Rising out of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg is a popular destination for discovering the vast natural beauty of Tennessee. The City Centre is packed with restaurants, bars and tourist attractions. The stunning mountain range surrounding the city is home to some of the best hiking trails and adventure activities in the United States.
Gatlinburg is somewhat spread out, making it seemingly difficult to navigate at first glance. Not only is it surrounded by mountains, but some of the neighbourhoods are up steep hills, making them hard to access without a car or public transport. It’s therefore essential to get a sense of the different areas before you jump in and book your accommodation.
That’s where we come in! We’ve figured out the three best neighbourhoods in Gatlinburg and categorised them based on who they are best for. With the help of locals, travel experts, and bloggers, we have insider advice on the best places to stay in the Smoky Mountain city.
So, let’s get started!
Gatlingburg is one of the American South’s hottest budget vacation spots right now. Public transport is quite good in Gatlinburg, and the tourism office will be happy to help you get your bearings.
If you don’t mind which neighbourhood you’re staying in, these are our top overall accommodation picks. Luckily, there are quite a few epic Airbnbs in Gatlinburg, which might make your stay into something truly special.
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Comfort on a Budget Hotel in Gatlinburg – Hampton Inn Gatlinburg
Sometimes you just want the added convenience of a hotel. The Hampton Inn offers this without hitting your wallet too hard. Located right on the outskirts of town, it is well placed for exploring the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. There is a pool area surrounded by the forest, creating a calm and quiet atmosphere to enjoy on those lazy afternoons.
Contemporary Condo in Gatlinburg – Scandinavian Home
If you’re looking for stylish and well-serviced, you can’t go wrong with the Airbnb Plus range! This bright and airy Scandinavian style condo is perfect for those that want to kick back and relax. The tranquil interiors create a calming atmosphere. It’s located a short walk from the Ober Gatlinburg resort area, and a quick trolley ride from the city centre.
Our Airbnbs in Smoky Mountains post has so many epic Gatlinburg options.
Scandinavian Home is one of our favourites in Gatlinburg but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
Stunning Holiday Home in Gatlinburg – Downtown Creekside
This dazzling townhouse is the perfect getaway for those wanting to stay in Central Gatlinburg! Rated five stars, it is a little on the pricier end – but totally worth it for the ultimate retreat among the Smoky Mountains. Rooms are stylish and spacious, and most of the city centre attractions are only a short walk away. This is an excellent pick for larger families.
Downtown Creekside is one of our favourites in Gatlinburg but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
Parkway District
Also known as Downtown Gatlinburg, the Parkway District is the beating heart of the city! For first time visitors, this is where you will find most of the main attractions on offer.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The park is obviously quite sparse, but the road network is excellent. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to some of the most popular hiking trails in the country.
Gatlinburg’s 3 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in
Gatlinburg is a diverse destination that has something to offer everyone. Whether you’re a family, couple, or group of friends looking for some adventure, we have you covered in this guide. Keep reading for top tips on where to stay and what to do.
#1 Parkway District – Overall Best Place to Stay in Gatlinburg
- COOLEST thing to do in Parkway District: Discover a fascinating insight into local culture with this Moonshine and Whisky Tour – a great alternative to pub crawls!
- BEST place to visit in Parkway District: Anakeesta is a great adventure park for families, with zip lines and gondola rides to suit all ages.
Also known as Downtown Gatlinburg, the Parkway District is the beating heart of the city! For first time visitors, this is where you will find most of the main attractions on offer. From theme parks and waterparks to dinner shows, restaurants, and bars – there’s a little something for everyone in the Parkway District.
This is the most lively neighbourhood in the city, so those that like to stay up late will have plenty to do. Though seemingly designed with only tourists in mind, there are plenty of the local attractions if you look beneath the surface. The Moonshine and Whisky Tour is a great way to do this, but make sure to check local event listings before you arrive.
As the centre of the city, the Parkway District is well connected to all the other neighbourhoods mentioned in this guide. It also has great connections to Sevierville and Pigeon Forge – and even a regular service to Nashville! If you don’t have a car, staying in the Parkway District is your best bet for getting around easily.
Cozy Cottage in Parkway District: Downtown Mountain Hideaway
This is another epic Airbnb Plus property that you won’t want to leave! Despite its city-centre location, it is nestled in a somewhat secluded street – giving you peace and quiet away from the main tourist strips. The extravagant porch area is fully decked and comes with swing chairs and a top of the line hot tub. Visiting Gatlinburg to relax? This is the place for you.
Elegant Hotel in Parkway District: The Park Vista
DoubleTree is the family-friendly Hilton brand with a focus on unbeatable attention to detail! Perched right next to the mountains, all the rooms come with stunning views. There’s a games room and arcade on-site for keeping the entire family entertained in the evenings. There’s also a well-equipped fitness suite – perfect for keeping up your routine.
Luxury Townhouse in Parkway District: Downtown Creekside
We love this stunning townhouse home – and it’s an excellent alternative for those that don’t want to stay in a cabin in Tennessee! Anakeesta Mountain Adventure is a two-minute walk away, making this a great choice for those with younger kids. The trolley also stops right outside the complex, giving you quick access to most neighbourhoods in the city.
Downtown Creekside is one of our favourites in Gatlinburg but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
Things to See and Do in Parkway District:
- Soaring above the Great Smoky Mountains, the Gatlinburg Sky Needle is the largest observation deck in the city – and also has an arcade!
- Wild Bear Falls Indoor Waterpark is the largest attraction of its kind in the south – perfect for keeping the family occupied on a rainy day.
- Visiting as a couple? We recommend the Smoky Mountain Winery – they offer multiple tours a day with complimentary tastings.
- Not the most skilled hiker? The chairlifts at Gatlinburg SkyLift Park will take you to some of the most stunning viewpoints in the area.
- Need a quick breakfast on a budget? Pancake Pantry is a firm favourite with families thanks to their bottomless coffee and all you can eat pancakes.
- Gatlinburg has a vast selection of great barbecue and southern restaurants – but if we had to choose a favourite, we’d go with Bennett’s.
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Learn More Now!#2 Ober Gatlinburg – Best Place to Stay in Gatlinburg for Families
- COOLEST thing to do in Ober Gatlinburg: Ride the Gondola between Ober Gatlinburg and the Parkway District.
- BEST place to visit in Ober Gatlinburg: Ober Gatlinburg Resort is a must-visit attraction year-round!
Ober Gatlinburg is best known as a ski resort during the winter, but it also has plenty of excellent summer attractions! The aerial tramway and bear habitat are open year-round, and there are some great trails and slides for the kids in the summer months. In the winter, they offer a variety of snowsports to suit all ages.
The area surrounding Ober Gatlinburg is peaceful, especially in the summer. For this reason, we recommend it as a great neighbourhood for families heading to the Great Smoky Mountains. The gondola to the city centre is open year-round, giving you easy access to all the major attractions without the noise in the evenings.
Spacious Mountain Chalet in Ober Gatlinburg: Million Dollar Views
We just can’t get enough of the dazzling scenery that surrounds this adorable chalet! Admire the sunset from the balcony every evening over a glass of wine before heading to the sauna and hot tub to unwind. There is a large sun deck for use throughout the summer, and the lounge comes with subscription channels. It can sleep up to eight – but many couples opt for the entire place to themselves.
Hip Apartment in Ober Gatlinburg: Scandinavian Home
This stunning AirBnB Plus apartment is perfect for families and larger groups heading to Gatlinburg! Its calm interiors are a major selling point, but we also love the mountaintop location. You will be rewarded with impeccable views of the Smoky Mountains and Gatlinburg from the comfort of your bedroom. Rustic, yet minimalist, this apartment evokes Scandinavian design principles to give you a great mix of hip and cozy.
Scandinavian Home is one of our favourites in Gatlinburg but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
Rustic Log Cabin in Ober Gatlinburg: Cherokee Winds
You’re truly spoiled for choice when it comes to cute little log cabins in Gatlinburg – and this Cherokee inspired lodging is perfect for smaller families. Alongside the hot tub, this house also benefits from a cinema room and games room – perfect for keeping the family entertained if the weather takes a turn. Ober Gatlinburg Resort is a five-minute walk away.
Cherokee Winds is one of our favourites in Gatlinburg but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
Things to See and Do in Ober Gatlinburg:
- No trip to Ober Gatlinburg is complete without a visit to Puzzled – a quaint little toy shop offering handmade delights.
- Ski Chalet Village Owners Club is a small clubhouse in the heart of Ober Gatlinburg with a laid back atmosphere and excellent facilities.
- Ride the chairlift up to Mount Harrison – even in the summer, you will find some great views and Instagram backdrops from the peak.
#3 Great Smoky Mountains National Park – Where to Stay in Gatlinburg for Adventure
- COOLEST thing to do in the Great Smoky Mountains: Disconnect from the hustle and bustle of day to day life with this Unplugged Waterfall Hike.
- BEST place to visit in the Great Smoky Mountains: Sugarlands Visitor Center is where you will find great hiking maps and activity information.
Isn’t Gatlinburg already in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park? Technically, no – but it is located right along the edge. If you want a true adventure, there are some excellent lodges awaiting you right in the heart of the national park – as well as some more typical hotels along the outskirts. If you’re here for the natural beauty, you absolutely have to get out of the city and stay in the Great Smoky Mountain NP.
The park is obviously quite sparse, but the road network is excellent. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to some of the most popular hiking trails in the country. Modern tourism companies also give you the opportunity to take a guided adventure if you’re less experienced.
Secluded Summer Cabin in Great Smoky Mountains: Smoky Mountain Ridge Resort
Sleeping up to twenty-four people, this is one for the big groups and important family gatherings! It comes with its own private pool – as well as a theatre room and games room. Laurel Falls is only a short journey away, and many major hiking routes pass outside the front of the cabin. This accommodation is the closest to the centre of the national park, so perfect for getting away from it all.
Budget Friendly Hotel in Great Smoky Mountains: Hampton Inn Gatlinburg
Not only is the Hampton Inn the closest hotel to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park – but it’s also right next to the trolley to Ober Gatlinburg. This is perfect for those visiting the town for an extended stay. They also provide a complimentary breakfast buffet, saving you some money! The pool area is calm and peaceful, and there’s also a small fitness suite.
Romantic Hideaway in Great Smoky Mountains: Lover’s Loft
Right on the outskirts of Gatlinburg, this cabin gets you close to the mountains without leaving the comforts of the city. The interiors are decorated with rustic furnishings – and the modern appliances will assure you enjoy all your home comforts. With only one bedroom, it’s popular with couples looking for a romantic getaway in Tennessee. There is a private hot tub and fireplace on the deck.
Lover’s Loft is one of our favourites in Gatlinburg but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
Things to See and Do in Great Smoky Mountains:
- Hike along the many trails on offer in the National Park – Old Sugarlands Trail is a great option for beginners.
- Hiking not your thing? You can bring the car with you to Cades Cove and discover the native wildlife along the way.
- Sugarlands Riding Stables offer horse rental for experienced riders – plus some taster sessions for beginners.
- Cataract Falls is the most accessible waterfall from the visitor centre – and great for capturing a photo of your trip.
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Buy an eSIM!FAQ about Finding a Place to Stay in Gatlinburg
Here’s what people usually ask us about the areas of Gatlinburg and where to stay.
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Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Gatlinburg?
Gatlinburg seems to rise out of nowhere from the forested landscape of the Smoky Mountains! It is a fantastic destination for nature lovers and thrill-seekers, and its proximity to Dollywood has made it a popular base for family staycationers in the United States.
When it comes to the best place to stay, we have to go with the Parkway District! It is well connected to all of the other neighbourhoods – as well as some great destinations outside of the city.
Speaking of other great destinations – if you’re visiting the area on a budget, check out our guide to Sevierville. It’s not too far from Gatlinburg but offers some inexpensive accommodation options. We’ve also got some info on Pigeon Forge Airbnbs for those interested in Dollywood and other family attractions. Or if you want to stay in the foothills of the Smoky Mountain, then a vacation rental in Pigeon Forge is also a good idea.
All that said, all of the neighbourhoods mentioned in this guide have their own unique charms. We hope we’ve helped you narrow down your options for your upcoming trip to Gatlinburg.
Did we miss anything? Let us know in the comments!
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