Mountain House Motor Inn Downtown

Built in 1982, the bi-level Mountain House Motor Inn Downtown has the sprawling layout, neon sign, and open parking lot typical for a roadside motel, but travelers in the know will appreciate its place in Gatlinburg’s history as part of a local, family-run business going back over 100 years. Entering the tiny, white-tiled lobby is like stepping back into the 1950s. Think: floral window drapes and valances, plaid sofa, and old-school candy dispenser. A small stream bubbling across the front of the property provides a quaint country charm. While the hotel is anything but fancy, its nostalgic air, along with its budget-friendly rooms, and small but clean pool area, draws in many vacationing families looking for an affordable and convenient place to stay. 

The hotel is insulated from the noise of downtown Gatlinburg thanks to its location on a safe side road. It's still a very short walk or trolley ride (a trolley stop is located just across the street) to the restaurants and family-friendly attractions in The Village at the center of the mountain town. The Guinness World Records Museum and popular Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies are six and seven minutes on foot. The Gatlinburg Sky Lift, Gatlinburg Space Needle, and Ole Smoky Distillery are all an 11- to 12-minute walk away. Other attractions are reachable by car. The entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a three-minute drive away, the Roaring Fork stream is five minutes away by car, and the Dollywood theme park is a 20-minute drive away. The closest major airport, McGhee Tyson Airport, is about an hour and 10 minutes away by car.

Rooms here have few frills. They come with wooden work desks, bedside tables, and dressers that are functional but slightly dated-looking. Despite the mountain location, views from most windows can be subpar as they look out onto the rear parking lot. However, the units are fairly large and include boldly colored bedspreads on big, comfortable beds. All rooms also have an impressive range of amenities for a two-pearl hotel. Double Queen Rooms and Two Bedroom Efficiency Rooms feature 42-inch flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. Mini-fridges, microwaves, and coffeemakers are provided, along with ironing equipment. King With Sleeper Sofa Rooms include extra seating and bedding options. King Whirlpool Suites have hot tubs and gas-heated fireplaces inside even larger rooms.  

In contrast to the sleeping areas, bathrooms in standard rooms are tiny -- so small, in fact, that sinks are in a separate space, awkwardly placed closer to the mini-fridges and microwaves than to the toilets. All bathrooms have shower/tub combos, but tubs look old and the fixed showerheads are placed slightly low. However, the heated tile floors in the bathroom are a plus, and toiletries and hairdryers are also provided. Note that past guests have complained about cleanliness issues and mold. 

Like most budget hotels, amenities here are sparse. There’s no restaurant or snack bar on-site, and only coffee (no tea) is available for free in the main office every morning. During the summer, the two small outdoor pools are open, with kiddy pools attached. One pool is heated, which is a plus. A few, but not enough, scattered chairs surround the area for lounging. Picnic areas are provided, and the ample parking spaces in the rear lot are free. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.