The Edgewater Hotel

The lovely Cliff Branch stream runs along the back of this eight-story hotel, providing a leafy, scenic setting. There's an outdoor pool with a waterfall and sundeck that faces a tree-covered hillside, where guest tend to gather. Some also hang out in the rustic lobby, which has a fireplace and natural stone, and feels like a lodge. Mornings are the busiest time, when travelers fill the bright, quaint breakfast room. The hotel mostly draws families and couples, here primarily to spend time at Great Smokey Mountains National Park, and visit top attractions such as Dollywood, The hotel also hosts many youth groups and events.

The Edgewater is located one block off the main drag in downtown Gatlinburg, with a great choice of restaurants within five minutes on foot. It’s also close to many top attractions. The Mysterious Mansion (a haunted house) is next door, and Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, Mountain Mall, and the Guinness World Records Museum are six-minute walks. The Gatlinburg Convention Center is a seven-minute walk, and the Ober Gatlinburg Ski Area and Amusement Park is 10 minutes on foot. It’s a four-minute drive to the entrance of Great Smokey Mountains National Park, and the Dollywood amusement park in Pigeon Forge is a 22-minute drive. Knoxville's McGhee Tyson Airport is about one hour away. 

Overall, guest rooms at The Edgewater Hotel are pleasant with typical chain hotel decor, but spaces feel slightly stuffy, with older bedspreads and carpet, and have mismatched furniture that shows some wear and tear. But they're spacious, comfortable, and well-equipped. There are upholstered chairs and matching ottomans next to sliding glass doors that lead out to private balconies, with views of hillside or the creek. All units have sizable desks, microwaves, mini-fridges, coffeemakers, flat screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi. 

The smallish bathrooms are the most disappointing aspect. They have roomy granite vanities, but budget-quality, acrylic shower/tub inserts, and beige tile floors with aging grout. Standard Double Queens and Kings are available, as are specialty rooms with either gas fireplaces or two-person whirlpool tubs. The hotel also has three Suites. 

Wellness and leisure activities are among Edgewater's strongest features. There's a heated, indoor/outdoor pool that's open year-round, and includes a waterfall and a sundeck with loungers. Two whirlpools also are part of the pool complex. The fitness center next to the pool is small, but has an up-to-date equipment treadmill, exercise bike, and an elliptical machine. 

Another highlight is a cheerful and bright breakfast room that overlooks the scenic landscape, with a free continental breakfast that offers at least one hot item daily, such as sausage biscuits. There are also several vending machines for drinks, snacks, and Good Humor ice cream, plus free coffee all day in the lobby. 

Other freebies include parking in the hotel’s underground garage, newspapers on weekdays, and Wi-Fi throughout. There's also a business center with multiple computers, a small video arcade, and event space for up to 500 people. The hotel has an elevator, although it can be slow at peak hours, but there are no guest laundry facilities.