Gatlinburg: What's Our Perfect Hotel?

[tarheelmjfan]

After seeing a Gatlinburg thread on the front page, I was inspired to challenge you guys to find our perfect hotel. I've been looking online, but it appears it's going to take more time than I have to research everything. It would help to have a printed tourism guide including a map listing all businesses, but they don't appear to send them out, unless I'm missing something.

We prefer accommodations that have a nice bar, preferably with live music, to spend the evening at within a block or two of the hotel no further. High quality, fine dining (or fine dining Gatlinburg style) within an easy walking distance is a definite plus. I have health problems that limit my walking ability. We don't mind to take Uber for dinner, but an easy walk would be nice.

We will mostly stroll the downtown area. We may or may not visit the National Park & Pigeon Forge. Regardless, that's not a consideration in our choice. A very close bar is our top priority. I know that may sound bad, but on vacation we enjoy spending the evening relaxing at a bar & by that time I've more than reached my walking limit for the day. As of now, we're thinking Park Vista may be our best option, if we're going to need to take the shuttle to restaurants & bars anyway. PV has a bar onsite. Any suggestions for downtown hotel that fits our needs would be very much appreciated.

PS: We prefer an indoor entryway at hotels.

 

[#1hoosierfan]

Park Vista is not walking distance to downtown. You will also not find fine dining in Gatlinburg.

 

[bcla]

I'd go to LeConte Lodge, but that's my idea of fun.

 

[Promomx2]

Check out the Margaritaville in Pigeon Forge. Hotel was great with bar downstairs, moonshine testing across the center, from a feris wheel. Only about 20 minute drive to gatlinburg.

 

[tarheelmjfan]

Park Vista is not walking distance to downtown. You will also not find fine dining in Gatlinburg.

Thanks for the input. We stayed at PV 25 years ago, so I know we couldn't walk to town. At the time, I could have, but not any longer. Unfortunately, if we don't find a nice hotel in the perfect location, I won't be able to do a lot of walking anyway. In that case, we'll end up taking the trolley & Uber, even if we stay downtown.

I found a couple Inns with restaurants that have potential, but I haven't mapped them yet. We're willing to take Uber a reasonable distance for a great meal. If not fine dining, above average food with a nice atmosphere would work. Our biggest pet peeve is a super loud restaurant.

I'd go to LeConte Lodge, but that's my idea of fun.

Thanks. I'll check it out.

Check out the Margaritaville in Pigeon Forge. Hotel was great with bar downstairs, moonshine testing across the center, from a feris wheel. Only about 20 minute drive to gatlinburg.

Margaritaville sounds perfect, but Pigeon Forge doesn't work as well for us as Gatlinburg does. We don't like driving on vacation & Uber prices would eventually get crazy expensive in PF. It's too bad for us that the Margaritaville in Gatlinburg isn't opening until next year.

 

[Wendy31]

Have you looked at the Greystone Lodge in downtown Gatlinburg?

It's recently been renovated, & I thought the new rooms were really nice. DH & I stayed there last April for our anniversary, & it's within walking distance of everything downtown.

There's a Mexican restaurant (No Way Jose's) that's basically right in front of the Lodge, & it has a bar. And, if I remember correctly, the section of the restaurant where the bar is located is adults only - or maybe only kids aged 13 & up?

The Pancake Pantry is close as well.

I wouldn't consider, though, Gatlinburg a hotbed of fine dining. We really haven't found any "quiet" restaurants downtown either - maybe the steak restaurant? (I can't remember the name of it.)


https://www.greystonelodgetn.com/

 

[tarheelmjfan]

Have you looked at the Greystone Lodge in downtown Gatlinburg?

It's recently been renovated, & I thought the new rooms were really nice. DH & I stayed there last April for our anniversary, & it's within walking distance of everything downtown.

There's a Mexican restaurant (No Way Jose's) that's basically right in front of the Lodge, & it has a bar. And, if I remember correctly, the section of the restaurant where the bar is located is adults only - or maybe only kids aged 13 & up?

The Pancake Pantry is close as well.

I wouldn't consider, though, Gatlinburg a hotbed of fine dining. We really haven't found any "quiet" restaurants downtown either - maybe the steak restaurant? (I can't remember the name of it.)


https://www.greystonelodgetn.com/

Thanks for the suggestion. I'll check it out.

Since nicer, quiet restaurants in Gatlinburg don't appear to exist, how about Pigeon Forge? I'm guessing the same is true there.

 

[bcla]

Thanks. I'll check it out.

Sorry. A bit of a joke. I think it's totally not what you were looking for. It's in the park, and the only way there is to hike in at least 5.5 miles with a pretty decent elevation gain.

http://www.lecontelodge.com/getting-there/

The cabins look like hillbilly shacks. They do have bigger cabins big enough for larger groups.

 

[#1hoosierfan]

I truly can't think of a quiet restaurant in Gatlinburg. We love the Smoky Moutain Brewery but it is loud.

There is a little Italian restaurant on the strip. The food is good... nothing to write home about... except the garlic knots, they are fantastic.

 

[Wishing on a star]

I like the Margaritaville suggestion for you... As this just isn't a destination for ANY bar scene, whatsoever.
In fact, most locals have prided themselves on maintaining 'dry counties' until very recently. Couldn't even order a real drink in a restaurant.
In other words, this might be the only hotel with that offers this type of bar and vibe. Not like any cancun resort.

This area is also, just very simply, not going to be seen without SOME walking and driving.

If one were to stay in a hotel on the Gatlinburg strip, I am sure that there are some restaurant/bars now on the strip. But, I still recommend Margaritaville for you.
One can drive just right up the spur, towards Gatlinburg, and then use the trolley from there to get to, and around, Gatlinburg. You would not have to deal with any real driving and/or parking at Gatlinburg.

As far as fine dining. Again, harder to come by. A lot of more casual or 'country' options.

I would recommend:
The Cherokee Grill, right on the Gatlinburg Parkway, on the Trolley route.
http://www.cherokeegrill.com/
This is part of the Copper Cellar/Calhoun's local/regional chain.
Good steak, Good crab-cakes, Good wedge salad.... I believe that if you make a reservation for a quieter table for two, they will accommodate with a table in the area on the left side of the restaurant. I do not particularly like the hot-sides... You can pay extra for a nice baked potato. I do know that the Prime Rib at their Calhoun's restaurants is 'smoked'.. not just roasted. So, be aware of that, and ask, if it makes a difference. I do not prefer the 'smoked' flavor in a nice prime rib.

If not at Gatlinburg, I would suggest
The Chop House at Tanger Outlets there at Sevierville/Pigeon Forge.
http://www.thechophouse.com/sevierville-steakhouse.html
We have enjoyed the Prime Rib at the Chop House in Knoxville. The one at Knoxville is a more quiet restaurant with a nice bar area, that has some jazz music playing over the system. Not sure how different the Pigeon Forge restaurant might be.

I like the prime rib at Chop House. (not smoked)
Def. go to Cherokee Grill for the crab cakes.
Steaks should be good at both, I think.

 

[Wendy31]

Thanks for the suggestion. I'll check it out.

Since nicer, quiet restaurants in Gatlinburg don't appear to exist, how about Pigeon Forge? I'm guessing the same is true there.

Have you ever been to the Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge area?

I wouldn't consider either a nice/relaxing, quiet town - especially Pigeon Forge.

Pigeon Forge is a "strip" w/ restaurants & activities (dinner shows, smaller amusement park type venues, go-kart tracks, video game centers, outlet malls, restaurants - lots of chain restaurants, etc.) on either side of the main road. There is always lots of traffic.

The Island which includes Margaritaville & Paula Deen's new restaurant is fun. The hotel also looks really nice & has a coffee bar inside.

Gatlinburg has the quaint little stores along w/ a lot of t-shirt shops. There are also a lot of different restaurants & many have bars. I wouldn't consider any of them really quiet. Ripley's Aquarium is also in Gatlinburg.

The sidewalks are normally crowded w/ people walking, &, like Pigeon Forge, there is a lot of traffic on the main street.

For really quiet & relaxing, you're going to need to rent a cabin. A drive through Cade's Cove can also be nice or maybe a picnic beside the creek - like at the Chimneys.

Admittedly, we don't go to to Gatlinburg frequently - I'd rather be at the beach. Last April was the 1st time we'd been there in a few years.

In Gatlinburg, I'd want a hotel that has rooms w/ balconies over the stream. Our room at the Greystone had a fireplace which was nice.

In both Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg, there is a Smoky Mountain Brewery Store w/ free tastings which is fun.

Calhoun's (the steak restaurant I was trying to remember) is probably "fine dining" by Gatlinburg standards. Depending on when you go & where you're seated, the Apple Barn (in Pigeon Forge) is also sometimes quieter - but, while the apple fritters & apple butter are good, I wasn't that impressed w/ our entrees last time.

I stayed at the Park Vista for a teachers' conference in September 2008. I remember the rooms being clean but dated. The hotel has a "conference hotel" vibe. There is a restaurant, but I don't remember it being particularly quiet - again, I was there for a conference though.

I'm not familiar w/ Uber, so I don't know if there is Uber service in the area.

 

[tarheelmjfan]

Sorry. A bit of a joke. I think it's totally not what you were looking for. It's in the park, and the only way there is to hike in at least 5.5 miles with a pretty decent elevation gain.

http://www.lecontelodge.com/getting-there/

The cabins look like hillbilly shacks. They do have bigger cabins big enough for larger groups.

Got it. Yeah, that's probably not what we're looking for. It appears to have too much work involved for us.

I truly can't think of a quiet restaurant in Gatlinburg. We love the Smoky Moutain Brewery but it is loud.

There is a little Italian restaurant on the strip. The food is good... nothing to write home about... except the garlic knots, they are fantastic.

Thanks for the additional info. Smoky Mountain Brewery is definitely on our lunch list. I'll look into the Italian restaurant.

Have you ever been to the Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge area?

I wouldn't consider either a nice/relaxing, quiet town - especially Pigeon Forge.

Pigeon Forge is a "strip" w/ restaurants & activities (dinner shows, smaller amusement park type venues, go-kart tracks, video game centers, outlet malls, restaurants - lots of chain restaurants, etc.) on either side of the main road. There is always lots of traffic.

The Island which includes Margaritaville & Paula Deen's new restaurant is fun. The hotel also looks really nice & has a coffee bar inside.

Gatlinburg has the quaint little stores along w/ a lot of t-shirt shops. There are also a lot of different restaurants & many have bars. I wouldn't consider any of them really quiet. Ripley's Aquarium is also in Gatlinburg.

The sidewalks are normally crowded w/ people walking, &, like Pigeon Forge, there is a lot of traffic on the main street.

For really quiet & relaxing, you're going to need to rent a cabin. A drive through Cade's Cove can also be nice or maybe a picnic beside the creek - like at the Chimneys.

Admittedly, we don't go to to Gatlinburg frequently - I'd rather be at the beach. Last April was the 1st time we'd been there in a few years.

In Gatlinburg, I'd want a hotel that has rooms w/ balconies over the stream. Our room at the Greystone had a fireplace which was nice.

In both Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg, there is a Smoky Mountain Brewery Store w/ free tastings which is fun.

Calhoun's (the steak restaurant I was trying to remember) is probably "fine dining" by Gatlinburg standards. Depending on when you go & where you're seated, the Apple Barn (in Pigeon Forge) is also sometimes quieter - but, while the apple fritters & apple butter are good, I wasn't that impressed w/ our entrees last time.

I stayed at the Park Vista for a teachers' conference in September 2008. I remember the rooms being clean but dated. The hotel has a "conference hotel" vibe. There is a restaurant, but I don't remember it being particularly quiet - again, I was there for a conference though.

I'm not familiar w/ Uber, so I don't know if there is Uber service in the area.

We grew up in the mtns. of NC, so we've been to both Gatlinburg & PF many times. It's been 25 years since we've been to Gatlinburg, but I've been to PF a few times, since we moved away. My extended family prefers PF, which is why I've been there more recently.

DH & I decided to visit Gatlinburg in the fall, because we'll already be in NC & Gatlinburg has nostalgic value to us. We have great memories attached to Park Vista in particular. We're very laid back tourists, which makes Gatlinburg a better fit for us than PF is. We prefer visiting towns/cities where we can walk or take mostly public transportation everywhere & not have to deal with traffic at all. We don't need a lot of entertainment. When I say we don't like to drive on vacation, that's an understatement. We reeeeaaaaalllllllyyyyyy don't like to drive on vacation. We're fine with crowds. We just don't like loud restaurants for dinner.

I was in PF with my sisters a couple summers ago. We ate at Paula Dean's restaurant & Apple Barn then. On a side note, DH & I had eaten at Paula Dean's restaurant In Savannah a few months prior. I wasn't looking forward to going again, but my sisters wanted to. It was a nice surprise. IMO, the food is much better in PF.

Calhoun's seems to be a favorite of many. I'll add it to the list.

 

[tarheelmjfan]

I like the Margaritaville suggestion for you... As this just isn't a destination for ANY bar scene, whatsoever.
In fact, most locals have prided themselves on maintaining 'dry counties' until very recently. Couldn't even order a real drink in a restaurant.
In other words, this might be the only hotel with that offers this type of bar and vibe. Not like any cancun resort.

This area is also, just very simply, not going to be seen without SOME walking and driving.

If one were to stay in a hotel on the Gatlinburg strip, I am sure that there are some restaurant/bars now on the strip. But, I still recommend Margaritaville for you.
One can drive just right up the spur, towards Gatlinburg, and then use the trolley from there to get to, and around, Gatlinburg. You would not have to deal with any real driving and/or parking at Gatlinburg.

As far as fine dining. Again, harder to come by. A lot of more casual or 'country' options.

I would recommend:
The Cherokee Grill, right on the Gatlinburg Parkway, on the Trolley route.
http://www.cherokeegrill.com/
This is part of the Copper Cellar/Calhoun's local/regional chain.
Good steak, Good crab-cakes, Good wedge salad.... I believe that if you make a reservation for a quieter table for two, they will accommodate with a table in the area on the left side of the restaurant. I do not particularly like the hot-sides... You can pay extra for a nice baked potato. I do know that the Prime Rib at their Calhoun's restaurants is 'smoked'.. not just roasted. So, be aware of that, and ask, if it makes a difference. I do not prefer the 'smoked' flavor in a nice prime rib.

If not at Gatlinburg, I would suggest
The Chop House at Tanger Outlets there at Sevierville/Pigeon Forge.
http://www.thechophouse.com/sevierville-steakhouse.html
We have enjoyed the Prime Rib at the Chop House in Knoxville. The one at Knoxville is a more quiet restaurant with a nice bar area, that has some jazz music playing over the system. Not sure how different the Pigeon Forge restaurant might be.

I like the prime rib at Chop House. (not smoked)
Def. go to Cherokee Grill for the crab cakes.
Steaks should be good at both, I think.

I somehow missed your post in the last quote. I get the dry county thing. The county I grew up in was dry, until a few years ago. The long time residents blamed the transplants for voting it in. The older generations who were born & raised there weren't happy at all. It seems so strange to see alcohol in their grocery stores now.

I've been researching restaurants & the above restaurants have come up frequently. Do you think The Chop House is worth taking Uber for. Cherokee Grill would be convenient. I'll look at reviews & menus for Cherokee Grill & Calhoun's to see if we want to do both or choose one.

 

[Wendy31]

Got it. Yeah, that's probably not what we're looking for. It appears to have too much work involved for us.



Thanks for the additional info. Smoky Mountain Brewery is definitely on our lunch list. I'll look into the Italian restaurant.




We grew up in the mtns. of NC, so we've been to both Gatlinburg & PF many times. It's been 25 years since we've been to Gatlinburg, but I've been to PF a few times, since we moved away. My extended family prefers PF, which is why I've been there.

DH & I decided to visit Gatlinburg in the fall, because we'll already be in NC & Gatlinburg has nostalgic value to us. We have great memories attached to Park Vista in particular. We're very laid back tourists, which makes Gatlinburg a better fit for us than PF is. We prefer visiting towns/cities where we can walk or take mostly public transportation everywhere & not have to deal with traffic at all. We don't need a lot of entertainment. When I say we don't like to drive on vacation, that's an understatement. We reeeeaaaaalllllllyyyyyy don't like to drive on vacation. We're fine with crowds. We just don't like loud restaurants for dinner.

I was in PF with my sisters a couple summers ago. We ate at Paula Dean's restaurant & Apple Barn then. On a side note, DH & I had eaten at Paula Dean's restaurant In Savannah a few months prior. I wasn't looking forward to going again, but my sisters wanted to. It was a nice surprise. IMO, the food is much better in PF.

Calhoun's seems to be a favorite of many. I'll add it to the list.

Okay, good! I'm glad you've been! I think it can probably a bit of a surprise to those who've never been.

The Island in Pigeon Forge is really cool, but I think I like Gatlinburg better too. It has nostalgic value for us too! I like to stay in Gatlinburg & visit Pigeon Forge while we're there.

When I was a teenager, my family would go w/ another family every fall. There used to be a restaurant located just outside of Gatlinburg... maybe the Trout House? It was "secluded" & located along a mountain stream. You could even select the trout you wanted for dinner. The food was very good, & I remember the biscuits & homemade blackberry jam being absolutely wonderful.

 

[Cannot_Wait_4Disney]

After seeing a Gatlinburg thread on the front page, I was inspired to challenge you guys to find our perfect hotel. I've been looking online, but it appears it's going to take more time than I have to research everything. It would help to have a printed tourism guide including a map listing all businesses, but they don't appear to send them out, unless I'm missing something.

We prefer accommodations that have a nice bar, preferably with live music, to spend the evening at within a block or two of the hotel no further. High quality, fine dining (or fine dining Gatlinburg style) within an easy walking distance is a definite plus. I have health problems that limit my walking ability. We don't mind to take Uber for dinner, but an easy walk would be nice.

We will mostly stroll the downtown area. We may or may not visit the National Park & Pigeon Forge. Regardless, that's not a consideration in our choice. A very close bar is our top priority. I know that may sound bad, but on vacation we enjoy spending the evening relaxing at a bar & by that time I've more than reached my walking limit for the day. As of now, we're thinking Park Vista may be our best option, if we're going to need to take the shuttle to restaurants & bars anyway. PV has a bar onsite. Any suggestions for downtown hotel that fits our needs would be very much appreciated.

PS: We prefer an indoor entryway at hotels.

We stayed at the country inn and suites. There aren't any amenities at the hotel but it is indoor entry and has a free breakfast with the usual. The strip was a short walk but it was far enough off the strip that it was quiet. There's a bar within a block or so of the hotel. It didn't look like the greatest bar in the world but it was usually busy every time we walked by. So it can't be the worst either. They had live music one night we were there and Karioke the other two. There was also an upstairs tavern across parkway. There's a muni lot you can cut through to shorten that walk, and there are several places to eat nearby. Smokey Mountain brewery is a bit too far a walk for you, from this hotel but there is parking available there that serves it, Cherokee steakhouse, and Calhoun's. BTW all three are owned by the same company.

When we stay in Gatlinburg, we look for something near that particular portion of the strip.

 

[Wishing on a star]

I don't have the time to double-check right now, Pigeon Forge might have a trolley that goes to Tanger. It is very popular.
I would have to refresh my memory and google-map the distance between The Island and Tanger.
Personally, I would not blink at driving... But, if for your own personal reasons and preferences you want to try not to do any driving, then there might be a trolley????

Personally, I have never been a fan of the Park Vista... Not only dated, but many design flaws... do not like the tiny rooms with the closed in cement walls on the balconies. Last time we were there, we def. had a poor experience and made the decision to plan to host a big reunion event at another resort. (Mainstay Suites at Pigeon Forge, with their little convention center that was newly opening at the time) That was the one place that I thought would benefit from being burned down and re-built last Fall!!!

For your getaway, and the preferences that you have described, I think I would still recommend Margaritaville at The Island.

 

[Cannot_Wait_4Disney]

Okay, good! I'm glad you've been! I think it can probably a bit of a surprise to those who've never been.

The Island in Pigeon Forge is really cool, but I think I like Gatlinburg better too. It has nostalgic value for us too! I like to say in Gatlinburg & visit Pigeon Forge while we're there.

When I was teenager, my family would go w/ another family every fall. There used to be a restaurant located just outside of Gatlinburg... maybe the Trout House? It was "secluded" & located along a mountain stream. You could even select the trout you wanted for dinner. The food was very good, & I remember the biscuits & homemade blackberry jam being absolutely wonderful.

The Smokey Mountain Trout House? It's actually in Gatlinburg. Just on the north end.

 

[DisneyDiana]

We usually stay at Quality Inn Creekside which is right next to Cherokee Grill, Calhoun's, Smokey Mountain Brewery and a nice shopping village. Across the street is Crocketts Breakfast Camp which is our favorite breakfast restaurant. The Park Grill is also within walking distance.

 

[Wendy31]

The Smokey Mountain Trout House? It's actually in Gatlinburg. Just on the north end.

Maybe?

It seemed like it was a little bit of a drive outside of Gatlinburg though... kinda along that creek? It was back in some woods. And you walked along a wooden boardwalk up the restaurant. The restaurant was right on the creek. The last time I was there I was 16, so I could be remembering it all wrong or it could not be there any more.

Does anyone remember the Burning Bush restaurant w/ the birdcages?

Ooh! There's also Dolly Parton's DreamMore Resort in Pigeon Forge - http://www.dollywood.com/resort/

They have a sit down restaurant, a quick service restaurant, & a lounge/bar.

But I understand wanting to be within walking distance of everything in Gatlinburg too.

My mother would like to try the Christmas Inn too - I think it's also in Pigeon Forge.

 

[North of Mouse]

I'd go to LeConte Lodge, but that's my idea of fun.

Oh really!! Seriously, have you ever hiked there?? DH & I always wanted to (but now we've waited too late ). We still do lots of hikes, but not scheduled ones that are that far one way!

What kept us back from making ressies is the weather is so 'changable', and you have to schedule so far in advance that we never did it. From experience we know that 'most' days Mt. LeConte is in the clouds and lots of days the hike is miserable, and the view while there is 'very' iffy!! Have hiked to top of Chimneys though!