Where to stay at Dollywood?
Dollywood: My next trip will most likely be to Dollywood and I need help finding a nice place to stay.
I just wanted to see if I could get some opinions of people who have been to Dollywood over the past few years on what their lodging experiences were like? Thanks
If you don't mind a short drive, Gatlinburg is just up the road. Much better scenery and a ton to do.
Any of the well-known brand name hotels are nice near Dollywood, such as Ramada and Holiday Inn along the main strip. If you plan on spending a lot of your visit looking at the sites in Gatlinburg, then you should book a hotel there. On my last visit, we booked the Ramada Suites in Gatlinburg and our balcony was right over the Little Pigeon River making it very peaceful. Then you will not have to pay for parking (which many of the parking lots are a pain to get in and out of along with not so nice people running them). Gatlinburg is best for walking around. What I love most about Piegeon Forge and Gatlingurg is the ease of finding your way around thanks to the red lights being numbered. I highly recommend at least visiting the Ripley's Aquarium in Gatlinburg (plan on spending a few hours in there). You will have a great time.
From Don Neal
Posted November 17, 2008 at 6:30 AM
We spent spring break there this year and had a nice time. The outlet malls were great for my wife. The putt-putt and pool for the kids, and sight seeing for everyone.
We stayed at a newer Red Roof Inn in Pigeon Forge. I was leary at first but Trip Advisor lists it as one of the top user rated hotels in Pigeon Forge. I was epxecting an outside entrance motel but instead it was very similar to a Courtyard or 2.5-3 star hotel. Plus the pool was indoors so that helped. It's just a mile or two from the drive along the river to Gatlinburg.
The aquarium was excellent as well. I definitely recommend a visit there. Trip Advisor is a great resource for trip planning offering user ratings and feedback on hotels and restaraunts in the area similar to how TPI does theme parks. So check it out if you have questions abous hotels in Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg.
I recommend renting a cabin up in the mountains (30ish min. away) but if you want to stay closer, be sure you do your reserch because there are a lot of really crappy hotels in the Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge area. There is a nice appearing one (i have never stayed there), i think it is called the River Stone resort, and the blue green also looks nice.
From Ben James
Posted November 17, 2008 at 10:39 AM
Blue Green Resorts is a Time-Share and they will RIP YOU OFF!
I tried to use them when I went to SF-Great America in Chicago.
I booked through them asking about doing the tour on day one, in the morning and was told yes. But, when I got there I was told otherwise. And, I was told I would have to do the tour/presentation at 5pm in the evening. Right before my reservations to a posh restaurant. So, I got my money back after alot of arguing and stayed with some distant relatives.
Thanks for the heads up, I was just going by the appearance because there are so many crapy old junky hotels in that area.
Uhhh, there's a lot of nice hotels in Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg...a few of the independently owned places are actually better than what you would see in a chain.
Yea, there's some crap ones, but that's the same at Myrtle Beach or any other tourist town.
One thing to remember here is that, yes the hotels are old looking (but usually just on the outside). Most have been remolded and updated on the inside. What you need to looke at are the picutres of what the rooms look like on the inside. That way you csn get an idea if the place is worth it. I will not book at any place that does not show what the inside of the rooms look like. I have gotten too many horrible surprises this way.
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