While a cabin is often the go-to place to stay on a Smokies vacation, sometimes you just want to check-in and check-out without all the fuss.
Luckily, in Pigeon Forge, there are still plenty of luxury hotels available that offer the Southern hospitality mountain experience that guests crave when visiting the Smokies.
And the following hotels are considered to be the cream of the crop:
5. Courtyard by Marriott Pigeon Forge
Who said a chain hotel can’t offer an authentic Southern experience?
The Courtyard by Marriott in Pigeon Forge features a modern rustic aesthetic with 5-star accommodations.
But what really landed the Courtyard by Marriott on our best hotels list is the impressive list of amenities designed to keep the entire family entertained even if you never leave the property.
The hotel features a full-service bar, an indoor and outdoor pool, a hot tub, a lazy river, three fire pits, biking and walking trails, an on-site restaurant and a 24-hour coffee shop.
The Courtyard by Marriott is located just 10 minutes from Dollywood and is located at 120 Community Center Drive in Pigeon Forge, Tenn.
Price per night usually averages at about $250 per room and varies by season.
4. The Inn at Christmas Place
Some people say you should carry the spirit of Christmas in your heart all year long. The Inn at Christmas Place takes that saying quite seriously with Christmas decor that will put you in the holiday spirit 365 days a year.
This Bavarian-inspired resort is one of the only (and arguably the best) Christmas-themed hotels in the entire country.
It is located directly across from The Christmas Place store and less than a mile away from The Island.
The Inn at Christmas Place also features an outdoor pool with a 100-foot water slide that will keep the kiddos entertained for hours.
Dollywood is located less than 5.3 miles away. Prices average $250 per night and varies by season.
3. Margaritaville Island Hotel
Built in 2014, the Margaritaville Island Hotel is considered to be one of the most luxurious hotels in Pigeon Forge.
This resort-style hotel features an on-site restaurant, bar and a rooftop pool with private cabanas available for rent.
Hotel rooms are equipped with a private balcony, kitchenette and a fireplace.
But the best part about the Margaritaville Island Hotel, and the real reason we ranked it at No. 3 on this list – is its unique location in the middle of The Island in Pigeon Forge.
The Island in Pigeon Forge is a popular multi-purpose shopping, dining and entertainment venue that offers a variety of shops, restaurants, rides and attractions.
To top it all off, it’s also within walking distance to the Alcatraz East Crime Museum and The Comedy Barn. Nothing beats a no-car-required vacation.
Average price per night is usually around $280 per room and varies by season.
2. Margaritaville Island Inn
Built in 2017, the Margaritaville Island Inn is one of the newest luxury hotels in Pigeon Forge.
The Margaritaville is located just 550 feet from The Island in Pigeon Forge and offers a similar experience to the Margaritaville Island Hotel at a fraction of the price.
While this hotel lacks some of the higher-end amenities featured at the Margaritaville Island Hotel, The Margaritaville Island Inn is a little newer and features all the basics you and your family need for an enjoyable getaway while still enjoying the convenient Island location.
The Margaritaville Island Inn features both an indoor and outdoor pool, a free continental breakfast and is just steps away from a variety of restaurants and attractions.
Both Margaritaville locations are just a 6 minute drive from Dollywood.
And the average price per room is around $219 per night.
1. Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort
And finally, we have the king – or perhaps the queen – of them all: Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort.
Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort was Dolly’s dream come to life with the expansion of the Dollywood footprint – and her brand. Her special touches are clearly visible throughout the resort.
This hotel offers a modern atmosphere with Southern charm.
DreamMore was built with families in mind complete with an optional bunk bed for the kids in select rooms.
Guests of all ages will enjoy two on-site restaurants featuring classic Southern comfort food.
Dolly’s complimentary signature pink lemonade is also served in the lobby daily.
Kids will enjoy both an indoor and outdoor pool. There is also a playground and an interactive splash pad.
Adults will enjoy the on-site full-service spa and lounge bar.
Fun fact: The bar is a unique feature for DreamMore. In fact, It is the only location where alcohol is available for purchase on a Dolly Parton property in Pigeon Forge. Dollywood, Pirates Voyage and the Stampede Dinner Show are all dry venues.
Bargain hunters will also rejoice for some of the on-site perks and discounts offered by the resort. Including a free Time Saver pass that can be used inside the park.
Ready for the best part? A complimentary trolley is available to shuttle DreamMore guests to and from Dollywood and Dollywood Splash Country as needed. Routes run every few minutes during regular park hours.
Average price per room is around $175 per night and varies by season.
Do you agree with our list? What are your favorite hotels in the Smokies? Let us know in the comments below.
None of these hotels are priced for the average middle class family. When we come to the area, we stay 6 nights. That is not doable at these prices. It’s a shame that a lot of the other hotels think they should up their rates to match the high priced hotels. Everything there is getting outrageously expensive from hotels to attractions to food. Welcome to the Smokies, playground for the wealthy.
Our favorite is the mainstay suites on pine mountain road
Not feasible for a weeks stay as a family of 7. Maybe a family of 4 with young children, not with teens, near adulthood, and not in the working middle class, unless your vacationing once every 3-5 years. Need 2-3 rooms to have enough beds, we are on vacation, not looking to be packed 3 deep in a bed or using pull out couches that are uncomfortable from the get-go. We use to vacation every year(20 out of 30 yrs) in The Smokies, but the steady incline in rates, have made it impossible to do, and still be able to go out of the hotel room to enjoy other over-priced activities. I agree with Patricia above!
Our favorite place to stay in Pigeon Forge is the Econo Lodge Riverside which is right next door to the Christmas Store. We’ve stayed there a couple of times & we’ve always enjoyed our stay there. The staff is great, the rooms are great & it’s in a great location in Pigeon Forge! The rates are great and family affordable!
very expensive to lay your head down to rest. Middle class people need affordable places to stay but not this price rooms. Some of us has our animals as part of the family and need more pet friendly places, if you really look some animals are alot cleaner than humans up in Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg. Hopefully someone will read these responses and do someting.
Timber Lodge. Is Super, very comfortable clean. Management is super, front desk personnel always friendly
We stayed at Timber Lodge rooms were clean great rates. Front desk stalk was friendly all staff were nice . Owner took us around and showed us rooms that were redone.
Dear Ms.Dolly please remember how you were raised and how hard it was to raise a family on a smaller amount of money. True there are people who can afford the higher priced hotels. Also newly weds for some great honeymoon experiences but it would be nice to offer people on a middle income level a really nice newer motel to choose from. I realize you build the best but as my granny used to say “just because your poor doesn’t mean you have to go dirty ” hahaha. Give all incomes a break give us nice we don’t need 20ft water slides just a decent pool and a decent slide .Love Dolly and love Piegon Forge
If thing don’t change seniors and retirees can’t afford to vacation. The monthly income for seniors are not the same as 300,00 dollars a year. The Smokies use to be for the poor and middle class now it is for the rich. Sad that we can’t afford it any more. I can’t stand dirty place to stay.