Located on the border of Tennessee and North Carolina, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited park in the entire national park system. People from near and far make the drive to see this gorgeous park that is full of hiking trails, scenic driving routes, and wildlife. When planning your trip to the Smokies, be sure to check out our favorite short hikes so you can make the most of your time in the park.
We’ve compiled a list of the 7 best hotels and resorts near the Smoky Mountains to help you have the perfect vacation in Tennessee!
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase or booking through one of our links we may earn a small commission (don’t worry, it’s at no extra cost to you).
The 7 Best Hotels Near the Great Smoky Mountains
1. The Park Vista
Perched high on a hill at the edge of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, The Park Vista offers spectacular mountain views. The rooms are large and comfortable and are outfitted with a big-screen TV, mini-fridge, and coffee maker. Plus each room has a balcony overlooking either Gatlinburg or the Smoky Mountains. Opt for a westward-facing room so you can watch the sunset over Gatlinburg and the foothills of the Smokies.
In addition to its cozy rooms and stunning views, The Park Vista also offers a workout facility, a multi-level indoor pool with a water slide, and a game room to keep the kids occupied. It’s one of the best hotels near the Great Smoky Mountains.
The onsite restaurant, The Vista Grill, offers delicious Southern fare all day long. And Firefly’s Patio Lounge is the perfect place to relax with a beer after a day of hiking in the park. As an added bonus, The Park Vista is on the Gatlinburg trolley line so venturing into town is just a short trolley ride down the hill.
2. Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort
If you are planning on visiting Dollywood during your trip to the Great Smoky Mountains, then Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort is the perfect place to stay! Offering a door-to-door shuttle service from the hotel to Dollywood, you don’t have to worry about the hassle of parking or waiting in line to get into the park.
Plus kids will love the indoor and outdoor pools, family splash pad, the playground area, and the game room. And adults can relax in the onsite full-service salon and spa. There is also a seasonal hot tub and a fire pit for the whole family to enjoy.
Rooms are spacious, comfortable, and cater to the needs of families. And the helpful staff can help with anything and everything you need during your stay. No need to venture out for food, snacks, or souvenirs unless you want to – the resort offers restaurants, snack shops, and a gift shop on-site for your convenience.
3. Smoky Mountain Resort
The Holiday Inn Club Vacations Smoky Mountain Resort is the perfect spot if you are looking to stay in a cozy mountain lodge, complete with a fireplace in the lobby for all to enjoy! The resort is just minutes from the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park so the location is perfect if you are planning on doing a hike or a drive through the park.
This quaint resort offers an outdoor pool as well as two indoor pools for the kids (and parents!) to enjoy. The waterpark is a highlight for most families who stay here. Other hotel amenities include a game room, a gift shop filled with fun souvenirs, DVD players in every room, high-speed internet access, and full kitchens for your convenience. Grill stations are also available if your family wants to have a fun afternoon of barbequing by the pool!
4. Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg
Kids will love the massive outdoor swimming pool with an exhilarating water slide and you’ll love the large, well-equipped rooms at the Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg! Enjoy a large television set, complimentary toiletries, and rooms that are furnished with cute beachy decor. You’ll feel like you’re actually staying on the beach in Hawaii. While the kids are playing at the pool, you can spend some time unwinding at the spa or working out at the large fitness center. Or, you can enjoy a soak in the hot tub.
Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg is centrally located in the heart of town, close to popular Gatlinburg attractions, such as the Aquarium of the Smokies or the Space Needle. And, it’s just a short drive from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. If you don’t feel like going out to eat, you can enjoy the onsite restaurant that serves up popular American dishes the whole family will love.
5. Fairfield Inn & Suites Downtown Gatlinburg
The Fairfield Inn & Suites in downtown Gatlinburg is a gorgeous, modern hotel located near downtown Gatlinburg, but outside of the hustle and bustle. Rooms are huge, with simple decor and ultra-plush beds. Once you get into bed, you’ll never want to get out again! If you enjoy a modern hotel with every amenity at your fingertips, this is the perfect place to stay during your trip to Gatlinburg.
You’ll also have the opportunity to enjoy the outdoor swimming pool, hot tub, and state-of-the-art fitness center. You may never want to leave the hotel to explore the Smoky Mountains!
A yummy continental breakfast is included with your stay!
6. Courtyard by Marriott Gatlinburg Downtown Hotel
The Courtyard by Marriott Gatlinburg Downtown Hotel offers spacious, comfortable rooms with modern furnishing. You can always expect Marriott properties to have amazing amenities, the friendliest staff, and a sparkling clean hotel. Be sure to take advantage of the onsite restaurant and the large fitness center.
The large fireplace in the lobby and the firepit on the outdoor terrace is the perfect area to hang out with a glass of wine on a chilly evening. The private balcony off of each room also provides a relaxing place to unwind at the end of the day.
The property is centrally located in Gatlinburg, just .6 miles from the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park.
7. Wyndham Great Smokies Lodge
If your kids (and you!) are adventurous and fun-loving, then you’ve got to spend a few nights at the Wyndham Great Smokies Lodge! It offers two enormous onsite waterparks full of thrilling water slides! You can enjoy the indoor water park or the seasonal outdoor water park as well as the miniature golf course.
The rooms at the Wyndham are actually fully equipped apartments that are quite spacious. You can enjoy your own kitchen with everything you’ll need to whip up meals for the family, as well as a balcony and a washer and dryer. Beds are luxuriously comfortable and you’ll have your own seating and dining area so you will never feel cramped.
The staff at Wyndham are incredibly organized and willing to help you with anything you may need during your stay. Guests can take advantage of the other resort amenities, including a fire pit, a large fitness center, two restaurants, and a game room. And the Sevierville Golf Club is just a 5-minute walk from the property.
The Wyndham is farther from the Great Smoky Mountains than the other hotels but it’s worth the drive because of how much fun your kids will have!
We hope you have a wonderful vacation in the Great Smoky Mountains!
Looking for the best hikes to do in the Great Smoky Mountains? Check out our favorite books and guides!
SHARE THIS ON PINTEREST
