30 Best Hotels Near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in all of the country, and many of the nearby park towns have been rapidly growing their developments to keep up.
With so many accommodations to choose from in both the Tennessee and North Carolina sides of the park, you could spend weeks going through the lists of available lodging options.
To make planning your trip easy, we’ve compiled a list of the 30 best hotels surrounding the park – so you can spend more time planning park-filled days with highlights like Cades Cove, Clingmans Dome, and LeConte Mountain.
With a height of 1,000 ft, The Park Vista is one of the tallest hotels in Gatlinburg and provides breathtaking views of the busy city and the famous Great Smoky Mountains.
Pick from a fine selection of rooms and suites, all of which have their own balcony, and enjoy an abundance of amenities on-site.
Kids and adults alike will enjoy the multi-tier heated pool with slides and hot tubs peppered throughout.
The hotel restaurant, The Vista Grill, is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner with breakfast being buffet style.
The Firefly lounge is the perfect place to end your day, with its considerable cocktail list and panoramic views of the Great Smoky Mountains.
A trip to Tennessee wouldn’t be complete without visiting the famous Dollywood Parks – and it just so happens that its resort has some of the nicest accommodations in town.
Pigeon Forge is an extremely busy town with an overwhelming strip of attractions, but Dollywood’s Dreammore Resort manages to keep out all the hustle and bustle.
The charming hotel is hidden away for the ultimate sense of privacy and relaxation, with a wonderful selection of rooms and suites.
If you’re feeling really fancy, check out the Dolly Parton Suite for a penthouse experience unlike anything you’ve seen before – sweeping mountain view included.
After a day of hiking in the park, do your body a favor and book a spa treatment in the highly acclaimed spa located within the resort.
If the spa isn’t your style, head over to one of the two pools on-site to swim a few laps or melt in the hot tub while taking in views of Mt. LeConte.
Whether you’d like to spend your days hiking every trail possible or enjoying the views with a burger and a beer in hand, the Smoky Mountain Resort is within walking distance of it all. Located in the park town of Gatlinburg, the hotel is just steps away from the many attractions, shops, and restaurants that line the streets.
It’s also the town that borders the national park – so a quick drive or trolley ride will have you within park limits in only minutes.
There’s a large variety of accommodations available for all kinds of travelers, so you can enjoy every moment in your room, suite, or villa.
The hotel has two pools – one inside and one out – as well as a few hot tubs scattered around the property to unwind in after a long day.
You’ll find everything you need to hit the trails from healthy snacks to walking sticks at the marketplace located in the lobby.
Tropical island vibes meet mountain retreat at the Margaritaville in Gatlinburg – creating the best kind of paradise just minutes from Tennessee’s national park.
Stay in one of the beach-themed rooms or upgrade to a suite for a more lavish lifestyle, with electric fireplaces and whirlpool tubs.
Regardless of the room you choose, you’ll enjoy a private balcony, Keurig coffee station, and free Wi-Fi access throughout the resort.
With a name like Margaritaville, you’d expect to be walking around with a margarita for the majority of your stay – and the resort makes it easy with 4 onsite bars to choose from.
Stop at Joe Merchant Coffee & Provisions before heading out to the park for a cappuccino and breakfast sandwich to get you energized for the day ahead.
Located in the less populated park town of Townsend, the Dancing Bear Lodge is just minutes away from the national park boundary and avoids the hectic streets of Gatlinburg.
Have your pick from 25 modern rooms, cabins, and villas for luxurious accommodations with access to a large selection of amenities.
Cozy up next to the fireplace, go for a soak in the private hot tub, and start each morning with a cup of freshly ground Dancing Bean coffee.
The award-winning Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro is located on-site, and has a unique menu with an interesting blend of ingredients.
6. LeConte Lodge
Not only is the LeConte Lodge the only accommodation available within the national park itself, but it is also the highest elevated lodge in the eastern United States.
It’s so popular that you need to be put on a waitlist for even a chance of staying at the lodge – and the waitlists tend to fill up at the very beginning of the year.
There are no roads leading up to the lodge, so if you score a reservation, you’ll need to hike your way up to LeConte – and the shortest trail is 5 miles long.
Once you arrive, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time with its old-fashioned log cabins, kerosene lamps, and lack of plumbing.
Nothing compares to the sounds of nature that engulf you while gazing at the stars (free of air pollution!), and enjoying complimentary breakfast and dinner during your stay.
If you’re looking to explore the North Carolina side of the Great Smokies, Panther Creek Cabins is just a short drive away from the iconic Newfound Gap Road that leads into the park.
Located in Cherokee, North Carolina, you’ll have your pick of secluded creek front cabins decorated in Native American art and rustic décor.
Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or family vacation, you’ll surely find what you’re looking for at Panther Creek – with cabins ranging from 1-4 bedrooms.
Relax by the fireplace, unwind in the jacuzzi, take advantage of the fully equipped kitchen, and sit on the porch swing to take in the views of Wright Creek.
Located in the busy town of Gatlinburg, the River Terrace Resort is close to all of the highlights, and most of the rooms overlook the picturesque Little Pigeon River.
The resort has options for all budgets, with rooms as little as $130/night and upgrades available, including the two-story king loft with a fireplace for under $300/night.
Be sure to check out special offers before booking, including specials for early booking, dining packages, and military discounts.
Enjoy the large selection of Gatlinburg restaurants right at your doorstep, but don’t overlook the resort’s Drafts Burger Bar and its exciting menu.
After a day of hiking, kick back with a beer or an exquisite milkshake and a juicy burger as you sit by a fire and breathe in the fresh mountain air.
The more affordable sister to River Terrace Resort, the Wild Bear Inn is located a bit further from the park in Pigeon Forge and is surrounded by an abundance of unique attractions.
The resort may not have luxurious touches like hot tubs and waterfront patios, but the spacious rooms cost as little as $80/night and the large selection of amenities has guests coming back for more.
Hang by one of the two pools, fireplace patios, scenic lobby, or resort bar in between your Great Smoky Mountain adventures.
Once you’ve worked up an appetite, head over to the resort’s Wild Bear Tavern for a delicious meal of German cuisine and a fine selection of draft beer.
For the ultimate glamping experience, check out Under Canvas – a company that has been providing unique experiences around many of the United State’s most popular national parks.
Nestled away on 182 acres of private land, every luxury tent on site is surrounded by the sounds and views of untouched nature.
Every tent comes with a full private bathroom, deck, and wood burning stove. Plus, some of the tents even have windows above their beds for nighttime stargazing!
You’ll feel like you’ve joined a community of adventurers as you sit around the communal fire pit and tell stories about your day in the park, or share an energizing meal in the dining tent.
With luxurious cabins scattered throughout Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, Sevierville, and Wears Valley, Natural Retreats Vacation Homes has something for everyone.
The cabins are easy on the eyes with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the mountains, hot tubs on wraparound decks, and roaring fireplaces in almost every room.
Prices range from $100-$1,000/night depending on the cabin, which gives you an idea of just how diverse the selections are with accommodation options for up to 30 people.
Plan your stay on weekdays to take advantage of some of their special deals including three nights for the price of two or five nights for the price of three.
You won’t find any other place near the Great Smoky Mountain National Park that lets you spend your nights amongst the trees – which makes Tree House Grove that much more special.
The 8 treehouses at the Grove are located right outside the national park, and provide breathtaking views at every turn.
All treehouses have a rustic feel with 2 beds, a kitchenette, a full bathroom, and a private deck that overlooks Norton Creek and the iconic mountains.
Many trails that lead into the national park start at this very location making it easy to explore the area without having to drive the busy, windy roads that make up the park.
Located in Hot Springs, North Carolina, the Hot Springs Resort and Spa is the perfect place to rest your muscles after a day of hiking on the eastern side of the national park.
As one of the very few places on the east coast to indulge in such a natural wonder, the resort pumps rejuvenating hot spring waters into jacuzzi tubs for your relaxation.
The resort offers a variety of lodging options, including primitive camping, suites, and cabin rentals. Many of the deluxe options include private mineral water jacuzzi tubs.
If soaking in the mineral-rich waters has you in the mood to treat yourself, check out the resort’s many massage and spa treatments.
Nestled in the heart of the historic town of Chattanooga, the Chattanooga Choo-Choo Hotel was once a terminal station in the early 1900s and has since been transformed into one of the most happening hotels in the area.
The suites are cozy and spacious, but the real show stoppers are the train car rooms that take you back in time – and, like the name, are located in an ancient train car.
Just when you think it can’t get any better, you’ll marvel at the large selection of restaurants and bars available without ever leaving the hotel grounds.
Listen to live music at the Gate 11 Distillery, drink mimosas during brunch at Stir, stop in at any time of day at the Frothy Monkey, and enjoy the pour your own draft beer selection at American Draft.
A stay at The Wandering Llamas may mean an hour’s drive to get to the Great Smoky Mountains, but also means unlimited access to hang with llamas.
The establishment first gained fame for its llama treks, which are 2-hour hikes through the beautiful mountain terrain accompanied by your new llama friends.
Since then, they’ve also added:
llama wine and cheese parties
llama yoga
Av wonderful glamping experience with constant views of llamas
The Fox Den Treehouse is a cozy stay, with a full-size bed, private deck, and complimentary coffee – but there’s no running water, which means no shower access.
Feel free to pet and feed the llamas at your leisure, but make sure to give Foxy, the resident cat, some love as well.
Enjoy the holiday season any time of year at The Inn at Christmas Place, with accommodations that will make you feel like you’ve been transported to the North Pole.
The Bavarian-style architecture stands out amongst the attraction-filled streets of Pigeon Forge, and every room is carefully decorated to keep the Christmas spirit alive.
Choose from a selection of suites, the best being the Santa Suite, and enjoy a complimentary breakfast each morning as well as access to the Inn’s heated indoor pool, large hot tub, and outdoor pool if the season is right.
Let’s not forget the main attraction: keep your eyes out for Santa Claus as he makes his rounds through the Inn with his lovely wife, Mrs. Claus.
The hidden gem of Walland, TN is just a thirty-minute ride from one of the park’s most talked-about destinations, Cades Cove, and the Whispering River Resort provides an amazing place to admire the nature that surrounds you.
When you’re not exploring the national park you can be kayaking along the resort’s thousands of feet of lake access or hiking amongst the 40 acres of hiking trails.
You can bring your furry friends along for the journey when you book a stay at one of three cabins available with views overlooking the river.
The cabins may be rustic but they provide a feeling of luxury with their spacious decks, hot tubs, jacuzzis, and wood-burning stoves.
Nicknamed “The Peaceful Side of the Smokies”, it’s no wonder that Townsend has some of the most relaxing accommodations available and Pioneer Cabins & Guest Ranch is no exception.
Located between the gushing Little River and towering Little Mountain, the cabins have spectacular waterfront and mountainside views.
The five lovely cabins are scattered across 12 acres of farmland filled with gardens to gander at, farm animals to play with, and walking trails to stretch your legs on.
Enjoy the rustic feel without the lack of amenities as the cabins come with fully equipped kitchens, porches with rocking chairs, fireplaces, TVs, and hot tubs.
Although you will need to bring your own groceries for cooking, the owners are more than happy to share some fresh fruits and vegetables from their extensive garden.
Known for having some of the most private cabin rentals in the Great Smokies, Black Bear Hollow Cabin Rentals provides the woodsy getaway that everyone hopes for when visiting the national park.
Each cabin is situated on its own acre of land guaranteeing the feeling of privacy as you soak in the outdoor hot tub or relax on the front porch.
There is a large selection of cabins available to accommodate groups as small as a couple to as large as a party of twenty.
The cabins are not housed on a single development rather they are spread out amongst the towns of Gatlinburg, Townsend, Pigeon Forge, and Wears Valley so make sure to double-check the cabin’s location before booking to better plan your stay.
Located in the heart of downtown Gatlinburg, the Town Square is within walking distance of the town’s lively streets and the entrance to the national park is less than a mile away.
The hotel welcomes you with a three-story waterfall at its entrance and if you think the lobby is beautiful just wait until you see your room.
Spend some time lounging by your very own fireplace or sit out on the deck to grill up some dinner as you admire the views of the creek.
When you’ve worked up an appetite, take a stroll to Downtown Gatlinburg for a tasty burger and flight of beer at the Smoky Mountain Brewery.
Hidden amongst the trees where the town of Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park meet, stands the Bluegreen MountainLoft at an elevation of 2,200 ft.
The resort ranges from bedroom suites to townhomes with accommodations for up to 10 guests, each with fully equipped kitchens, fireplaces, and scenic balconies.
Start your day with a cup of coffee in hand as you sit on the balcony taking in the views of the mountains and if you’re lucky you may even spot a black bear amongst the trees.
You can look forward to relaxing in one of the resort’s many heated pools and hot tubs after a long day of hiking throughout the park.
First established in the 1930s, Blackberry Farm has slowly evolved into one of the finest five-star hotels in all of Tennessee and it just so happens to be within thirty minutes of the national park.
There is no shortage of lodging options with the farm’s many historic rooms, estate rooms, suites, cottages, and houses with accommodations for up to 10 people.
The private houses come with massive game rooms, private use of golf carts, multi-tier decks, and some have elevators to accommodate wheelchairs.
The food here is simply delicious with just about all of the ingredients sourced from the farm itself and the renowned chef does a wonderful job of creating unique farm-fresh dishes that pair perfectly with the farm’s wine list.
Located 5,000 feet above sea level and only 25 feet from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, The Swag is the highest standing hotel on the east coast.
It is important to note that the hotel is in Waynesville, NC so many guests who stay here tend to base their national park activities on the North Carolina side as the park is extremely large in size.
The rooms are some of the most luxurious lodging options around the park and the price reflects that with the most affordable room at $575 a night.
Each of the 16 rooms available has wood-burning fireplaces, full kitchens, and bathrooms plus many have access to private saunas and outdoor showers.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served onsite and bagged lunches are available for those who plan on spending most of their day in the park.
One of the very few bed and breakfast options in Gatlinburg let alone the Great Smoky Mountains, Foxtrot B&B provides a laid-back lodging option in a rather busy town.
Everything about the house provides a feeling of luxury but the real winner is the fact that all of the four rooms have jacuzzis that overlook the iconic Mt. LeConte in the national park.
Enjoy a breakfast like you’ve never had before as the experienced chef puts together a three-course menu that focuses on dazzling up locally grown products to amaze your tastebuds.
Have the spa delivered right to your door after a day of hiking by signing up for one of the many spa packages available onsite.
Another lovely bed and breakfast option located on the opposite side of the park in Waynesville, NC is the Andon Reid Inn and its award-winning hospitality.
The home was first built in 1902 and much of its old house charm remains although many of the rooms have been modernized in one way or another.
The seven rooms and suites have their own unique features like private glassed-in porches, hidden bungalows, jetted tubs, and fireplaces.
A complimentary breakfast is served hot each morning with multiple courses paired with the B&B’s special fruit juice blend that everyone raves about.
If you’re looking to plan a romantic getaway with your significant other, Berry Springs Lodge is the place to be, as the resort is designed for couples only.
Each of the 9 rooms has a fireplace, hot tub, and private deck to provide the most romantic atmosphere. The lack of children or large groups guarantees you’ll have some peace and quiet.
Breakfast is included with your stay, and the menu of hot dishes changes daily. There are also quick bites available for guests who’d prefer to eat on the run.
Take a step back in time as you take in the 18th-century artifacts that line the walls and the historically themed rooms at the Richmont Inn in Townsend, TN.
All of the rooms are peppered with antiques, wood-burning fireplaces, and whirlpool tubs – but the chalet luxury suites are the best choice for picturesque Smoky Mountain views.
Not only is a gourmet breakfast included in your stay, but you’ll also be treated to a complimentary dessert paired with a flavored coffee each night.
Perfectly located along the Little Pigeon River, the Riverstone Resort manages to drown out the sounds of the busy city of Pigeon Forge with mesmerizing sounds of running water.
The resort is close enough to everything making it easy to check out the many attractions in town or escape to the Great Smoky Mountains to spend some quality time with nature.
However you decide to spend your day, the spa will be waiting for you back at the resort with a huge selection of treatments to relax your body.
Dating back to the 1930s, the Gatlinburg Inn has become one of the most popular hotels in Gatlinburg – and doubles as a historic monument.
Take time to walk around the hotel to admire the many old photographs taken throughout the years as well as a wall of celebrities who have stayed at the Inn before.
There are 70 rooms available with a few suite options, like the family suites, for big groups – and presidential suites for those hoping for a more luxurious stay.
There are no restaurants on-site, but Downtown Gatlinburg is right at your doorstep with an overwhelming amount of delicious options to choose from.
