THE APPY LODGE, Gatlinburg

The hotel is at the north end of Gatlinburg, which puts it away from the busiest traffic while still being about a 5-15 minute walk to the central strip, Ripley's Aquarium, Anakeesta, and the Guinness World Records Museum. A grocery store is directly across the street, and the free Gatlinburg trolley picks up in the parking lot, making it easy to get downtown or to Pigeon Forge without driving. McGhee Tyson Airport is 69 km away. Free on-site parking is available and no reservation is needed, plus a free downtown parking pass is provided at the front desk.

Room options include King rooms, Double Queen rooms, and suites. Select rooms feature a balcony overlooking the parking lot or mountains, and King Suites include a sofa chair and a small high-top table. All rooms are non-smoking and come with air conditioning, heating, a hairdryer, and free Wi-Fi. The rooms are noted for being spacious and clean, with comfortable beds. The newer-style bathrooms have walk-in showers and good storage. Road-facing rooms and those with balcony doors may let in some road or hallway noise; lighter sleepers may prefer an interior-facing room. The single elevator can be congested at peak times, so first-floor rooms are a good option for those who prefer not to wait.

The free breakfast includes items such as prepackaged blueberry muffins, assorted yogurt, cereal, Jimmy Dean breakfast biscuits, and a pancake maker. Coffee, juice, and milk are available, and 24/7 coffee and hot cider are offered in the lobby. The breakfast area can become busy, so arriving early or taking food to the outdoor seating is a good option. A pancake house is adjacent to the hotel, and several other restaurants and cafes are within a short walk or a quick trolley ride away.

The indoor pool and hot tub are open year-round. The seasonal outdoor pool features a water slide and is about 0.9 m deep, making it especially suitable for children. Sun loungers are available on the pool deck, and the adjacent outdoor area includes fire pits and rocking chairs for relaxing. The on-site fitness centre is equipped with cardio machines. Hiking is popular in the area, with trail information available at the lodge. Mini golf is next door and ski equipment hire and ski school are available on site.

Wi-Fi is free in all rooms. Parking is free and private, with no reservation needed; the hotel also offers a free downtown parking pass. A minimarket is on site for snacks and essentials. Daily housekeeping is complimentary. A 24-hour front desk can assist with local information and trolley passes. Meeting/banquet facilities are available for an additional charge. The property has a single passenger elevator; rooms with roll-in showers can be requested but are not guaranteed. Service dogs are welcome.