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Gatlinburg, Tennessee, is called the “gateway to the Smokies” for its proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park—but there is so much to do in this little city, from museums full of Hollywood memorabilia to roller coasters through the wilderness. The best part—at just under 2.5 square miles, the entire city is walkable, and it’s all connected by the Gatlinburg trolley.
Stay at one of these downtown Gatlinburg hotels to be in the center of the action:
Old Creek Lodge
Close to the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Old Creek Lodge feels like a well-appointed rustic retreat, with stone fireplaces and in-room Jacuzzis. Other amenities at Old Creek include refrigerators and microwaves in each room, some of which have balconies overlooking the mountains. The hotel has an outdoor heated pool, and is within walking distance of the Gatlinburg Strip.
Courtyard Gatlinburg Downtown
This new hotel is right next to the Gatlinburg Convention Center, and within easy walking distance of the Arts and Crafts Community and downtown attractions like Ripley’s Believe It Or Not and Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery. Inside Courtyard Gatlinburg Downtown, there’s a pool with a hot tub, a restaurant serving breakfast and dinner, and a convenience store.
River Terrace Resort and Convention Center
On the banks of the Little Pigeon River, River Terrace Resort is a pet-friendly (and family-friendly) Gatlinburg hotel. The two outdoor, heated pools with spa tubs are surrounded by trees and directly overlook the river below. Each room has a balcony, with views of downtown or the Great Smoky Mountains. Drafts Burger Bar has a menu full of creative burgers and Instagram-ready milkshakes with ingredients like chocolate-covered pretzels.
Hilton Garden Inn
Hilton Garden Inn is very close to all the Gatlinburg attractions, like Anakeesta, an outdoor zip-lining adventure park, and offers complimentary local transportation to many of them. Inside the hotel, rooms range from standard accommodations to luxury suites with fireplaces, balconies and whirlpool tubs. There’s an indoor pool and fitness center, and a restaurant serving breakfast and dinner.
Margaritaville Resort
Okay, it may not be on the beach, but a stay at the Margaritaville Resort still feels like a visit to a tropical island. The outdoor pool has a waterslide and a terraced fireplace area, and there’s also an indoor pool. The St. Somewhere Spa even has Jimmy Buffett touches, like the Lost Shaker of Salt Exfoliation and the Manicure/Pedicure in Paradise. On-site dining includes the Landshark Bar & Grill and the License to Chill Bar. The hotel is on the Gatlinburg Trolley line and within easy walking distance of downtown attractions.
