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View Full Version : Where to Stay in Gatlinburg



ATTurtle
06-07-2006, 12:51
Three of us will be spending a night in Gatlinburg and are wondering about a good place to spend the night? Any suggestions?

Bob Shroy

Lone Wolf
06-07-2006, 13:00
The Grand Prix Motel.

Doctari
06-07-2006, 13:01
The Grand Prix Motel.
Ditto!!!!!!

Footslogger
06-07-2006, 13:18
YUP ...Grand Prix. Just down the street from the Happy Hiker Outfitter.

'Slogger

papa john
06-07-2006, 13:25
down the street

Well, geographically, UP the street, if you know what I mean...:cool:

mingo
06-07-2006, 13:27
grand prix is a dump. never understood why anybody goes there. shows the damn herd mentality of thru-hikers. just across the street, the marvelous fambly inn is the same low price and you get a spacious balcony overlooking the burbling creek. some rooms also have hot tubs and fireplaces.

CaptChaos
06-07-2006, 15:49
Hi All:

Well, when I do stay in a hotel in the Smokies I only go two places.

1) If I am going to stay in Gatlinburg then I go to Carr's Northside which is off the main drag by the intersection across from "Beneath the Smoke store". It is old but they have always taken care of me and my family and I like the stream behind the buildings.

2) If I am going to lurk around the Townsend, TN area then for years I have rented a cabin in Wear's Valley thru Wear's Valley Real Estate and it has been very nice. A little costly but then when I go to Wears Valley I ususally have the whole family, at one time there was 11 of us, and that is where we go.

After about 8 years of backpacking in the Smokies and about 29 years overall of going to the Smokies at least once a year this is about the best that I can offer (based on my likes).

While staying in Gatlinburg, you might want to go down the stree a few blocks to the Brass laterin and have some of their Smokey Mtn Trout. I don't really care for fish but I go there every trip.

Capt Chaos

Wonder
06-08-2006, 08:40
I have stayed in both the Grand Prix, and the Family Inn.....I think that I'd return to The Inn if given a choice............that is if I choose to return to Gaitlenberg! It's like Atlantic City, sans the casinos, in the middle of the Smokies! Really strange to me....

Alligator
06-08-2006, 10:35
I have stayed in both the Grand Prix, and the Family Inn.....I think that I'd return to The Inn if given a choice............that is if I choose to return to Gaitlenberg! It's like Atlantic City, sans the casinos, in the middle of the Smokies! Really strange to me....Definitely Wildwood.

Wonder
06-08-2006, 10:43
Yeah, Wildwood with quickie weddings!

Frolicking Dinosaurs
06-08-2006, 12:04
I live close to Gatlinburg and try not to get roped into going there ever, but it does happen when out-of-town company insists on seeing the blight-in-the-Smokies. Wildwood with quickie weddings is an excellent description.

The Grand Prix has new owners who are said to be very hiker friendly. They now offer a Hiker Shuttle from Clingman's Dome or Newfound Gap for $1/mile per person. Personally, I think the Family Inn has nicer facilities, but but the Grand Prix is a friendly, more relxed place. Their rates are virtually identical.

berninbush
06-08-2006, 12:04
2) If I am going to lurk around the Townsend, TN area then for years I have rented a cabin in Wear's Valley thru Wear's Valley Real Estate and it has been very nice. A little costly but then when I go to Wears Valley I ususally have the whole family, at one time there was 11 of us, and that is where we go.

I love Townsend!!! Gatlinburg is sort of fun to visit for a day if you feel like being a tourist-geek, but I'd much rather stay in Townsend which is lovely and unspoiled. We stay in the Wright Cabins, across the road from the little Appalachian instruments store. (Forget the name of that place, but I love visiting there too.) We've rented one this year for July 7-15. :-)

But if you're thru-hiking, those cabins may not work for you, as they require a minimum one-week rental for the summer. Still, there are some decent motels and campgrounds in town, by the Little River. If you're truly tired of the wilderness and want a flashy good time, go to Gatlinburg. If you still prefer peace and quiet, stay in Townsend.

grrickar
06-09-2006, 19:27
Umm...the GP Motel is not a dump. It is an older motor lodge type hotel, but I have stayed in much worse and paid much more. Gatlingburg is not cheap, and the GP is reasonable for hikers on a budget.

Reef and I stayed there in 2004 and spent $25 each for a double room. They had inet to send emails (to harass my coworkers slaving in the cube farm) and hot coffee, tea and cocoa in the office. We grabbed some hot choc packets before we left. They had doughnuts too. There is a coin-op laundry there as well.

Would I stay there for a week with the family? Maybe not. Would I spend a night there to get a hot bath and some rest - absolutely. It may not be 5-star, but when you have been sleeping shoulder to shoulder with other stinky hikers in mice infested shelters you can learn to get used to it. ;)

grrickar
06-09-2006, 19:32
BTW, we rolled into Gatlingburg after hitching from Clingmans and found ourselves in the middle of town on a Friday night. We seemed to be alien to the people dressed nicely for their night on the town. The Days Inn wanted $110 for a double room. We asked if they had cheaper, they said no. We pulled out the guidebook and saw the Hiker Inn stated they were hiker friendly and had $50 rooms. The guys at the Days Inn laughed and said 'you won't find a $50 room in Gatl tonight - it's Friday.' A quick phone call later and we thanked the Days Inn desk clerk and slapped down $50 for a room at the GP, did laundry and ordered pizza.

1happyhiker
10-18-2006, 01:08
the stop that ripleys is on. take that street, there will be a hotel on the left almost next the place with the SUPER bangin breakfast.

NEVER STAY THERE. there were drug dealers in and out throughout the nite, last nite there i was talking with the nite mgr. apparently there had been a shooting, either a single or double murder!!!! :eek: :eek:

will see if i can find some pics from that trip.

-hh

ShakeyLeggs
10-18-2006, 01:40
The only redeeming feature I remember from my stay in Gatlinburg was the Smokey Mountain Brewery. :banana

Brushy Sage
10-18-2006, 09:47
The Grand Prix gave me reasonable rates, and the Happy Hiker Outfitters gave me a ride back up to the AT.

mrc237
10-18-2006, 11:32
"When you close your eyes at night every hotel room is the same''. Tom Bodet Motel 6

1happyhiker
10-18-2006, 16:02
The only redeeming feature I remember from my stay in Gatlinburg was the Smokey Mountain Brewery.

x2, its not dogfish head or esp, not too shabby. brewmaster was cool, we talked brewing for a good hour or more.

-hh

stumpy
10-18-2006, 17:32
x2, its not dogfish head or esp, not too shabby. brewmaster was cool, we talked brewing for a good hour or more.

-hh


I have stayed in both the Grand Prix, and the Family Inn.....I think that I'd return to The Inn if given a choice............that is if I choose to return to Gaitlenberg! It's like Atlantic City, sans the casinos, in the middle of the Smokies! Really strange to me....


I grew up in East Tennessee and Gatlinburg used to be a really cool place. There were some small, family owned motor lodges, and some campgrounds. My grandparents used to spend a month up there every summer, and they camped (on 441, the main drag)! It was much fun, and not very crowded. Peigon Forge was almost not there. It had a few waterslides, built into the side of the mountain, and a few places to eat and shop. The area has really, taken a turn for the worst. However, I still get back there from time to time. Just for good ole times sake!

Lilred
10-19-2006, 16:16
When we go to the Smokies, we stay in Townsend at The Tuckaleechee Cabins. Great little places built in the 50's and still reasonably priced last time I was there. The campground is on the other side of Little Pigeon River from the cabins. Nice quiet place.

weary
10-19-2006, 17:06
I have stayed in both the Grand Prix, and the Family Inn.....I think that I'd return to The Inn if given a choice............that is if I choose to return to Gaitlenberg! It's like Atlantic City, sans the casinos, in the middle of the Smokies! Really strange to me....
My recommendation to hikers is to stay "out" of Gatlinburg.

Lone Wolf
10-19-2006, 19:14
GBurg is an easy in and out. Cheap and lots to offer a hiker. Better than Rusty's any day.

1happyhiker
10-19-2006, 20:41
My recommendation to hikers is to stay "out" of Gatlinburg.

que? my family started going to the smokies when i was 10 from missouri. talking to hikers that had come off the trail into town was what got me into hiking. my parents regularly picked up people that were looking for a ride. my mom gave her cheapy rain poncho to a kid one year that had no pack cover. true its not a quaint little trail town of 1000 or less. i fail to see why someone that might only do the at once in a lifetime would avoid gburg.

ive sectioned thru there and never had a bad experience. ive left quiet a few dollars at the happy hiker, the pancake houses, etc. about three years ago i took off my boots to go inside one of the places, the little old lady seating people got me a plastic trash bag, took my shoes and disappeared. i got ready to leave and she had taken my shoes out back and had one of the boys spray the mud of them and had a cup of hot choc for me to go... ive heard similar stories about trail magic and great hospitality from that area. i for one wouldn't tell anyone to not go into town if they had the time.

-hh

Sly
10-19-2006, 20:51
I love Gatlinburg!

It's a cool mountain town and has shuttles. Once Cheryl and I got a $100 room with a king size bed, a kitchenette and a hot tub. There was a foot of snow and we weren't going anywhere. I said 'this is awesome, we could fit a dozen hikers in here!" I don't think she wanted to hear that! :)

Jack Tarlin
10-19-2006, 20:59
I have also visited Gatllinburg many times, and never failed to have a good time.

And if the downtown is noisy, crowded, touristy, and sometimes a bit tacky, well so what?

There are all sorts of places to eat; a fine Outfitter; a very friendly public library; good re-supply, and all sorts of inexpensive lodging.

Which is what a good Trail town is supposed to provide.

(And if that's not enough, there's an Aquarium; a Civil War bookstore; around 200 places to purchase hideous T-shirts; and the most extensive selection of velvet Elvis memorabilia outside of Memphis).

Spock
10-19-2006, 23:36
Why would anyone in his/her right mind stay in Gatlinburg. PeeWee Herman could win a prize for good taste in that town. Fake tatoos and cotton candy. It's a cheap side show at a backwoods fair. But the Grand Prix has the virtue of being on the edge of town. It has a laundry. The Happy Hiker outfitter is practically next door.

Sly
10-19-2006, 23:40
I guess you missed the "Why are hikers weirdos" thread.

1happyhiker
10-19-2006, 23:57
my impressions where a hiker is only there to re supply and do things that only took a day, maybe two max depending on factors such as closings. last time i sectioned thru there i didnt hear anyone leaving the trail to get cotton candy.

lets see its like saying... panama city beach/destin/ft walton in prime summer time is the redneck riviera, rehoboth beach is only for gays or lesbians, nashville is only country music, memphis is only beal st, st louis is only an arch, nevada and florida are only jewish retires and clifornia is only earthquakes.

the town is a gateway to the smokies, ie: all those souvenir stands and fudge shops pump MILLIONS into the economy. in turn people come there and take pictures and see some of the best of nature. but hey it sounds like you know it all. all the people that have jobs in the county im sure think it sucks. all the people that discover a love of nature have to be idiots. and surely all the money that filters back the the federal govt to give us protected places that countless generations have passed on is not of consequence. :rolleyes:

-hh

dirtnap
10-21-2006, 15:35
I liked the Grand prix when I stayed there in '03 for $23 a night. When I went back in '06 the price had doubled ($45 or $46) and it was dumpier. So I went down the road and stayed at the Red Carpet Inn. It was a dump too, but at least it only cost me $20 for a room.

-dirtnap

Jack Tarlin
10-21-2006, 15:36
Geez Dirt, considering what you probably looked like when you walked into the place, you're lucky thay took you at all!! :D

neighbor dave
10-21-2006, 16:40
:-? we had planned to hike right past gatlinburg but we were starting to get hiker appetites around then and didn't have enough food to make it through the smokies so we stopped in for a night. we're glad we did, the place is a people watching freak show!! good food and beer at the brewery. we found the grand prix to be fine for the night. i think it's a must see if you're not from that area.:welcome

danbsc
04-06-2007, 08:53
I noticed this while driving through Pigeon Forge. "Every resteraunt and hotel/motel has won an award."

Just a thaught

Trillium
04-06-2007, 11:21
noticed that The Happy Hiker is having a WHITE BLAZE DAY next Saturday, April 14.

here's the poster with details:
http://www.happyhiker.com/WHITE-BLAZE-FINAL-POSTER2.html

if you're in the area, you should definitely ck it out. they're having free shuttles to/from Newfound Gap every hour

The Weasel
04-06-2007, 15:10
I just hit "Kayak.Com" (my preferred travel site and no, this is NOT spam, Kayak is the BEST) for hotels in G'burg, and came up with 14 places under $50 in G'burg, Pigeon Forge and close by. Cheapest was a Rodeway Inn for $27, for April 25 (chosen at random date), has fridge, coffee in room, free ful breakfast, seasonal pool.

Cheapest actually IN G'burg was another Rodeway, even throws in a free USA today.

My advice is instead of going where "everybody goes cause they are hiker friendly" do a little research first including on line. Internet rates can really be cheap.

The Weasel

frieden
04-08-2007, 00:25
Thanks for the link.

MedicineMan
04-08-2007, 02:06
in that its tradition for many and the Smoky Mtn. Brewery rules! I'd drive 50 miles out of mile way to check out a microbrew anywhere

white rabbit
04-08-2007, 09:06
Gatlinburg has cheap rooms all over the place. Good food and beer too!! It can be a bit crowded but I think it's a great place to stay a night or two.

pokeyhontas98
04-08-2007, 15:06
If you want a nice secluded place with great views and a hot tub then get a cabin for the night. Most have kitchens, so you save money in the end if you cook your meals. I always stay with Auntie Belhams in Gatlinburg http://www.auntiebelhams.com/logcabin.htm (http://www.auntiebelhams.com/logcabin.htm). Kimble Rentals in Pigeon Forge is nice too.

Doctari
04-10-2007, 06:30
The Grand Prix Motel.

FYI: for 08 Thru's; the Grand Prix is closed on Easter! I have been by there 2x on Easter sunday, (04 & last sun) they have a sign saying "closed for the lords day".

Nice place when open tho.

SGT Rock
04-10-2007, 09:12
BTW, the WhiteBlaze day is not affiliated with the website. But looking at that I will try to be there.

Appalachian Tater
04-10-2007, 19:30
FYI: for 08 Thru's; the Grand Prix is closed on Easter! I have been by there 2x on Easter sunday, (04 & last sun) they have a sign saying "closed for the lords day".

Nice place when open tho.

They are closed every Sunday, not just on Easter. If you stay Saturday night, Sunday night is "free".

SawnieRobertson
04-10-2007, 19:49
I love Gatlinburg!

It's a cool mountain town and has shuttles. Once Cheryl and I got a $100 room with a king size bed, a kitchenette and a hot tub. There was a foot of snow and we weren't going anywhere. I said 'this is awesome, we could fit a dozen hikers in here!" I don't think she wanted to hear that! :)

I get nostalgic in and around Gatlinburg, remembering the summer in 1973 I spent there with my younger two daughters. It was an eye-opener for me, the first time I ever just took care of myself and did what I needed to do, leaving my husband back home. I bought my first hiking shoes and my first daypack at the outfitter, Family Trails. I took my first hikes there in the park. I never hoped to be in a more beautiful place with more wonderful partners.

Yes, Sly, it's forever more glorious when it has been experienced with one whom we love. Good Cheryl memories, I'm sure.--Kinnickinic

Doctari
04-11-2007, 07:17
They are closed every Sunday, not just on Easter. If you stay Saturday night, Sunday night is "free".

OH! What a coincidence that the 2 sundays I stopped were Easter, that's why I thought was only Easter. Thanks for the info.