402 Parkway, Gatlinburg, Tennessee, United States | (888) 635-3814
Centrally located on the Gatlinburg Parkway in a wooded setting
Large rooms, many with balconies overlooking the creek
Outdoor and large indoor pool with hot tub
Two racquetball courts, and fitness center with a handful of machines and a flat-screen TV
Free continental breakfast
Free wine and cheese happy hour, and evening milk and cookies
Picnic area with gas grills
Free Wi-Fi
Smoking rooms (a pro for some)
Some cleaning/housekeeping problems
Outdoor room entry off parking lot
Dated, in need of some updates
Though right off the major road leading through downtown Gatlinburg, this lower-mid-range motel-style property has a mountain stream running through its six acres, giving many rooms a secluded feeling and great views. Although there are an Internet corner and free Wi-Fi, there's no business center, but the daily freebies, creekside balconies, and indoor and outdoor pools keep families returning here year after year. Downtown Gatlinburg is within walking distance, and there is a trolley trolley stop right across the street from the hotel for those who prefer to ride. The rooms are large, and even though this family-owned hotel works to cultivate an old-fashioned sensibility, the rooms are just plain dated. Travelers looking for modern lodging should check down the road at the Old Creek Lodge or the Fairfield Inn & Suites Gatlinburg North for similar rates.
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Scene
Old-fashioned roadside motel with creekside views
Zoders Inn & Suites has been family owned and operated for more than 70 years, and the third generation is running it now. It's a quirky place. A parrot (that bites) says hello to every guest in the lobby, and the hotel is so dated that it has taken on a charm all its own, which might appeal to nostalgia buffs. The lobby, parrot and all, is bright and inviting, and the staff is friendly and laid-back.
Location
Right on the parkway north of downtown
A resort town bordering the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg is known for its mountain views and many outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, fishing, horseback riding, and golf. Zoders Inn & Suites is at the north end of Gatlinburg's touristy parkway, and restaurants, shopping, and other attractions are within walking distance, and there's a trolley stop across the street. The entrance to the national park is at the other end of Gatlinburg, about a five-minute drive (depending on traffic). Dollywood theme park in Pigeon Forge is about 25 minutes away by car, and Knoxville is an hour's drive.
Rooms
Large, with dated decor and outdoor entry
The rooms, while large, are time capsules of the early 1990s. Old carpets are the main offenders, but some of the rooms have a musty odor and there's a lingering smell of smoke in the smoking rooms, although smokers might not mind that. Suites have kitchenettes and some have gas fireplaces and whirlpool tubs, and many rooms have great little balconies right over the creek. Bathrooms vary, but most have shower/tub combos with a separate sink and vanity area. All rooms have coffeemakers, mini-fridges, and TVs -- tube TVs have given way to flat-screens. All come with free Wi-Fi, but the signal can be spotty.
Features
An outdoor and indoor pool, picnic area, free breakfast, and happy hour
The indoor and outdoor pools are great for the temperamental Tennessee weather. The outdoor pool has a few loungers and umbrellas. The hotel also has a small fitness center with a handful of machines and two racquetball courts attached. A free continental breakfast is served daily, and there's a wine and cheese happy hour. Later in the evening come free milk and cookies. A picnic area along the creek has gas grills and an outdoor fireplace.
