Nestled next to the Great Smoky Mountains, Pigeon Forge is a tiny town that welcomes 10 million visitors each year. With plenty of family-friendly activities to do and a welcoming attitude, you know it’s a great place for families.
Many of the visitors to the area opt for a more rustic experience and stay in a cabin or campground. The old way was to have hotels be the only way to experience the mountain, but now that is changing.
In the past, Pigeon Forge hotels were awful. They often had boring rooms with nowhere to play, terrible restaurants, and no fun amenities. But today’s hoteliers have upped their game by offering more than a handful of decent places to stay. No matter your reason for visiting Pigeon Forge, there’s a hotel ready to cater to you.
In Pigeon Forge, TN, you can find luxury hotels that are not true luxury hotels. The charm of the area is in its everyman appeal. It’s best to stay at one of our 10 best hotels, so you can rest your head in the mountains in no time.
1. Margaritaville Island Inn at Pigeon Forge
This hotel is located in the Island entertainment district. It has a laidback vibe and reminds guests of a song about taking it easy. The views from the balconies are of all the activity and there are several pools on site, as well as an outdoor fire pit for hanging out. The decor is beach themed, but it’s not kitschy or over-the-top.
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2. Spirit of the Smokies Condo Lodge
If you’re traveling on a budget with a group, this hotel has you covered. It offers connecting rooms so you can be alone when you want to and have privacy, while also being able to connect with your group when needed. Some rooms have private balconies and hot tubs, but even those that don’t can still take advantage of indoor and outdoor pools and water slides, which are open until 1am.
Not every hotel is for everyone. If you’re looking for a family-friendly, affordable place to stay in Pigeon Forge with a ton of activities and events, then you’ll love the Greenbrier. It’s the perfect hotel for groups looking to have fun in Pigeon Forge. But if you’re looking for a quiet, romantic getaway or a peaceful break, you might want to choose another hotel.
3. Courtyard Marriott Pigeon Forge
Marriott’s Courtyard hotels are familiar, reliable, and great places to stay. But not every Courtyard Marriott has an amazing pool area with a lazy river.
Other amenities at this hotel include a hot tub, outdoor fire pit, and indoor pool. If the weather is bad, you can still enjoy these amenities indoors. There is also a 24-hour bistro with Starbucks and a bar. You should have everything you need.
4. Wilderness at the Smokies Resort
Are you tired of living in a city, but want the look and feel of a cabin in the woods? This place is for you. It is a large property, with views of waterparks and all the comforts of home. It is perfect for families or church groups who appreciate great views and access to waterparks.
The resort has a lot of things to do. The decor is quite natural. You’ll have your own refrigerator and flat-screen TV, and you can even sleep in a bunk bed with your kids. Unlike other facilities in the area, the resort has a bar at the water park, so you can drink beer while watching your children play. If you want to bring larger groups, consider the villa options.
5. Inn on the River
This budget hotel is located between the main Parkway road and the Little Pigeon River. Families who want to relax and enjoy themselves can do so by staying here. They can enjoy the stunning views of the Little Pigeon River, but still be in the heart of the commercial district in no time at all.
What’s the best thing about your hotel? If you want to get healthy, enjoy a free breakfast with large portions of nutritious foods. For convenience, there’s also a laundry room. After hiking all day in the park, grab some free popcorn in the lobby.
6. The Inn at Christmas Place
This hotel is decorated for Christmas all year round, because it’s called Christmas 365 (and not just Christmas). It’s a place where the weirdest quirks fit in perfectly. Here, the rooms are decorated with Christmas items, and the hotel is very family friendly.
Santa and Mrs Claus will be stopping by your resort while you enjoy the water park and swimming pool. At bedtime there will be cookies, of course. That’s just how Christmas is.
7. Arbors at Island Landing
The hotel has the B&B feel, with four-poster beds and fireplaces. It is family-friendly and has views of the entertainment district and the Ferris wheel on one side, and a large grassy meadow on the other.
Sometimes, you want to sit around the campfire and sing songs with your kids. Sometimes, you want to eat amazing pancakes. Reagan’s Pancake House and doughnuts in the lobby are included in your stay at the Arbors. Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg are close enough that you can visit both for a day.
8. Dollywood DreamMore Resort
A traditional, upscale hotel resort with views of the Smoky Mountains and Dolly Parton’s signature butterflies? Yes, that sounds about right. The hotel has incredible views of the mountains and a spa, pools with a waterfall, and indoor and outdoor amusement parks.
There are several ways to take advantage of this new theme park. In addition to staying in the hotel, visitors can hang out at the open fire pit and make s’mores or they can purchase a package that will get them into the theme park quickly.
9. Willow Brook Lodge
A family-friendly hotel, Willow Brook is popular with those who travel with their children. Travelers can walk to centralized attractions and enjoy a free breakfast. The rooms reside within clean suites and feature large bathrooms and pull out sofas. Service tends to be better than at many other budget-friendly hotels.
The hotel offers a pool with an enormous water slide and a waterfall. It is within walking distance of the Leconte Convention Center, and there are laundry facilities available.
10. Margaritaville Island Hotel at Pigeon Forge
Jimmy Buffett knows how to relax, even on the beach. In fact, he is a master at it, as he has proven with his many years of successful albums and concerts.
The hotel is located in an entertainment district, which has a Ferris wheel. The decor and vibe of the hotel, however, is restrained and modern. Before a romantic night in, request rose pedals to be strewn across your bed or book an appointment at the spa.