Gatlinburg Inn

Dating back to 1937, this cozy property—which had previous lives as Gatlinburg’s first chamber of commerce, bank, and dentist—now feels more like a historic home than a hotel. Although small, the place has no shortage of character; even the family oil portraits, low ceilings, and narrow hallways have charm. There are several spaces to relax, including the lobby and its adjacent Pioneer Room, both of which feature vintage rugs and sofas, plus a grandfather clock and classic piano. Frequent, low-key live music performances can be enjoyed on rocking chairs by a fireplace on the front porch. Quiet and quaint, The Inn has hosted plenty of celebrities (in fact, a whole wall is dedicated to photos of famous folk who’ve passed through), but on a regular basis, it’s mostly popular with families and couples visiting Gatlinburg.

Near the center of the main strip in downtown Gatlinburg, this may be one of the most conveniently located hotels in the area for tourists. The property manages to stay quiet inside despite being surrounded by shops, restaurants, distilleries, and the free trolleys clanging down the street. Many of Gatlinburg’s attractions are within walking distance, including the Sky Lift cable car and the Space Needle, both a two-minute walk away. The Ober Gatlinburg amusement park is six minutes away on foot. It’s a five-minute drive to the entrance of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge Airport is a 40-minute drive away. McGhee-Tyson Airport is an hour and 12 minutes away by car.

The wide variety of rooms here provides choices to suit all needs. Standard Rooms have double twin or king beds; Corner Rooms have wraparound balconies with two-way views (as opposed to regular small balconies in most other rooms); and Parlor Rooms have connecting lounge areas. There are also two-bedroom Family Suites, and apartment-like Presidential Suites.  

Rooms are quiet, fairly spacious and clean, and retain an old-fashioned vibe in spite of renovations. Retro bedside furniture and dressing tables, floral carpeting and armchairs, and vintage light fixtures are appealing to most guests, but some can find the look to be outdated. 

All rooms have 42-inch flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. They also have ironing boards, ice buckets, and tea-and coffee-making equipment. Parlor rooms have extra TVs, and Suites have mini-fridges and microwaves. 

Standard bathrooms are extremely small and simple, but have shower/tub combos with fixed showerheads. Suite bathrooms are much bigger, with double vanity sinks. Toiletries in all bathrooms include the usual shampoos, conditioners, and lotions, but also makeup removers. Hairdryers are provided as well.

One room is famous for being where the Obsorne Brothers hit, “Rocky Top,” was written. 

The Inn doesn’t have a full restaurant, but a small and simple breakfast room features pale green walls with small embedded bookshelves, plus a brick fireplace. Guests love the free morning buffet for its great selection of make-your-own waffles and pancakes, biscuits and gravy, sausages, eggs, oatmeal, yogurt, and fruit. Refreshments like sweet tea, lemonade, coffee, donuts, and cookies are also offered all day.

There aren’t many other on-site amenities (guests won’t find a gym or business center here) but there is a pleasant and well-maintained outdoor pool which features great views of the Space Needle and the Sky Lift. Space in the parking lot is tight, but parking is free, as is property-wide Wi-Fi.