Park Vista – DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel – Gatlinburg

This large, modern circular building is surrounded by woods and manicured grass, creating a private escape in the hills of Gatlinburg. Guests can enjoy the beautiful surroundings and views of the Smoky Mountains in outdoor seating areas that include patios and pavilions. Upon walking under the large wood awning at the entrance, visitors are immersed in a rustic yet contemporary lobby with carpeted floors, wood trimmings, and stacked stone walls. Comfortable chairs and couches span the room, creating a welcoming atmosphere punctuated by the warm cookies guests receive upon arrival. Park Vista sustained minimal damage from the devastating wildfires that tore through the area in November 2016, and reopened a month later. 

Up in the hills of Gatlinburg, the Park Vista is secluded and quiet with fabulous views of the Smoky Mountains, yet it's still quite close to various attractions. It's just a two-minute drive to the nearest parkway and there’s a trolley that stops right in front of the hotel that goes to the downtown area. Other points of interest include the Gatlinburg Convention Center, Gatlinburg Ziplines, and Ripley's Believe It Or Not!, Haunted Adventure, and Aquarium -- all of which are within a three-minute drive. The Sky Lift is also less than five minutes away by car, while Dollywood is about 25 minutes and the McGhee Tyson Airport is just about an hour away.

Rooms are spacious and distinctly decorated with cognac-colored accent walls, further accentuated by dark wood furniture and leather chairs and couches. Each room has carpeted floors, a flat-screen TV, a mini-fridge, a desk, coffee and tea, and a narrow balcony. Wi-Fi is available for a fee. The Family Suite has a separate bedroom with bunk beds for kids or extra guests to sleep in. The bathrooms are modern and sleek, with granite sinks, hardwood floors, a shower and tub, and Crabtree & Evelyn toiletries. While the rooms are comfortable and refined, some of the decor is starting to show wear and tear, and there have been some complaints in regards to cleanliness.

The Park Vista provides guests with plenty of amenities, whether they are traveling for business, pleasure, or both. The hotel's two-level indoor pool is made to look almost like a jungle lagoon with water slides built into rock formations and majestic trees surrounding the water. Kids will also love the game room next to the pool, which has old video games and air hockey.

Guests can enjoy the Southern-inspired cuisine served at the Vista Grill for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They can also grab a cocktail or small bite at the Firefly Patio Lounge and sit outside around the fire pit, overlooking the parking lot with views of the Smoky Mountains. The hotel also has a fitness center, a business center, ballrooms, meeting rooms, a gift shop, and a laundry room.