Last Updated on February 18, 2024 by Katrina
This 800-square-mile national park straddling the state line between Tennessee and North Carolina, is a serious crowd-pleaser. Besides a wealth of hiking, biking and fishing, it is also one of the few free-entry national parks in the U.S. While you can stay inside the park itself, there are many options in the vicinity of the park. This includes many chain hotels in Cherokee or Bryson on the North Carolina side and in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Here are five great hotels near Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Blackberry Farm (1471 W Millers Cove Rd.; 800-557-8864) Walland
While this 68-room Relais & Châteaux inn is less than 20 miles from the national park on the Tennessee side, you may be tempted to stay put. The resort “is awash in genteel luxury,” writes Afar. “From its splendid spa to its exquisitely appointed rooms, suites, and cottages.” It also boasts plenty of on-site activities (like cycling, archery, paddleboarding, and golf) and a James Beard Award–winning restaurant. Online reviewers like the easy transportation. “We were able to reserve a Lexus, a complimentary perk for guests,” writes one Tripadvisor user, to go “hiking near or in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Any time we wanted to go anywhere, all we had to do was call the front desk and a car would arrive within three minutes.” >> Book this hotel for less
Riverstone Resort & Spa (212 Dollywood Ln.; 866-908-0660) Pigeon Forge
Enjoy condo- and cabin-style lodgings at this resort with a pool and spa that’s about eight miles from the Gatlinburg entrance of the national park. “Our children enjoyed the lazy river and indoor pool every day after returning from our visits to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park,” writes a Tripadvisor user. Families will love the extra space, adds a Google reviewer. “The rooms were more like apartment suites with washer and dryer in unit. The view of the river from the balcony was amazing!” >> Book this hotel for less
Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort & Spa (2525 DreamMore Wy.; 800-365-5996) Pigeon Forge
Combine a national park visit with theme park fun at this 300-room resort at Dollywood and just 14 miles from the national park. A Tripadvisor user calls it “a beautiful hotel. Convenient shuttle service to the theme parks, and the buffet nightly is a great dinner option.” You’ll find plenty to do on site, too, from the indoor and outdoor pools and spa. “We relaxed by the pool while our kiddos splashed in the shallow area and splash pad,” writes a Google reviewer. “The view of the Smokies was incredible!” >> Book this hotel for less
Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg (539 Parkway; 865-430-4200) Gatlinburg
Just seven miles from the national park, this branch of the Margaritaville chain is also walking distance to the Anakeesta adventure park and the shops and restaurants of The Village in Gatlinburg. “Rooms were amazing and the pool and food was very nice,” writes a Google reviewer. “The water slide was a hit for the children and across the street was the aquarium.” While a Tripadvisor user calls Gatlinburg “touristy,” they also write that “this hotel really delivers. Our room was very large, and the bathroom was huge. They provided all the amenities you expect from an expensive resort hotel. For proximity to Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the quality of the room, we’re glad we chose Margaritaville.” >> Book this hotel for less
Courtyard by Marriott Gatlinburg Downtown (315 Historic Nature Trail; 865-436-2008) Gatlinburg
This Courtyard branch, located seven miles from the national park, gets high marks for convenience and user-friendly perks. “The hotel is in a great location for visiting the Smoky Mountains and is not too far of a walk from the Gatlinburg shops and restaurants,” writes a Google reviewer. “It’s toward the end of the strip so it avoids a lot of the crowds.” A Tripadvisor user likes the unique view: “We were on the top floor with a view of the mountains and space needle. Great to have a Starbucks downstairs for morning coffee.” >> Book this hotel for less
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