Located in eastern Tennessee, Gatlinburg is a mountain town popular among tourists. It is known for its great outdoor scenery and is a vacation resort of choice among travelers. The 520,000-acre (2104-square kilometer) Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one specific attraction in the region that brings people from all around the world to this place. Outdoor adventures, natural scenic beauty and kid-friendly attractions make Gatlinburg a perfect place for family vacations. Tourists enjoy numerous activities all year round, including snow skiing, white-water rafting, fishing, hiking, zip-lining, snowboarding, horseback riding and biking, among others. Some of the featured attractions of the place include Space Needle, Ripley’s Haunted Adventure, Gatlinburg Sky Lift Park, and Gatlinburg Wine Trail, among others. There are plenty of distilleries in Gatlinburg that are worth checking out as well. For places to stay in Gatlinburg, read on to find out some of the best hotels on the river in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) recent guest reviews, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and location by the river. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 08, 2024.
1. Baymont by Wyndham Gatlinburg On The River (from USD 54)
The Baymont Wyndham Gatlinburg on The River is located right on Cliff Branch River and close to all famous attractions of the area, including the Ripley’s Aquarium and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
This downtown Gatlinburg hotel on the river has been recently renovated with new fixtures and fittings. It is also one of the top hotels with balconies in Gatlinburg, providing guests with lovely views throughout their stay. Rooms have complimentary wi-fi, flat-screen TVs, DVD players, mini-fridges, microwave ovens, coffee maker machines and more. There is an indoor pool, fitness centre, game room and a business centre to cater to the varied needs of its guests. Complimentary stay is being provided to kids aged 17 years and below.
Also complimentary is the breakfast that comes with a great menu and served in a casual dining area. Staff is polite and knowledgeable making the overall stay experience even more fun.
Parking is free on the premises making it convenient for people who choose to drive down for their vacation.
Baymont by Wyndham Gatlinburg On The River
Address: 293 Parkway
12.61 km (7.9 mi) from Great Smoky Mountains National Park
2. Gatlinburg River Inn (from USD 69)
If you’re looking for budget-friendly hotels in this beautiful mountain town, don’t pass up the chance on staying at Gatlinburg River Inn. This affordable hotel on the river is located 10 minutes from the famous Dollywood theme park and is also close to Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. Surely, fun activities are within quick and easy access from the property.
The rooms here are furnished with a cable TV, microwave, and mini-fridge. Some amenities to also enjoy on-site include free Wi-Fi and a seasonal outdoor pool.
Gatlinburg River Inn
Address: 324 Hemlock Street
12.5 km (7.8 mi) from Great Smoky Mountains National Park
3. Econo Lodge Inn & Suites on the River (from USD 97)
Great value for money with affordable rates and free breakfast
Spacious rooms, comfortable beds, pool, and balconies overlooking the river
Excellent location near Smoky Mountain Park entrance, within walking distance to attractions and restaurants
Close to various dining options, with some rooms featuring kitchenettes and microwaves
This child friendly lodge is located at just a few minutes’ walk form Ober Gatlinburg amusement park. Other attractions like the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Gatlinburg Convention Center, Ripley’s Haunted Adventure, Gatlinburg Space Needle etc. are also located nearby making it a walkable location for Gatlinburg.
Facilities of this hotel in Gatlinburg include an outdoor pool that is seasonal, 24 hour front desk, fax and photocopying services, free wi-fi and non-smoking rooms. Rooms in Econo Lodge Inn & Suites on the River are clean and air conditioned. Most of the rooms are right on the river providing a great view from the balcony. They have amenities like flat screen TV, fridge, microwave, coffee machine, fireplace, private bathroom etc. making them comfortable and vacation worthy. Parking is free on the premises and continental breakfast is complimentary as well.
Econo Lodge Inn & Suites on the River
Address: 310 Cottage Drive
11.09 km (6.9 mi) from Great Smoky Mountains National Park
4. River Terrace Resort & Convention Center (from USD 123)
Reasonable pricing for a pet-friendly hotel in a prime location.
Spacious rooms with comfortable beds, heated pool, and creek-side balcony.
Conveniently located in the heart of Gatlinburg, within walking distance to attractions.
Although the restaurant was closed, the hotel's proximity to dining options was a plus.
Located at a distance of 11 miles (17.7 kilometres) from the Dollywood theme park, River Terrace Resort & Convention Center is a great place to stay in Gatlinburg. Situated at the centre of all the attractions of the place, this hotel is a great choice for both, tourists and business travellers alike. Even though the place is in proximity to all the attractions, yet, it provides the privacy and peace needed to relax on a vacation.
Rooms are nice, clean and comfortable and feature private balconies with a view of downtown and mountains. Amenities like flat-screen TVs, sofas, microwave ovens, minifridges and coffeemaker machines make the stay all the more comfortable.
Amenities in this Gatlinburg hotel on River Road include 2 outdoor heated pools, a sports bar and 11 meeting rooms for those on a business visit.
River Terrace Resort & Convention Center
Address: 240 River Road
11.76 km (7.4 mi) from Great Smoky Mountains National Park
5. Rocky Waters Inn & Suites (from USD 67)
Rocky Waters Inn & Suites is located at a distance of just 1.305 miles (2.1 kilometres) from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Right across the street from this place is an 18-hole miniature golf course. Ripley’s aquarium and other attractions of Gatlinburg are also located in close proximity to this inn.
Rooms are large and beds are comfortable. All rooms come with a balcony overlooking the river and also have a separate and complete bathroom fitted with a hot tub.
Rooms also feature minifridges, microwave ovens, coffeemakers and fireplaces and whirlpool tubs. Continental breakfast is complimentary for all guests who can enjoy an outdoor pool and a hot tub, as well. All guests have access to covered parking making it convenient for people driving down in their private vehicles.
Rocky Waters Motor Inn
Address: 333 Parkway
12.35 km (7.7 mi) from Great Smoky Mountains National Park
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6. Old Creek Lodge (from USD 172)
Old Creek Lodge in Tennessee is situated near the Great Smoky Mountain National Park and is a haven for nature lovers. Its great location means that it is close to all the attractions in Gatlinburg. Be it the shops or restaurants or the famous attractions of the area, all are within reach when you are staying here. If you’re looking for a place to stay in Gatlinburg on the river, this one is perfect. It is also steps away from the sky tram that goes up the mountain to Ober.
The rooms are clean, comfortable and spacious, with each one having a stonewall fireplace. Their staff is helpful and courteous, making the stay all the more pleasant. The sound of the creek rushing is very relaxing, and it doubles the joy of going on vacation.
The lodge itself boasts state of the amenities like an outdoor heated pool, free wi-fi, continental breakfast, LCD televisions, outdoor seating areas, microwave, coffeemaker, hairdryer, mini-refrigerator and more. All rooms come with private balconies, enabling guests to soak in the surrounding mountain views.
Old Creek Lodge
Address: 680 River Road
11.12 km (7.0 mi) from Great Smoky Mountains National Park
7. Bearskin Lodge on the River (from USD 200)
Bearskin Lodge on the River is situated on The River Street, in close proximity to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, giving it the advantage of a great location. Other attractions of the region, like Smoky Mountain Art and St Mary’s Catholic Church, are also close by, making this place a preferred choice to stay.
It is a family-friendly accommodation with a laid back and relaxed atmosphere. The rooms are large and clean, and they all come with comfortable beds. Amenities like a flat-screen TV, refrigerator, free wi-fi, free breakfast, and outdoor seating adds to the comfort level it provides its guests. Each room has a balcony over the creek and offers a great view while having that morning coffee. Free parking is available for guests who decide to come on their own vehicles. The staff being accommodating, friendly and helpful just adds to the overall positive stay experience of people.
There are numerous eating joints and shops all within walking distance from this lodge. It is a popular stay choice for couples and families alike.
Bearskin Lodge on the River
Address: 840 RIVER RD
10.79 km (6.8 mi) from Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Gatlinburg: A destination to enjoy the great outdoors
Gatlinburg in Tennessee offers something for every member of the family. It is a perfect destination to enjoy the great outdoors, and with a large number of beautiful accommodation options to suit all budget types, a vacation most certainly seems on the cards!
Looking for more places to stay? Check out some hotels with a water park in Gatlinburg.
Frequently asked questions about hotels on the river in Gatlinburg
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