Looking to stay in the Great Smoky Mountains, but not sure where to hang your hat? We feel ya. With over half a million acres of lush forests and postcard-perfect peaks, picking the right Smoky Mountain lodge can be tougher than hiking to a waterfall in flip flops.
But don't stress! We tracked down the 10 hottest hotels and cabins near the national park in Tennessee, from secluded honeymoon hideaways to family-friendly cabins with all the fixins.
Whether you want to cozy up by a stone fireplace or have a view of the misty mountains from your room, these Smoky Mountain lodges have it all.
And we'll give you the inside scoop, like which have riverfront hot tubs, private balconies, and breakfast buffets that'll leave you waddling like a black bear.
The 10 Best Hotels in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, TN
Ready to book that Tennessee vacay and see what all those pretty postcards are about?
Read on and get ready to kick off your boots in the prime pads near the national park!
Dancing Bear Lodge
Located in Townsend, Tennessee, Dancing Bear Lodge offers rustic cabins with stunning views of the Great Smoky Mountains. This beautiful lodge is also close to the Little River Railroad and Lumber Company Museum. It's also the perfect place to enjoy a romantic getaway or family vacation.
The lodge features a variety of accommodations, from rustic cabins to luxurious villas. Most accommodations have a full kitchen and a fireplace. The lodge also offers Wi-Fi, a fitness center, and a private hot tub.
The lodge's restaurant, Appalachian Bistro, is a farm-to-table experience. It features time-tested recipes of the region and uses high-quality produce grown on-site. It was recently named one of the 25 best romantic restaurants in the country. It also offers a train-the-trainer experience. The menu includes a variety of appetizers.
The lodge offers a 10% discount on breakfast at the Apple Valley Cafe. There are also a variety of activities in the area, including hiking trails, tubing down the Pigeon River, and scenic drives.
Dancing Bear Lodge is also known for on-site events. It's one of the best places to stay in the Great Smoky Mountains for family vacations.
Baymont Inn & Suites Cherokee Smoky Mountains
Located near the Cherokee National Park and Harrah's Cherokee Casino, the Bay Mountain Inn & Suites is a convenient option for those visiting the area. Featuring an outdoor swimming pool, the hotel is located in Cherokee, NC, and is just over a mile away from the Museum of the Cherokee Indian. It is also within easy reach of the Blue Ridge Parkway, which is only 20 minutes' walk away.
In addition to a spacious room, the Bay Mountain Inn & Suites Cherokee Smoky Mountains offers 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.
Guests at the Bay Mountain Inn & Suites can also take advantage of their free shuttle service. The hotel 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
Formerly known as Comfort Suites Cherokee, the Super 8 by Wyndham Cherokee is designed with a blend of comfort and convenience for family travelers. Situated near landmarks like the Smoky Mountain Gold and Ruby Mine and Harrah's Cherokee Casino, the hotel offers a prime location.
Guest rooms at Super 8 Cherokee have been thoughtfully fitted with a flat-screen TV and air conditioning for a welcoming stay. Complimentary wifi lets guests stay connected, while a 24-hour front desk, express check-in/check-out, and other amenities add to the ease of your stay.
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 Super 8. Enjoy your stay at Super 8 by Wyndham Cherokee—a gateway to an unforgettable Cherokee experience.
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, comfortable, and feature 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 located near Harrah's Cherokee Casino and the Blue Ridge Parkway. It 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
Located in the peaceful town of Townsend, Tennessee, Best Western Cades Cove Inn offers guests stylish accommodations in east-central Tennessee.
This family-friendly hotel 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.
Best Western Cades Cove Inn offers travelers a variety of amenities and is the perfect location for exploring the surrounding area. Its location is only a short distance from the Dollywood theme park, the Tail of the Dragon and Deals Gap.
It 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.
The Best Western Cades Cove Inn 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.
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Cherokee
Located near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Cherokee is one of the most popular hotels in the area.
This 2-star hotel offers 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 the Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies.
Rooms at the Fairfield Inn & Suites Cherokee feature flat-screen televisions, 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 the hotel'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 Cherokee
Located off the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Great Smokies Inn Cherokee has the best of both worlds. It's near the Museum of Cherokee Indians and Cherokee Fun Park, and also 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. Guests 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. Some of the more interesting include a pet-friendly policy, free Wi-Fi, and a 24-hour business center.
Econo Lodge
Located in Gatlinburg, Econo Lodge Inn & Suites is close to popular attractions and restaurants. This hotel offers a free continental breakfast, free parking and wireless internet access. The rooms have free cable TV, microwaves, refrigerators and coffee makers. The hotel also features a seasonal outdoor pool.
The Econo Lodge Inn & Suites offers easy check-ins and swift check-outs. This hotel is a convenient place to stay for families. The hotel's suites offer private balconies and fireplaces. The rooms are well-equipped with microwaves, refrigerators and flat-screen TVs. The rooms also have free Wi-Fi.
The Holiday Inn Club Vacations Smoky Mountain Resort offers spacious suites, free parking and Wi-Fi. This hotel is also close to Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
The Country Cascades Waterpark Resort offers a large pool, kiddie pool and hot tub. The hotel is also close to Dollywood. This hotel has spacious rooms and a beach resort feel.
The Rodeway Inn Skyland has a heated outdoor pool. This hotel also has private balconies and free breakfast. Guests can also receive a 10% discount at the Atrium Pancake House.
Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Bryson City
Located just 20 minutes from the center of Bryson City, this hotel is near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and is a good place to stay in this Southern Appalachian town. Its amenities include free Wi-Fi and parking on site.
It offers free hot breakfast each morning and is pet-friendly. Its rooms are handicapped accessible, and it has a business center on site. The hotel's 24-hour front desk provides copies, faxes, and copy services. The hotel also features a seasonal outdoor pool.
The hotel is located near the Smoky Mountain Trains Museum and the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. It is also near Fontana Lake and the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Great Smoky Mountain Railroad offers several different types of excursions. The hotel is also close to the Nantahala Outdoor Center.
Rooms at this hotel feature flat-panel TVs, free Wi-Fi, and in-room safes. It offers free breakfast and has an 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
Welcome to the Days Inn by Wyndham Cherokee Near Casino, your haven in Cherokee that balances affordability with comfort. This motel is ideally located close to Cherokee's major attractions, including the Cherokee Indian Reservation and Smoky Mountain Gold and Ruby Mine.
Your stay with them promises comfort and convenience – 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 by Wyndham 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. The team behind the Days Inn Cherokee Near Casino looks forward to making your stay in Cherokee memorable!
