Best Hotels on the Parkway in Gatlinburg (and Off Parkway)

The entrance to the Hilton Garden Inn Gatlinburg

Finding the best hotels on the Parkway in Gatlinburg, TN, can be a little challenging, given how many of them there are. After all, there are A LOT of hotels in this town!

We’ve tried to make that a bit easier for you with this post.

Guests highly rate every hotel we’ve mentioned in this post; each has a minimum 4-star rating on Google. The list includes 2-, 3-, and 4-star hotels – everything from budget to high-end lodging.

Some are on the Great Smoky Mountains Parkway (AKA “Parkway”), while some are just a short distance away.

So let’s get to work and see if we can find you the perfect hotel!

By Jeff Powell | Published June 15, 2025

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Pros and Cons of Staying on the Parkway in Gatlinburg

There are some good reasons to stay on the Parkway when visiting Gatlinburg…and some good reasons not to. Consider…

  • Pros
    • Convenience – You are right in the middle of shopping, restaurants, and attractions
    • Walkability – You can easily walk to most of the places you want to visit in Gatlinburg
    • Save Money on Parking – All parking in Gatlinburg is in public lots, which cost between $10 and $20 a day. But parking in your hotel parking lot and walking is free!
  • Cons
    • Crowds – There are a LOT of people walking around on the Parkway, a WHOLE LOT!
    • Noise – “People noise” and traffic noise can quickly become annoying

If you decide the pros outweigh the cons, here’s your list of the best hotels on the Parkway…

The Best Hotels on the Parkway in Gatlinburg, TN

All of these hotels start at the intersection of Highway 321 (where the road leading from Pigeon Forge to Gatlinburg and Parkway, the main street through Gatlinburg, come together, at traffic light #3), and the end of town, where you enter the national park.

Margaritaville Hotel

Margaritaville – the hotel chain Jimmy Buffett inspired with a hit song!

This is one of the nicest properties in Gatlinburg. It’s near the Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies and Anakeesta Theme Park, and it’s next to No Way Jose’s Cantina (order the fish tacos) and Blue Moose Burgers and Wings (one of our Best Burger choices in Gatlinburg).

It’s about two blocks from Cuppa Gatlin Coffee Shop in one direction, and in the other direction, two blocks from The Pancake Pantry, our choice for the best pancakes in Gatlinburg.

The bright blue entrance to Margaritaville Resort, including the blue parrot logo

Of course, Margaritaville has its own onsite restaurant, plus a fantastic pool, and a really cool island vibe. And, of course, all of the usual amenities – Wifi, in-room refrigerator and coffee maker, etc.

View of hotel from the back. The hotel is yellow and blue. The large, beautiful pool sits in front of the hotel, with a big waterslide, cabanas, and chairs
The island-themed rooms at Margaritaville, painted turquoise and white, with a compass painted on the wall above the bed, and a pillow reading, "Changes in Latitude" on the bed

Greystone Lodge on the River

Greystone Lodge on the River has been hosting guests for a very long time, so it’s safe to assume they know a thing or two about how to keep guests comfortable and happy.

The entrance to The Greystone on the River Lodge on the River. It is beautifully landscaped with colorful flowers

The 4-star hotel is just off Parkway on Greystone Heights Rd., just behind No Way Jose’s Cantina, and directly across the street from Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. Anakeesta Theme Park is about one block away, as are Blue Moose Burgers and Wings (great burgers) and the aforementioned No Way Jose’s (great fish tacos).

The property backs right up to the Little Pigeon River, with excellent views from the balconies of the riverside rooms.

Hotel room with two chairs, TV, microwave, refrigerator two lamps, and a kingsized bed
The Little Pigeon River running behind the Greystone Lodge pool and rooms

Historic Gatlinburg Inn

What makes the Historic Gatlinburg Inn “historic”?

Well, for one thing, it’s been around since 1938! That makes it historic.

Additionally, the Tennessee state song “Rocky Top” was written in room 388, now known as the Rocky Top Room, by Felice and Boudleaux Bryant in 1967. You can still stay in room 388 today!

The Historic Gatlinburg Inn, with it's big front porch, American flag, and two people

The Inn is centrally located on Parkway, right in the middle of everything. Shopping, restaurants, and attractions like Gatlinburg SkyPark and Ober Gatlinburg are just a short walk away.

The 2-star hotel (some sites rank it as a 2.5-star hotel) has all the basic amenities to keep you happy, including a daily breakfast buffet.

Hotel room with yellow walls and wood paneling, two beds and a TV.

The Hampton Inn

The 3-star Hampton Inn Gatlinburg on Parkway (there is another one on Airport Road) is another conveniently located hotel. It’s a short, easy walk to the Gatlinburg Convention Center and Ober Gatlinburg. Crockett’s Breakfast Camp, home of the Aretha Frankenstein Pancake (I did not make that up), is just up the street, and directly across the street is the Elk Plaza, where you’ll find The Coffee Syndicate, my wife’s favorite coffee shop in Gatlinburg.

The Hampton Inn sign, with the Gatlinburg Space Needle in the background

There’s a hot breakfast buffet, Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool, and a fitness center. Also, the hotel is situated next to a creek, with balcony views.

Hotels Just a Bit Off the Parkway

If you don’t mind walking a bit, these hotels are just off the Parkway on side streets.

Marshall’s Creek Rest Motel

This little hidden gem is a 2-star motel with a 4.7 Google Customer Review rating. That’s a lot of satisfied customers! It sits on Baskins Creek, which flows from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to join with the Little Pigeon River in Gatlinburg.

The easiest way to get there is to turn off Parkway onto Cherokee Road at traffic light #8. Then take a left on Baskins Creek Rd. The drive is only a quarter of a mile.

The motel is also less than four miles from the entrance to Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, our favorite scenic drive in the area.

Marshall's Creek Rest Motel sign next to Baskins Creek. The sign is surrounded by flowers and a ceramic bear

The best part of this little motel might be the area pictured below, just next to the creek. What a great spot to relax!

Also, each room comes with THREE beds – this motel is designed with families in mind.

Creekside swing and rocking chairs at Marshall's Creek Rest Motel. A pool is in the background

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson

The Country Inn & Suites Gatlinburg is just a four-minute walk to Parkway, and just a four-minute walk to the Gatlinburg Convention Center. It’s also a two-minute drive to the Log Cabin Pancake House, where you should definitely eat breakfast!

The front view of the Country Inn & Suites. Then entrance is well-lighted and several cars are in the parking lot

Two-star hotels generally have the basic amenities, but this one also has an indoor heated pool and an exercise room/fitness center. Hot breakfast is also served daily.

Hotel room with two queen beds with striped blankets, a TV, and a lamp

Econo Lodge Inn & Suites at the Convention Center

The Econo Lodge Inn is essentially next door to the Country Inn & Suites, and it’s a Choice Motel property, as is the Country Inn & Suites, so much of what I wrote above applies to the Econo Lodge.

It features a seasonal outdoor pool and is just a one-block walk from the Gatlinburg Convention Center.

Econo Lodge - An L-shaped building situated around an oval pool, surrounded by red chairs

This is a good, basic lodge at a budget price. Save some money!

Hotel room with two queen bed covered by gold blankets, plus a TV and small refrigerator

The Gillette

This 2-star, family-owned hotel is a four-minute walk (downhill) to Parkway and a one-minute walk to the Gatlinburg Convention Center. Plus, it’s just a two-minute walk to the Log Cabin Pancake House, mentioned above.

The front of The Gillette. The sign marquee reads, "Lest we forget those that never made it home". Several American flags are visible

Amenities include free WiFi, cable TV, a mini-fridge, microwave, coffee maker, hair dryer, iron, and ironing board. There’s also a heated outdoor pool.

Hotel room featuring multiple windows, a table and lamp, wood laminate floors, and an arm chair
White hotel room with a king-sized bed covered with a white bedspread

Courtyard Gatlinburg Downtown

About one minute up Airport Road from The Gillette is the Courtyard Gatlinburg Downtown, a Marriott property. This handsome 3-star hotel is next door to the Log Cabin Pancake House, and less than five minutes on foot to Parkway.

The front view of the Courtyard Hotel

It boasts some sweet amenities, like “The Bistro”, their on-site restaurant, laundry and dry cleaning service, and an indoor pool. There’s also a convenience store and a fitness center.

The courtyard at Courtyard by Marriott in Gatlinburg. Chairs set around a firepit on a cobblestone patio landscaped with shrubbery and a tree

Holiday Inn Express Gatlinburg Downtown

Directly across the street from the Courtyard Gatlinburg Downtown is the Holiday Inn Express Gatlinburg Downtown. As we used to say in Mississippi, where I grew up, “It’s pretty swanky!”

Twilight view of the entrance to the Holiday Inn Express Gatlinburg.

It’s also pretty convenient! The Log Cabin Pancake House is just across the street. The Gatlinburg Convention Center is just a three-minute walk down the street, and Parkway is just a six-minute walk, where you’ll find The Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., Smith & Son Corner Kitchen, Smoky Mountains Creperie and Coffee, and The Crazy Mason Milkshake Bar.

Indoor pool featuring slides and sprinklers

The hotel offers all of the expected amenities, but what is unexpected is the pool – it is INSANE! Check out these photos!

Indoor children's pool featuring slides and sprinklers

Riverhouse at the Park

A highly-rated (4.7 stars on Google), 2-star hotel, the Riverhouse has all the basic amenities, plus a couple of surprises. Each room comes with a stone fireplace for those cold Smoky Mountain nights, and each day begins with an in-room continental breakfast!

The Riverhouse at the Park is one block from Parkway and our favorite store, the Nantahala Outdoor Center, as well as Park Grill, a popular restaurant, and the only gas station on this end of Gatlinburg.

The front of Riverhouse at the Park Inn. The sign, a flowerbed, and a statue of a bear and her cubs are in front of the inn

This is about as close as you can get to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It’s just a block to the Gatlinburg Trail trailhead, which follows the Little Pigeon River much of the way to the Sugarlands Visitor Center.

The Timber at Holly Branch

This boutique hotel is a hidden gem. It’s nestled in the woods a few blocks off Parkway, near the national park.

Bedroom featuring a king bed, TV and dresser, a mirror, and "log cabin style" walls

Lodging is available in two varieties: rooms and suites. Both are nicely appointed and comfortable, but suites start at $450/night, while rooms are available for less than $150/night.

There is a restaurant on-site, offering everything from breakfast to Happy Hour goodies, as well as appetizers and burgers.

The Timbers is near the Ober Gatlinburg tram, Gatlinburg SkyPark, and less than a five minute drive to Parkway.

Small den including a couch, chair, coffee table, and TV. A large window is behind the couch, and the wall is made of "log cabin style" logs

Hilton Garden Inn Gatlinburg

Hilton Garden Inn is a known entity. It’s a bit like McDonald’s – it’s the same no matter where you go. The rooms will be clean and comfortable. There’s always a fitness room, a pool (or two), and breakfast available. The service is always good and personable. It’s pet-friendly.

It’s a safe place to reserve a room, because you know what you’ll be getting.

Entrance to the Hilton Garden Inn Gatlinburg

The Hilton in Gatlinburg is no different. It’s situated on River Road, across the road from the Little Pigeon River. You’re within walking distance of Peddler’s Steak House, Bennett’s BBQ, the tram to Ober Gatlinburg, and, of course, everything on Parkway.

It has all of the usual amenities, plus an indoor pool and fitness room. And it’s pet-friendly!

The indoor pool at Hilton Garden Inn. The water is very blue, and there is a table and chairs, plus a large potted plant poolside. Large windows look outside

To Summarize…

We’ve given you a list of some of the best hotels on the Parkway in Gatlinburg…and a few that are just off the Parkway. So, which one should you choose? Which one is best?

That, of course, depends on what’s most important to you.

  • Are you trying to save some money? Pick a 2-star hotel. They will have all the basics at a less
  • expensive price.
  • Do you like to be in the center of everything? Pick the Historic Gatlinburg Inn.
  • Do you prefer to be a little off the beaten path? Any of the “Off Parkway” hotels might work for you.
  • Do you want to be pampered? Go with a 4-star hotel, like Margaritaville.

So, choose your hotel, and go have fun. You can even make your reservations directly from this blog post!

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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.