The 10 best hotels in Pigeon Forge

Set on a 60-acre farm at the bottom of the Smoky mountains, the Blue Mountain Mist Country Inn gives guests the best of two worlds: you can marvel at the gorgeous scenery all around you, while also having excellent access to Dollywood and a host of local attractions. From the outside, the Victorian-style blue farmhouse is beautiful enough in itself, but step inside you’ll discover room after personalised room of cute family heirlooms and homely chintz. We love all of the one-of-a-kind details that have gone into the place (plus the hearty, homestyle breakfasts, of course).

If you feel like adding a little glamour to your vacation – and who wouldn’t when they’re in the land of Dolly Parton? – consider booking into the RiverStone Resort and Spa. You’ll get your own plush condo with all the facilities you need to feel right at home (well-stocked kitchen included), plus access to an indoor pool, outdoor ‘lazy river’ and fitness centre. But let’s not beat around the bush, the real pull towards a stay here is the onsite spa. Treat yourself to as many massages, body treatments, manicures, pedicures, facials, and hot stone everythings as you can plausibly fit into your schedule. Bliss.

A traditional, upscale hotel resort connected to an amusement park and water park? Only Dolly Parton could pull that off. This hotel has incredible views of the Smoky Mountains, a spa, indoor and outdoor pools (with a waterfall), and Dolly’s signature butterflies as decor throughout. Hang out and make s’mores over an open fire pit or take advantage of packages that will get you into the theme park with passes to bypass long lines.

As its name suggests, it is Christmas 365 days a year at this hotel. That might seem weird in other cities, but it is just the kind of quirk that flies in Pigeon Forge. Rooms, which are standard hotels rooms with flat-screen TVs and mini-fridges, are decorated for the holidays all year. Santa and Mrs Claus make appearances while families play in the water park and in the swimming pool. Of course there are cookies at bedtime; wouldn’t be Christmas without them.

Book into the Econo Lodge Pigeon Forge Riverside for lovely views of the Little Pigeon River and some pleasingly homely vibes. The rooms are fitted out with a range of convenience-boosting additions like microwaves and fridges, while guests are invited to make ample use of the expansive hotel pool. Make time in your plans for a leisurely lunch in the hotel’s riverside picnic area and enjoy the sound of rushing water as you while away the hours.

Who knows better how to sit back, relax, and take a vacation than Jimmy Buffett? Turns out he knows how to do this even when not at the beach. This hotel is located in the Island entertainment district, which has its own Ferris wheel, but the decor and vibe of the hotel is restrained and modern. Book a spa treatment or request rose pedals to be strewn across your bed before a romantic night in.

This high-rise, on the Island entertainment district, has a laidback vibe befitting a place named after a song about taking it easy. Balconies look out over all the activity, or you can take a dip in one of several pools on site, or hang out at the outdoor fire pit. Decor is beach themed, but not kitschy or over-the-top.

Situated in between the main Parkway road and the Little Pigeon River, this budget hotel is a good option for families who want the best of both parts of Pigeon Forge. They can enjoy the scenery that the river affords, but be in the thick of the commercial district within a matter of blocks. Breakfast is included (with large portions) and there’s also a laundry room, which is convenient if you're spending your days hiking in the park. At the end of the day, grab some free popcorn in the lobby.

At first blush a Courtyard Marriott may not sound like anything special, other than a reliable chain hotel. But not every Courtyard Marriott has a lazy river connected to its awesome outdoor pool. Also outside is a fire pit and a hot tub, and if the weather doesn’t cooperate, opt for the indoor pool and the gym with views of the pool. A 24-hour bistro with Starbucks plus a bar means all your needs should be met.

This five-story hotel has a bit of a B&B aesthetic, with four-poster beds and stone fireplaces. The family-friendly hotel has views of the Island entertainment district and Ferris wheel on one side and a large grassy meadow on the other. Some nights there are s’mores and sing-a-longs on the meadow. Pigeon Forge and nearby Gatlinburg are famous for their pancakes, which the Arbors plays nicely on; your stay includes breakfast at Reagan’s Pancake House or you can grab free doughnuts in the lobby.