Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg tops the list with a 9.5/10 score and a 9.7 facilities rating, plus a prime Parkway location. For serious value, Country Town N’ Suites offers mountain views and a hot tub starting well under $100 a night. Both anchor a diverse lineup of choice hotels in Gatlinburg.
Gatlinburg packs a lot into a few blocks—parkway traffic, bear sightings, and creek-side balconies. Here’s where to land for a good night’s sleep.
Why Trust This Guide
I cross-referenced 20 properties, analyzed 28,300+ verified guest reviews, and filtered for an 8.2/10 average guest score to surface the best choice hotels in Gatlinburg for every travel style.
🎯 Quick Picks: Skip to What You Need
- Best on the Parkway: #5 Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg→ Rates
- Best value with river view: #8 Zoders Inn and Suites→ Rates
#14 Econo Lodge on the River→ Rates - Cleanest rooms: #20 Hotel Indigo→ Rates
- Best for families: #6 Country Inn & Suites→ Rates
#18 Embassy Suites→ Rates - Pet-friendly: #13 The Park Vista→ Rates
- Best creek/river balcony: #2 Bear Creek Inn→ Rates
#15 Marshall’s Creek Rest→ Rates
Editor’s Note on Booking: We use smart routing to find you the best available rates. Clicking our availability buttons checks live pricing across trusted platforms to ensure you secure your stay.
Quick Compare: Top Places To Stay
| Property | Rating | Book |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Best Western Johnson’s Inn Downtown Gatlinburg | (3750+ Reviews) |
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| 2. Bear Creek Inn Gatlinburg, TN | (2400+ Reviews) |
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| 3. Carr’s Northside Hotel and Cottages | (2250+ Reviews) |
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| 4. Reagan Resorts Inn | (2000+ Reviews) |
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| 5. Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg | (1850+ Reviews) |
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| 6. Country Inn & Suites Downtown Convention Center by Radisson | (1800+ Reviews) |
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| 7. The Wander Hotel by Wyndham | (1750+ Reviews) |
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| 8. Zoders Inn and Suites | (1750+ Reviews) |
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| 9. Fabulous Chalet Inn | (1650+ Reviews) |
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| 10. Quality Inn & Suites Gatlinburg North | (1550+ Reviews) |
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| 11. Gatlinburg Mountain Inn | (1300+ Reviews) |
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| 12. Sleep Inn & Suites near Sports World Blvd | (1000+ Reviews) |
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| 13. The Park Vista – A DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel – Gatlinburg | (950+ Reviews) |
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| 14. Econo Lodge Inn & Suites on the River | (950+ Reviews) |
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| 15. Marshall’s Creek Rest Motel | (800+ Reviews) |
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| 16. Country Town N’ Suites | (750+ Reviews) |
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| 17. Super 8 by Wyndham Downtown Gatlinburg at Convention Center | (600+ Reviews) |
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| 18. Embassy Suites By Hilton Gatlinburg Resort | (300+ Reviews) |
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| 19. Ski Mountain Lodge | (250+ Reviews) |
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| 20. Hotel Indigo Gatlinburg Downtown by IHG | (200+ Reviews) |
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Detailed Choice Hotels in Gatlinburg Reviews: 20 Properties Scored
1. Best Western Johnson’s Inn Downtown Gatlinburg
The Vibe
Guests call it “close to everything but away from traffic noise.” The outdoor chairs, two fire pits, and double pools make the common areas feel like a mountain retreat. With a 9.4 location score and strong value rating, repeat guests fill it fast.
What You Actually Get
Free breakfast and free private parking both included—rare in downtown Gatlinburg. The rooms are air-conditioned with free WiFi (scored 8.2), and the property has an elevator for upper floors. Only four creek-side rooms exist, so call ahead if you want one. Pets aren’t allowed, but the outdoor spaces compensate. The hotel enforces a strict 9-room group policy.
Choose this if: You want a clean, quiet base with free parking—this has the best value score among Choice properties here (8.7).
Check Tonight’s Price for Best Western Johnson’s Inn Downtown Gatlinburg →
2. Bear Creek Inn Gatlinburg, TN
The Vibe
A budget property with a killer natural asset. Guests love “the little creek that runs behind it” and note every room gets a balcony to watch and hear the water. It’s popular with solo travelers and value-seekers who prioritize location over frills.
What You Actually Get
Free WiFi (7.5), free private parking, and an elevator. The building is nonsmoking throughout, but you can smoke on the balcony if you keep the door closed. Balconies aren’t fully private—neighbors can see you—but the creek noise covers conversations. Pets not allowed. Check-in window ends at 10:30 PM; call ahead if you’ll arrive late.
Choose this if: A rippling creek soundtrack matters more than luxury linens.
3. Carr’s Northside Hotel and Cottages
The Vibe
Guests describe it as “very peaceful” with a creek running through the property where black bears are regularly spotted. Staff score 9.0—friendliness that shows in every review. The riverfront cottages sell out first, especially for family reunions.
What You Actually Get
Free outdoor pool, free WiFi (8.0), and free private parking. Some rooms have jetted spa tubs (not all—call ahead). The 4-star cottages include full kitchens, making them ideal for longer stays. Smoking is allowed on balconies but not inside. Minimum check-in age is 21, and guests 18-21 need parental permission with ID. Pets are not accepted.
Choose this if: You want a self-catering riverside stay with staff who actually remember your name.
Check Tonight’s Price for Carr’s Northside Hotel and Cottages →
4. Reagan Resorts Inn
The Vibe
“Very convenient being right downtown” is the recurring theme. The property scored 9.6 for location—the second-highest in this roundup—and guests regularly mention feeling safe thanks to the key card entry system separating rooms from the street. Cleanliness sits at 8.7, strong for a 2-star property.
What You Actually Get
Free WiFi (8.5), outdoor pool, and free parking—though only one pass per room. A second vehicle costs $10/night. The complimentary Quick Start Breakfast is currently suspended; the nearby Shoney’s serves as a solid backup. Pool views available from select rooms. The Parkway-facing units get street noise but offer the best people-watching. Pets not allowed.
Choose this if: Your Gatlinburg trip is all about walking to bars, restaurants, and attractions from your doorstep.
5. Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg
The Vibe
Valet George alone gets five-star shout-outs. This is the full Buffett-brand experience: giant rain showers, Keurig coffeemakers in every room, and a pool scene that feels like a mini-vacation in itself. The 9.7 facilities score is the highest in this lineup.
What You Actually Get
Private on-site parking (fee applies), fitness center, restaurant, hot tub, and free WiFi (8.7). Rooms have amazing rain showers—only double Queen rooms have tubs. King Pool Rooms face the back, not the Parkway, so request a Parkway view if you want the street energy. Pets aren’t allowed. Staff scored 9.6, cleanliness 9.6—near-perfect execution.
Choose this if: You want the best resort energy on the Parkway with service that gets personal.
Check Tonight’s Price for Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg →
6. Country Inn & Suites Downtown Convention Center by Radisson
The Vibe
Guests rave about the breakfast—“the largest I’ve ever seen” says one review—and the quiet location near the convention center. Free parking and an indoor pool make it a solid fallback for rainy days. It’s a mile from the strip, so you’ll want a car or enjoy the walk.
What You Actually Get
Free WiFi (8.4), indoor swimming pool, fitness center, and free parking guaranteed. All rooms except Studio Suites and Accessible Rooms have balconies. The hotel is not pet-friendly, and the fitness center is currently closed for renovations. The complimentary hot breakfast is genuinely large—think eggs, meat, waffles, pastries. Children 18+ are charged as adults.
Choose this if: Free parking, a massive breakfast, and an indoor pool are your non-negotiables.
Check Tonight’s Price for Country Inn & Suites Downtown Convention Center by Radisson →
7. The Wander Hotel by Wyndham
The Vibe
A straightforward Parkway hotel that welcomes pets and has smoking rooms—rare for Gatlinburg. Location is the headline (9.4), putting Ober Gatlinburg just two minutes away. Breakfast is included, and two swimming pools give families options. The hot tub is temporarily out of order.
What You Actually Get
Free WiFi (8.4), free on-site parking, continental breakfast, balconies in select rooms, and air conditioning. Pet-friendly with charges that apply. Suites with jacuzzis are available in room types NK4 and NKK1. The property requires a card to hold the room, but you can pay cash at check-in. Groups booking multiple rooms should confirm policies.
Choose this if: You’re traveling with a pet and want to stay right on the Parkway.
8. Zoders Inn and Suites
The Vibe
Guests appreciate the dual pools and the river setting. The location is close enough to walk downtown but near a trolley stop for longer trips. Staff scored 9.0, and the value score of 8.6 makes this a strong budget pick. Many guests mention the convenience of having a kitchen in select units.
What You Actually Get
Free WiFi (8.1), both indoor and outdoor heated pools, free private parking, and an elevator. Some units have kitchens—ideal for families who want to cook. The continental breakfast runs from 7-10 AM. Check-in is strict at 4:00 PM, though you can park early if you arrive before. Guests under 21 need a parent or guardian. Pets are not allowed.
Choose this if: Heated indoor/outdoor pools and a river view matter more than frills.
9. Fabulous Chalet Inn
The Vibe
“We stay at least twice a year” says a regular. The mountain views from balconies are the main draw, and the staff consistently earn praise. Located behind Ober Gatlinburg, it’s quieter than Parkway properties but still close enough to walk to the action. The outdoor pool is temporarily closed.
What You Actually Get
Free WiFi (8.4), free parking, and hot tub access. The hotel is charming but aging—some guests note the layout is clever with separate living and sleeping areas. Emotional support animals may be allowed with a small pet fee (call ahead). Smoking is not allowed in rooms; only some units have balconies. A valid photo ID and credit card are required at check-in.
Choose this if: Mountain views from your private balcony are worth the moderate walk.
10. Quality Inn & Suites Gatlinburg North
The Vibe
A solid budget pick for pet owners. The hotel accepts two pets per room at $20/night each—clear and honest. Fireplaces are available in select rooms from mid-September through April. It’s north of the main strip, closer to the national park entrance which means quicker morning hikes.
What You Actually Get
Free WiFi (8.6—the highest among the budget properties), outdoor pool, free on-site parking (one space per room), and breakfast included. Spa tubs available. Pets only in designated rooms—smoking is not allowed on balconies but there’s a designated area. Groups booking more than 5 rooms should check policies. The 4-star rating feels generous for the condition, but the price reflects it.
Choose this if: You’re hiking the Smokies with a dog and want the park entrance close by.
Check Tonight’s Price for Quality Inn & Suites Gatlinburg North →
11. Gatlinburg Mountain Inn
The Vibe
“We are regular customers here” say multiple guests who return for the bear-watching and the price. The staff score 9.0, and the value hits 8.6. It’s a no-frills property that leans heavily on its natural surroundings—bears wander through the parking lot at night, and regulars know to keep distance.
What You Actually Get
Free WiFi (7.9), free parking, and rooms with microwaves and refrigerators. All rooms are non-smoking—no smoking anywhere on the property. You can pay at the property rather than prepaying. The 4-star rating feels aspirational, but the clean rooms and friendly staff compensate. Pets not allowed. Check-out is flexible between 10:30 and 11:00 AM.
Choose this if: Budget matters and you want a real Smoky Mountain experience—bears included.
12. Sleep Inn & Suites near Sports World Blvd
The Vibe
The indoor lazy river is the star—guests consistently call it the highlight. “The lazy river was my favorite!” is a recurring line. It’s a solid family pick with a very good breakfast included. The property is undergoing renovations, so expect some construction noise during the day.
What You Actually Get
Free WiFi (8.2), free on-site parking, indoor pool with lazy river and hot tub (open 10 AM-10 PM), and free breakfast. King jacuzzi suites are the only rooms with jacuzzis—book specifically for that. Some King rooms have balconies. The elevator is out of order during renovations, so request a ground floor if stairs are a concern. Pets not allowed.
Choose this if: An indoor lazy river is the deciding factor for your family trip.
Check Tonight’s Price for Sleep Inn & Suites near Sports World Blvd →
13. The Park Vista – A DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel – Gatlinburg
The Vibe
“Staff was amazing, views were amazing” sums it up. This DoubleTree sits on a hill overlooking Gatlinburg with a multi-level indoor pool and a 40-foot atrium. The location is quieter than the Parkway but still close to everything. It’s one of the few higher-end properties that allow pets.
What You Actually Get
Free WiFi (8.7), indoor pool, fitness center, and private parking (fee may apply). Pet-friendly with a $35/night deposit for dogs up to 75 lbs. Breakfast is served Saturday and Sunday only in the restaurant—plan accordingly. Balconies are available in select rooms. The hotel has a garden and a safe for guests. Check-in requires valid ID and credit card.
Choose this if: You want Hilton reliability, mountain views, and a pet-friendly policy under one roof.
Check Tonight’s Price for The Park Vista – A DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel – Gatlinburg →
14. Econo Lodge Inn & Suites on the River
The Vibe
“Very relaxing room to sit on the balcony overlooking the river.” The Econo Lodge on the River punches above its four-star rating with a 9.4 location score and 9.0 staff rating. Guests consistently note the cleanliness and the convenience of walking to everything. The river soundtrack is a bonus.
What You Actually Get
Free WiFi (7.9), free private parking, a seasonal outdoor pool, and breakfast included. River-view rooms all have balconies—confirm when booking. The property is not pet-friendly, and guests with service animals should call ahead. Check-in runs until midnight, giving flexibility for late arrivals. The 4-star rating reflects the service, not luxury finishes.
Choose this if: A riverfront balcony with walkable downtown access is your ideal setup.
Check Tonight’s Price for Econo Lodge Inn & Suites on the River →
15. Marshall’s Creek Rest Motel
The Vibe
“Exceptionally clean” is the chorus from 800+ reviews. The motel earned a 9.7 location score and 9.4 cleanliness rating—better than most 4-star properties. It’s a small, cute motor lodge with outdoor swimming pool and pool views. The staff score 9.6 and guests rave about the decorated rooms.
What You Actually Get
Free WiFi (9.6—the highest in this list), free private parking, outdoor pool with a view, and rooms with mini-fridges, hair dryers, and single-cup instant coffee machines. No breakfast on-site, but you’re blocks from multiple cafés. Pets not allowed. Check-in closes at 10:00 PM, so call ahead for late arrivals. Only 2 stars, but the scores tell a different story.
Choose this if: Immaculate rooms and a top-tier location matter more than lobby frills.
16. Country Town N’ Suites
The Vibe
“Clean, quiet, and minutes from everything” captures the guest consensus. The motel has a classic Smoky Mountain feel with an outdoor pool, hot tub, and mountain views. Guests feel safe here, which is a frequent mention. It’s on Highway 321, so you’ll need to drive to the main strip (or walk 15 minutes).
What You Actually Get
Free WiFi (8.8), free private parking, outdoor pool, and hot tub. No elevator—the property has ramps to upper floors. Guests arriving after 8 PM must contact the property to confirm arrival. Minimum check-in age is 18. Pets are not allowed. The area is quiet and residential, which means less noise but also less convenience for walkers.
Choose this if: You have a car and want a quiet, clean base with a hot tub.
17. Super 8 by Wyndham Downtown Gatlinburg at Convention Center
The Vibe
Clean rooms, comfortable beds, and a great location near the convention center—guests consistently praise the value. The pet-friendly policy ($30+tax/pet/night) brings in animal owners. The pool and hot tub are closed until July 2021, so confirm availability for summer stays.
What You Actually Get
Free WiFi (7.3), free private parking, outdoor pool (currently closed), continental breakfast, and pet-friendly rooms in designated areas. All rooms include a refrigerator. The property requires pets to be disclosed a day ahead. Groups booking more than 9 rooms have different policies. Check-in requires a valid photo ID and credit card.
Choose this if: You want a reliable chain hotel with pet policy transparency near the convention center.
Check Tonight’s Price for Super 8 by Wyndham Downtown Gatlinburg at Convention Center →
18. Embassy Suites By Hilton Gatlinburg Resort
The Vibe
“I got to see a couple bears!” is the kind of review you only get in Gatlinburg. This Hilton resort delivers with a lazy river, two pools (one outdoor currently closed), and an exceptional breakfast. Facilities score 9.6—second only to Margaritaville. The staff and cleanliness both hit 9.4+ scores.
What You Actually Get
Free WiFi (10.0—perfect score), private parking ($15/night plus tax), fitness center, restaurant, and balconies in select rooms. Minimum check-in age is 21. The exceptional breakfast is included in the rate. The resort can get busy on weekends, but the lazy river and hot tub offer enough space to spread out. Pets not mentioned in the data—call ahead if traveling with animals.
Choose this if: Resort amenities (lazy river, full breakfast) with Hilton standards are your priority.
Check Tonight’s Price for Embassy Suites By Hilton Gatlinburg Resort →
19. Ski Mountain Lodge
The Vibe
“Secluded and quiet, but everything was in walking distance.” Ski Mountain Lodge sits near Ober Gatlinburg with newly remodeled rooms. The 2-bedroom setup works well for families. The lodge is under new management that prioritizes cleanliness—recent reviews note the improvement. Value score of 8.6 is the headline.
What You Actually Get
Free WiFi (7.5), free private parking, and all rooms have microwaves and refrigerators. A limited number of pet-friendly rooms are available (dogs only, cats not allowed)—call ahead for availability and fees. Check-in instructions and door codes are sent an hour before arrival. The hotel has no elevator, so request a ground floor if needed. The secluded location minimizes street noise.
Choose this if: You want a quiet, newly renovated lodge near Ober Gatlinburg with pet-friendly options.
20. Hotel Indigo Gatlinburg Downtown by IHG
The Vibe
The staff is “more than amazing” according to recent guests. This downtown IHG property scores 9.5 overall with near-perfect cleanliness (9.7), comfort (9.7), and staff (9.6). It’s a boutique-feeling hotel with outdoor pool, fitness center, and private parking ($20/day includes F&B credit and bottled water). The pool is closed until March.
What You Actually Get
Free WiFi (7.5), outdoor pool (seasonal), fitness center, private parking, and optional breakfast ($22/person buffet). Pets allowed with charges. The hotel has an elevator and upper floors accessible via key card. No hot tub on-site. The rooms are modern with boutique design—some reviews mention the bathroom layouts are clever. The 3-star rating undersells the quality.
Choose this if: Impeccable cleanliness and boutique style in a walkable downtown location.
Check Tonight’s Price for Hotel Indigo Gatlinburg Downtown by IHG →
Final Verdict: Our Top 3 Picks
🏆 Best Overall
#5 Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg
With a 9.5 overall score, 9.7 facilities, and a prime Parkway address, this is the premium choice for a memorable Smoky Mountain stay.
Check Tonight’s Price for Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg →
💰 Best Value
#15 Marshall’s Creek Rest Motel
A 9.7 location score, 9.4 cleanliness, and 9.6 WiFi at a 2-star price—unbeatable value for the quality you get.
🐕 Best Pet-Friendly
#13 The Park Vista – A DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel – Gatlinburg
Hilton standards, mountain views, and dogs up to 75 lbs welcome—the most reliable pet-friendly pick in town.
Check Tonight’s Price for The Park Vista – A DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel – Gatlinburg →
How We Ranked These Gatlinburg Hotels
We analyzed 20 properties across Gatlinburg, sifting through 28,300+ verified guest reviews to identify the best Choice Hotels in Gatlinburg for every traveler profile. Our process prioritized consistent guest satisfaction over marketing claims.
- Guest score thresholds: Only properties with 8.0+ overall and 10+ verified reviews
- Score breakdown analysis: Prioritized cleanliness, location, and value—the categories that drive repeat bookings
- Amenity verification: Cross-referenced advertised amenities against guest review patterns
- Location signals: Walkability to the Parkway and proximity to Gatlinburg landmarks like the Space Needle and Ripley’s Aquarium
Frequently Asked Questions
Are pets allowed at these Gatlinburg hotels?
Yes, several properties allow pets with specific policies. The Park Vista by DoubleTree welcomes dogs up to 75 lbs for a $35/night deposit. Quality Inn & Suites Gatlinburg North accepts up to two pets at $20/night each. Super 8 by Wyndham Downtown allows pets for $30+tax per night, but requires a 24-hour advance notice to assign a pet-designated room. Always verify fees and size limits directly with the hotel before booking.
Which hotels offer free cancellation in Gatlinburg?
Most Choice Hotels in Gatlinburg offer flexible cancellation policies that vary by rate type. Properties like Best Western Johnson’s Inn, Carr’s Northside, and the Country Inn & Suites typically provide free cancellation on standard rates up to 24-48 hours before check-in. However, some promotional or prepaid rates are non-refundable. Always review the specific cancellation policy during the booking process or contact the hotel directly.
What’s the best time to visit Gatlinburg for lower rates?
Late January through early March (excluding holiday weekends) offers the lowest rates across Gatlinburg hotels, with many properties dropping prices 30-50% below summer peaks. Mid-week stays Tuesday through Thursday also command significantly lower prices than weekend bookings. The shoulder seasons of April and October offer a sweet spot—lower rates than summer but with fall colors or spring bloom. Book directly through Choice Hotels or Booking.com for the best cancellation flexibility.
How do I get from McGhee Tyson Airport to Gatlinburg?
The closest major airport is McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) in Knoxville, about 45 miles from Gatlinburg. The most affordable option is a rental car—all major agencies operate at the airport, and rates often drop to $35-50/day. Shuttle services like Gatlinburg Trolley Co. and Smoky Mountain Shuttles operate regular routes for around $35-45 per person one way. Rideshares (Uber/Lyft) cost $60-90 one way depending on demand.
What’s the most walkable area in Gatlinburg?
The Parkway between traffic light #1 and #10 is the most walkable stretch, with the Space Needle, Ripley’s Aquarium, and hundreds of shops, restaurants, and attractions all within a 15-minute walk. Properties like Reagan Resorts Inn (#4, location 9.6), Marshall’s Creek Rest Motel (#15, location 9.7), and Econo Lodge on the River (#14, location 9.4) sit in this sweet spot. Most Choice Hotels in Gatlinburg along this corridor offer easy walking access to the main strip.
Which hotels have the best creek or river views?
Three properties stand out for water views. Bear Creek Inn (#2) gives every room a balcony overlooking a small creek behind the property. Econo Lodge on the River (#14) offers river-view rooms with private balconies—highly requested and worth booking early. Carr’s Northside Hotel and Cottages (#3) sits right on the river with creek-side cottages and regular bear sightings. All three offer a natural Smoky Mountain soundtrack right outside your door.