Gatlinburg Inn

Hello, fellow Tennesseans! When the charming mountain town of Gatlinburg calls your name, finding a place to stay that truly captures the essence of the Smokies is often high on the list. For those who appreciate history, a prime location, and a touch of classic Southern hospitality, The Historic Gatlinburg Inn often comes to mind. This isn't just any hotel; it's a landmark deeply woven into the fabric of Gatlinburg itself.

Established in 1937, The Historic Gatlinburg Inn stands as one of the oldest and most iconic lodging establishments in the area. It began as a vision by Rel Maples Sr. on what was once a family corn patch and has since grown into a beloved destination. Over the decades, it has welcomed a diverse array of guests, from everyday families enjoying a vacation to celebrities, artists, and even presidents. In fact, it holds a special place in Tennessee's music history, famously being the place where Boudleaux and Felice Bryant penned our state song, "Rocky Top," in Room 388!

While its history is rich, the Inn has also made efforts to maintain comfort for modern travelers. It offers a unique blend of nostalgic charm and updated amenities, providing a distinct experience compared to newer, more standardized accommodations. It's known for its central location, complimentary breakfast, and a friendly, if sometimes quiet, atmosphere. Let's delve deeper into what makes The Historic Gatlinburg Inn a noteworthy option for your next Smoky Mountain getaway.

The Historic Gatlinburg Inn boasts an absolutely unbeatable location right at 755 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA. This places it directly on Gatlinburg's main strip, putting guests in the very heart of all the action and excitement.

One of the most significant advantages of this address is its incredible walkability. You are literally steps away from virtually everything downtown Gatlinburg has to offer. The Gatlinburg SkyLift Park, with its iconic chairlifts, is right outside, meaning you can easily catch a ride up the mountain for breathtaking views. Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies, a major family attraction, is just a 700-yard stroll away. Countless shops, restaurants, distilleries, and entertainment venues that line the Parkway are all within comfortable walking distance. This means you can easily explore the town without needing to move your car, which is a huge benefit in a busy tourist area like Gatlinburg where parking can be challenging and costly.

Speaking of parking, The Historic Gatlinburg Inn offers complimentary self-parking for its guests, a highly valued amenity that sets it apart from many other downtown hotels that charge for parking. This adds significant convenience and cost savings to your trip. For those planning to venture further, the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is just minutes away by car, making it a convenient base for hiking, scenic drives, and experiencing the natural beauty of the area. While being on the Parkway means there can be some noise from the street or nearby attractions (as one reviewer noted about the chair lift sounds), the convenience and access to everything make this a prime spot for experiencing Gatlinburg on foot.

• Complimentary Full Hot Breakfast: Guests enjoy a free hot breakfast each morning, often featuring made-from-scratch biscuits and gravy, scrambled eggs, hash browns, and sausage. Penn's country ham is served on Sundays. Cereal and muffins are also available.

• Complimentary Wi-Fi: Free wireless internet access is provided throughout the entire hotel, including all guest rooms and public areas.

• Complimentary Parking: Free self-parking is available on-site for guests, a significant perk in downtown Gatlinburg.

• Outdoor Swimming Pool: A clean and good-sized outdoor pool for guests to enjoy, especially during warmer months.

• 24-Hour Front Desk: Staff are available around the clock to assist with check-ins, check-outs, and any guest inquiries.

• Guest Room Amenities: Rooms typically include new carpeting, draperies, Serta Perfect Sleeper beds, 42-inch flat-screen televisions with premium cable channels, coffee makers, irons and ironing boards, air conditioning, and private bathrooms with shower/tub combinations, deep soaking bathtubs (in some rooms), and complimentary toiletries.

• Private Balconies: Many rooms feature private balconies offering views of the Parkway, mountains, or the SkyLift.

• Lobby Fireplace: A cozy wood-burning fireplace in the casual lobby, providing a comfortable spot for guests to relax.

• Coffee/Tea in Common Areas: Available all day in the lobby, along with cookies and donuts.

• Meeting Room: The Inn offers a meeting room for various events or gatherings.

• Laundry Facilities: On-site laundry facilities for guest convenience.

• Luggage Storage: Available for guests arriving early or departing late.

• Vending Machines: For snacks and beverages.

• Accessibility Features: The hotel offers elevator access and is generally designed to be accessible.

• Daily Housekeeping: Ensuring rooms are kept clean and tidy.

• Connecting Rooms: Available for larger families or groups traveling together.

• Unbeatable Downtown Parkway Location: Directly on the main Parkway, providing immediate walking access to the Gatlinburg SkyLift, Ripley's Aquarium, countless shops, restaurants, and entertainment. This is arguably its strongest selling point, eliminating the need for driving for most downtown activities.

• Historic Charm and Legacy: Built in 1937, the Inn offers a unique, nostalgic atmosphere that stands out from newer hotels. It's a Tennessee Music Pathways destination, famous as the songwriting site of "Rocky Top," offering a piece of local history to its guests.

• Complimentary Full Hot Breakfast: A significant and highly praised amenity, offering a delicious and hearty start to the day, including homemade items, which is a great value addition.

• Free On-Site Parking: A rare and valuable perk in downtown Gatlinburg, saving guests money and the hassle of finding public parking.

• Outdoor Swimming Pool: A clean and well-maintained outdoor pool provides a refreshing option for relaxation and fun during warmer months.

• Private Balconies: Many rooms feature balconies, offering a pleasant spot to enjoy views of the bustling Parkway or the serene mountain surroundings.

• Family Suites and Room Variety: Offers a range of accommodations, including spacious family suites (like the Maples Suite), catering to different group sizes and needs.

• Cleanliness and Comfort: Despite its age, many recent reviews highlight the cleanliness of the rooms and comfortable new Serta Perfect Sleeper beds.

• Lobby Fireplace and Common Areas: Provides cozy spots to relax, read, or socialize, enhancing the Inn's welcoming atmosphere.

For us Tennesseans looking to visit Gatlinburg, finding a good deal on accommodations can make a great trip even better. The Historic Gatlinburg Inn, while celebrated for its prime location and historical charm, also offers various ways to save on your stay.

While specific "promotions" can vary seasonally and may not always be explicitly advertised as large-scale discounts, the Inn's official website and popular booking platforms frequently list competitive rates, particularly during off-peak times. Guests often find good value when booking through sites like Expedia, Priceline, Hotels.com, and Kayak. It’s always a good idea to compare prices across different platforms for your desired dates.

The Inn does emphasize its "Best Rate Guaranteed" if you book directly through their official channels. This means calling them or using their website might get you the most favorable pricing. While there aren't widely advertised seasonal discounts like "Spring Sale" or "Winter Wonderland" packages, the core value proposition of the Inn—including complimentary hot breakfast and free parking—already represents significant savings compared to other downtown options.

It's worth noting that due to its historic nature and independent operation, you might not find the kind of consistent, large-scale promotional campaigns seen with major hotel chains. However, for those seeking a unique, centrally located experience with excellent included amenities, the inherent value of The Historic Gatlinburg Inn's offerings often serves as its ongoing "special." We recommend contacting the Inn directly via phone or their official website to inquire about any specific rates or availability for your travel dates. Sometimes, direct inquiries can uncover flexible rates or last-minute availability not always highlighted on third-party sites.

Address: 755 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA

Phone: (865) 436-5133

Mobile Phone: +1 865-436-5133

Email: gbailey@gatlinburginn.com

For us Tennesseans, a trip to Gatlinburg is often a cherished tradition, a chance to reconnect with the mountains and enjoy the unique charm of the town. The Historic Gatlinburg Inn stands out as an exceptionally suitable choice for locals, offering a blend of convenience, comfort, and a true sense of place that resonates with our state's heritage.

Firstly, its location on the Parkway is simply unbeatable. For anyone who knows Gatlinburg, being able to step out of your hotel and immediately be in the heart of downtown is a game-changer. You can walk to all the major attractions like the SkyLift, Ripley's Aquarium, and countless shops and restaurants without the headache of finding or paying for parking. As one local reviewer noted, "Location is perfect. We were able to walk the main strip without any issues. No issues with parking." This convenience alone makes it ideal for locals who want to maximize their time enjoying the town rather than navigating traffic. The complimentary parking is an enormous bonus, saving both time and money.

Secondly, the Inn offers a genuine slice of Tennessee history. Staying in a place where "Rocky Top" was written gives you a unique connection to our state's cultural fabric. For those who appreciate nostalgia and a break from cookie-cutter modern hotels, the Historic Gatlinburg Inn provides a charming, vintage atmosphere that feels authentic to the Smoky Mountains. It's not about being the newest or flashiest, but about providing a comfortable, clean, and character-filled experience. Reviewers often highlight its "historic charm" and "old school charm" as appealing aspects.

The practical amenities are also perfectly suited for local travelers. The "hot and delicious" complimentary breakfast, as one family reviewer attested, is a fantastic way to start your day without an extra expense. Having enough towels and washcloths, as mentioned, points to a thoughtful approach to guest comfort. The outdoor pool, described as "clean and a good size," offers a refreshing escape, particularly welcome during warmer months. While some minor inconveniences like noise from the chairlift or construction (as experienced by one guest) can be part of staying in a bustling downtown area, the overall positive feedback on cleanliness and the quality of the main amenities usually outweighs these.

In essence, The Historic Gatlinburg Inn provides an authentic, convenient, and value-packed stay for Tennesseans. It allows you to immerse yourself in the heart of Gatlinburg's vibrant atmosphere while enjoying the comforts of a clean, historic inn with essential perks like free breakfast and parking. It’s a place that feels like home in the mountains, making it a highly recommended choice for your next Smoky Mountain adventure.