OLD CREEK LODGE

Old Creek Lodge sits on River Road in downtown Gatlinburg, directly outside the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Ober Gatlinburg is a 1-minute drive away, Ripley's Believe It or Not! is 2 minutes away, and Anakeesta is 3 minutes from the property. The lodge is on the downtown trolley route, with Dollywood and The Island in Pigeon Forge 10 miles away.

Every room at Old Creek Lodge has a stonewall fireplace, a private balcony overlooking the mountain stream, and a walk-in shower. Rooms with in-room whirlpool tubs and gas fireplaces are available, and each room also includes a microwave and a mini-refrigerator. The lodge is pet-free, and guest rooms are sized to accommodate families and groups.

The hotel has a seasonal heated outdoor pool with a shallow end, a surrounding fence, and pool/beach towels. Free parking, a 24-hour front desk, daily housekeeping, an elevator, and designated smoking areas are available on site. The lobby offers complimentary refreshments, and the hotel provides special discounts for military and first responders.

The complimentary breakfast includes pancakes, breakfast sandwiches, yogurt, toast, oatmeal, fruit, and cereal. Afternoon lemonade and cookies are served from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., and coffee, tea, and hot chocolate are available all day. Several restaurants next door and along River Road are within walking distance of the lodge.

Guest rooms at Old Creek Lodge are spacious enough for families and groups, and the pet-free policy keeps the property quiet for children. The stream behind the lodge is a place where guests have seen bears, trout, and geese, and the outdoor seating area faces the mountains. Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies and Gatlinburg SkyLift are nearby, while Ober Gatlinburg is a 1-minute drive for ski equipment hire and ski school.

Location: Directly outside the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Rooms: Private balconies overlooking the mountain stream

Dining: Complimentary breakfast and afternoon lemonade and cookies

Amenities: Seasonal heated outdoor pool

Family: Sized to accommodate families and groups

Offers: Special discounts for military and first responders