Where to Stay in Gatlinburg, Tennessee: The Perfect Base to Explore the Great Smoky Mountains

Last fall, we took a trip to the charming little town of Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and it’s such a cute little spot. Gatlinburg is pretty much your gateway to the incredible Great Smoky Mountains. Unless you’re planning to camp at one of the many campsites in the area, Gatlinburg is the place to stay. That’s where we stayed, and I honestly think it’s the best town to base yourself for exploring the Smokies.

Gatlinburg isn’t huge, but before you start booking and planning your trip, it’s super important to know the vibe of the different areas and figure out where to stay in Gatlinburg. Some spots are busier and buzzing with bars and restaurants, while others are more laid-back and great for families, couples, or even first-time visitors. That’s exactly why I put together this guide! I want to give you the inside scoop on Gatlinburg’s neighborhoods and the best hotels so you can easily figure out where to stay.

Exploring the Areas of Gatlinburg: Where Should You Stay?

Before we get into all the amazing places you can stay in Gatlinburg, let’s get to know the different areas of town. Choosing the right spot can totally shape your experience, so let me break it down for you.

Downtown Gatlinburg: This is where all the action happens. Shops, restaurants, attractions—you name it, it’s here. If you love being in the middle of everything, downtown is your go-to. Just a heads-up, though: it can get a little noisy and lively at night, especially when you’re staying right on the main road, which is called “the Strip” or “Parkway.” So, if you’re more into quiet evenings, you might want to check out other areas.

Chalet Village: Chalet Village can be great for you if you’re after stunning mountain views and peaceful surroundings. It’s located above downtown, so you’re close enough to pop into town but far enough to feel like you’ve escaped the hustle and bustle. Perfect for enjoying some amazing Smoky Mountain sunsets!

Cartertown: Want a more local vibe? Cartertown is just outside downtown and gives off this cozy, residential feel. It’s quieter, with some great local restaurants and shops to explore. Staying here makes you feel like you’re living in Gatlinburg, not just visiting.

Glades: Nature lovers, this one’s for you! Glades is close to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and offers all kinds of outdoor adventures—hiking, fishing, you name it. If your idea of a perfect trip is being surrounded by nature, you’ll feel right at home here.

Best Hotels to Stay in Gatlinburg, TN

How to Get to Gatlinburg, TN

If you’re planning a trip to Gatlinburg, Tennessee, you might be wondering how to get there.

By Car: Driving is the most common way to get to Gatlinburg, and it’s also what we did. You can easily access the town through major highways such as I-40 and US-321. Just be aware that during peak seasons, traffic can become quite hectic on these roads. Many people even opt to stay in Pigeon Forge when Gatlinburg is getting too busy.

By Plane: The nearest airport to Gatlinburg is McGhee Tyson Airport in Knoxville, which is about an hour’s drive away. From there, you can rent a car or take a shuttle service directly to your hotel in Gatlinburg. Some hotels also offer transportation services from the airport for an additional fee.

How to Decide Where to Stay in Gatlinburg

Option 1: Downtown Gatlinburg

When we visited Gatlinburg, we stayed right in Downtown Gatlinburg—and honestly, we couldn’t have been happier! The area isn’t overwhelmingly busy (it’s a charming little mountain town, after all), but it’s definitely where all the action is. You’ll find tons of restaurants, shops, bars, and so much more here.

We stayed in a hotel downtown, so we were constantly heading out for food and drinks, and it was amazing how everything was just a short walk away. Plus, many of the must-see attractions, like the Gatlinburg SkyLift Park, Ober Mountain Amusement Park, and the ski area, are super easy to get to from here. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy the best of Gatlinburg without having to go far!

Pros of Staying in Downtown Gatlinburg

• Restaurants and bars are all within walking distance—so convenient!
• The Ober Gatlinburg Mountain Tramway Mall (aka the gondola) is super close.
• Gatlinburg SkyLift Park is literally right there.
• Hiking trails, like the Gatlinburg Trail, are just a short trip away.
• Great Kids activities such as Ripley’s Aquarium.

Cons of Staying in Downtown Gatlinburg

• Hotels in the downtown area are definitely pricier compared to staying outside of town.
• It can get a bit noisy, especially in the evenings.
• Some big hotels in the area might not feel as cozy or personal.

All in all, if you love having everything at your fingertips and don’t mind a little extra buzz, Downtown Gatlinburg is an awesome place to stay! It made our trip so much easier and more fun.

Best Hotels in Downtown Gatlinburg

($$$)Edgewater Hotels: Great hotel with all the amenities you need, including a swimming pool.

($$) River Edge Inn: Cute little guesthouse right in the city center, near East Parkway.

($) Zoders Inn & Suites: One of the more affordable hotels in the city center, but great value for money.

Option 2: Chalet Village

Next on our stay was the Chalet Village area, a cozy hillside neighborhood near Ober Mountain Amusement Park and just a short drive from downtown Gatlinburg. If you’re looking for peace and quiet while still being close to the action, this is the perfect spot! The cabins and rentals here are tucked among the trees, giving you the feeling of your own private mountain retreat. I would definitely recommend the area for families and larger groups. There are plenty of fully equipped lodges and mountain houses, perfect for cooking and staying with bigger groups.

Why We Loved Staying in Chalet Village

• The atmosphere is so calm and relaxing. After a full day of exploring, it was the perfect place to unwind in peace and quiet.
• The views are unbeatable. Waking up to those gorgeous mountain scenes from our own balcony was just amazing.
• It’s close to attractions like Ober Gatlinburg Mountain Amusement Park and the ski area, making it super convenient for adventuring.

A Few Things to Keep in Mind

• You’ll need a car (or some form of transportation) since it’s not within walking distance of downtown Gatlinburg.
• Rental options can vary widely in price and style, so take some time to find one that suits your needs and budget.

Best Chalets & Lodges in Chalet Village

($$$) 3 Decks Villa: Huge villa with 5 bedrooms, perfect for hosting many guests.

($$) Heavenly View Lodge: Amazing villa with great views from its private sun terrace

($) Bear Trail 625: Cozy little cabin, perfect for the whole family without breaking the bank.

Option 3: Cartertown

We didn’t actually stay in Cartertown, but we spent some time exploring the area—took a few scenic drives, grabbed lunch, and hit some hiking trails, and we were seriously impressed! The area is located in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and has a very peaceful vibe that’s perfect for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle. You’ll find fewer hotels here but more lodges and chalets, which are ideal for families and larger groups.

Why We Think You’ll Love Cartertown

• The scenery here is absolutely stunning. Everywhere you turn, you either get mountain views or see the beautiful forest.
• There are tons of hiking trails and nature spots close by.
• You get the best of both worlds—close enough to enjoy all the fun in downtown Gatlinburg, but far enough to have a quiet, relaxing retreat at night.
• This could be a pro or con, I guess, but there are loads of bears around, and I absolutely love seeing them (from a safe distance, of course).

A Few Tips for Visiting Cartertown

• Plan ahead! If there’s a specific hike or restaurant you want to check out, make reservations so you don’t miss out.
• Soak in the peaceful vibes—unplug and spend some quality time in nature. It’s good for the soul!
• Stop at a larger supermarket on the way, especially if you’re planning on using the kitchen and cooking most of your meals.

Where to Stay in Cartertown

($$$) Gatlinburg Mountain Cabin: A great spot for a big group, featuring a pool table and hot tub.

($$) Twinflower Summit: I loved the huge windows in the living room, as well as the multiple sun decks and balconies.

($) Smokey Mountain Cabin: Amazing value for money! This cabin is massive and can sleep up to 16 people for as little as $160 a night.

Option 4: Glade

Glade is a little neighborhood located next to Cartertown, and because it’s farther from downtown, it’s perfect if you’re looking for a quieter, more laid-back vibe. The farther you get from all the hustle and bustle of downtown, the more peaceful it becomes. It’s super residential here, with adorable holiday homes scattered around, and let me just say—it’s got that “sit on the porch and soak up the sounds of nature” kind of energy.

Why We Think You’ll Love Glade

• The peace and quiet are unbeatable! It’s residential and relaxing—a perfect escape from the chaos of city life.
• You’re just minutes away from some of the most beautiful hiking trails and nature spots in the Smokies.
• It’s probably the most budget-friendly area for accommodations in Gatlinburg.

Cons of Staying in Glade

• There aren’t as many restaurants or entertainment options as downtown—BUT that just means more time to explore the outdoors.
• Heads up: some spots might have patchy cell service or WiFi.
• You’ll definitely need a car to get around and fully enjoy everything the area has to offer.

Where to Stay in Glade

($$) Bearly Gnomey: Great little lone-standing cabin without any neighbors, super peaceful!

($) Brave Eagle Cabin: Right in the middle of the woods, it’s a beautiful secluded cabin.

($) Gnoming Around: Two decks with a hot tub and a great view.

Where We Stayed in Gatlinburg

When we visited Gatlinburg, we decided to stay in two different places to see as much of the town as possible, and it worked really well with our plans.

For the first two nights, Carae and I stayed right in downtown Gatlinburg, which was perfect for the two of us. We found the cutest little lodge with cozy rooms right on the river (Historic Rocky Water Inn). Our room had a balcony overlooking the water, and it was just stunning. Waking up to the sound of the river was so peaceful! We’re already planning to come back and would 100% recommend this spot, especially because it’s super affordable.

Plus, being in town meant we could walk everywhere. For dinner, we strolled over to No Way Jose’s, a super fun Mexican spot where we had some amazing food and margaritas (so good!). Afterward, we hit up Ole Red for live music and a few beers.

After our time downtown, Carae’s family came to join us, so we checked out of our lovely little hotel and moved into a big lodge up in Chalet Village. And wow, it was incredible! The lodge was massive, with three decks, five bedrooms, a pool table, and an XL hot tub—seriously, it had everything (Check out the lodge right here). We picked up groceries on the way and mostly cooked our own meals because, honestly, we didn’t want to leave! Sharing the space with six people (three couples) made it super affordable, too. From there, we were able to explore some amazing hikes and take in the gorgeous nature all around us.