Gatlinburg hotels

I love boutique hotels, and the History Rocky Waters Inn ranks among the best luxury hotels in Gatlinburg. It was lovingly built along the river by a family back in 1935 and retains a sense of history and homey charm, along with plenty of modern upgrades. Every room has a private balcony, while upgraded rooms (which I highly recommend) have soaking tubs and in-room fireplaces.

Breakfast and dinner are served in The Heirloom Room, which looks out onto the river, with big picture windows so you can admire the water while enjoying your meal.

The real standout feature is the fact that each guest is assigned an innkeeper, who acts as your ambassador to Gatlinburg. They’ll provide personalised intel on what to do and where to eat during your visit.

If you’re looking for a hotel that has it all, this is the one to book. The 4-star Margaritaville Resort ranks among the best hotels in Gatlinburg thanks to its high-end spa, over-the-top pool with waterslide, and prime location in downtown Gatlinburg near the national park.

I love the tropical, slightly cheesy vibe of Margaritaville and the frozen cocktails served on the pool sundeck. It may be located in a mountain town, but this property isn’t afraid to bring the island vibes, a characteristic that makes it one of the most unique hotels in Gatlinburg.

The bright, airy rooms include free Wi-Fi, wet bars, and decor with both island and mountain elements. You’ll also find a range of informal eateries, a themed bar, a coffee shop, and a 24-hour gym.

For some, the clean, modern feel of this property is a welcome departure from the mountain-town character of Gatlinburg. The sleek rooms have dark accent walls, stark white linens, and locally inspired art. You can also book multiple connecting rooms, which is perfect for large groups and families.

Each guest is treated to free parking, a complimentary made-to-order breakfast, and a social evening reception. There are also pet-friendly rooms, multi-room suites, and plenty of accessible rooms – including specific rooms for people with mobility and hearing challenges. An indoor and outdoor pool and a fitness centre round out the offerings.

This stunner of a property is perched between two waterways at the edge of the national park and is just a short walk from multiple trailheads.

It can be hard to find family-owned and -operated hotels in popular destinations like Gatlinburg, which tend to be favoured by big hotel chains. For that reason (among others), this little gem of a hotel ranks among my favourite properties in the city.

The Greystone Lodge is one of the last remaining family-owned properties in Gatlinburg and has a history that dates back to 1962. Guests are treated like family, and every room has a private balcony or patio – most with river views.

You can expect perks like free parking, a daily continental breakfast, and a heated outdoor pool with a waterslide. The trolley stops right outside the hotel, and the national park is just one mile away.

When you’re visiting the mountains, you might as well embrace the thrill of living well above sea level. That’s why The Park Vista hotel is ranked among the best hotels in Gatlinburg. It’s set 1,000 feet above the city, in the mountains, with little development surrounding it. From the tall building, guests get sweeping views of the city below.

In addition to boasting a unique location, this property has a multi-level pool with a waterslide and an outdoor deck with mountain views. Rooms are simple but clean, and some have whirlpool tubs.

I recommend swinging by Firefly's Patio Lounge after a long day for a drink on the outdoor patio. There’s also an on-site restaurant, but if you want to head into town for dinner, you can hop on the trolley to downtown Gatlinburg.

What makes the Hilton Garden Inn one of the top-rated hotels in Gatlinburg for me is its indoor saltwater pool. That and the fact it’s a short walk from both the national park and the SkyLift, which takes you to the Gatlinburg Skylift Park.

For that reason, the Hilton Garden Inn is both an ideal base camp for adventure and a great place to chill after a long day. Amenities include free parking and Wi-Fi, while the rooms are outfitted with custom-designed beds, mini-fridges, and microwaves.

If you want to make your stay extra special, I recommend booking one of the executive rooms or suites, which come with added perks like balconies, fireplaces, in-room whirlpool tubs, and separate living areas.

It’s all about location at the Courtyard by Marriott. The hotel is on the free trolley route and is across the street from the Gatlinburg Convention Center. By foot, you can easily reach key local sights like the Space Needle and the Ole Smoky Distillery, which is known for its moonshine.

I love the pure simplicity of this property. Rooms are clean and straightforward, with free Wi-Fi, workspaces, and luxurious bedding. Some have balconies and fireplaces, and several offer mountain views.

Breakfast and dinner are served at The Bistro and guests gather at the outdoor patio, which has cosy seating and a fire pit. Kids will love the year-round indoor pool, while adults can soak the day away in the hot tub or swing by the gym.

The outdoor pool and hot tub is what first sold me on this hotel. They’re standard in size, but are hidden behind a grove of trees, which makes it feel like you’re swimming in nature. The hotel is located along a creek, and you can enjoy your meals on an outdoor patio that’s lined with trees.

It’s set on the Downtown Parkway, which runs through town, and Crockett's Breakfast Camp is mere steps away. If you make it to Crockett’s, I highly recommend trying the Big Tennessee French Toast or one of the Huntcamp Skillets.

Back at the Hampton Inn, you can cosy up in your room – especially if you nabbed one that faces the creek – and enjoy free Wi-Fi. Parking and a daily hot breakfast are also included.

If you want to check out the iconic Dollywood amusement park, which is a personal favourite, you might want to stay in the neighbouring town of Pigeon Forge. The town is just 15 minutes from Gatlinburg by car but has plenty of activities and must-dos.

The Holiday Inn & Suites is one of the best hotels in Gatlinburg and the surrounding area, with a bridge that connects it to The Island amusement park. If riding the Ferris wheel isn’t your style, you can walk along the tree-lined Pigeon Forge Greenway, which runs near the hotel.

Inside the property, you’ll find an indoor pool and hot tub, a 24-hour fitness centre, and an on-site restaurant where kids eat free. If you like sampling local craft beers, you’ll be in good hands, as the restaurant offers an extensive range of beers, as well as an elaborate beer pairing guide.

If you’re visiting the area for Dollywood, there is arguably no better place to stay in Pigeon Forge than the Black Fox Lodge. The beloved Dolly Parton-owned amusement park is just 10 minutes by car from here.

In addition to offering a stellar Pigeon Forge location, the Black Fox Lodge is a short 15-minute drive from Gatlinburg. The Black Fox Lodge has a lovely outdoor pool with a slide and a spacious outdoor patio with fireside seating.

Hotel amenities include free Wi-Fi and parking, and there's an on-site restaurant that serves breakfast and dinner. For the latter, I highly recommend trying one of their brick-oven pizzas – the margherita with fresh basil and mozzarella is my go-to.