10 Retro Motels in Tennessee With Serious Throwback Vibes

Tennessee knows how to keep the past alive, especially when it comes to classic roadside motels. From neon signs to vintage room keys, these retro stays deliver authentic throwback vibes that remind you of simpler travel days.

Whether you’re cruising through Nashville, Memphis, or the Smoky Mountains, these old-school motor lodges offer nostalgia, convenience, and charm that modern hotels just can’t match.

1. The Dive Motel (Nashville)

Disco balls hanging in your room? Yes, please. The Dive Motel brings a funky, playful spin to Nashville’s motel scene with rooms that feel like stepping into a groovy time capsule.

This spot has become famous for its “motel revival” energy, blending retro aesthetics with modern comforts. Bright colors, vintage furniture, and quirky touches make every corner Instagram-worthy.

Right now, the property is on a seasonal pause, so check their website before planning your visit. When it reopens, expect a one-of-a-kind stay that celebrates nostalgia without taking itself too seriously.

2. Lamplighter Motor Inn (Memphis)

Memphis has soul, and the Lamplighter Motor Inn captures that perfectly. Located in artsy Midtown, this classic motor inn keeps things simple and authentic with its no-frills, old-school charm.

Rooms are clean and comfortable, offering exactly what road-trippers need after a long day exploring Beale Street or grabbing barbecue. The exterior screams vintage Americana with its low-rise layout and classic signage.

Staying here feels like traveling back to the golden age of American road trips. Plus, you’re close to some of Memphis’s best music venues, restaurants, and cultural landmarks without the downtown hotel prices.

3. Riverside Motor Lodge (Pigeon Forge)

Right on the Parkway and dripping with classic motor lodge vibes, Riverside Motor Lodge is pure Pigeon Forge nostalgia. This place takes you back to family road trips with its straightforward setup and convenient location.

Park your car right outside your room door—no elevators, no fancy lobbies, just easy access. It’s the kind of place your grandparents probably stayed at decades ago, and somehow that’s part of its charm.

You’re steps away from Dollywood, mini golf, pancake houses, and all the Smoky Mountain attractions. Perfect for travelers who want affordability, convenience, and a genuine throwback experience rolled into one.

4. Conner Hill Motor Lodge (Pigeon Forge)

No frills, no fuss—just honest-to-goodness motor lodge vibes. Conner Hill Motor Lodge embodies that classic Smokies road-trip feel where simplicity is the whole point.

This family-friendly spot offers clean rooms, friendly service, and that nostalgic “park-and-stay” layout travelers have loved for generations. It’s not trying to be trendy or boutique, and that’s exactly why people keep coming back.

Located near all the major Pigeon Forge attractions, you get great value without sacrificing convenience.

5. Maples Motor Inn (Pigeon Forge)

Family-run since the ’70s, Maples Motor Inn is the real deal when it comes to throwback Pigeon Forge motel energy. Walking into this place feels like visiting relatives who’ve kept everything exactly the way it was decades ago.

The owners take pride in maintaining that authentic motor-inn experience, complete with personal touches and genuine hospitality. Rooms are cozy and budget-friendly, perfect for families who prioritize location and value over luxury amenities.

You’re close to Dollywood, dinner shows, and all the tourist fun without paying resort prices.

6. River Edge Inn (Gatlinburg)

Downtown location, walkable streets, and that classic rooms-plus-parking-plus-pool setup—River Edge Inn checks all the retro motel boxes. This spot sits right in the heart of Gatlinburg, making it ridiculously convenient for exploring the town.

The old-school motel format means you can park outside your room and walk straight into downtown action. No shuttles, no hassle, just easy access to shops, restaurants, and mountain views.

Families love the outdoor pool and the nostalgic feel that reminds them of childhood vacations. It’s affordable, straightforward, and perfectly positioned for anyone wanting to experience Gatlinburg without modern hotel prices.

7. Mountain House Motor Inn (Gatlinburg)

Family-owned and proudly old-school, Mountain House Motor Inn offers that classic “park and walk into town” Gatlinburg experience. This place hasn’t changed much over the years, and guests appreciate that consistency.

The setup is simple: comfortable rooms, friendly owners, and a location that puts you within easy walking distance of downtown attractions. It’s the kind of place where the owners remember repeat guests and treat everyone like family.

The throwback atmosphere adds character that chain hotels can’t replicate, making your Smoky Mountain trip feel more authentic and memorable.

8. Reagan Resorts Inn (Gatlinburg)

Positioned near the Parkway and convention center, Reagan Resorts Inn delivers that quintessential Gatlinburg roadside stay experience. This classic motor lodge has been welcoming travelers for years with its straightforward, no-nonsense approach.

Rooms are clean and comfortable, offering everything you need after a day hiking or exploring the Smokies. The location makes it easy to access both downtown Gatlinburg and the national park entrance.

What makes this place special is its authenticity—it’s not pretending to be anything other than a reliable, affordable motor lodge.

9. The Wander Hotel, a Ramada by Wyndham (Gatlinburg)

One of those iconic Parkway-area motor lodges that people book for location and nostalgia, The Wander Hotel brings classic Gatlinburg vibes with a recognizable name. This Ramada property maintains that traditional motor lodge feel while offering reliable comfort.

Its position along the Parkway means you’re close to everything—attractions, restaurants, and mountain views are all within easy reach. The setup is familiar and comforting for anyone who remembers family road trips from decades past.

10. Econo Lodge Inn & Suites at the Convention Center (Gatlinburg)

Not boutique, not fancy, but absolutely a classic central old-school motel-style stay. Econo Lodge Inn & Suites at the Convention Center keeps things real with its straightforward approach to budget lodging.

The location near the convention center and downtown makes it practical for both business travelers and families. Rooms deliver exactly what you’d expect from a traditional motor inn—clean, comfortable, and affordable.

Sometimes you don’t need trendy décor or Instagram-worthy design; you just need a solid place to sleep after exploring the Smokies.