Howard Johnson by Wyndham Downtown Gatlinburg

Hello, fellow Tennesseans! When it's time for that much-needed escape to our beloved Smoky Mountains, finding the right place to stay in Gatlinburg often involves a trade-off between location, luxury, and value. For many of us, the Howard Johnson by Wyndham Downtown Gatlinburg hits that sweet spot right in the middle, offering a practical and comfortable experience without demanding a top-tier price. This isn't about being the most opulent resort; it's about providing a clean, friendly, and incredibly convenient base for all your Gatlinburg adventures, right here in our home state.

The Howard Johnson by Wyndham Downtown Gatlinburg is a straightforward, no-fuss hotel that consistently receives praise for exceeding expectations given its price point. Guests appreciate its balance of affordability and essential amenities, particularly its prime location which allows for easy exploration of downtown Gatlinburg. This overview will highlight what makes this hotel a smart choice for locals, from its welcoming atmosphere to its family-friendly features. If you're looking for a clean, comfortable, and well-located spot to unwind after a day of enjoying all that Gatlinburg has to offer, this might just be your ideal match.

The Howard Johnson by Wyndham Downtown Gatlinburg boasts a truly exceptional location that is a significant advantage for anyone visiting Gatlinburg. You'll find it conveniently situated at 242 Bishop Ln, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA. This address puts you firmly in downtown Gatlinburg, providing an enviable level of accessibility to the town's main attractions.

One of the most frequently praised aspects of this hotel is its walkability. As guests repeatedly confirm, it's "close to the main areas in Gatlinburg so you can walk to everything." You're just a short stroll from the bustling Gatlinburg Parkway, home to popular spots like Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies, Anakeesta, The Village Shops, and countless restaurants and entertainment venues. This means you can easily leave your car parked and explore the town on foot, saving you the hassle and cost of navigating traffic and finding parking spots downtown, which can be a real challenge in Gatlinburg. The hotel is noted as being within a "10-minute walk of Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies and Anakeesta."

For those driving in from other parts of Tennessee, the hotel offers "free self-parking on site," a valuable amenity that adds to the convenience. While parking can sometimes be "a bit tight" in busy areas, the availability of free on-site parking is a significant benefit. The hotel's location on Bishop Lane, slightly off the main Parkway, also contributes to its relatively "fairly quiet area" while still being incredibly close to the action. For travelers arriving by air, McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) in Knoxville is the closest major airport, approximately 44.2 miles away, with a scenic drive through the mountains leading directly to Gatlinburg. This combination of central downtown location and easy access makes Howard Johnson by Wyndham Downtown Gatlinburg an excellent base for exploring the Smokies.

The Howard Johnson by Wyndham Downtown Gatlinburg offers a range of practical services designed to ensure a comfortable and convenient stay for its guests, particularly those who appreciate good value and essential amenities.

• Complimentary Breakfast: The hotel provides a free "light breakfast item together with your choice of coffee, tea and juice." Reviews mention "prepackaged muffins, granola bars, coffee, and juice," offering a convenient grab-and-go start to your day.
• Friendly Staff: Guests consistently praise the "friendly" and "courteous, accommodating staff members," highlighting a welcoming and helpful atmosphere.
• Free Wi-Fi: High-speed wireless internet access is available in all rooms and throughout the property, keeping you connected during your visit.
• 24-Hour Front Desk: The front desk is staffed around the clock, providing assistance for check-in, check-out, and any inquiries or needs guests may have.
• Free Self-Parking: Complimentary on-site parking is a significant convenience in downtown Gatlinburg, ensuring easy access for guests arriving by car.
• Housekeeping: Rooms are regularly cleaned to maintain a "clean" environment for guests.
• Concierge Services: Staff can assist with local recommendations, directions, and potentially information on area attractions.
• Laundry Facilities: The hotel offers laundry facilities, which can be very useful for longer stays or for families.
• Vending Machines: For quick snacks and beverages, vending machines are available on site.
• Newspapers in Lobby: Complimentary newspapers are available in the lobby for guests.
• Accessible Features: The hotel offers wheelchair-accessible common areas and features, including an elevator and well-lit paths, ensuring a comfortable stay for guests with specific accessibility needs.

The Howard Johnson by Wyndham Downtown Gatlinburg offers several key features and highlights that enhance its appeal, providing a comfortable and value-driven stay, especially for families and those prioritizing location.

• Exceptional Downtown Location: This is consistently highlighted as a major benefit. Its proximity means guests can "walk to everything" in downtown Gatlinburg, including Ripley's Aquarium, Anakeesta, and The Village. The "perfect" walking distance saves time and money on parking.
• Family-Friendly Pools: The hotel features "two small, fenced pools next to each other." One includes a "slide" and the other has a "seating/firepit area." These "perfect for kids" pools are seasonal outdoor pools, open from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM, typically from May to September, offering a refreshing and fun amenity.
• Good Value for the Price: Many guests note that the "place is better than the price indicated" and offers "good value," making it an attractive option for budget-conscious travelers.
• Clean and Spacious Rooms: Reviewers frequently describe the rooms as "clean" and "spacious," providing comfortable accommodations for guests.
• Private Balconies: The availability of "a balcony" from which guests can enjoy the views, including some overlooking the pools, is a popular feature.
• Friendly and Helpful Staff: The hotel's staff receives consistent praise for being "friendly" and "very nice," contributing to a positive guest experience.
• In-Room Conveniences: Each room is equipped with essentials such as a refrigerator, microwave, and coffee/tea maker, allowing guests to store snacks and prepare simple meals. TVs with cable channels are also included for entertainment.
• Cozy Firepit Area: The presence of a "firepit area" by the pool provides a warm and inviting spot for guests to relax and socialize in the evenings.
• Access via Exterior Corridors: While a traditional motel layout, this can offer direct access to rooms and ease of unloading for some guests.

As a Howard Johnson by Wyndham property, the Howard Johnson by Wyndham Downtown Gatlinburg participates in various system-wide promotions and special offers designed to provide value to guests. While specific deals can change, here’s what Tennesseans can generally expect and how to find the best current savings:

• Wyndham Rewards Member Discounts: Joining the free Wyndham Rewards loyalty program is highly recommended. Members often receive exclusive rates, such as 10-20% off with the "Wyndham Rewards Rate," and earn points towards free nights.
• Seasonal Sales: Look for seasonal promotions from Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, such as "THE SUMMER OF REWARDS," which might offer bonus points or discounts for stays of a certain length. For instance, you could "Unlock up to 2 FREE nights" by earning bonus points on longer stays.
• Advance Purchase Deals: Booking your stay in advance can frequently unlock lower rates, sometimes with discounts of 15% or more if booked 14+ days ahead.
• AAA/AARP Member Discounts: For AAA and AARP members, Howard Johnson often provides discounts (e.g., 10-15% off) on nightly rates, making it even more affordable.
• Longer Stay Savings: As noted by Wyndham promotions, booking "3+ consecutive nights" can sometimes lead to greater savings (e.g., 20% off for Wyndham Rewards members), encouraging extended visits.
• Direct Booking Advantage: Booking directly through the official Wyndham Hotels website for Howard Johnson often guarantees the lowest price, and you can also take advantage of any exclusive web offers.

To ensure you get the most up-to-date and best available offers for your visit to Howard Johnson by Wyndham Downtown Gatlinburg, it is always best to check their official page on the Wyndham Hotels & Resorts website (wyndhamhotels.com/hojo) or call the hotel directly. They can provide precise details on current promotions that align with your travel dates and plans.

For all inquiries, reservations, or assistance regarding your stay at Howard Johnson by Wyndham Downtown Gatlinburg, here is the direct contact information:

Address: 242 Bishop Ln, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA

Phone: (865) 436-4881

Mobile Phone: +1 865-436-4881 (This number is typically interchangeable with the main phone for direct calls from mobile devices.)

Whether you're looking to book a room, inquire about pool hours, check on breakfast options, or need directions while on your way, the "friendly" and accommodating staff will be ready to assist you in planning your Gatlinburg adventure.

For us Tennesseans, the Howard Johnson by Wyndham Downtown Gatlinburg stands out as a particularly suitable choice for a visit to the Smokies, striking a desirable balance that many locals seek. It embodies the essence of "value" without sacrificing the crucial element of "location." We know how precious our time is, and the ability to "walk to everything" in downtown Gatlinburg from Bishop Lane is an unbeatable convenience. This means less stress about parking and more time enjoying the unique shops, vibrant attractions like Ripley's Aquarium and Anakeesta, and delicious dining options that make Gatlinburg so special, all just steps from your room.

Furthermore, the hotel delivers on the essentials that we value: a clean environment and friendly service. As guests confirm, it's "clean, and the staff members were friendly," creating a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere after a day of exploring. For families, the "small, but perfect for kids" pools with a slide and a firepit area offer a fantastic on-site amenity for unwinding and having fun without needing to leave the property. While it may not be "the Ritz Carlton," it provides precisely what many Tennesseans look for: a straightforward, well-maintained, and strategically located base to experience the best of Gatlinburg without overspending. It’s a smart choice that allows you to fully immerse yourself in the mountain charm and excitement that makes our part of the state so unique.