Photo of Gatlinburg

About Gatlinburg

A hugely appealing mountain town, Gatlinburg is an eastern Tennessee favourite for outdoorsy explorers keen to experience the beauty and adventurous spirit of the Smoky Mountains. Visitors will find a wide range of accommodation to choose from, including everything from simple B&Bs to extensive private cabins. Whether you opt to book a room in town or to hide away somewhere more remote, the best places to stay in Gatlinburg promise spectacular mountain and forest views.

One of the top destinations in the USA for explorers, Gatlinburg boasts brilliant access to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, where you can hike along 800 miles of trails, spotting a plethora of wildlife. There’s birdwatching, cycling, horse riding, fishing and golf to try, too, as well as white water rafting and zip-lining for thrill-seekers! Ride the Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tram, walk across the dizzying Skybridge or treat the whole family to a fun-filled day at the aquarium, the adventure park and the mini golf course on the Parkway. Come during the winter months for superb skiing, and the chance to cosy up by a roaring log fire as the snow falls.

Whether you’re looking for a nature-focused couples’ escape, a fun holiday with friends or an active family trip, there’s no shortage of exciting things to see and do in Gatlinburg. To top things off, our pick of the best places to stay in Gatlinburg includes some epic treehouses — perfect for total immersion in the forested surroundings!

The Best Places to Stay in Gatlinburg

For an Intimate Hideaway

  • Foxtrot Bed & Breakfast is a charming four-bedroom property housed in a wood-and-stone chalet with striking mountain views. Expect antiques and old-school floral decor, as well as a very friendly, laid-back vibe. The lovely owners are full of great recommendations and the whirlpool tubs are a highlight.

For Families & Groups

  • Bluegreen Vacations Mountainloft is a comfortable lodge complete with modern furnishings in spacious suites and self-catering chalets — some of which can sleep up to 10 people. Groups and families will love the games room, the large swimming pool and the gorgeous views. With stacks to do in the area, this is a top choice for an active family or group trip.
  • Treehouse Grove is perfect for adventurous families or groups looking to hide away in the forest near Gatlinburg. Each quaint cottage features two bedrooms and a shared bathroom, as well as a kitchenette, living area and terrace. A cosy choice for a nature-focused escape. An absolute dream for outdoorsy kids!
  • Old Creek Lodge sits close to Little Pigeon River, overlooking the Smoky Mountains and within walking distance to downtwon Gatlinbrug. Spacious rooms offer views of the creek or forest, as well as warming fireplaces and big tubs. Families will love the securely gated swimming pool, complimentary breakfasts and in-room microwaves for snacks. There's heaps to explore within walking distance.
  • Gatlinburg Inn is a local landmark, with 70 retro rooms in an appealing downtown location, and has been open since 1937. Couples, friends or families will appreciate the fireside breakfasts, outdoor pool, relaxing porch and gardens. The Gatlinburg Sky Lift is steps away. Well-placed and reasonably priced for a trip with family and friends.

For a Tranquil Retreat

  • Buckhorn Inn offers a tranquil B&B retreat for couples or families in a selection of rooms and cottages with epic views, vintage country-style furnishings and crackling fireplaces. East of Gatlinburg, the property is tucked amidst huge pines and wildflower meadows, ideal for hiking and relaxing. Cookery classes are a real treat. Very calm.
  • The Lodge at Buckberry Creek is a rustic, family-owned hotel hidden amid 26 acres of verdant grounds. Wooden structures offer privacy and seclusion, just 2 miles from the entrance to the Smoky Mountains National Park. Think open fireplaces, terraces with spell-binding views and cosy interiors for quiet evenings as a couple. Very romantic and outdoorsy.

FOR AN APARTMENT OR HOLIDAY COTTAGE

  • If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

  • Fly to Knoxville Airport and take the one-hour car or taxi ride to Gatlinburg. Alternatively, travel to Asheville Airport, two hours' drive away.
  • Tennessee is a great region for a road trip! If you would like to hire a car, we suggest that you contact our online partner Rentalcars.
  • Come during the summer months (June - August) for warm weather - perfect for exploring! If you're in the mountains to ski, time your trip for the winter months (December to February).

STILL NOT SURE?

Best Hotels in Gatlinburg

  • Buckhorn Inn Gatlinburg 19 rooms from £109

    Business meetings  -  Works very well for laid-back corporate retreats or conferences; there are meeting rooms, great catering & all necessary tech
    Local exploring  -  Located within the Great Smoky Mountain Arts & Crafts Community (the country's largest) there are over 70 artisans to visit
    Back to Nature  -  Surrounded by huge pines, mountain views and wildflower meadows, this is the place to reconnect with nature
    Weddings  -  Stunning natural setting for traditional country weddings for up to 50 guests
    Air conditioningRestaurantGardenViewsParkingNo pets

    With a charming natural setting, this historic country inn offers a rural hideaway for couples & families. Enjoy homemade dinners in the fireside dining room or spend afternoons exploring the grounds. Rooms & cottages offer fireplaces, epic views & antiques. Traditional, cosy & feels like home. See More

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  • Gatlinburg Inn Gatlinburg 70 rooms from £148

    Local exploring  -  With a central Parkway location, the inn is a top choice for those wanting walking access to downtown Gatlinburg's sites
    Sights nearby  -  The Gatlinburg Sky Lift is just a few metres from the inn. Enjoy amazing views as you ride to the top of the mountain
    Great walks  -  Spend days exploring the Grand Smoky Mountains National Park; it offers hiking trails for all levels
    Swimming Pool  -  Large outdoor pool with loungers and a garden area overlooks the town's sky lift
    Air conditioningTennisSwimming PoolGardenDisabled accessParkingNo pets

    A traditional inn with a central location; running for nearly a century, this is a historic downtown stay. Retro rooms with forest views work for couples, friends, and family. After fireside breakfast, enjoy the outdoor pool, relaxing porch & gardens overlooking the sky lift. A local favourite. See More

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  • Old Creek Lodge Gatlinburg 54 rooms from £148

    Active Holiday  -  Use this as a conveniently-located base to get out into the great outdoors; hike, mountain bike, fish, ski and raft
    Families  -  Rooms with family-friendly lay-outs and a secure gated pool make this a good choice for those travelling with kids
    Local exploring  -  Equidistant to both downtown Gatlinburg and the National Park, meaning all the area's attractions are nearby
    In/by a Nature Reserve  -  Overlooks and offers easy driving access to Great Smoky Mountains National Park
    Air conditioningSwimming PoolGardenDisabled accessViewsParkingNo pets

    Laid-back lodge with a prime location next to Little Pigeon River, overlooking the Smoky Mountains & walking distance to the downtown. Spacious rooms feature a creek and forest-facing balcony plus a large warming fireplace. There's a pool & breakfast is included. Family-friendly base for exploring. See More

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  • Bluegreen Vacations Mountainloft Gatlinburg (Tennessee) 384 rooms from £155

    Groups  -  The 1, 2 and 3 bedroom townhouses sleep up to 10 people, making this perfect for reunions or hen or stag parties
    Active Holiday  -  Enjoy the Smokys all year round; skiing, hiking, biking, golf, trout fishing, zip lining and rafting
    Sights nearby  -  For a break from outdoor activities head to nearby Dollywood - ode to national treasure Dolly Parton
    Views  -  Great views from hotel
    Swimming PoolGardenDisabled accessViewsParkingNo pets

    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. See More

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  • Foxtrot Bed and Breakfast Gatlinburg 4 rooms from £176

    Active Holiday  -  Famous the world over, the Great Smoky mountain area offers excellent rafting, riding, golf, fishing, swimming, boating & skiing
    Total relaxation  -  Sit in a mountain-facing Adirondack chair with a good book, go for a swim in the pool or simply relax in the fire-side lounge
    Back to Nature  -  You don't need to leave the property to soak in the peaceful natural environment; the grounds have phenomenal mountain views
    Cooking classes  -  Enjoy one-on-one or group cookery class with a professional chef. They will be happy to tailor classes to a particular interest
    Air conditioningTennisSpaSwimming PoolGardenViewsParking

    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. See More

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  • Treehouse Grove Gatlinburg (Tennesse) 8 rooms from £365

    Back to Nature  -  Nature-lovers will adore falling asleep and waking up in the wild, before a day spent hiking in the great outdoors
    Families  -  Make kids' dreams come true with this picture-perfect story-book setting
    Great walks  -  Walk the 3k to Gatlinburg Sky Lift and get rewarded with amazing views
    Sights nearby  -  Dolly Parton fans will love Dollywood and Dolly Parton’s Stampede
    Air conditioningGardenParkingNo pets

    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! See More

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  • The Lodge at Buckberry Creek Gatlinburg 14 rooms

    Sit-out Terrace  -  It will be hard to tear yourself away from the covered outdoor terrace with its open fire, mountain views & forest surroundings
    Local exploring  -  Well located between the national park, ski lifts & downtown Gatlinburg means all the area's attractions are easily accessible
    In/by a Nature Reserve  -  Less than 2 miles from the entrance of Smoky Mountains National Park; expect thick forest and scenic mountain vistas
    Hideaway  -  Connected to everything yet offers a wonderful sense of privacy and seclusion hidden away amongst nature
    Air conditioningSpaGardenViewsParking

    Rustic family-owned property set over 26 acres in the Great Smoky Mountains. Wooden structures, open fireplaces, and cosy interiors create a traditional lodge feel; rooms are perfect for couples. Open-plan terraces and balconies offer unbelievable views. A wonderful forest hideaway. See More

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