MainStay Suites

From the outside, MainStay Suites appears to be one of the many typical chain hotels in the area, however, there are some features that make it a bit more appealing. For one, the hotel has a charming fountain in the front and a surrounding area with large fields where kids can run and play. There’s even a sizeable conference center, which gives the property a business dimension. The lobby’s design is contemporary with wooden floors, a large striped carpet, blue statement walls, and cream or gray chairs and couches. It creates an overall warm and homey atmosphere. Families are the main clientele here, drawn by the swimming pool, lazy river, and apartment-like suites. 

MainStay Suites is somewhat removed from the main street that most attractions are located on, making it ideal for those who want a bit more peace and quiet. Still, the property is just an eight-minute walk from the main drag which is filled with diverse dining options. It’s a 15-minute walk to the FunStop Family Action Park and an 18-minute walk to the Pigeon Forge Factory Outlet Mall. The Hollywood Wax Museum is an eight-minute drive away. Dollywood is a 14-minute drive away. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park takes 21 minutes to reach by car. It’s about a 17-minute drive to the Gatlinburg Pigeon Forge Airport. 

The suites at this property are large and comfortable, with modern (albeit chain-like) furnishings and nice amenities. The design is pleasant with gray carpet, cream or gray furnishings, lime green accent walls, and framed landscape art. They’re laid out like small studios or one-bedroom apartments with living rooms, desks, and kitchenettes with two-burner stove tops, ovens, sinks, microwaves, refrigerators, dishwashers, coffeemakers, and toasters. Other amenities include free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and air-conditioning. Some rooms have balconies. Contemporary bathrooms have wooden floors, shower/tub combos, hairdryers, and basic toiletries. The nicest views overlook the outdoor swimming pool. 

MainStay Suites is geared toward family travelers and its amenities reflect that. The biggest draw is the (seasonal) outdoor pool and lazy river and the (year-round) indoor swimming pool and hot tub. Guests can stay fit with a small gym, but it’s a bit of a let-down with only three cardio machines placed in front of a flat-screen TV. Breakfast is free each day and includes hot and cold items like oatmeal, sausages, and eggs. There’s no restaurant on-site for lunch or dinner, but the snack shop has some diverse options (cold drinks, packaged snacks, and cereals) to consume in the kitchenettes. There’s 10,000 square feet of space in a fully-equipped conference center and a 1,400-square-foot conference room. A business center with public computers and printers and free Wi-Fi is also available. Long-term guests and parents will appreciate a coin-operated laundry room on-site.