If you’re planning a weekend getaway or vacation in Gatlinburg, then you may be in search of the best hotels or places to stay.
Are you looking for a hotel centrally located downtown, convenient for walking to your favorite Gatlinburg activities and attractions?
Or do you prefer a resort with a great indoor water park and plenty of activities on-site? 💦
Whether a hotel, resort, or a cozy cabin in Gatlinburg, you have quite a few options.
There are dozens of luxury resorts, mid-range hotels, and budget-friendly motels located right in downtown Gatlinburg to choose from.
In our guide, we showcase the cream of the crop for all budgets so you can maximize your vacation or weekend getaway.
Many of these hotels are located on the Gatlinburg Trolley Route, making it easy and convenient to travel around the city.
All Gatlinburg Trolleys stop at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies where you can hop off and walk downtown or change routes.
But let’s not get ahead of ourselves…
We’ve compiled the best list of hotels found in Gatlinburg that offer great amenities, convenient locations, onsite restaurants, waterparks, and more.
Keep reading to see what the best hotels in Gatlinburg are here! 👇
15 Best Hotels in Gatlinburg, Tennessee
1. Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Waterpark
- Price: $$$
- Pet Friendly: Yes (Dogs only)
- Parking: Free
- Trolley Route: Purple
- Amenities: Waterpark, Ziplining, Scenic Views, Mini Golf, Outdoor Pools, Hot Tub, 3 Restaurants, Bar/Lounge Area
A fabulous resort hotel in Gatlinburg is the top-rated Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Waterpark.
This resort has everything from ziplining to cozy rooms with fireplaces and jacuzzi tubs, a relaxing spa, and everything in between.
The indoor waterpark is perfect for kids or those who are kids at heart (no shame there!).
Keep in mind when staying at this resort that you’ll need to drive about 10 minutes or take the Trolley to downtown Gatlinburg.
2. Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg
- Price: $$$
- Pet Friendly: No
- Parking: Free
- Trolley Route: Purple
- Amenities: Large Rain Showers, Fireplaces in King Rooms, Indoor & Outdoor Pools with Water Slides, Outdoor Hot Tub, 4 Restaurants
Who says you can’t have a beach vacation while never leaving the mountains? Stay at the Margaritaville Resort in downtown Gatlinburg where you can have the best of both worlds!
Bring your sunhat and relax by the pool at this with your favorite frozen drink, enjoy a message at the spa, grab lunch at the Landshark Bar & Grill for some island-inspired food, and more at this popular Gatlinburg Resort.
Enjoy all the amenities that Margaritaville has to offer while being only minutes from the Great Smoky Mountain National Park and within walking distance to many of Gatlinburg’s top-rated attractions including Anakeesta and Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies.
Rooms include plush bedding with tropical touches, large bathrooms with rain showers, cozy fireplaces (King Rooms only), and private balconies.
3. Courtyard by Marriott Downtown Gatlinburg
- Price: $$$
- Pet Friendly: No
- Parking: Free
- Trolley Route: Red
- Amenities: Indoor Pool, Hot Tub, Fitness Center, Restaurant
Another great place to stay in Gatlinburg is at the Courtyard by Marriott. Offering a great location downtown, avoid the traffic as you’ll be able to walk to most major attractions.
The rooms are spacious and include a private balcony with a fireplace in some rooms. If you need to relax, go outside and soak in the hot tub — perfect after a long day walking through Gatlinburg.
4. Bearskin Lodge on the River
- Price: $$
- Pet Friendly: No
- Parking: Free
- Trolley Route: Red
- Amenities: River Views, Outdoor Pool & Lazy River, Fireplace, Free Grab-and-Go Breakfast
Bearskin Lodge on the River is in downtown Gatlinburg and is just a 2-minute walk to the Gatlinburg Trail Trailhead at the entrance of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park.
This hotel has earned a reputation for its comfortable bedding and cozy rooms with gas fireplaces. Snag a room with a view of the river or choose one with a view of the city.
Bearskin Lodge is also within walking distance to popular Gatlinburg breweries and restaurants, including Howard’s Steakhouse and Smoky Mountain Brewery.
5. Holiday Inn Express Gatlinburg
- Price: $$
- Pet Friendly: No
- Parking: Free
- Trolley Route: Red
- Amenities: Complimentary Breakfast, Indoor Pool, Bathtub, Indoor Kids Waterpark
You’ll find everything you need at the Holiday Inn Express in downtown Gatlinburg.
From complimentary breakfast to comfortable bedding to an indoor heated pool. Before you know it, you’ll be singing “we be chillin’ at the Holiday Inn” by Chingy in no time.
The Holiday Inn Express is found just across the street from the Log Cabin Pancake House where you can enjoy a nice big stack of pancakes until they close at 2:00 PM. It is also just a 5-minute walk to other attractions including the Ole Smoky Distillery.
6. Hilton Garden Inn Gatlinburg
- Price: $$
- Pet Friendly: Yes – $75 Non-Refundable Fee
- Parking: Free
- Trolley Route: Red
- Amenities: Indoor Pool, Restaurant, Pet Friendly, Fireplace, Hot Tub
The Hilton Garden Inn is one of the closest Gatlinburg hotels to the entrance of the Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway.
It is also just a few hundred feet from the entrance of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park and the Hollywood Star Cars Museum.
Guest reviews mention clean rooms, a cozy atmosphere, and in a convenient location.
7. Greystone Lodge on the River
- Price: $$
- Pet Friendly: No
- Parking: Free
- Trolley Route: Purple
- Amenities: Complimentary Breakfast, Outdoor Pool, Private Balconies, River Views
Greystone Lodge on the River is a family-owned hotel overlooking the river in downtown Gatlinburg.
This hotel recently underwent a major renovation providing modern and comfortable rooms and suites featuring fireplaces and soaker tubs.
One of the best features of the hotel is its proximity to many popular attractions including just a 3-minute walk to Anakeesta Adventure Park and Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies.
👉 Bookmark it for later: The Best Things to Do in Gatlinburg
8. Baymont by Wyndham Gatlinburg
- Price: $$
- Pet Friendly: No
- Parking: Free
- Trolley Route: Purple
- Amenities: Indoor Pool, Free Breakfast, Game Room
Baymont by Wyndham Gatlinburg on the River is great for those looking to get away from the crowds and hustle and bustle of the main strip of downtown.
Although it’s not centrally located, it’s still only a 15-minute walk from the main downtown attractions.
This hotel provides private balconies overlooking the Little Pigeon River and is close to the Moonshine Mountain Coaster and the Ripley’s Mountain Coaster.
9. Park Vista Gatlinburg
- Price: $$
- Pet Friendly: Yes
- Parking: Free
- Trolley Route: Red
- Amenities: Multi-Level Indoor Pool, Restaurant, Bar, Scenic Views
With beautiful mountain scenic views and a multi-level indoor pool, Park Vista Hotel is a great place to stay in Gatlinburg.
Guest reviews about the hotel mention comfortable bedding, an amazing pool, and scenic views from your own private balcony.
This hotel is located near outdoor activities including Mynatt Park and trailheads great for hiking in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park.
10. Old Creek Lodge Gatlinburg
- Price: $$
- Pet Friendly: No
- Parking: Free
- Trolley Route: Red
- Amenities: Jacuzzi Tubs, Fireplaces, Outdoor Heated Pool, Free Breakfast
Old Creek Lodge is just a 3-minute walk to the main strip of Gatlinburg and many dining options including The Melting Pot. Anyone craving fondue? 🧀
This hotel provides a rustic feel with modern amenities including a fireplace and jacuzzi tubs, making the Old Creek Lodge a great place to stay in Gatlinburg.
And don’t worry, if the attraction you are wanting to visit is too far to walk, the Old Creek Lodge is located on the Gatlinburg Trolley Route, making getting around the city easy for everyone.
11. Edgewater Hotel Gatlinburg
- Price: $$
- Pet Friendly: No
- Parking: Free
- Trolley Route: Red
- Amenities: Indoor & Outdoor Pool, Hot Tub, Free Breakfast
The Edgewater Hotel is one of the few hotels in Gatlinburg that has both an indoor pool and an outdoor pool, especially a pool that is both indoors and outdoors.
This hotel is centrally located in downtown Gatlinburg and near major attractions like the Gatlinburg Skylift Park.
If you’re looking for a romantic place to stay in Gatlinburg, book the Hot Tub Room where you and your loved one will have your very own large Jacuzzi Tub and fireplace guaranteeing a romantic Tennessee getaway for two.
12. Hampton Inn Gatlinburg
- Price: $$
- Pet Friendly: No
- Parking: Free
- Trolley Route: Red
- Amenities: Outdoor Pool, Creek Views, Free Breakfast Buffet, Hot Tub
Adjacent to the Ober Mountain Aerial Tramway, Hampton Inn is another place to stay in Gatlinburg with a great location.
With its close proximity to shops, dining, and attractions – you’ll have plenty to do with the convenience of walking to and from your hotel as needed.
13. Sidney James Mountain Lodge
- Price: $
- Pet Friendly: No
- Parking: Free
- Trolley Route: Red
- Amenities: 2 Outdoor Pools, Indoor Pool, Restaurant, Sauna, River Views
Sidney James Mountain Lodge is one of the nice motels in downtown Gatlinburg.
This hotel features 2 outdoor pools, an indoor pool, and river views. Some rooms offer a jacuzzi tub and fireplace.
If you’re hungry, grab food from the Poolside Cafe for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
14. River Terrace Resort Gatlinburg
- Price: $
- Pet Friendly: No
- Parking: Free
- Trolley Route: Red
- Amenities: 2 Outdoor Pools, Restaurant, River Views
River Terrance Resort & Convention Center is another great place to stay in downtown Gatlinburg.
This motel features riverfront rooms and 2 outdoor pools great for relaxing by the pool.
There is an onsite restaurant if you get hungry that serves American fare with a draft beer and cocktail list.
15. Clarion Point Downtown Gatlinburg
- Price: $
- Pet Friendly: No
- Parking: Possibly a Fee
- Trolley Route: Blue
- Amenities: Outdoor Pool, Free Continental Breakfast
Clarion Pointe is a motel in Gatlinburg and is one of the cheaper places to stay in this mountain town.
The rooms are clean with modern touches, making you feel right at home.
There is an outdoor pool if you’d like to lounge in the sun and downtown Gatlinburg is under a 10-minute walk away.
Where did you stay during your getaway to Gatlinburg, TN? Do you have any hotel recommendations for us? Let us know in the comments below!
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SAVE FOR YOUR NEXT GATLINBURG VACATION 📍
Featured Image Credit: Park Vista Gatlinburg