Named after the Little Pigeon River that flows through this picturesque alpine community, Pigeon Forge is the best destination to unravel the scenic splendors of the Great Smokies and immerse in the contemporary entertainment venues and theme parks of Eastern Tennessee.
Travellers are advised to find a centrally located accommodation that offers proximity to nature reserves and hiking trails without distancing them from vibrant communities like Sevierville and Dolly Parton’s Dollywood.
Our roundup of the top 12 cool and unusual hotels will introduce you to the finest boutique hotels, unique vacation rentals, and charming inns in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee (in no particular order)…
1. Margaritaville Island Hotel – a bright, fun colourful tropical-themed hotel with loads of activities and a lively pool area
Margaritaville Island Hotel delights travellers with its distinguished, island-themed interiors, heart-warming Appalachian traditions, and welcoming hospitality.
This laidback venue is a popular choice for extended vacations as it provides home-like comforts with an array of indulgent resort-like amenities.
The aesthetically crafted guest rooms play up with serene color palettes, beautifully crafted furniture, comfortable lounging spaces, and luxurious bathrooms.
The onsite St. Somewhere Spa offers island-style relaxation with a multitude of massages and therapies designed to transport you to a tropical paradise.
The Margaritaville Restaurant, situated right next to the hotel, combines a refined dining space with a live performance stage to enjoy entertaining feasts after sightseeing all day.
- To book, check prices or availability for Margaritaville Island Hotel
2. The Inn at Christmas Place – a quirky chic and cozy inn with a charming Christmassy theme and a pool
The Inn at Christmas Place is a unique, one-of-its-kind establishment that celebrates the spirit of Christmas with regal Bavarian architecture, European-style interiors, and holiday-themed guest rooms. Surrounded by beautifully manicured gardens and a spellbinding backdrop of the Smoky Mountains, this festive inn offers a convenient location with a homely setting.
Guests can explore standard rooms, mini-suites, and spacious 2-bedroom suites featuring in-room appliances, gas fireplaces, and a whirlpool tub.
The 2-bedroom suite comes with a fully equipped kitchen and inviting living room with a sleeper sofa. The Christmas-themed Santa Suite is an absolute delight with its cheerful holiday décor and quirky fixtures.
- To book, check prices or availability for The Inn at Christmas Place
3. Margaritaville Island Inn – a colourful, fun-loving inn that’s perfect for Gen-Zs, millennials or a friends’ getaway
Families flock to this child-friendly inn to enjoy a well-rounded Pigeon Forge vacation and enjoy the Smoky Mountains landscape from lavishly appointed accommodations. Margaritaville Island Inn is drenched in the tropical spirit of the islands, complimenting its picturesque alpine location with a soothing coastal-themed décor.
The guest rooms feature contemporary furniture and thoughtful amenities designed to maximize comfort and convenience.
The inn provides access to an indoor lounging space to socialise with like-minded travellers and two luxury pools to unwind after an action-packed hiking adventure.
The Margaritaville Island Inn offers easy access to the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel, The Old Mill, and the LazerPort Fun Center.
- To book, check prices or availability for Margaritaville Island Inn
4. Jan’s Riverside Retreat – cute and contemporary holiday rental located right on the water offering captivating views
Nestled in the heart of Sevierville, Jan’s Riverside Retreat positions travellers near thrilling outdoor adventures, rewarding nature trails, world-class theme parks, and the vibrant downtown area.
Designed to accommodate 6 guests comfortably, this 2-bedroom accommodation has a laid-back open layout, splendid mountainside interiors, and sumptuously furnished living spaces.
Guests can shop locally farmed ingredients to prepare home-cooked meals in the stainless steel kitchen, and devour their breakfast on the sprawling balcony overlooking the verdant scenery.
The living room features indulgently comfortable lounging furniture and a flat-screen TV with cable channels.
The onsite swimming pool and hot tub allow adventures to carve out moments of bliss after an exhausting day of sightseeing.
- To book, check prices or availability for Jan’s Riverside Retreat
5. Bear Hugs – cosy and welcoming inn finished with loads of cool and quirky touches
An unpretentiously joy-filled abode of unmatched luxury and dedicated hospitality, staying at Bear Hugs is an experience that will fill your heart with warmth and serenity.
Surrounded by the majestic scenery of mountain streams, the delightfully appointed rooms will lull you to sleep with the soothing sound of water dripping over rocks.
This dog-friendly vacation rental has a whimsical, fairytale-like setting with a richly detailed, rustic wooden construction typical of mountainside cabins. The interiors have an airy, open layout with spacious living and lounging spaces, ornate fireplaces, refined leather furniture, and cozy linens.
This one-bedroom cabin is a popular spot for a romantic getaway, much-needed solitude, or an alpine adventure.
- To book, check prices or availability for Bear Hugs
6. Mountain View Getaway – a cool, contemporary condo with amazing Instagrammable views
This corner-side condo is decked with a multitude of contemporary comforts and luxuries to ensure an indulgent staycation for discerning modern travellers.
The luxuriant bedroom and lounging area offer spectacular views of the Gatlinburg Golf Course, and the 200-feet Great Smoky Mountain Wheel.
The interiors have a rustic barn-style constructed with textured wooden detailing and a countryside-style décor with hardwood floors. The bathroom comes with a jetted bathtub, and each room features a Smart TV to tune into Netflix or play games on the XBox console.
- To book, check prices or availability for Mountain View Getaway
7. Blue Mountain Mist Country Inn – a chic, quaint, traditional-style inn overlooking the atmospheric landscape
This sophisticated establishment is home to 12 charmingly adorned guest rooms brimming with rare antiques, historic memorabilia and enchanting family heirlooms.
Staying at the homely Blue Mountain Mist is a heartfelt experience brimming with decadent homemade desserts, indulgent spreads of country-style breakfasts, and traditional southern hospitality at its finest.
Guests craving opulence and solitude can opt for one of the five country cottages, combining farmhouse-style construction with exquisitely carved fireplaces and a luxe Jacuzzi.
- To book, check prices or availability for Blue Mountain Mist Country Inn
8. Timbers Lodge – quirky and unusual budget-friendly inn chock full of character
Nestled in the heart of Pigeon Forge, Timbers Lodge is a charming log cabin situated a stone’s throw away from the scenic Riverwalk Trail. This rustic mountain retreat combines earthy alpine pleasures with the convenience of modern appliances and thoughtful amenities.
The vibrant interiors have a striking wooden construction with gleaming hardwood floors, well-lit outdoor patios, and spacious balconies with rocking chairs to enjoy the magical scenery. The romantic-themed rooms make a lovely setting for romantic getaways and honeymoons.
Timbers Lodge is a popular choice for adventurers and trekkers seeking a convenient location to unwind and relax after a day well spent in the Smoky Mountains National Park. This comfortable rental also offers proximity to Dollywood, Appalachian heritage sites, and popular Pigeon Forge attractions.
- To book, check prices or availability for Timbers Lodge
9. The Ramsey Hotel and Convention Center – a unique and modern hotel with an inviting bar area and cool pool area
A modern boutique hotel with a central location and luxuriant resort-like amenities, The Ramsey Hotel and Convention Center is situated in the heart of Pigeon Forge’s historic heritage and entertainment venues.
Travellers can find their ideal accommodation in Ramsey’s extensive selection of 206 guest rooms, including two-bedroom executive suites, fireplace suites, and Jacuzzi suites.
The oversized lobby serves as an unpretentious mingling space while travellers love socialising in the expansive 24-hour heated waterfall pool located indoors.
The family-friendly hot tub is large enough to soak up bliss with the kids. Children adore outdoor movie sessions on the enormous outdoor movie screen with a comfortably furnished patio.
- To book, check prices or availability for The Ramsey Hotel and Convention Center
10. Riverside Tower – a simple, laid back hotel close to the best natural attractions in the area and offering a range of amenities
The Riverside Tower is a locally owned and operated establishment, the creative brainchild of the Ogle family. This endearing husband and wife duo have decades of experience serving tourists, and they have mastered the art of satisfying travellers and families with dedicated and heart-warming hospitality.
Staying at the Riverside Tower is like returning home to your parents and letting them pamper you with attention and feed you delicious, home-cooked meals.
The hotel offers a selection of mid-size and spacious rooms with sophisticated furniture and expansive windows offering fabulous views of the Great Smokies and the nearby Pigeon River.
The two-bedroom Family Suites and Honeymoon Suites are indeed the crown jewel in Riverside Tower’s extensive assortment of lavishly trimmed accommodations.
- To book, check prices or availability for The Riverside Tower
11. Creekstone Inn – family-friendly inn offering a host of activities and quirky, unusual rooms
Travellers seeking rejuvenating riverside accommodation should look no further than the charming The Creekstone Inn – the perfect site to enjoy a wealth of riverside adventures like tubing, wading, kayaking, or picnics on the riverbanks.
Perched gracefully along the Pigeon Forge River, the Creekstone Inn offers 172 uniquely decorated rooms and suites designed with a quintessential mountain-themed décor.
Guests enjoy an array of onsite recreational facilities and modern amenities, including in-room appliances, fine linens, and complimentary toiletries.
The onsite Rise & Shine Café prepares a delightful complimentary breakfast buffet each day, while guests can explore an abundance of cafes, restaurants, and outdoor eateries nearby.
- To book, check prices or availability for The Creekstone Inn
12. Sandy’s Sanctuary – a light and modern holiday home perfect for families and longer stays
Sandy’s Sanctuary is an ideal vacation rental for travellers wanting to stay near Dollywood without being far from the rewarding nature trails and wildflower meadows of the Great Smoky Mountains.
This brightly lit and vibrantly colorful condo is an art lover’s oasis, decked with modern furniture, smart appliances, and luxuriously comfortable bedding.
This two-bedroom rental features a fully equipped kitchen and an eclectic living room adorned with bold and loud colors and inviting sofas.
Guests can snuggle on the queen-size sofa bed by the ornate fireplace and tune into their favorite TV shows when they’re not soaking up in the onsite hot tub.
- To book, check prices or availability for Sandy’s Sanctuary
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Gary is an award winning full time professional photographer and videographer with too much wanderlust for his own good. Fuelled by strong coffee, you’ll often find him wandering well off hiking trails in search of interesting photographic subjects or scenery to video. Self taught and with the use of pioneering digital techniques, he quickly built up a strong client base and has worked with many prestigious organisations, including GQ, BBC, London Fashion Week, Grazia, Sky, Metro, Vogue Italia. He specialising in evocative images of people, places and cinematic videography and his goal is to make the viewer look twice and engage. As well as a penchant for good design, the ketogenic diet and Hungarian Vizslas, he also has a huge affection for Chicago, Bucharest, Scandinavia, Croatia and absolutely everywhere in Italy. Find him on Instagram @garynansome, Twitter @garynansome and his website https://garynunn.co.uk/