{"id":965,"date":"2021-11-11T21:17:50","date_gmt":"2021-11-11T21:17:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rentbyowner.com\/journal\/?p=965"},"modified":"2026-05-14T09:53:00","modified_gmt":"2026-05-14T09:53:00","slug":"gatlinburg-place-to-stay","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rentbyowner.com\/journal\/gatlinburg-place-to-stay\/","title":{"rendered":"The Best Place To Stay In & Around Gatlinburg"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

It’s decided. You and the family are in full agreement that this year’s trip will be to Gatlinburg, Tennessee<\/a>. This means you\u2019ve begun dreaming of hiking and taking in the panoramic views at the iconic Great Smoky Mountains National Park. You’ve been telling the kids about Smoky The Bear and all the attractions there, like the Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies where they can pet a penguin, touch a stingray, or Ober Gatlinburg, where they can ice skate regardless of the season. You’ve even started to picture yourself meandering through downtown Gatlinburg where you’ll visit The Village Shops, stop by Gatlinburg Space Needle and ride the Gatlinburg Sky Lift.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But one massive detail still remains…..where are you going to stay? If you’re like us, researching the best place to stay in Gatlinburg could feel like a daunting task with the overwhelming amount of options available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That’s where we come in. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

We’ve narrowed down the best place to stay in Gatlinburg<\/a> into three categories: Staying Near Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Downtown Gatlinburg and Budget-Friendly Places To Stay – for affordable family vacations and family reunions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let’s get started!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stay Near Great Smoky Mountains National Park<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Sugarlands Entrance:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The most popular entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park is Sugarlands and is located on its north side. When you stay here, you will be caught up in a whirlwind of all things Smoky Mountains. It\u2019s also only a short walk to the park with unobstructed mountain views for the duration of your stay. If you like crowds and the convenience of being steps away from all that Gatlinburg has to offer, then choosing to stay here will be your best bet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Oconaluftee Entrance: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Alternatively, if you want to stay near the park but aren\u2019t interested in being in a tourist town for your vacation, then choosing to stay by the Oconaluftee entrance located at the southern end of the park might be the perfect choice for you and your family. This entrance is located in North Carolina and is close to Waynesville and Bryson City. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here, you\u2019ll find the Museum of The Cherokee Indian along with tons of small-town diners, coffee shops, boutiques and southern charm. The hospitality in these parts is so delightful you might never want to go home. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Downtown Gatlinburg<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When choosing to stay in Downtown Gatlinburg, you\u2019re choosing to stay in the epicentre of all the fun and excitement that Gatlinburg has to offer. That\u2019ll make it virtually impossible to get bored or not be able to find something to do. Not only will you be right at the gate of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, but you\u2019ll be able to walk to some of the best dining, attractions and shows in the area. Staying downtown does come with a higher price tag but greatly makes up for it with all its convenience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some of the top attractions found in downtown Gatlinburg are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n