Baymont by Wyndham Gatlinburg on the River

The Baymont Inn is a relaxing property with a rustic and cozy feel. The property was last renovated in 2012. Log and stone walls create a memorable entranceway for the otherwise nondescript beige three-story building. Inside, the living room-style lobby features wood paneling on the walls and ceilings, and a brick front desk. Light-brown chairs and a sofa are situated around a wooden coffee table in a well-lit space. Guests can also relax outside on the stone patio overlooking the river and surrounded by woods. There's a fire pit and many green patio chairs available. This is a good hotel for families and couples that want to stay in a low-key property amidst nature while they visit both Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. 

The Baymont is located in a quiet, peaceful area at the end of the strip (Route 321) nearer to Gatlinburg and overlooks the Little Pigeon River. There are several other nearby hotels in the immediate area along with a deli, a liquor store, and a casual restaurant. Gatlinburg is a 10-minute walk or eight-minute drive away and has restaurants, bars, and shops. The Gatlinburg Convention Center is a 10-minute drive away, making the hotel relatively convenient for business travelers. Pigeon Forge, home to a park and many more restaurants, is a 12-minute drive from the hotel. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the area's main attraction, is only 10 minutes' drive from the hotel and offers wildlife viewing, hiking, biking, and more activities. Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies is just five minutes away by car. Gatlinburg Pigeon Forge Airport is about 25 minutes' drive from the hotel. Asheville Regional Airport is about one hour and 45 minutes' drive 

Rooms at the Baymont Inn are large and clean and have a classic and somewhat dated decor. There are dark-wood beds, desks, and cabinets that hold flat-screen TVs and microwaves. Dark maroon carpeting and drapes could use an update, but framed black-and-white photography is a nice touch. Beds are very comfortable and have white linens and lots of pillows. Two-Bedroom Suites are also available. All rooms feature mini-fridges, coffeemakers, safes, free Wi-Fi, and balconies with bright-red Adirondack chairs overlooking the river. Some rooms have fireplaces for chilly nights and/or large whirlpool tubs. Beige bathrooms appear worn out and have shower/tub combos and exterior granite vanities with sinks. 

Features here add value to a stay. The restaurant serves free hearty buffet breakfast daily. Items can include sausages, gravy, biscuits, eggs, and waffles, along with coffee and tea. The indoor pool is situated in a light-filled room with walls of windows and a skylight roof. It's a decent-sized pool that's probably better for splashing around than for swimming laps. There's a small wood-paneled fitness center with a skylight, wall of windows, and flat-screen TV in addition to a handful of cardio machines. There's also a compact sauna for post-workout relaxing. Coin-operated laundry facilities are available to guests. Both parking and Wi-Fi are free.