Although most famous for being the location of Dollywood, there’s a whole lot more to Pigeon Forge that makes it such a family-friendly vacation destination. This mountain town in Eastern Tennessee is not only packed full of other human-made attractions, but also an endless supply of natural beauty, thanks to its setting near Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
With all these incredible — and very fun — things to see and do here, it’s no wonder people come from far and wide to enjoy themselves. Because of its popularity, there are a whole lot of options when it comes to hotels in Pigeon Forge, many of which come with waterparks, pools and blissful natural settings. Listed here are the cream of the crop.
1. Margaritaville Island Hotel
Source: booking.comThis hotel provides a comfortable, homely place to stay in Pigeon Forge. Packed with facilities and amenities, it’s a resort where guests won’t want for anything. There’s the bar, snack bar, and restaurant, as well as a gym and rooftop pool complete with private cabanas.
The super spacious rooms at the Margaritaville Island Hotel are smartly decked out and feel bright and modern. Some come with balconies, dining areas, kitchenettes, and even fireplaces!
Location: Set in the area called The Island, there are a whole lot of facilities, dining and entertainment options right on the doorstep of this top Pigeon Forge hotel.
2. The Ramsey Hotel and Convention Center
Source: booking.comIf you’re looking for a family-friendly place to stay in Pigeon Forge, The Ramsey Hotel would be a great option. For one thing, the staff here are very friendly and offer top service. You can really feel the value-for-money factor with the quality of everything at this hotel.
Each morning, guests can enjoy a complimentary breakfast buffet at the hotel restaurant, but one of the best things about this place is the 24-hour heated waterfall pool, along with its fire pit patio and movie nights.
Location: Set in a quiet area just half a mile from Old Mill, this hotel is half an hour by car from Dollywood, but still within walking distance of top attractions.
3. Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort
Source: booking.comstaying at this sprawling resort is an experience if you’re thinking of visiting Pigeon Forge. It’s full of all the glamour and grandeur that you’d expect from a hotel with such a setting.
With its rolling hills, multiple pools and manicured lawns, there’s a lot to offer active families here; kids can enjoy the outdoor playground and two waterfall pools, while adults have the run of the golf course and onsite salon and spa—all of that surrounded by the Great Smoky Mountains.
Location: Set just a three-minute drive from iconic Dollywood itself, the hotel includes a free shuttle to this and other theme parks. The Gatlinburg Golf Course and Great Smoky Mountains National Park are both in easy driving distance.
4. Black Fox Lodge Pigeon Forge, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
Source: booking.comBeautifully clean and well-kept, this hotel is a quiet place to enjoy the relaxation of the surrounding nature in town. In the evenings, guests can tuck into a pizza fresh out of the pizza oven at the restaurant and bar. In warmer weather, the seasonal pool becomes available.
This top Pigeon Forge hotel features large, classically decorated guest rooms with modern, gleaming bathrooms and comfortable seating areas. Some rooms have balconies facing out over Little Pigeon River; others boast vistas of the Great Smoky Mountains.
Location: Close to top sights in Pigeon Forge, this hotel is under half a mile from Old Mill, while all the amenities and entertainment of The Island are just a mile away. Dollywood’s Splash Country Water Adventure Park is also nearby.
5. Riverside Tower
Source: booking.comA great all-rounder of a hotel, the rustic, classically-decorated guest rooms at Riverside Tower do a lot to reflect the surrounding nature of Pigeon Forge. Views from balconies are attractive, and there is a selection of rooms on offer, including two-room suites, which are great for families.
Guests can use the indoor swimming pool. While there isn’t have a breakfast room, the hotel offers vouchers for the amazing pancake place right across the street.
Location: Mere steps from Old Mill, this hotel has a beautiful, natural setting. It’s just a short drive to the Grand Majestic Theatre, as well as Country Tonite Theatre. Dollywood is just over a mile from here, too.
6. The Inn at Christmas Place
Source: booking.comThemed on a Bavarian-style, it’s quite literally Christmas all year round at The Inn at Christmas Place. The Christmas theme even extends to the guest rooms themselves — think fireplaces hung with stockings, Santa-red bed linen, and seasonal decorations.
While certainly a fun experience, away from the Christmas stylings, Belgian waffles, pastries and coffee get served up at breakfast. There’s an outdoor pool (complete with water slide) too, set within attractive grounds.
Location: Right opposite the popular Christmas Place store, The Inn is also just under a mile from The Island and all its shopping, entertainment, and dining options.
7. Arbors at Island Landing Hotel & Suites
Source: booking.comArbors at Island Landing Hotel & Suites offers a smart hotel experience, making for a relaxing place to stay during your trip to Pigeon Forge. There’s just about everything you’ll need to make your stay here a comfortable one.
Rooms come in a classic, traditional design, with patterned carpets, cosy beds and dark wood furnishings – some even have fireplaces. Onsite, guests have access to an outdoor pool and hot tub. On warm days, there’s even the chance to fire up the BBQ.
Location: There’s a lot on the doorstep – from The Island to the Comedy Barn, and even Zorb Smoky Mountain for a more active experience. Cafes and restaurants are also nearby.
8. Econo Lodge Riverside
Source: booking.comSat in a natural setting alongside Little Pigeon River, this top hotel makes the most of its rustic surroundings and reflects this in its interiors. Neutral colours and comfortable furnishings help create a warm, relaxing atmosphere.
There’s a well maintained and uniquely designed central indoor pool area, with a large beamed wood ceiling and big windows. Guests can find a picnic area along the river and huddle around the fire pit in the evenings.
Location: Right next-door to Christmas Place, with the Grand Majestic Theatre and the Comedy Barn close by, this hotel is four miles from Dollywood. There’s a convenient trolley bus stop right outside the hotel, too.
9. Country Cascades Waterpark Resort
Source: booking.comCountry Cascades Waterpark Resort is the perfect place for a family vacation; the clue is in the name. The huge pools here, including an indoor complex, come with multiple colourful waterslides for endless fun.
Away from the adrenaline-filled waterpark element of this hotel, the guest rooms are smart. They’re decorated with modern design details and contemporary furnishings, all in a natural blue colour scheme, and with varying sizes on offer. A bonus is the daily breakfast buffet — great for setting you up for a fun-filled day.
Location: Top attractions like the Comedy Barn, The Island, The Grand Majestic Theatre and Old Mill are all within walking distance; the Great Smoky Mountains are five miles away.
10. Clarion Inn
Source: booking.comClarion Inn is set in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, surrounded by all the natural beauty that such a setting affords. It’s a friendly hotel with great staff that makes for a homely place to stay on a Pigeon Forge vacation.
Rooms here are clean and comfortable and feature balconies where guests can take in the stunning views. The onsite amenities are also top quality and include a gym, heated indoor pool, and a waterpark complete with lazy river and hot tub.
Location: Smoky Mountain Brewery is a stone’s throw from the hotel – so are the Walden’s Landing Retail District, Ripley’s Aquarium, and Dixie’s Stampede Theatre.
11. Quality Inn Near the Island Pigeon Forge
Source: booking.comComplete with delicious daily breakfast, this top place to stay in Pigeon Forge offers guest rooms that are super clean, warmly decorated and very comfortable. Beds here are two-poster. Some rooms even come with Jacuzzis.
The hotel is newly renovated throughout and is spotlessly clean and well looked after. The indoor pool – perfect for that slice of downtime – also boasts two hot tubs and a children’s pool.
Location: With its secluded setting, the hotel feels quite peaceful, but it’s centrally located; catch the trolley (there’s a stop right outside) to top attractions like Hollywood Wax Museum and the Comedy Barn.
12. The Inn on the River
Source: booking.comThe Inn on The River is a great place to stay. It really makes the most of its natural setting — think starry nights on a rocking chair around the fire pit, taking a morning stroll along the peaceful riverbank, or going for a refreshing swim in the outdoor pool (there’s also a heated indoor pool).
Rooms at the hotel are contemporary, with wooden floors and a calm, neutral colour palette – all very clean and well maintained. Staff are friendly and helpful, and everything you need will be on offer, including a complimentary breakfast buffet.
Location: Staying here puts you just a ten-minute drive from Dollywood, while The Island and the Comedy Barn and other restaurants and eateries are within walking distance.
13. Courtyard by Marriott Pigeon Forge
Source: booking.comThis luxury hotel provides exceptional service in a beautiful setting for an unforgettable Pigeon Forge vacation. Endless entertainment and amenities are on offer – from the fire pits and the games room to the indoor and outdoor pool with lazy river, as well as the fitness centre.
The grounds connect to walking and biking trails along the nearby river. Bikes can be rented from the hotel, and it’s a great place to get out into the surrounding nature. Onsite bar and restaurant The Bistro is a great place to unwind in the evening.
Location: It’s got a great setting. The Grand Majestic Theatre is just 900 yards from the hotel, and the Country Tonite Theatre is close by as well; The Island is half a mile from here.
14. La Quinta by Wyndham Pigeon Forge
Source: booking.comProviding great all-round value, comfort, and convenience, the rooms at this top Pigeon Forge hotel are newly decorated, spacious, and feel stylish without being cold. Away from the cosy guest rooms, there’s plenty of space to relax around the hotel.
Guests can enjoy having a drink or two on the terrace next to the open fire, workout at the gym, or refresh themselves with a dip at the indoor swimming pool.
Location: Dollywood is a ten-minute drive from this hotel, which is great, but other attractions are closer and within walking distance, such as the Hollywood Wax Museum and the Titanic Museum.
15. Music Road Resort
Source: booking.comWith its clean and comfortable traditionally-decorated rooms — each one with a balcony and views overlooking the Great Smoky Mountains — this hotel is a top value-for-money option. On top of that, the staff are amazing and will help you with anything you may need.
In terms of amenities, there’s an indoor pool and hot tub open 24-hours, as well as an outdoor waterpark to enjoy, making this an excellent choice for families who find themselves in Pigeon Forge.
Location: One block from the main avenue, you’ll be close to top attractions of the area, including Ripley’s Aquarium and the Titanic Museum. Dollywood is just under three miles away.