The Historic Gatlinburg Inn is the place to stay in the Smoky Mountains if you love a nostalgic hotel with old-fashioned hospitality and modern amenities, delivered with a sense of tradition and family.
Gatlinburg, Tennessee, has no shortage of hotels, although you may not agree with that if you have ever tried to book a last-minute getaway in the peak of the fall season.
Centered directly in the middle of the downtown’s bustling Parkway, the Historic Gatlinburg Inn has been welcoming guests since 1937 – when the Maples family built a small hotel in the middle of a cornfield overlooking their quaint mountain village.
A PEACEFUL RETREAT IN THE HEART OF GATLINBURG
The hotel was built to accommodate the many visitors that had begun to visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which gained popularity after World War II and quickly became the most visited national park in the country. Families would return year after year to stay at the Historic Gatlinburg Inn, which was already becoming known for its hospitality and welcoming atmosphere.
The walls of the inn are lined with historic photographs, menus and other memorabilia from over the years. It is interesting to see how the inn developed and expanded over time, and how the city of Gatlinburg grew up around it.
Today’s guests are encouraged to enjoy the front porch and relax in rocking chairs by a crackling fireplace, while taking in the view of the city of Gatlinburg from the rise above. Take a swim in the pool or just stroll around and enjoy the beauty of the rose bushes planted in the 1950s. Attractions, shopping and dining are a short walk from the parking lot, which makes the Historic Gatlinburg Inn incredibly convenient for guests.
Planning a trip to Gatlinburg? Check out the post on our getaway here.
THE FAMOUS FACES OF THE HISTORIC GATLINBURG INN
A hotel with a legacy dating back this far is sure to have many interesting visitors and stories to tell about them. The Historic Gatlinburg Inn has seen its fair share of famous guests – from celebrities to politicians to artists and more.
The main hallway is lined with photos of the famous faces who stayed here, many of which signed their autographs and their thanks for the warm welcome they received. Liberace, Lady Bird Johnson, Brenda Lee, and former President Herbert Hoover are only a few of the recognizable guests who have experienced the hospitality of the Historic Gatlinburg Inn.
A PLACE IN HISTORY
In 1967, one of the most recognizable tunes in history was created on a whim by songwriting couple Felice and Boudleaux Bryant while taking a break from working on their current album in Room 388.
A jaunty bluegrass tune that is most well-known as the fight song of the University of Tennessee – “Rocky Top” – was created at the Historic Gatlinburg Inn.
It has been reported that after their break was over and the fun little ditty written down, Boudleaux asked his wife, “Can we get back to work now?”
You can stay in the Rocky Top room, which has been updated but still looks very much like it did when the Bryants stayed there on their work getaway over 50 years ago.
BLAST FROM THE PAST
The Historic Gatlinburg Inn will delight guests who appreciate retro decor. Walnut paneling and vintage furnishings in the common areas and guestrooms provide a homey ambiance that other hotels lack – you get the feeling that you are visiting your lovely great-aunt’s residence rather than paying for a night’s stay. Family oil paintings, vintage light fixtures, a grandfather clock and an antique organ add to the character of the property.
Rooms come in various sizes and some include features such as wraparound balconies and adjacent parlors. Despite the vintage look, they are all equipped with modern amenities, including flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi.
We were very pleased with our room, which featured a comfortable king bed and a balcony that overlooked the nearby SkyLift. The bathroom was completely renovated with a modern aesthetic. Everything was very clean and well-maintained, and the nostalgia of the place gave our stay a special touch.
The staff of the Historic Gatlinburg Inn was incredibly kind and their hospitality was top notch. We enjoyed a complimentary hot breakfast buffet in the dining room before heading out to enjoy our day.
If you visit Gatlinburg, be sure to take a look at the Historic Gatlinburg Inn for a unique and nostalgic stay. See what else we enjoyed about Gatlinburg in this post.
Have you ever spent a night in the Historic Gatlinburg Inn? Tell me what you thought in the comments!
P.S. My most recommended travel gadget is the Addalock! Pack it in your bag whenever you travel for increased safety and peace of mind. Read more about it here!
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