Nestled in the Appalachian Mountains in eastern Tennessee, the towns of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge can serve two very different purposes for tourists.

For some, the towns are a jumping-off point to explore the nearby mountains, especially the half-million-acre Great Smoky Mountains National Park, full of hiking and biking trails and scenic drives to take in the views.

For others, the area is a headquarters of Southern culture, full of amusement parks, themed shows, and family-friendly attractions. I’ve visited the area on multiple occasions, both to ride the rollercoasters at the Dollywood theme park and to explore the stunning national forest. The area’s entertainment strips reminded me of Branson, Missouri, and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, making this a ripe area for a family vacation.

Both Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge have minuscule populations — under 10,000 between them. But with about 10 million tourists heading to both cities yearly, the area is teeming with hotels. Whether you’re there for the thrill of Dollywood or to reach the summit of Clingmans Dome, Tennessee’s tallest peak, you’ll find a hotel on this list that’ll serve as a base of operations for the adventures to come.

If you happen to prefer a vacation rental for your stay, start with our guide to the best Airbnbs in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg here.

Here are the best hotels in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, sorted by price from low to high.

Black Fox Lodge Pigeon Forge, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

Black Fox Lodge Pigeon Forge, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
Experience the best of both worlds at this hotel that’s a five-minute drive from Dollywood and less than nine miles from the national park.
Hilton

Book the Black Fox Lodge Pigeon Forge, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

If you want to hit all the top Pigeon Forge attractions, this property is smack in the middle of everything. It’s a five-minute drive from Dollywood, under two miles from the LeConte Center, and less than nine miles from the national park.

The 178 rooms include deluxe rooms with beautiful river and mountain views. The larger suites also include a microwave and refrigerator, making rooms especially attractive for families. The hotel’s exterior has a multicolored craftsman-style motif, and inside you’ll find TV consoles and bedframes with reclaimed-style wood for a sense of place.

The expansive pool is another big draw, with a water slide and splash fountain. Another major perk for families, it gives kids an attraction without any entrance fees.

COVID-19 protocols can be found here.