Pigeon Forge is an accommodating Tennessee mountain town all about family-friendly fun.
As you might imagine, much of the fun and attractions along the lines of amusement parks and arcades, theme hotels, and slightly cheesy restaurants all tend to be focused along one concentrated area.
This 5-mile stretch containing all things tourism and beyond is considered the main strip of Pigeon Forge.
Of course, many visitors to the town will most likely have the solitude and expanse of the nearby Smoky Mountains National Park high on their agenda.
But the town itself is often a mix of neon thrills, shops, and great dining options amidst a strip of manufactured tourist attractions, all surrounded by an expansive and natural beauty.
It’s easy to find hotels that are close to more attractions than you can handle if that’s the kind of experience you are looking for.
Or you could opt to get a little closer to the Smoky Mountains and that national park entrance in order to achieve more of a balance from the surroundings of the spot you decide on as a base camp.
The main strip along Parkway in Pigeon Forge is lined with all kinds of local vendors and businesses covering all aspects of shopping, dining, and accommodation in the town-not to mention the various attractions.
Pigeon Forge has something for every person, family, budget, and itinerary wherever you choose to pitch camp from. So let’s take a closer look at a sample of options with six of the best hotels on The Strip in Pigeon Forge.
Staying in Pigeon Forge – Travel Tips and Advice
- Which areas in Pigeon Forge are best: The Parkway District is the epicenter of kitschy fun in Pigeon Forge along the strip and also contains many of the best accommodation and dining options. Full of amazing sights and activities, this area is also where the town’s most iconic and famous attractions tend to be located in the beating heart of Pigeon Forge.
- Getting Around: The Mass Transit Trolley is an easy way to get along the Parkway and it is very cheap at around 50 cents per trip. Aside from that, walking is absolutely the best way to take in the Pigeon Forge main strip and any other areas of the town worthy of checking out.
- Attractions: The town is 6 miles from the entrance of what is the most visited national park in the United States by way of the Smoky Mountains National Park, which remains one of the main attractions in the area. Other points of attraction easily reachable from Pigeon Forge’s main strip include The Island Pigeon Forge, the Comedy Barn Theatre, the Titanic Museum, Dollywood, and a wax museum counted among the largest in the U.S. to name but a few.
The Top 6 Hotels On The Strip In Pigeon Forge
- La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham
- The Inn at Christmas Place
- Black Fox Lodge
- Margaritaville Island Hotel
- Courtyard by Marriott Pigeon Forge
- The Inn on the River
1. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham
This 4-star Pigeon Forge hotel is in a prime location along the main strip and is close to a plethora of the town’s main attractions.
With more than a touch of modernity and luxury to it, this hotel has air-conditioned, ensuite rooms featuring a large, flat-screen cable TV, a desk, and coffee-making facilities. Some rooms have extra features such as spa tubs.
The residence’s amenities include a huge and delightful 24-hour swimming pool and a fitness center. Guests can also enjoy the use of a Business Centre and free Wi-Fi.
In terms of nearby attractions-Dollywood Theme Park is just a 10-minute drive from the residence and the Fast Tracks Amusement Park is less than 5 minutes.
You can also walk to the Island in Pigeon Forge which is less than half a mile from this hotel and contains various shops, restaurants, and other activities.
2. The Inn at Christmas Place
The Inn at Christmas Place is an impressive-looking, Bavarian-inspired residence less than a mile from The Island in Pigeon Forge.
This is a grand-looking affair with a twist, and the amenities include an outdoor pool with a 30-meter waterslide and a large garden.
Come hungry to the breakfast buffets at the Inn which tends to include such delights as ham & sausage, made-to-order omelets, and fresh Belgian waffles for starters.
It is Christmas Day every day at the Inn and you’ll find Santa Claus singing Christmas songs from summer through December.
Rooms feature flat-screen TVs with a DVD player, and other appliances like a microwave and refrigerator are standard in every room as are coffee-making machines. Suites may vary but can include a gas fireplace, a spa bath, and a private balcony.
In terms of attractions, you couldn’t be better placed at the Inn at Christmas Place. The Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster is a 5-minute drive away for starters and the Dollywood theme park is a 15-minute drive.
This is a great resort hotel which is great for families looking for something a little different and with lots of space and activity options.
3. Black Fox Lodge
Continuing in the direction of Gatlinburg Golf Course we come to Black Fox Lodge. From here you can access both the golf course and Dollywood in a five-minute drive.
Just across the street from the conveniently-located lodge is the Le Conte Centre, and The Island at Pigeon Forge is a leisurely 15-minute walk away.
Every room at Black Fox Lodge features a flat-screen cable TV and appliances such as a microwave, refrigerator, and coffee maker.
Amenities at the lodge include a seasonal outdoor pool with a waterslide, and the lodge’s own restaurant and bar complete with a pizza oven.
4. Margaritaville Island Hotel
Margaritaville Island Hotel is another of the town’s fantastic and slightly quirky-looking accommodations.
The residence is in the vicinity of popular attractions like The Comedy Barn, the Country Tonite Theatre, and the Old Mill-a scenic and ideal, not to mention a historic spot to have lunch within walking distance.
The ensuite rooms at the Margaritaville have a balcony and a dining area that comes equipped with a microwave and a refrigerator. Some suites include a spa tub and a fireplace.
Amenities such as a restaurant, a bar, a snack bar, a fitness center, and a rooftop pool are provided to guests, as is free parking. The nearest Airlink (for any of the hotels in this post) is McGhee Tyson Airport just 32 miles away.
5. Courtyard by Marriott Pigeon Forge
The hotel is another great Pigeon Forge hotel option. In typical Marriott fashion, you’ll find all the modern amenities here like indoor and outdoor pools, a hot tub, a fitness center, and a bar.
The large and comfortable rooms have a large flat-screen TV with streaming TV and movie channels. But if that’s not enough onsite entertainment for you there’s always the game room.
Pigeon Forge Marriott Courtyard also features 3 fire pits and a 24-hour onsite coffee shop. On top of that, there is easy access to nearby riverside biking and hiking trails from the hotel, where bike rentals are available from.
The Grand Majestic Theatre is the nearest local attraction at just 800 m from Courtyard by Marriott Pigeon Forge. If it turns out that you are indeed a theatre lover, Country Tonite Theatre is just over half a mile away.
6. The Inn on the River
The Inn on the River is a slightly more affordable hotel option than the average Marriott or Wyndham.
The Inn is a popular choice for families as its location allows them to see more diverse aspects of Pigeon Forge. In simple terms, they can enjoy the scenery and quiet close to the river, yet easily access the commercial district within a distance of a few blocks.
The hotel even offers some impressive views of the Smoky Mountains from its location on Little Pigeon River.
Amenities include an outdoor pool and patio and a heated indoor pool. On top of that, you’ve got a complimentary and hearty hot breakfast buffet and there’s also a laundry room if you need it.
All rooms at The Inn on the River feature a flat-screen LCD TV, a refrigerator, and a coffee maker. Some rooms have some very scenic balcony views of the river.
If you fancy Dollywood it is a mere 10-minute drive away from the hotel, and there are major outlet malls within a couple of miles.
The Bottom Line
Although Pigeon Forge is quite small, the town can still throw the odd interesting diversion your way now and then.
Whether you’re into the kitschy attractions that the main strip seems to offer so well or prefer something a bit more adventurous-you’ll find a seemingly endless array of places to stay and things to do in Pigeon Forge that could keep you busy for weeks.
- Best-positioned hotel in Pigeon Forge from this selection has got to be the Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham for its excellent location in a top spot along the main strip close to all the attractions. Alternatively, the Inn on the River could also qualify for this rating for entirely the opposite reasons as it really depends on your ideas about itinerary and surroundings.
- In terms of the Best Luxury Hotel, we would offer, La Quinta by Wyndham is a top candidate for its fantastic rooms and amenities.
- Best Family Hotel has got to be the Inn on the River for the diversity of terrain and experiences. It is also more realistic price-wise for many families and provides easy access to the great outdoors.
Make sure to also check out our article on the best hotels on the Gatlinburg Strip before you head out on your adventure into Tennessee!
