Riverhouse Motor Lodge

The Riverhouse Motor Lodge’s serene surroundings on a river provides guests with the mountain wilderness experience, even though the property is only two blocks from the busy main strip in downtown. A small bridge leads over the stream to the motel, a barn-shaped building with a stone chimney that’s surrounded by towering trees. There's also a stone pathway from which people can fish and there's a local population of ducks on-site. At the rear of the property are ramps that lead to the second floor, a feature that’s appealing to travelers with limited mobility or those pushing kids in strollers. Many guests are regulars who appreciate the budget prices and central location. Designs are unarguably old-fashioned -- albeit well-kept -- much like at its sister property, the Riverhouse at the Park. The lobby features cabin-style designs: pinewood wall paneling, and two comfy chairs by a fireplace, and a flat-screen TV.

There’s a quiet and secluded feeling at this property thanks to the surrounding wilderness and adjacent stream with fishing. The location is near other hotels and a small shopping center, and the area is suitable for tourists who want walk two blocks to Parkway, the city's main thoroughfare, with a lot of dining, shopping, and entertainment choices. A trolley also runs the length of strip. Popular attractions within walking distance include Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, the Gatlinburg Sky Lift, the Space Needle, the Fort Fun Family Entertainment Center, and the Village Shops. The Sugarlands Visitor Center in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park is a five-minute drive, while it's 10 minutes by car to the Ober Gatlinburg Ski Area & Amusement Park. Dollywood -- in Pigeon Forge -- is 30 minutes away by car, Knoxville is an hour away, and Asheville is a two-hour drive.

Shag carpeting, cabin-style wall paneling, busy patterned bedspreads, scenic paintings, and retro wallpaper gives rooms a dated look, although all the units are nevertheless charming and clean. Features include stacked stone mantel designs above gas or log fireplaces and balconies overlooking the stream, and some have wooden ceiling beams. Most rooms are spacious and have comfy sitting areas, two-seat dining tables, flat-screen TVs, irons/ironing boards, and two queen beds or one king bed. Bathrooms have shower/tub combos, pedestal sinks, and separate dressing areas with sinks and hairdryers. Closets offer mini-fridges and microwaves. Deluxe King Rooms have two-person hot tubs by carved wooden bed frames, and walk-in showers in bathrooms.

The best feature at the motel, aside from the riverfront location, is the clean heated outdoor pool that sits in front of the property with a narrow deck that offers lounge chairs and patio furniture. There’s also a sectioned-off kids' pool. The free continental breakfast -- including freshly ground coffee and homemade donuts -- is another lovely perk, and trays are delivered directly to rooms after guests place their orders. Leftover donuts and coffee are kept in the lobby along with newspapers. Free on-site parking at the rear of the property is convenient for guests who want to explore downtown on foot or by trolley. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.