Last Updated on April 1, 2024 by Katrina
The Tennessee town of Gatlinburg offers a prime location for families or anyone who wants an easy outdoorsy getaway: It sits right next door to Great Smoky Mountains National Park and it’s just a few miles from the shops and attractions of Pigeon Forge, such as Dollywood. Many of Gatlinburg’s hotels sit along the stretch of U.S. 441 known as The Strip, and more than a few hotels, on and off the Strip, welcome your dog. When booking a hotel getaway with your pet, always check its rules about weight, breeds, fees, and where pets are allowed outside the room. Here are five dog-friendly hotels in Gatlinburg where your pet can come along.
Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort (915 Westgate Resorts Rd.; 865- 430-4800) Downtown
This full-service resort with villas (including timeshares) has its own water park, zipline, spa and mini golf. Dogs are welcome, though you will pay a fee. A Tripadvisor user says that the water park “is not huge but just enough for kids and adults to enjoy. We took our dog with us and the resort seems very dog-friendly. Not a ton of flat grassy area so keep that in mind!” Some Google reviewers say that you will likely get pitched for timeshares. “Aside from that, it’s a great location,” says one, “half way between downtown Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.” >> Book this hotel for less
Hampton Inn Gatlinburg Historic Nature Trail (520 Historic Nature Trail; 865-436-4933) Downtown
This 114-room branch of the reliable chain offers both value and great location—walking distance from downtown Gatlinburg plus views of the national park. You’ll pay a moderate fee to have your dog stay but, as one Google reviewer says, “We were traveling with our pup, and I found their hotel policies very accommodating and thoughtful. There’s a creek and lovely seating area where you can lounge. This is a great if you want access to the Smoky Mountains trailheads.” A Tripadvisor user likes that it was “close enough to the main strip of Gatlinburg but far enough to be fairly quiet.” >> Book this hotel for less
The Park Vista—a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel (705 Cherokee Orchard Rd.; 865-436-9211) Downtown
Doubletree hotels are known for being pet-friendl and this branch with a pool and mountain views welcomes dogs. “The outside had a dog area and a picnic area which were nice,” says one Google reviewer. “Also the fire pits outside made for a cozy time. We brought our two dogs in and had no issues. $35 per night per dog.” Some online reviewers say the hotel may be too dog-friendly, with some complaints about dog hair and barking. “You must love dogs, not just tolerate them” to stay here, says a Tripadvisor user. “Location is great, just far enough away to be off the Strip, but not so far that you can’t get there easily. Food in the on-site restaurants was great.” >> Book this hotel for less
River Terrace Resort and Convention Center (240 River Rd.; 865-436-5161) The Strip
This riverside hotel has two outdoor pools plus a welcoming atmosphere for pets.
“They were very pet-friendly and even provided directions on where to take Fido to some green space for exploring and doing his business,“ says one Tripadvisor user, “only paying a small deposit for having a pet the entire stay. ” A pet owner and Google reveiwer also likes that it’s “in downtown Gatlinburg within walking distance to everything. I prefer the balcony rooms just for the beautiful views of the creek.” >> Book this hotel for less
Sidney James Mountain Lodge (610 Historic Nature Trail; 865-436-7851) Downtown
This hotel with a creek running outside offers traditional rooms and cabins, plus easy access to the Smoky Mountains National Park. One Google reviewer notes that pet owners who book online should “be careful about choosing a room because there are only about 10 pet-friendly rooms and the rest have hefty fees if you bring a pet. The best part was the location—walking distance to most attractions in Gatlinburg.” Some Tripadvisor users find the hotel clean and friendly, but pointed out the pet-friendly rooms tend to be “across the street from the main part of the motel. I don’t think the rooms have been updated in years.” >> Book this hotel for less
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