As much as we all love "roughing it" in nature, after a long day of hiking through the stunning scenery of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, we city slickers are yearning for a nice comfy bed and piping hot shower. Sure, sleeping on the ground under the stars SOUNDS romantic, but our back has another opinion on the matter.
Luckily, there are plenty of delightful hotels and lodges just outside the park that offer access to the wonders of nature by day, and creature comforts galore when you return at night with aching feet. No need to fully disconnect from civilization out here! We can have the perfect mix of immersing ourselves in Mother Nature and then retreating to a fluffy mattress and room service burger (hold the backcountry trail dust, please).
In this blog, we’ll share our picks for the top hotels bordering Tennessee’s section of the iconic national park for you to call home on your Smoky Mountain vacay. We have stunning luxury lodges with views for days, quaint cabins ensconced in lush forests, and convenient hotels a quick drive from all the park’s primo sights. They run the gamut from rustically charming to posh and polished.
Dancing Bear Lodge
Dancing Bear Lodge is a fairly luxurious lodge resort that offers rustic cabins with stunning views of the Great Smoky Mountains. This charming lodge is also close to the Little River Railroad and Lumber Company Museum, making it East Tennessee's ultimate vacation base camp. Enjoy complimentary bike rental and explore the lodge's scenic surroundings on world-famous Electra 7 Townie speed cruisers.
The lodge is home to 26 charming and rustic accommodations, each offering a unique blend of comfort and style.
- Rustic Cabins: These intimate cabins are nestled within the lodge's 38-acre property, offering a serene and secluded retreat. Each cabin is fully furnished and thoughtfully designed to maximize both comfort and functionality.
- Cottages: For those seeking a more spacious retreat, the lodge's cottages offer two separate sleeping areas, each with its own private bath and large garden tub.
- Deluxe Cabins: For the ultimate in luxury, the lodge's deluxe cabins feature premium appliances and bedding, cable TV, and complimentary Wi-Fi.
While you're there, you can experience a whole new level of relaxation with their in-cabin massage for two. Besides that, the lodge's Appalachian Bistro serves regionally refined Appalachian cuisine, crafted by Executive Chef Jeff Carter. The bistro has been featured on the Travel Channel's "Food Paradise" TV series and has been touted in Conde Naste Traveler.
Baymont Inn & Suites Cherokee Smoky Mountains
Set on the North Carolina Cherokee Indian Reservation in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains, Baymont Inn & Suites Cherokee Smoky Mountains is a straightforward hotel nestled a mile from the Museum of the Cherokee Indian and 1.7 miles from Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This 2-star hotel features an outdoor swimming pool with spacious rooms and a number of free amenities, including free Wi-Fi, a free breakfast, and free self-parking.
It also features a small business center and is within walking distance of several local restaurants and shops. You can take advantage of their free shuttle service. The Baymont Inn & Suites Cherokee Smoky Mountains is within easy reach of Cherokee Rapids River Tubing and other local attractions. The hotel also offers a number of amenities to help make your stay more convenient, including laundry facilities and a 24-hour front desk.
Super 8 by Wyndham Cherokee
Super 8 by Wyndham Cherokee is an award-winning 2-star hotel based near landmarks like the Smoky Mountain Gold and Ruby Mine and Harrah's Cherokee Casino. Formerly known as Comfort Suites Cherokee, their guest rooms have been thoughtfully fitted with a flat-screen TV and air conditioning for a welcoming stay. Complimentary Wi-Fi lets you stay connected, while a 24-hour front desk, express check-in/check-out, and other amenities add to the ease of your stay.
At Super 8 Cherokee, you can unwind with their pool and savor a delicious breakfast, included to make your visit all the more special. Complimentary parking is a bonus for guests driving to Cherokee. Nearby, tantalize your taste buds at local Italian favorites like Brio Tuscan Grill and Wize Guyz Grille. Enhance your visit with a trip to the Cherokee Heritage Museum and Gallery, located within easy reach of the Super 8.
Sleep Inn Bryson City - Cherokee Area
Located in Bryson City, Sleep Inn Bryson City - Cherokee Area is a short drive from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The property is smoke-free and has 50 rooms. It is also a Choice Hotels gold award winner. The hotel provides free high-speed internet access throughout the property, as well as room service. The rooms have cable television, a hair dryer, and a work desk. The hotel's amenities include a fitness center, an outdoor pool, and free breakfast. The rooms are spacious and comfortable while featuring pillow-top mattresses and refrigerators.
A microwave is also available. Some rooms have balconies and patios. There are also free weekday newspapers. The hotel's safety deposit boxes are available at the 24-hour front desk. The property is based near Harrah's Cherokee Casino and the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Sleep Inn Bryson City Cherokee Area is also close to the Cherokee Foothills Scenic Parkway and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The hotel offers free continental breakfast and wireless Internet access. Some rooms have a refrigerator, microwave, and free weekday newspapers. The hotel's tour/ticket assistance is also available.
Best Western Cades Cove Inn
Best Western Cades Cove Inn is a family-friendly hotel that is only about a 20-minute drive from McGhee Tyson Airport and just a few minutes away from Dollywood and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The hotel offers complimentary Internet access and an outdoor pool. The hotel also offers free parking, a business center and daily housekeeping. The hotel features a slew of modern amenities including a free daily hot breakfast, free Wi-Fi, and an outdoor pool.
This two-story hotel also features a small refrigerator, microwave and flat-screen cable television in every room. Its location is only a short distance from the Dollywood theme park, the Tail of the Dragon and Deals Gap. Besides all of this, Best Western Cades Cove Inn is also just a short walk from the Little River Railroad Museum and the Dark Island Swinging Bridge. This property is also located close to the Ole Smoke Moonshine Distillery and Comedy Barn.
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Cherokee
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Cherokee is a 2-star hotel offering a wide range of amenities, including a free hot breakfast, Wi-Fi, an indoor pool, and more. The hotel is also close to some of the area's most popular attractions, including Dolly Parton's Stampede and Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies. Guest rooms here feature flat-screen TVs, microwaves, hair dryers, and more.
Some of the more luxurious rooms also feature a private balcony with a view of the mountains. The hotel also offers free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour business center. Some of Fairfield Inn & Suites Cherokee's other features include an indoor pool, barbecue grills, and a picnic area. There are also 24-hour front desks and express check-out. The hotel may charge pet fees.
Great Smokies Inn
Great Smokies Inn is a pet-friendly hotel near the Museum of Cherokee Indians and Cherokee Fun Park. This 2-star hotel provides access to hiking and horseback riding opportunities in the area. It's also one of the closest hotels to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The hotel also provides an outdoor pool, an outdoor amphitheater, and a 24-hour business center. You can also take advantage of free Wi-Fi in public areas and on the premises. In addition, the hotel provides laundry services, wheelchair access, and a pet-friendly policy.
While there aren't many on-site restaurants, the Little Princess and Wize Guyz Grille are both located within a short walk of the hotel. The Great Smokies Inn also has a full-service bar and offers free self-parking. It's also easy to access the Great Smoky Mountains via the parkway, and the Cherokee Airport is a short drive away. The Great Smokies Inn also has the honor of being the closest hotel to the Blue Ridge Parkway, and the Museum of Cherokee Indians, so it's not surprising that the hotel has a slew of other amenities.
Econo Lodge
Econo Lodge Cherokee is an award-winning 2-star motel and also a part of Econo Lodge, which is an economy motel chain based in the United States and Canada. They offer 201 well-appointed rooms and suites, each featuring a Serta “Perfect Sleeper” bed with premium bedding, a 32-inch flat-screen TV with cable/HBO, complimentary Wi-Fi, and in-room refrigerator, microwave, and coffee maker for your convenience.
Furthermore, the hotel offers a heated indoor pool and hot tub, a picnic area with grills, and a game room with arcade games and a pool table. Plus, Econo Lodge is also within walking distance of restaurants and many shops with a theater complex just across the street. You can enjoy tubing, world-class trout fishing, bonfires, and picnicking on the river.
Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Bryson City
Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Bryson City is an ideal family-friendly hotel that is designed with your comfort in mind. They are clean, well-maintained, and equipped with thoughtful amenities. Their air-conditioned guest rooms include free high-speed Wi-Fi, daily maid service, and ironing facilities. Meanwhile, their suites add microwaves, mini-fridges, and coffeemakers, and some even include pull-out sofas.
While you're there, this non-smoking hotel does provide you with a free hot breakfast each morning. Its rooms are handicapped accessible, and it has a business center with Internet access on-site. The hotel's 24-hour front desk provides copies, faxes, and copy services. The Microtel Inn & Suites Bryson City also features a seasonal outdoor saltwater pool. There are also rooms with a Jacuzzi. It is pet-friendly, and you can have a pet for $25 per night.
Days Inn by Wyndham Cherokee Near Casino
Days Inn by Wyndham Cherokee Near Casino is another 2-star motel ideally located close to Cherokee's major attractions, including the Cherokee Indian Reservation and Smoky Mountain Gold and Ruby Mine. Their rooms are equipped with modern amenities like flat-screen TVs and air conditioning, and they offer free Wi-Fi to keep you connected. The hotel's 24-hour front desk and room service ensure your needs are met around the clock.
Days Inn Cherokee Near Casino also offers additional perks like a pool, a free breakfast, and convenient free parking. And when hunger strikes, local favorites Brio Tuscan Grill and Wize Guyz Grille are just around the corner. Explore the rich Cherokee culture at Qualla Arts and Crafts Mutual, an art gallery nearby.
