The Great Smoky Mountains National Park sprawls 520,000 acres across Tennessee and North Carolina. This is a magical place of dense spruce forests juxtaposed with sunny alpine-like wildflower meadows, wonderfully moody old-growth forests carpeted with moss and then wide open land which was once farmland and is now rife with wildlife. Because there’s such variety and so much to see, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited park in the USA. Therefore, choosing the best hotels for the Great Smoky Mountains before you arrive is essential. Our Guru’s list of the best hotels for the Great Smoky Mountains includes some wonderful once-in-a-lifetime properties with astounding views and unparalleled access to the park. But if you’re happy to travel a bit further afield there are also some great value, but very stylish hotels and B&Bs, so there’s something for everyone on our list.
Tennessee (Tennessee)
Romantic, intimate boutique working-farm in stunning landscape with spa and private lake. Large rooms are home from-home with fireplaces and plush beds. The Barn is award-winning while newly open The Dogwood also makes the mark of unique southern cuisine. Check out the cellar. Activities for all.
Waynesville (North Carolina)
This Smoky Mountain retreat 5,000 feet above the clouds, is the true meaning of a romantic hideaway. A private hot tub on your balcony adds to the experience here. Hunger doesn't feature with seasonally-inspired picnics, gourmet dining and al fresco setting. Location and views are spectacular!
Tennessee (Walland)
Situated within 8 miles of protected ridgetop along the last of The Great Smoky Mountains, this hotel offers a unique nature retreat. From native wood cabins to stone cottages and spacious family homes, guests can choose what type of luxury base to return to after hearty trekking outdoors.
Tennessee (Tennesse)
Collection of two and three-bedroom self-catered apartments. Each contemporary and cosy apartment has stylish touches and a minimalist undertone; all are fully-equipped with extensive kitchens and fireplaces. Stylish, spacious and family-friendly; perfect for long-stays & independent travellers.
Gatlinburg (Tennesse)
Self-catering tree-houses surrounded by forest make up this woodland resort. Each quaint wooden cottage has two bedrooms & a shared bathroom, kitchenette, living area and terrace with Adirondack chairs. Rustic wood-lined interiors channel cosy country charm. Will appeal to grown-ups as much as kids!
Tennessee (Tennesse)
Picture-perfect Victorian-style farmhouse situated amongst acres of grounds. Quaint rooms and cottages have been decorated in a homely traditional style with floral wallpaper, antique & lots of frills. Breakfast is an impressive home-cooked southern affair. Owner-run & dripping in old-world charm.
North Carolina (North Carolina)
Historic lodge nestled amongst 120 acres of Nantahala National Forest in the Great Smoky Mountains, on the banks of the Cheoah River. There is a restaurant, bar and pizza oven. 27 cosy rooms are split between the main lodge and cabins; many feature beamed wooden roofs and views of the outdoors.
Gatlinburg
Welcoming family-run B&B. Housed in a stone and wood chalet, rooms channel old-world charm; expect antique wooden furniture, curtains matched to eiderdowns quilts, mountain view balconies & romantic spa tubs. All guests have access to a shared clubhouse. Feels like staying with long-lost relatives.
Gatlinburg (Tennessee)
Family-friendly crowdpleaser in the Smoky Mountains. The self-catered resort is surrounded by forest; spacious and contemporary suites and chalets have sloping wooden roofs & cosy modern furniture. Comfortable without feeling precious so families and groups can relax and have fun.
Waynesville (North Carolina)
A charming and elegant B&B, surrounded by the Great Smoky Mountains and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Rooms are comfortable with sweeping mountain vistas and spacious bathrooms with stand-alone whirlpool tubs. Enjoy a delicious gourmet three-course breakfast. Cosy up with a book by the fire. A super stay!
Waynesville (North Carolina)
A luxury and cosy B&B located in the Smoky Mountains, just a half a mile from downtown Waynesville. Rooms are traditional and elegant with original fireplaces with carved wood mantles, oak floors, antique furnishings and stand-alone tubs. Enjoy a healthy, organic farm-to-table gourmet breakfast.
North Carolina
A rustic chic all-inclusive lodge set high up in the Santeetlah Gap in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Rooms range from traditional cabin-style options to luxurious rooms that include private two-person hot tubs and fireplaces. A spoiling base for an outdoorsy holiday.
Waynesville (North Carolina)
A historic inn offering elegant interiors and peaceful surrounds. Spacious rooms are packed with well-selected antiques while suites come complete with fireplaces and in-room jetted tubs. Choose between getting out into the nearby parks or unwinding with a book on the verandah. A romantic stay.
Tennessee (Pigeon Forge)
Luxury tents occupying a quiet and scenic spot right by the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Tents range from indulgent doubles with private bathrooms to quadruples ideal for groups or kids. Healthy and hearty cuisine is served and there's firepits, s'mores, and games a-plenty.
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