Gatlinburg Inn

A landmark of Southern hospitality, Gatlinburg Inn blends history with a front-row seat to the Smoky Mountains.

Opened in 1937, Gatlinburg Inn has watched this mountain town grow from a quiet valley to a year-round destination. The hotel still carries its old-world character, with wood-paneled lounges, vintage photographs lining the halls, and a lobby that feels more like a family sitting room than a check-in desk. Yet the conveniences are current—Wi-Fi is reliable, flat-screen TVs sit quietly in each room, and the seasonal outdoor pool provides a cool break in summer.

The rooms are straightforward, comfortable, and clean, some looking toward the surrounding mountains while others take in the bustle of Parkway life. Mornings begin with a hot Southern breakfast served in the dining room, a reminder that here, things are a little slower and conversations last longer.

History runs deep in this building. Elvis once stayed here, and the now-iconic song Rocky Top was penned within its walls. Today, the Inn remains a gathering point for travelers who prefer heritage over flash, with modern amenities tucked behind a well-preserved façade.