7 Outstanding Hotels in Pigeon Forge on the River

The Little Pigeon River flowing past the back of a hotel. Hotel balconies overlook the river on one side; trees border the other side

There are some wonderful hotels in Pigeon Forge on the River. Let’s find you one you’ll love!

The “river” we’re referring to is the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River, which flows from one end of Pigeon Forge to the other. (There is also an East Prong and a Middle Prong.)

Several hotels are built along its banks in Pigeon Forge, offering beautiful and relaxing views. Here are some of the best of them.

By Jeff Powell | Published August 21, 2025

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So What Makes a Hotel by the River So Special?

There is something special about starting your day by sitting on your balcony, cup of coffee in hand, and watching a lazy river flow by. Or, ending your day the same way – watching the sun set over a pretty river.

Water, especially moving water, has a calming effect on us. It causes us to be still, quiet, and to relax.

So, if you can get a hotel room with a view of the river, why wouldn’t you?

Little Pigeon River bordered by boulders on either side

The Best Hotels in Pigeon Forge, TN on the River

Hotels in Pigeon Forge, TN, on the river come in all shapes, sizes, and prices. Some sit directly on the riverbank, while others are situated across the street, offering balcony views. Some are 2-star hotels, while others are 3-star or 4-star hotels. You can have as many amenities as you are willing to pay for.

Following is a description of seven of the best choices…

The Inn on the River

This seems like a perfect place to start! The Inn on the River is situated right alongside the Little Pigeon River. The riverbank is beautifully landscaped, and the rooms offer excellent views.

This highly rated and very popular inn is perfectly located near multiple restaurants and attractions in Pigeon Forge. Plus, an entertaining flock of geese is almost always there!

Amenities include:

  • Free, freshly-baked cookies at check-in
  • Free popcorn at night
  • Complimentary breakfast
  • Both indoor and outdoor pools

Pro Tip

The best sandwich shop in Pigeon Forge, the Pigeon Forge Deli, is less than five minutes away from The Inn on the River. Trust me.

A patio opens onto a landscaped grassy slope down to the river's edge. The Inn on the River is seen in the background

Black Fox Lodge – Tapestry Collection by Hilton

The Black Fox Lodge has a Parkway address, but it actually sits about a block off Parkway, at the intersection of Jake Thomas Road and North River Road. It is just a few steps from the river and the Riverwalk Greenway. It is conveniently located near the Parkway, the Ripley Experience Baseball Park, and the convention center.

Pro Tip

Avoid the traffic on the Parkway. Instead, take Teaster Lane to Jake Thomas Road and approach Black Fox Lodge from the back.

Amenities include:

  • On-site restaurant and bar
  • Outdoor pool
  • Fitness center
  • Free Wifi
The pool at the Black Fox Lodge seen at night. The lodge is seen behind the pool

Holiday Inn & Suites

Holiday Inn & Suites is just a short distance up the Parkway from the Black Fox Lodge. It’s right on the river – in fact, it even has a bridge across the river, which joins to the Riverwalk Green, providing easy access to the convention center and The Island.

Additionally, the inn is conveniently located near all the restaurants and attractions on the Parkway.

Amenities include:

  • On-site dining at The Casual Pint
  • Fitness center
  • Heated indoor pool
  • Free Wifi
Holiday Inn & Suites sign on the front of the inn

Margaritaville Island Hotel

Margaritaville Island Hotel (not to be confused with Margaritaville Island Inn) is the only 4-star hotel on this list. You’ll find it at the entrance to The Island entertainment and shopping complex. The river runs alongside the hotel.

If you enjoy an island vibe, shopping, and Jimmy Buffett’s music, this is the place for you!

Amenities include:

  • St. Somewhere Spa, an on-site spa
  • Numerous dining options less than a five-minute walk away, including Paula Deen’s Family Restaurant, Timberwood Grill, and Mellow Mushroom
  • Rooftop pool, bar, and cabanas
The front of the Margaritaville Island Hotel. It's painted in pastel greens and blues, with a green metal roof. The drive-through entrance is on the left. The Island is in the backgroun

Econo Lodge Riverside

If you’re a budget-conscious traveler, you’ll like this Econo Lodge, located on the river. It’s budget-friendly, highly rated, and a walk across the parking lot will bring you to the riverbank. It even has its own little “riverwalk”.

It’s also located near some excellent restaurants, including Bullfish Grill, Blue Moose Burgers & Wings, Puckett’s, and the Sunliner Diner.

Amenities include:

  • Indoor heated pool, hot tub, and whirlpool
  • Free hot breakfast
  • Game room
  • Free Wifi
The Little Pigeon River flowing behind the Econo Lodge Riverside. Steps lead down to the river's edge

Courtyard Pigeon Forge

I really like the location of the Courtyard Pigeon Forge. It’s across the river from The Inn on the River, a block off the Parkway, so you avoid the noisy traffic. The river is just behind it, as well as the Pigeon Forge Greenway walking trail. It’s also adjacent to the Brick & Spoon (an excellent breakfast spot) and Harpoon Harry’s Crab House restaurant.

Amenities include:

  • The Bistro, an on-site restaurant and bar
  • Outdoor pool with a lazy river
  • Indoor pool
  • Fire pits
  • Fitness Center
The back of the Courtyard Pigeon Forge. The hotel is in the background, with a view of the sun setting behind a mountain. There's a parking lot, with a green space, just past that is the Pigeon Forge Greenway. The trees are changing into their fall colors

Arbors at Island Landing Hotel & Suites

The Arbors at Island Landing Hotel & Suites has several things going for it. First, it’s on the river…and I mean RIGHT ON THE RIVER. The property has a meadow that slopes down to the bank. The grass is manicured, and the hotel has set up chairs and tables riverside.

Second, if you like to shop, it’s very close to The Island shopping/entertainment complex.

Third, it offers a wide range of family-friendly amenities.

Amenities include:

  • Free breakfast at Reagan’s House of Pancakes (one of our favorite spots!)
  • Free Krispy Kreme donuts 24/7
  • Singing and s’mores around the campfire every Thursday-Sunday
  • Free fishing rods to borrow
  • Flower garden
  • Games in the meadow
A meadow leading down to the edge of the Little Pigeon River. White rocking chairs, blue and green adirondack chairs, and umbrella-covered tables are set up in the grassy area

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which of these hotels has the best view of the river?
    • The Arbors at Island Landing has a meadow that slopes down to the river, and they have Adirondack chairs, rocking chairs, and tables with umbrellas for shade. The grass is manicured to the river’s edge.
  • Can we play in the river?
    • Yes, you can, but be sure to check the weather first. Rainfall can raise the water level of the river, as well as its speed.

To Summarize…Outstanding Hotels in Pigeon Forge on the River

You’ve got options! If you’re looking for a high-end, 4-star hotel, Margaritaville Island Hotel should do nicely. Want to save some money? I’d book a stay at the Econo Lodge Riverside. Looking for a hotel that offers several things to do during your stay? The Arbor at Island Landing is a good choice. And if you just want to sit, relax, and watch the river (and geese) roll by, try The Inn on the River.

Have fun!

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Jeff Powell

Jeff Powell is the Creator/CEO of two blogs - National Park Ventures and Smoky Mountains Ventures. He and his wife Mary Ellen are on a venture to visit every national park in the United States and share what they experience with their readers. Their goal is to help their readers "supersize" their own national park ventures.

Jeff and Mary Ellen have been married for 35 years. They have two sons, two grandkids, and two dogs. They live in a cabin in the mountains outside of Blue Ridge, GA.