All the Best Hotels Near The Island – Pigeon Forge

The Island Ferris wheel and SkyFly attraction at night

If you’re looking to find the best hotels near The Island in Pigeon Forge, we can help!

The Island is centrally located in Pigeon Forge, so, to be honest, MOST of the hotels in Pigeon Forge are near (or at least near-ish) to The Island. However, not all hotels are created equal. Some are better than others. Some have better/more amenities. Prices vary. So do customer reviews.

We’ve done the research for you, and we’ll help you choose lodging that matches your needs and preferences.

Let’s get started!

By Jeff Powell | Published July 8, 2025

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What is The Island?

We’ve been to The Island a couple of times. There is so much to do and see there!

Here’s how The Island is described on its official website…

“Located at the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, The Island in Pigeon Forge boasts 23 acres of entertainment in an inviting setting perfect for anyone looking to escape the everyday.

The Island in Pigeon Forge is your Smoky Mountain destination to Eat, Shop, Play, and Stay in the heart of Pigeon Forge. Experience live music, fun attractions, unique shopping, and the best dining choices in the area. Whether you’re a visitor or a local, you SHOULD be here!”

Lots of restaurants, lots of retail shopping, lots of rides and attractions, all wrapped around a giant “dancing” fountain. On our most recent trip, animatronic dinosaurs were set up around the walkways.

The Island - Ferris wheel, store fronts, and the large fountain - as the sun begins to set in the distance

Best Hotels Near The Island

Fortunately, there are many great hotels near The Island, which makes visiting there a breeze!

Margaritaville Island Hotel

Margaritaville Island Hotel is actually in/on/at The Island. (I’m not sure which preposition to use…)You’ll walk right by it as you enter. That makes it, by far, the most convenient hotel to The Island.

This hotel has the island vibe figured out! The colors, exterior design, interior design, and decorating all remind me of a Caribbean island.

The blue and green Margaritaville Island Hotel at The Island on a sunny day with a few puffy clouds

Margaritaville Island Hotel offers onsite dining, and the Margaritaville Restaurant is conveniently located just next door. (I recommend the fish and chips!) Additionally, The Island features multiple restaurants.

There’s also a rooftop pool with private cabanas and an on-site spa, St. Somewhere Spa. Go ahead and pamper yourself!

Because The Island is centrally located in Pigeon Forge, it’s just a short drive to EVERYTHING in Pigeon Forge!

Pro Tip

There is also a Margaritaville Island Inn in Pigeon Forge, mentioned later in this post. Don’t get them confused when making your reservations!

A room at Margaritaville Island Hotel. TV, fireplace, bed, coffeemaker, microwave, and small refrigerator are in the room

Best Hotels Just North of The Island

Google map to the best hotels north of The Island in Pigeon Forge

As you head north from The Island towards Sevierville, there are several hotels worth considering…

Compass by Margaritaville

Staying at the Compass by Margaritaville is a lot like staying at the Margaritaville Island Hotel, which makes sense since it’s Compass…by Margaritaville!

It shares an island vibe with its sister hotel – bright colors, casual atmosphere and decor, and lots of water – a large outdoor pool, an indoor pool for children, and a lazy river. On a recent stay at Compass, employees of Parrot Mountain were showing exotic birds to guests in the lobby!

The back of the Compass Hotel. It's brightly colored in tourquoise, yellow, and orange. The large outdoor pool and waterslide, the lazy river, and the indoor pool are seen in front of the hotel

Compass by Margaritaville is just a block or two from Parkway in Pigeon Forge. It is conveniently located near restaurants, including Gorilla Taco, Blue Moose Burgers and Wings, and Puckett’s, as well as shopping and attractions.

The hotel is only one mile from The Island.

Hotel room at Compass Hotel - a kingsized bed, bedside tables with lamps, TV, and a balcony

Fairfield Inn & Suites

The Fairfield Inn & Suites is essentially next door to the Compass Hotel. And, like the Compass, it is just a block or two away from Parkway and its restaurants, attractions, and shopping.

The striking entrance to the Fairfield Inn & Suites, with its grand curved wood and stone drive thru

Amenities include a free daily buffet and hot breakfast, an outdoor pool, and a well-equipped fitness center.

Hotel room with two queen beds and a separate seating area and window

The Fairfield Inn & Suites Pigeon Forge is 1 mile away from The Island.

Hilton Garden Inn

The Hilton Garden Inn is essentially next door to the Fairfield Inn, which is essentially next door to the Compass Hotel. And, like the Compass, it is just a block or two away from Parkway and its restaurants – Bullfish Grill (get the shrimp!), Mellow Mushroom (get the Hawaiian pizza), and Starbucks.

The entrance to the Hilton Garden Inn Pigeon Forge

The Hilton has plenty of amenities – an indoor pool, an outdoor pool, a fitness center, and a complimentary hot breakfast. The hotel is also pet-friendly, so bring along your furry friend.

The Hilton Garden Inn large fire pit with the hotel in the background

The Hilton Garden Inn Pigeon Forge is 0.9 miles away from The Island.

Hampton Inn

The Hampton Inn is next door to the Hilton Garden Inn.

Are you beginning to see a pattern here?

The Compass Hotel is situated next to the Fairfield Inn, which is adjacent to the Hilton Garden Inn, and the Hilton Garden Inn, in turn, is adjacent to the Hampton Inn.

It’s a neighborhood of hotels!

The red and green front of the Hampton Inn under a blue sky

The Hampton has the same amenities as its next-door neighbor – an indoor pool, an outdoor pool, a fitness center, and a complimentary hot breakfast. The hotel is also pet-friendly.

Hotel room with two queen beds, a chair, TV, and lamp

The Hampton Inn Pigeon Forge is 0.9 miles away from The Island.

The Inn at Christmas Place

This unique hotel may be the actual home of Santa Claus! The entire hotel is themed around Christmas – from the grounds to the lobby and rooms – everything!

And that’s not just during the Christmas season – it’s year-round.

The Inn at Christmas Place, with lighted wreaths, garland, red bows, and trees strung with Christmas lights

Guests love the inn and have rewarded it with a 4.8-star rating on Google Reviews. That’s VERY high.

The Inn at Christmas Places features some rather unique amenities…

  • There are regular concerts and sing-alongs with Santa, followed by milk and cookies.
  • They have a “glockenspiel” – Their website explains…
    • “What Exactly is a Glockenspiel?? ‘Glockenspiel’ is German for ‘play of bells’. Ours plays Christmas carols and strikes the time hourly from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm.”
  • There are special “Christmas Suites” and a very special “Santa Suite”.
The lobby of The Inn at Christmas Place - red couches, fireplace festooned with wreaths and garland, a nativity set on a coffee table, green rug

The Inn at Christmas Place is 1.0 miles (or less, depending on the route you take) to The Island.

Courtyard by Marriott

The Courtyard by Marriott is a highly rated 3-star hotel near The Inn on the River. It sits next to the Brick and Spoon Restaurant (great breakfast!), Harpoon Harry’s Crab House, Five Guys, and nearby attractions such as Paula Deen’s Lumberjack Feud Supper Show.

Pro Tip

Whatever else you do, stop by The Yard Milkshake Bar. It’s in the same shopping area as Five Guys. Please…trust me on this!

The very modern entrance to the Courtyard by Marriott hotel, made of wood and stone

The Courtyard boasts several amenities, including indoor and outdoor pools, a business center, a fitness center, a convenience store, and an on-site restaurant, The Bistro.

And, of course, a wonderful courtyard!

Orange chairs around a brightly burning fire pit at night. Cedar trees are behind the chairs, and the Ferris wheel from The Island can be seen in the background.

The Courtyard by Marriott is 0.9 miles from The Island.

The Inn on the River

The Inn on the River has won the “Best Hotel in Pigeon Forge” award from “The Best of Pigeon Forge” competition multiple times, and with good reason – there is a lot to like about this hotel!

It is situated alongside the Little Pigeon River. You can sit on your balcony while you watch the river flow by. This is a favorite spot for geese and ducks!

So many amenities!

  • Fresh-baked cookies at check-in
  • Free popcorn every evening
  • 24-hour coffee, tea, and hot chocolate in the lobby
  • Free daily breakfast
  • Indoor and outdoor pools
  • Family and Honeymoon Suites are available
The gabled, wood and stone entrance to The Inn on the River. The building is yellow. The sign has a drawing of a heron, and the American and Tennessee flags are flying in the backgroun

The Inn on the River is conveniently located at the intersection of Parkway and Wear Valley Road. It’s near everything! Check out Mel’s Diner, just a block away, for its great food, fun decor, and singing waitresses. Or turn left on Wears Valley Road and grab a sandwich at Pigeon Forge Deli, the best sandwich shop in Pigeon Forge.

The back of The Inn on the River. Landscaped flower beds, trees, and green grass lead down to the Little Pigeon River. Seating areas and a fire pit, plus hotel room balconies are visible

The Inn on the River is 0.9 miles away from The Island.

Best Hotels Just East of The Island

Google map to the best hotels near The Island in Pigeon Forge

Margaritaville Island Inn

Not to be confused with the Margaritaville Island Hotel, the Margaritaville Island Inn is situated on Parkway, at the entrance to The Island from Parkway.

It’s a little less fancy than its big sister, but it’s also a little less expensive!

The turquoise and yellos Margaritaville Island Inn. The entrance sign for The Island stands next to the inn, and a Ferris wheel spins in the background

The inn offers all the usual amenities, including a complimentary breakfast bar and a pool. It’s also located on Parkway, so it’s near restaurants and attractions, such as the Pirates’ Cove Dinner and Show and Flapjacks Pancake House.

Large hotel room with blue and gray carpet. There's a king bed, small couch, a desk, chair, lamp, coffee maker, TV, and an open door to the balcomy

The Margaritaville Inn is 0.1 mile from The Island.

Arbors at Island Landing Hotel & Suites

Hotel room with a desk and chair, small couch, chair and ottoman, fireplace, dresser, TV, and bed

Arbors at Island Landing is a 2-star hotel with an exceptionally high customer satisfaction score on Google, earning 4.7 stars. It has a surprising number of…surprises!

  • Free snacks 24/7
  • Free breakfast at Reagan’s Pancake House (one of our favs!)
  • Campfire Bill- Entertaining at the fire pit with s’mores, Thurs – Sun
  • Trees, filled with singing, chirping birds
  • “Magical Gardens” by Henry, the Gardener, with Appalachian sculptures- scenes, animals, and real animals – ducks, geese, turtles
  • A meadow that leads down to the Little Pigeon River – Rocking chairs and fishing rods are available.
  • S’mores every night at the fire pit
  • Dog-friendly

The Arbors is less a hotel and more an oasis!

Sculture of a man and boy placying checkers in a flower-filled garden
Campfire Bill playing his guitar and singing
Guests in rocking chairs in front of the fire pit

The Arbors at Island Landing Hotel & Suites is 0.3 miles from The Island.

Valley Forge Inn

Set between Margaritaville Island Inn and Arbors at Island Landing is Valley Forge Inn. A long-time hotel in Pigeon Forge, it boasts a loyal following due to its customer service and cleanliness. Valley Forge Inn has a 4.6-star rating on Google. It even won a TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award in 2024!

The Valley Forge Inn. The Comedy Barn and The Island Ferris Wheel can be seen behind it.

Amenities abound!

  • Indoor and outdoor pools
  • Continental breakfast
  • Large family suites and two-level townhouses are available
  • Gas fireplaces and in-room jacuzzis are available
The indoor pool and jacuzzi at Valley Forge Inn

The Valley Forge Inn is 0.3 miles from The Island.

Best Hotels Just West of The Island

Google Map showing location of hotels located west of The Island

Tru by Hilton

Tru is the “younger sibling” to Hilton Garden Inn and Hampton Inn. It has a more playful vibe, with bright colors and creative design. It also tends to be a bit cheaper than its old siblings.

The five-story Tru Hotel by HIlton seen from the parking lot. A few cars are visible.

Many of the rooms feature bunk beds for the kids. Amenities include both indoor and outdoor pools, a complimentary breakfast, and a fitness center. Its location makes it convenient to restaurants, shopping, attractions, and, of course, The Island.

Hotel room with two beds. Suspended from the wall above each of the beds is a twin bunk bed.

The Tru by Hilton is 0.6 miles from The Island.

Home2 Suites by Hilton

Home2 Suites is actually designed as an extended-stay hotel (though an extended stay is not required). Rooms include a kitchen and free Wifi. There is an outdoor pool and an indoor pool. Additionally, enjoy a complimentary hot breakfast and concierge service.

Home2 Suites hotel lit with white and green lights as the sky grows dark

Home2 Suites is not only near The Island, but also close to the Convention Center, the Ripken Experience baseball park, and various restaurants. The Food City grocery store is nearby.

A hotel room with two queen beds, and desk and chair, and a small armoire

The Home2 Suites is 0.6 miles from The Island.

Cambria Hotel

Cambria is one of the newest hotels in Pigeon Forge, having opened in October 2024. It is a “boutique” hotel with a distinctly modern vibe.

Front view of the Cambria Hotel, with the hotel sign lit up in the darkness

The Cambria boasts an onsite restaurant, free Wifi, and an outdoor pool. There’s also an EV charging station for your electric vehicle. A fitness center is available for guests who need a workout.

Hotel room in Cambria Hotel, featuring a king bed, desk, lamp, TV, small couch, and a mural of The Island and its Ferris Wheel on the wall behind the bed

The Cambria Hotel is 1.0 miles from The Island.

The Staybridge Suites

Staybridge Suites is another of the newest hotels in Pigeon Forge, having opened in May 2024, it still retains that “new hotel smell”.

It’s an excellent option for extended stays, given that its suites come with a full-sized kitchen and appliances.

The Staybridge Suites sign, with the blue and beige hotel in the background under a blue sky with wispy clouds

Staybridge also offers an outdoor pool, complimentary breakfast, and fitness center. Plus, the hotel is dog-friendly!

The living area in a Staybridge suite, with a refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, desk, TV, couch, and small coffee table

The Staybridge Suites Hotel is 1.0 miles from The Island.

Embassy Suites by Hilton

Embassy Suites is one of the newest and nicest hotels in Pigeon Forge. It is conveniently located away from the traffic on Jake Thomas Road, but still only 1.2 miles from The Island.

The lobby of Embassy Suites, with several seating areas, tables, and a large fountain.

Embassy Suites has all the amenities, but the best one, in my humble opinion, is…

…the view from the 7th-floor restaurant and outdoor patio. It’s spectacular!

The hotel boasts not only the best mountain views in Pigeon Forge but also the best hotel breakfast I’ve ever had anywhere. There’s a hot buffet, a made-to-order omelet station, and a buffet featuring cereal, pastries, bagels, and fresh fruit. And it’s good – REALLY good!

The service in the restaurant – in fact, in the entire hotel – is friendly and professional.

Highly recommended!

The Embassy Suites is 1.2 miles from The Island.

Best Hotels Just South of The Island

Residence Inn

Residence Inn is a little different from the other hotels mentioned in this post. It offers apartment-style suites with full kitchens. Prepare your own meals and save money! WooHoo!

Pro Tip

If you’re preparing your own meals, you’ll be happy to know that a Food City grocery store is just a couple of blocks away on Teaster Lane.

The blue and gray Residence Inn at sunset. The entrance and pool are visible.

Other amenities…

  • 24/7 coffee and tea
  • Large outdoor pool
  • Fitness Center
  • Laundry Facility
  • Convenience store
Kitchen and living area of a Residence Inn Suite, featuring a full-size refrigerator, coffeemaker, TV, desk, and couch

The Residence Inn is 0.7 miles from The Island.

Holiday Inn & Suites – Convention Center

The Holiday Inn & Suites – Convention Center is a great hotel, conveniently located with nice rooms and amenities.

A hotel suite, featuring two queen beds, TV, fireplace, and separate seating area

It’s ideally located on Parkway, making it easily accessible to most things in Pigeon Forge. It backs up to the Little Pigeon River, and even has a bridge across the river, making the Convention Center easily accessible.

Amenities at the Holiday Inn include…

  • Indoor pool and hot tub
  • 24/7 Fitness Center
  • It even has its own pub – Casual Pint!
Inside The Casual Pint Pub

The Holiday Inn & Suites – Convention Center is 1.0 miles from The Island.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • “That’s a lot of choices, Jeff! Which one should I choose?” Well, that depends on what’s most important to you! Make your choice based on your priorities…
    • Price?
    • Convenience?
    • Amenities?
    • Views?

To Summarize…All the Best Hotels Near The Island, Pigeon Forge

These are all great hotels. They’re all within one mile of The Island, and a lot of other things you’re interested in, such as shopping, attractions, and restaurants.

You really can’t go wrong with any of them!

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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.