The Gatlinburg center point is around 1 mile northeast of Sweet Fanny Adams Theatre and 1 mile northeast of Hard Rock Cafe.
Nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains is the romantic town of Gatlinburg. A huge array of shops and attractions are on both sides of the street, and you will likely not be able to do everything on the first trip. You can also go to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and hike any number of trails rated from beginner to expert. Make sure you go to the moonshine distillery too, where you can sample all of the flavors for free (with a valid ID of course).
If you're trying to visit Gatlinburg during their low season, you should head there during April or May. Historically, those two months see the fewest visitors, so you can probably expect lower hotel prices and a less crowded time on the mountain trails. May and October offer prime hiking weather, since the summer months can be a bit too hot to be comfortable for folks looking to explore outdoor activities. One of the most popular times to visit is in fall, when you can see the entire mountain range change colors. Late September through early November are the best times for fall foliage, but autumn is also peak tourist season.
Whether you have AAA, AARP, or a military discount, you want to know you're taking full advantage of your potential to get discounted hotel rooms. For great discounts no matter what kind of discount you qualify for, check out the Red Roof Inn & Suites Pigeon Forge - Parkway. The AAA rate, the senior rate, and the military/government rate are all comparable, and can save $10 or more when applied to the right room. The Red Roof Inn & Suites has an outdoor pool, free wi-fi, and lets you bring your pets.
The Quality Inn Creekside - Downtown Gatlinburg is a little pricier than the Red Roof Inn & Suites, partly because of its central location. They offer more AAA options than senior options, but when senior rates are available the price deduction is the same as the AAA discount. At the Quality Inn Creekside, you'll be within walking distance of several of downtown Gatlinburg's most popular attractions. It offers free wi-fi, a free breakfast, and a seasonal outdoor pool.
The Super 8 Pigeon Forge-Emert St doesn't offer any senior rates, but they do have AAA and military/government discounts available. Their AAA rate will save you a bit more than their military discount rate will, but both are worthwhile, especially if you want extra amenities like a hot tub. This budget hotel offers free wi-fi and tour assistance, so if you're visiting Gatlinburg for the first time, let the hotel staff help plan your sightseeing!
Find a hotel that isn't outside your budget, but still offers you the amenities you're seeking in Gatlinburg accommodations. You don't have to go ultra-low-cost to get a good value.
The Econo Lodge Inn & Suites at the Convention Center is in the heart of downtown Gatlinburg, but you won't pay typical downtown prices when you stay there. Rates are often well under $100 a night, without skimping on the amenities. Get all the basics like an outdoor pool, a free continental breakfast, sattelite TV, and free wi-fi.
The Rocky Waters Inn & Suites overlooks the river, and is less than a mile from downtown Gatlinburg. You'll ll get beautiful views and a central location, all for prices that are often considerably lower than $100 a night. The hotel only has 36 rooms, but each one has a private furnished balcony. You'll get to enjoy an indoor pool, an outdoor pool, and a spa tub when you stay here. Plus, you can take advantage of free continental breakfast and free wi-fi.
Like the Rocky Waters Inn & Suites, the Baymont Inn & Suites Gatlinburg on the River offers lovely river views and is less than a mile from downtown Gatlinburg. It's a little pricier than the other two, with rates often starting just under $120 a night, but it offers extra amenities that make it worth the extra bucks. The Baymont Inn & Suites has a sauna, an indoor pool, a fireplace in the lobby, fitness facilities, and a game room. Enjoy free wi-fi and free breakfast, and if you're going to be coming or going quickly, you'll love the express check-in and check-out options.
You don't want to miss out on the beautiful mountain scenery when you're in Gatlinburg, which is why you should stay in a mountain lodge during your time there. Gatlinburg and the surrounding area offers several beautiful properties, like the Dancing Bear Lodge in Townsend, Tennessee. The 4-star hotel has only 20 rooms, each decorated in a picturesque style that evokes the charms of log cabins and rustic living without skimping on amenities. They have a restaurant, a bar, a cafe, and a fitness facility. They also offer free wi-fi and breakfast, and let you bring your pets.
The Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Spa is styled like one giant log cabin. This beautiful 3.5-star mountain resort has 765 rooms, which feature refrigerators, microwaves, and DVD players. Their outdoor activities will make families rejoice; they've got two outdoor pools, four spa tubs, and for an extra fee you can enter their water park. The full-service spa offers all the spa treatments you love to pamper yourself with.
If you're traveling with a group to Gatlinburg, you can find the perfect hotel at a discounted group rate. Enjoy the beautiful Great Smoky Mountains and the quaint, historic town of Gatlinburg, Tennessee soon!
Below are reviews of the city of Gatlinburg, TN from an actual visitor's perspective.
The shops, engaging with others, very relaxing
All the shops and activities!
Great food at Smith and Sons. The town was clean and not noisy at night. Lots of choices for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The Sky Park was awesome and the area around was breathtakingly beautiful.
Really liked walking the main street where everything is nice and close together.
Shopping and eating!
Everything! It's a magical and friendly environment. I really appreciate the people in gatlinburg 🥰
Near Pigeon Forge. Beautiful views!
Heirloom room, fun activities. Proximity to scenic drives and Dollywood.
Visiting the Ripley Aquarium.
Safe place for singles never once felt afraid. Love all the shops but the best was going to top of mountain and the sky bridge and trails up there. I spend the better part of the day there walking and enjoying nature and people watching. Gatlinburg is the ultimate people watching place.
Location and scenery is amazing. Attractions are great.
Just a lot of activities
Just everything. Seeing all the people walking around and talking to everyone. Gatlinburg is awesome.
Relaxing
I like all of Gatlinburg I go there four times a year
Chesapeake restaurant was superb (much better than the knoxville location). The aquarium is awesome. Moonshine mtn coaster is not bad (best if rode at night)
We loved all the fun attractions and shops and also taking the lift up the mountain to see the views and walk the tree walk village. Super fun!
The peacefulness!
Walkable from hotel was nice. Lots of food and entertainment options!
I love all the restaurants.
Convenient; great foods; lots to do
We had a sports camp in Gatlinburg and enjoyed a side of Gatlinburg I had never seen. I had only seen the main strip.
The atmosphere!
I loved it!
We love Gatlinburg. It's one of our favorite vacation spots.
Everything about the mountains
I love the area around Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. I have lots of good memories that I wanted to share with my grandchildren.
Amazing city!
Enjoyed the different and new eating places!
The proximity of this lodge and the strip of Gatlinburg is amazing. Very family friendly and easily accessible to all the attractions.
Lots of things to do in Gatlinburg and the surrounding area!
The scenery is best!
Everything being within walking distance and having trolleys to help get around made it really nice
View of the mountains
A lot of things to do. There are walking trails and driving trails. We even saw bears. Putt putt golf, ski-lift to top of mountain. Plenty of different restaurants. Lots of shopping. There is one big problem.....you have to pay to park every where you go. Most places are $20.00 a day. That is awful.
Access to the national park. Good dining options.
Loved the shopping and attractions.
The parks and the mountains!
I stayed in Gatlinburg as it allowed me a close access to the Great Smoky mountains National Park where I went hiking everyday.
The proximity to the national park.
Lots to see and do. Nice location to downtown!
Everything is within walking distance.
Hospitality!
Exciting place with a lot to see and experience!
Neat, clean, friendly city with so many things to do for everyone.
There is so much to do. The restaurants and bars are great!
Nice convention center across the street.
Neat, clean, friendly city with so many things to do for everyone.
Good food!
There is so much to see but we love to come every year to shop and dine.
Food was great and there was plenty to do for all ages. The people in the hotel and shops were friendly and helpful. Traveling before the spring break madness and weekend activities in the town was also helpful.
Surrounding mountains that are unspoiled by commercialism.
A busy town with seemingly nice car-parking opportunities. Nice conference center!
Great walking town
Sites and things to do!
LOVE the town of Gatlinburg! We hiked the trail, and could walk to restaurants. It was great!
Gatlinburg is a beautiful area!
Gatlinburg was great as always!
Enjoyed our stay!
It's a festive vibe overall. Lots to see and do and the drive in the state park is amazing.
Awesome
Awesome!
The room was comfortable and clean. It was pleasant
Lot of things to do and beautiful Christmas lights!
Lot of things to do beautiful christmas lights
Decorations in town and close to Pigeon Forge!
Love Gatlinburg!
Good vacation place
Gatlinburg was beautiful
Gatlinburg is a magical city. Food spots great. Loved the trolley, drivers always helpful, courteous. Loved how the trolley let's you know where, when to get on & off.
I've been going for 33 years. got married there and scattered my husband ashes there.
Gatlinburg is nice. Lots to do.
We love to drive through the park. Colors and trees were beautiful this time of year.
We have been coming here for a long time, but this is the first time we have stayed here. Would recently.
The streams are beautiful. It is just a beautiful area.
Shopping & Food!
One of the most beautiful places to be. Lots of things to see and do.
It's one of my favorite place to go.
I love Gatlinburg. The shopping is great as is the food.
Everything! The Ripley's Aquarium was amazing.
Everything is close so you don't have to walk a long distance.
We have been to Gatlinburg many times and always go through Cades Cove and drive through the Smokies. Plenty of shopping and restaurants.
Pirate show and Great Smoky Mountains Jeep tour (ask for Mindy she was great)!
The Cherokee Grill and Gatlinburg!
Very nice. We were there for the Square Dance Convention.
Excellent food at Chesapeakes Restaurant!
Gatlinburg is always fun and has so much to do from adventuring in the mountains and woods to shopping.
Gatlinburg is always fun and has so much to do from adventuring in the mountains/woods to shopping.
Gatlinburg was beautiful and had so much to do and explore.
Plenty to do, most within walking distance.
There is a lot to do in Gatlinburg. Everything within walking distance.
There is a lot to do in Gatlinburg. Everything can be in walking distance.
We love all the hustle and bustle of Gatlinburg! Been coming for years!