Economy Inn & Suites

This small, family-run place is typical of others in the area, and doesn't have the freshest look we've ever seen. It's basic and offers few frills, but rooms are clean and the location is good. The small lobby has a couple of wing chairs where guests can pause if they need to wait, but it's not a place for hanging out. Public areas are limited to the breakfast room and the outdoor pool, which is only open seasonally. Even so, many budget-conscious families and couples who don't need anything fancy find that this place suits them just fine. If you don't want more than a clean place to crash at night, you'll save a few bucks by bedding down here.

This hotel is situated on a side road off the main parkway in Gatlinburg. The area is filled with other hotels and eateries, and downtown Gatlinburg can be reached in about 10 minutes on foot. Attractions within a 10-minute walk include the Guinness World Records Adventure and Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies. The Gatlinburg Sky Lift and Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum are both a 13-minute walk, and the Gatlinburg Space Needle and the Old Smoky Moonshine Distillery are 14 minutes away on foot. The entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is just three minutes away by car, while popular Dollywood theme park in Pigeon Forge is about a 25-minute drive from the hotel. The closest major airport is in Louisville, around 75 minutes away by car.

Rooms here are basic and dated, with old-style bedspreads in some and color schemes heavy on burgundy. Expect to see lots of wood paneling and country-inspired accents as well. Although this is a family-owned hotel, rooms have a low-frills chain-like look, with patterned carpeting, a mix of medium- and dark-toned furniture, and traditional floral prints or faux flowers in vases hanging on the white walls. Standard features include flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, microwaves, mini-fridges, and coffeemakers, and some also have cooktops and sinks. Some rooms have sofa beds for extra sleeping space, Bathrooms are small and basic, with hairdryers, shower/tub combos, and toiletries. Certain bathrooms include jetted tubs. Many of the rooms have exterior entrances, giving the property a motel-like vibe. Simple chairs by the doors allow guests to sit outside for fresh air, although the view is of the parking lot.  

This simple little hotel offers few features, but it does serve a free breakfast buffet in a small, sunny breakfast room with floor-to-ceiling windows. Selections include cereals, breads, pastries, fruits, juice, and coffee. The outdoor pool is in the center of the property next to the parking area. It's not fancy by any means, but it's refreshing on a hot day. A few plastic lounge chairs are available on the deck. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property, and on-site parking is free. Pets are allowed for a fee.