168 Parkway, Gatlinburg, Tennessee, United States | (618) 248-8274
Walking distance to restaurants and mini-golf
Both an indoor pool and an outdoor pool with a water slide
Some rooms have balconies
Meeting space and business center are available for guests' use
Tiny fitness center has a few modern machines
Free hot breakfast with extensive options
Free Wi-Fi and HBO
Not centrally located
No on-site restaurant or bar
Single elevator makes for some waiting time
The hotel is on the outskirts of the busy Gatlinburg Parkway, so while it's a bit removed from the heart of town, it's also quieter, and guests can avoid some of the traffic that plagues the main strip during tourist season. Most of the town's action is just outside of walking distance of the hotel, but there are a few restaurants nearby. There's also a convenient trolley stop at the hotel and mini-golf right next door. The two pools and water slide make this a family-friendly spot, though the average rooms may not be large enough for groups. The quiet location and business-friendly amenities, such as comfortable work chairs and meeting space, are perks for traveling professionals. While the Hampton Inn and Clarion Inn chains are much more centrally located, the rates are a bit lower at the Fairfield Inn & Suites.
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Scene
Eschews the regional mountain lodge decor in favor of the big chain standard
This Marriott property departs from the rustic styling of many other hotels in the region, opting for the decor of the Fairfield brand. The lobby and common areas are overly trendy, with chunky retro furniture, bright-patterned carpets featuring nature themes, and high-gloss wood flooring that has a reclaimed look. The lobby's main concession to the region's decor is a hearth with a gas fireplace, but it looks more like plastic than stone.
Location
Right off the parkway in northern Gatlinburg
Gatlinburg is a resort town in the heart of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, known for its mountain views, hiking, fishing, rafting, and skiing. The Fairfield Inn & Suites is on the north edge of town, a bit removed from the main tourist area. Only a few attractions are within walking distance, but it's less than 10 minutes by car to the entrance of the Smoky Mountains National Park, the Ober Gatlinburg Tram, the Space Needle, and Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies. Dollywood theme park is about a 20-minute drive, and Knoxville is just less than an hour's drive. Expect at least a three-and-a-half-hour drive to Nashville.
Rooms
Modern with ergonomic desk chairs and free HBO
The rooms have a contemporary decor, typical of Marriott's Fairfield brand. The walls have a somewhat dated color scheme, but most rooms are otherwise modern with typical big-chain furnishings. The desks are small, but business travelers will likely appreciate the ergonomic roller chairs and free Wi-Fi. A tiny mini-fridge sits on the floor by the dresser in the standard rooms, and the suites get a more substantial fridge and a microwave. The bathrooms have plenty of counter space and shower/tub combos with better than average showerheads. All rooms have coffeemakers, flat-screen TVs, and premium cable with free HBO.
Features
A two-story water slide, outdoor patio, and free breakfast are nice features.
The outdoor pool, with its fountain and two-story corkscrew water slide, goes a long way with kids. The indoor pool and hot tub are less exciting but do the job on rainy days. The free breakfast, served in a colorful room, is a deluxe continental style, with a small buffet section that has hot food and waffle makers. A small outdoor patio adjacent to the breakfast room is a bit rundown, but guests can also have breakfast outside with a view of the woods. The small fitness center has only three machines, but it has plenty of space and towels, as well as a water cooler. Business amenities include a meeting space that can accommodate 30 people, and a tiny business center with a computer station and printer. The oversize parking spaces for trucks or trailers in the parking lot is a nice touch.
