The 8 Best Mountain Resorts in Tennessee | Every Budget for 2025
We analyzed all the options and found the best mountain resorts in Tennessee that truly offer more than just a place to sleep—they bring you closer to the Smokies with an experience that’s practically packed with comfort, scenery, and, in many cases, a touch of local flavor too.
Table of Contents
Methodology
To figure out the best mountain resorts Tennessee has to offer, we started by going through hundreds of user ratings across platforms like Google Reviews, TripAdvisor, and Expedia.
We compared amenities, customer service impressions, room variety, food quality, and proximity to the mountains along with other natural sights and attractions.
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The 8 Best Mountain Resorts in Tennessee
8. Riverstone Resort & Spa
Key Highlights:
- Located just 2 miles from the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains
- Over 6 room types including condos with full kitchens
- Indoor swimming pool, lazy river, and full-service spa
This Tennessee mountain resort gives off a kind of elevated home-away-from-home feel, sitting pretty much right next to all the good stuff in Pigeon Forge.
With condos that range from one-bedroom units to bigger suites for entire families, it’s ideal for travelers who want a good bit of room without skipping out on those cozy, lodge-style interiors.
Their spa is full-service and fairly extensive, too, offering things like deep tissue massage and warm stone therapy treatments. Outside, there’s a lazy river that, honestly, adds a nice break from the nearby crowds on hot days.
It’s one of the most laid-back Tennessee mountain resorts but still puts you just minutes from Dollywood, golf courses, and a ton of restaurants and attractions along the Parkway.
Reviews & Latest Price on TripAdvisor
7. Sunrise Ridge Resort – Most Affordable
Key Highlights:
- Only 3.5 miles from Dollywood and mountain trails
- 3 outdoor pools, including one heated option
- Condos available for families on a budget
For anyone looking to keep their budget in check without losing that mountain charm, this property tends to be a favorite.
It’s one of the more modest mountain resorts in Tennessee in terms of price, yet it actually delivers some solid perks—like three outdoor pools, a game room, and an indoor hot tub area that’s surprisingly relaxing.
Most of the rooms are condo-style and come with kitchens, living rooms, and even fireplaces in the larger units.
The vibe here is simple and quiet, with balconies that give you distant views of the ridges and hills just outside town.
Because it’s slightly off the main road, it’s also quieter than the more central resorts, but still close enough for a quick trip to all the big-name spots nearby like Dollywood, Splash Country, and the Island in Pigeon Forge.
Reviews & Latest Price on TripAdvisor
6. Calhoun House Inn & Suites
Key Highlights:
- Only a 5-minute walk from Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
- Each suite includes a kitchen, living area, and private deck
- Established in 1904 with preserved vintage architecture
This inn is an older gem tucked away in Bryson City, and while it leans more “boutique” than massive resort, it still lands on this list because of how well it blends mountain access with historic charm.
The rooms, or rather suites, come with way more space than you’d expect—and each has a personal outdoor deck that’s perfect for taking in the scenery without leaving the property.
The building itself has been around since the early 1900s, but inside it’s all updated with modern touches like smart TVs and spa-style showers.
Guests here are typically those who want peace and quiet near the Nantahala National Forest, or easy access to outdoor adventures like rafting and hiking, all without giving up comfort.
It’s easily one of the more unique Tennessee mountain resorts when it comes to mixing history with views.
Reviews & Latest Price on TripAdvisor
5. Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park – Best-Seller
Key Highlights:
- 90,000-square-foot indoor water park
- Located on 70+ acres next to Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- Private cabins and multi-room villas available
This place is practically a miniature town all by itself, which probably explains why it’s one of the most popular Tennessee mountain resorts for families and large groups.
It spreads across more than 70 acres of heavily wooded hills, offering both lodge-style rooms and private cabins, some with full kitchens and extra bedrooms.
The big draw, though, is the giant indoor water park—it’s a huge hit for kids, obviously, but there’s also a full spa and multiple restaurants onsite for the grown-ups.
You’re less than a 10-minute drive from both Gatlinburg and the national park entrance, which makes it an ideal basecamp whether you’re headed to the trails or just spending a weekend in town.
Food-wise, there’s everything from burgers to Southern comfort meals, all made fresh at the on-property dining spots.
Reviews & Latest Price on TripAdvisor
4. Berry Springs Lodge
Key Highlights:
- Positioned on 33 private acres in the foothills
- Each room includes balcony views of the Smoky Mountains
- Full complimentary breakfast and evening dessert
This lodge is where things slow down a bit—it’s quiet, incredibly scenic, and just a little bit more refined in how it approaches the mountain experience.
Located out in Sevierville, it puts you close enough to all the main attractions but far enough out that you feel like you’ve truly gotten away.
The rooms are cozy, clean, and come with balconies that look out over rolling hills and misty mountain lines in the distance.
In the mornings, guests get a hot Southern-style breakfast made onsite, and in the evenings there’s a dessert hour that’s actually kind of legendary among repeat visitors.
What makes this one of the best mountain resorts Tennessee offers is the personal touch—you’re treated like family, and the setting is peaceful enough to make even a short stay feel like a retreat.
Reviews & Latest Price on TripAdvisor
3. Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg
Key Highlights:
- Situated right in downtown Gatlinburg
- Saltwater pool and St. Somewhere Spa on site
- Luxury king suites with mountain-facing balconies
This resort brings a totally different vibe—it’s tropical energy set against a mountain backdrop, and it somehow works perfectly.
Right in the middle of Gatlinburg’s busy downtown area, it’s super walkable, so you’re a stone’s throw from everything like Anakeesta, Ripley’s Aquarium, and the entrance to the national park.
The rooms are bright and modern, with island-style décor, but many of them still feature balconies where you can enjoy those Smoky Mountain sunsets.
Food here is solid, especially at their signature bar and grill, and they’ve got a small but well-equipped spa that offers full-body treatments.
In terms of Tennessee mountain resorts, this one is a great pick for travelers who want nature close by but still like staying in the center of everything.
Reviews & Latest Price on TripAdvisor
2. Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort & Spa – Top Value Pick
Key Highlights:
- Exclusive shuttle service to Dollywood included
- Outdoor and indoor pools, plus full-service spa
- Special family suites and bunk-bed rooms
This resort stands out as an absolute favorite for anyone visiting with family—or really anyone who loves the feeling of staying somewhere designed to make things easy and enjoyable.
The layout is sleek but inviting, the rooms are decorated in soft colors and warm textures, and the entire place just kind of makes you want to relax.
There’s a free shuttle to Dollywood, and guests even get early park entry, which is a big deal during busy seasons.
They’ve got both indoor and outdoor pools, and the onsite spa offers everything from manicures to full massage packages.
Even though it’s a theme park resort, it has enough comfort and style to rival the best mountain resorts in Tennessee, especially for families or groups who want convenience with a side of luxury.
Reviews & Latest Price on TripAdvisor
1. The Inn at Christmas Place – Top Overall
Key Highlights:
- Christmas-themed décor all year long
- Indoor pool with a 95-foot waterslide
- 1 mile from The Island and 5 miles to national park
For those who love a little whimsy, comfort, and top-tier service all rolled into one, The Inn at Christmas Place is the best mountain resort in Tennessee.
The property offers an experience that’s both cheerful and surprisingly upscale, with big, themed suites, quality food, and amenities that make it feel more like a deluxe retreat than a novelty hotel.
It’s packed with charm, with lights, music, and classic Christmas vibes running year-round—but what makes it one of the best mountain resorts Tennessee has is how well it balances personality with real comfort.
There’s a heated indoor pool with a water slide, plus a peaceful outdoor courtyard where guests often just hang out, sipping coffee or hot cocoa.
It’s near shopping spots, shows, and food joints in Pigeon Forge, and only a short drive from those hazy, blue-grey mountains that made Tennessee famous in the first place.
Reviews & Latest Price on TripAdvisor
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