BROOKSIDE LODGE - GATLINBURG - ON THE RIVER, Gatlinburg

The lodge is located along the Roaring Fork mountain stream, providing a tranquil setting away from the main strip's bustle yet close enough to walk downtown (about 0.5 km downhill). The trolley stop directly in front of the office offers easy access to the aquarium and connections to other lines. Several dining options are across the street, and Dollywood Theme Park is less than 16 km away. Bear sightings are common on the property at dawn and dusk; securing all food items in the vehicle is essential. Parking spaces are near the rooms, and the blue trolley line makes car-free trips into town straightforward.

All rooms are non-smoking and offer either one king or two queen beds, with a private bathroom with bath. The standard room size is approximately 365 sq ft. Deluxe units have been renovated and include upgraded bedding, while standard rooms are older but functional and may lack elevators (two-story buildings with ramps). Many deluxe king rooms and honeymoon suites include a wood-burning fireplace (firewood available for purchase). The honeymoon suites also feature a two-person soaking tub (no jets), and a few rooms have jacuzzi tubs (special request only). Room lighting is subdued, and the carpets in older sections can show wear; rooms with upgraded bathrooms are available upon request but not guaranteed. Ground-floor rooms may have noise from above, so a top-floor room is advisable for light sleepers.

The breakfast is a buffet-style all-you-can-eat meal served cafeteria-style, including bacon, sausage, eggs, potatoes, biscuits & gravy, danishes, fruit, juice, milk, water, and coffee. It is available for an additional charge of US$5 per person per day (not included in standard room rates unless selected at booking). Breakfast can be purchased on a day-by-day basis at the dining room, paid with cash or charged to the room. The dining area also has a vending machine for drinks. For those who want an early start, a pancake house across the street opens at 7:00. There is no bar on-site, but the Thai restaurant Baht serves lunch and dinner nearby.

The property has two outdoor pools: a larger family pool with a water slide and a smaller, quieter adult pool. Pool hours are 10:00-23:00 during the season (Memorial Day weekend through mid-September, weather permitting). The hot tub is open year-round barring maintenance issues. Guests can use pool floats. In addition to the pools, there is a free fitness centre, guest laundry, basketball, volleyball, and shuffleboard courts. The sundeck, patio, and BBQ area with a fire pit sit along the Roaring Fork stream, and fishing is permitted in the stream with a valid Tennessee license (available locally). There is no spa on-site.

Basic services include free property-wide Wi-Fi (coverage may be limited in some older buildings), daily housekeeping, a safety deposit box at reception, and a 24-hour front desk. Parking costs US$5 per day and is available on a first-come, first-served basis; there is space for motorcycles with trailers and buses. The deluxe room buildings have elevators; standard buildings are two stories with ramps. Facilities for disabled guests are available (handicap-accessible rooms). Fax and photocopying services are offered at the front desk. The lodge does not provide an airport shuttle. Accepted payment methods include American Express, Visa, MasterCard, and debit cards. Check-in is from 16:00, and requests for adjoining rooms (double queen only) can be noted but are not guaranteed.