dreammore resort in pigeon forge tn with blue sky

9 Best Hotels in Pigeon Forge, According to a Local

These are the best hotels in Pigeon Forge, Ranked

While a cabin is often the go-to place to stay on a Smokies vacation, sometimes you just want to check-in and check-out without all the fuss.

Luckily, in Pigeon Forge, there are still plenty of luxury hotels available that offer the Southern hospitality mountain experience that guests crave when considering their vacation destination.

So, here are some of my favorite area hotels that are considered to be the cream of the crop. Overall, they offer comfortable rooms, nice amenities and easy access to the top attractions.

entrance to dreammore resort in pigeon forge tn
The DreamMore Resort is one of the nicest hotels in Pigeon Forge (photo by Morgan Overholt/TheSmokies.com)

1. Dollywood's DreamMore Resort

First off, we have the king – or perhaps the queen – of them all: Dollywood's DreamMore Resort.

Dollywood's DreamMore Resort was Dolly Parton's dream come to life with the expansion of the Dollywood footprint – and her brand. Her special touches are clearly visible throughout the resort.

This hotel offers a modern atmosphere with Southern charm.

The DreamMore was built with families in mind complete with an optional bunk bed for the kids in select rooms. Guests of all ages will enjoy two on-site restaurants featuring classic Southern comfort food.

Kids will also enjoy both an indoor and outdoor pool. There is also a playground and an interactive splash pad.

Adults will enjoy the on-site full-service spa and lounge bar.

Fun fact: The bar is a unique feature for DreamMore. In fact, It is the only location where alcohol is available for purchase on a Dolly Parton property in Pigeon Forge. Dollywood, Pirates Voyage and Dolly Parton's Stampede are all dry venues.

Bargain hunters will also rejoice for some of the on-site perks and discounts offered by the resort. This can include a free Time Saver pass, but always read up on current offers at the time of your booking.

Ready for the best part? A complimentary trolley is available to shuttle DreamMore guests to and from Dollywood and Dollywood Splash Country as needed. Routes run every few minutes during regular park hours.

It's definitely one of the best luxury hotels in the area and a great base of operations when you want to go to the Dollywood theme park.

The only downside? It's one of the more expensive options on our list. Check for current rates on Booking.com, Expedia or Hotels.com.

Read Also: Is Dreammore Worth It? An Honest Review of Dollywood’s Resort

margaritaville hotel at the island in pigeon forge
This Margaritaville Island Hotel is also located on The Island (photo by Alaina O'Neal/TheSmokies.com)

2. Margaritaville Island Hotel

Built in 2014, the Margaritaville Island Hotel is considered to be one of the most luxurious hotels in Pigeon Forge.

This resort-style hotel features an on-site restaurant, bar and a rooftop pool with private cabanas available for rent.

Hotel rooms are equipped with a private balcony, kitchenette and a fireplace.

But the best part about the Margaritaville Island Hotel, and the real reason we ranked it at No. 2 on this list – is its unique location in the middle of The Island in Pigeon Forge.

The Island in Pigeon Forge is a popular multi-purpose shopping, dining and entertainment venue that offers a variety of shops, restaurants, rides and attractions.

To top it all off, it's also within walking distance of the Alcatraz East Crime Museum and The Comedy Barn. Nothing beats a no-car-required vacation.

Check current rates on Kayak, Hotels.com or Expedia.com.

island inn resort at the island
Margaritaville Island Inn is located right at the entrance of The Island (photo by Morgan Overholt/TheSmokies.com)

3. Margaritaville Island Inn

Built in 2017, the Margaritaville Island Inn is one of the newer luxury hotels in Pigeon Forge.

Margaritaville is located just 550 feet from The Island in Pigeon Forge and offers a similar experience to the Margaritaville Island Hotel at a fraction of the price.

While this hotel lacks some of the higher-end amenities featured at the Margaritaville Island Hotel, Margaritaville Island Inn is a little newer and features all the basics you and your family need for an enjoyable getaway while still enjoying the convenient Island location.

The Margaritaville Island Inn features both an indoor pool and outdoor swimming pool, a free continental breakfast and is just steps away from a variety of restaurants and attractions.

Plus, both Margaritaville locations are just a 6-minute drive from Dollywood. Check current rates with Booking.com, Expedia or Kayak.

Christmas Place Inn Pigeon Forge
It's Christmas all year long at The Inn at Christmas Place (photo by Morgan Overholt/TheSmokies.com)

4. The Inn at Christmas Place

Some people say you should carry the spirit of Christmas in your heart all year long. The Inn at Christmas Place takes that saying quite seriously with Christmas decor that will put you in the holiday spirit 365 days a year.

This Bavarian-inspired resort is one of the only (and arguably the best) Christmas-themed hotels in the entire country.

It is located directly across from The Christmas Place store and less than a mile away from The Island.

The Inn at Christmas Place also features an outdoor pool with a 100-foot water slide that will keep the kiddos entertained for hours.

Also along the main strip of the Parkway, it's also only a mile away from attractions like the Titanic Museum or the Hatfield and McCoy Dinner Feud. Dollywood is located less than 5.3 miles away.

Check for current pricing on Booking.com, Expedia or Hotels.com.

Couryard Marriott Pigeon Forge
The Courtyard has its own lazy river (photo by James Overholt/TheSmokies.com)

5. Courtyard by Marriott Pigeon Forge

Who said a chain hotel can't offer an authentic Southern experience?

The Courtyard by Marriott in Pigeon Forge features a modern rustic aesthetic with 5-star accommodations.

But what really landed the Courtyard by Marriott on our best hotels list is the impressive list of amenities designed to keep the entire family entertained even if you never leave the property.

The hotel features a full-service bar, an indoor and outdoor pool, a hot tub, a lazy river, three fire pits, biking and walking trails, an on-site restaurant and a 24-hour coffee shop.

The Courtyard by Marriott is located just 10 minutes from Dollywood and is located at 120 Community Center Drive in Pigeon Forge, Tenn.

Check for current pricing on trusted sites like Kayak or Hotels.com.

Tru by Hilton
Tru is a great, dependable option (photo by Bill Burris/TheSmokies.com)

6. Tru by Hilton in Pigeon Forge

Rated an excellent 8.7 on Booking.com, this hotel is conveniently located on Teaster Lane, right near The Island in Pigeon Forge.

Your basic amenities are included, including free wifi, a fitness center and free parking. But what gives this hotel an edge is its incredible indoor pool and excellent location.

Check current rates on Hotels.com or Kayak.

Black Fox Lodge pool in Pigeon Forge
Black Fox Lodge is backed by the Hilton name (photo by Bill Burris/TheSmokies.com)

7. Black Fox Lodge in Pigeon Forge

Part of the Tapestry Collection by Hilton, this lodge is located in the heart of Pigeon Forge.

It features a seasonal outdoor pool with a slide, a patio and a fire pit. Additionally, it has a restaurant and full bar, fitness center and free parking.

Suites are also available. Overall, it's a great option for families. Check current rates on Booking.com or Kayak.

Music road resort in pigeon forge
Music Road Resort has great outdoor facilities (photo by Bill Burris/TheSmokies.com)

8. Music Road Resort Hotel

This resort is rated a very good 8.6 out of 10 on Kayak.com and includes impressive indoor and outdoor pool facilities, including its own lazy river.

It’s also available on Hotels.com and Expedia.

La Quinta in Pigeon Forge
La Quinta is one of the more affordable options on our list (photo by Bill Burris/TheSmokies.com)

9. La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Pigeon Forge

This hotel has an 8.6 rating on Booking.com and includes a seasonal outdoor pool and free breakfast.

It's one of the more affordable options on the list while still offering a convenient location to top attractions, like the Old Mill or The Island. Check current rates on Hotels.com or Kayak.

Do you agree with our list? What are your favorite hotels when you visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee? Let us know in the comments below.

Back to blog

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.