Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Gatlinburg, TN

This four-story hotel is typical of this chain, though it's certainly more fresh than some of the other brand outposts that we've seen. In fact, in this category in the Gatlinburg area, this stands out as one of the more pleasant budget options. The lobby is bright and welcoming, with a sofa and chairs where guests can sit for a spell, although it's not really a place for hanging out. The hotel is best used as a home base for exploring this tourist-packed region of Tennessee, and the social vibe here is pretty limited. It's a popular property with families and couples on vacation, as well as groups that arrive in large vans and buses. 

This hotel is just off the main parkway in Gatlinburg, a four-minute walk from Ripley's Believe It or Not and six minutes on foot from the Gatlinburg Space Needle. Other attractions that can be reached in less than a 10-minute walk include the Ole Smoky Moonshine distillery, the Hollywood Star Cars Museum, the Ober Gatlinburg amusement park, and the convention center. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is just five minutes away by car, and the popular Dollywood theme park in Pigeon Forge is about a 25-minute drive from the hotel. 

Rooms and suites are tricked out with a contemporary style that's a nice departure from the often dated styles found in Gatlinburg budget hotels. Decor includes fresh color schemes of gray and lime green, with accent walls complementing bedding and carpeting. Furniture is a mix of blonde wood and gray finishes, and framed botanical prints hang on the walls, adding to the clean and bright effect. Amenities include flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, microwaves, and Keurig coffeemakers. Bathrooms are modern and clean, with toiletries, hairdryers, and shower/tub combos. Accessible rooms have roll-in showers. Some rooms feature a small balcony furnished with a table and chairs. Views are of the mountains or the parking lot. Suites are more spacious and add a sofa bed for additional sleeping space. Children 16 and younger stay free with an adult, and adjoining rooms are available. 

This chain hotel offers the basics needed for a leisure stay. The free breakfast buffet includes eggs, make-your-own waffles, fruits, yogurts, cereals, and breads. The long free-form indoor pool has windows along one side that provide lots of natural light. A couple of lounge chairs are available for poolside relaxing, and towels are provided. The tiny fitness center offers just a treadmill, elliptical machine, and a weight training machine. TVs on the wall provide entertainment, though the room is tiny and really only suitable for a basic workout. The hotel also has a computer and printer available, plus a coin-operated laundry room. On-site parking is free, but spaces are limited, so they fill up at times. Overflow parking is available nearby. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property, and free daily newspapers are provided during the week. Pets are allowed for a fee.