring atrium and a mix of tastefully decorated rooms and suites. All come with warm hues and balconies with either mountain or town views, as well as comfortable beds.
Book one of the suites for a pull-out sofa in the living room and a Jacuzzi tub. Away from the rooms, amenities include an indoor pool with a waterslide, a hot tub, a gym, and a low-key restaurant cooking up American fare. There's also a fire pit and a mountain-view deck with great panoramic views for the warmer months of the year.
7. Hampton Inn Gatlinburg Historic Nature Trail
Accommodation: Hampton Inn Gatlinburg Historic Nature Trail
Another good-value option in Gatlinburg if you're looking for easy access to Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the Hampton Inn Gatlinburg Historic Nature Trail, located just off Highway 441 and only three miles from the popular Rainbow Falls hiking trail in the national park.
The rooms and suites at this laid-back property are clean and comfortable, and most feature excellent mountain and forest views. They also come with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, microwaves, and coffee makers. Book a suite if you're staying with the kids, as these add living space with a pull-out sleeper couch.
On-site amenities include an indoor swimming pool, hot tub, workout room, and fire pit. A free breakfast is served in the mornings, and the property is also dog-friendly.
8. Courtyard by Marriott Gatlinburg Downtown
Accommodation: Courtyard by Marriott Gatlinburg Downtown
Catering to business and leisure travelers, Courtyard by Marriott Gatlinburg Downtown has a central location across the street from the Gatlinburg Convention Center.
On the Gatlinburg Trolley Route, it is within walking distance of downtown's main strip of shops, restaurants, and activities, like Ripley's and the Gatlinburg Space Needle. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is just a short drive away, as are Dollywood, Rocky Top Sports World, and Dixie Stampede.
The 3-star property, which gets good reviews for cleanliness and comfort, offers several room and suite choices. All are spacious and come with microwaves, refrigerators, and safes. They also feature pillowtop mattresses, duvets, and ergonomic work desks and chairs.
Entry-level rooms come with a king or two queen beds. There is also an option for a sofa bed. These rooms come with private balconies and some also feature fireplaces or Jacuzzi tubs in the bathrooms.
If you need more space, book the studio or two-bedroom suite selections. The studio has double queens as well as a sofa bed. The two-bedroom suite has a king bedroom, another bedroom with double queens, and a separate living room with a sofa bed. It can accommodate up to eight people.
Resort-style amenities at the Courtyard by Marriott include an indoor swimming pool, hot tub, tennis court, workout room, and restaurant.
9. Baymont by Wyndham Gatlinburg On The River
Accommodation: Baymont by Wyndham Gatlinburg On The River
Right on the Little Pigeon River and about one mile from the Gatlinburg Space Needle observation tower, the Baymont by Wyndham is another popular choice in town for families, couples, and business travelers alike.
This three-story hotel has a country vibe, and all rooms have balconies fronting the river along with comfortable beds, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen HDTVs, as well as microwaves, mini-fridges, and coffee makers.
The suites also feature fireplaces and in many instances, Jacuzzi tubs. Children under 18 stay free, and a country breakfast is included in the daily rate. There is also an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, workout room, and games room on-site.
10. The Greystone Lodge on the River
Accommodation: The Greystone Lodge on the River
Fall asleep with your balcony doors open listening to the babble of the Little Pigeon River while staying at The Greystone Lodge on the River. With a beautiful Smoky Mountain backdrop, all the rooms here have private balconies.
Rooms are clean and comfortable with vintage prints on the walls from Gatlinburg circa the early 1900s. And there are family rooms if you are traveling with kids that give you more space to move around. The hotel recently underwent a $7.5-million renovation, so you can expect everything to be updated.
The hot breakfast buffet each morning comes with Southern favorites like biscuits and gravy and, best of all, is complimentary. This property is located right in town and is within walking distance of a number of attractions, as well as restaurants. A family favorite is Ripley's Aquarium, which is directly across the street.
