Courtyard Marriott Pigeon Forge

The Courtyard Marriott in Pigeon Forge does well by the brand with quality amenities, comfortable spaces, and an overall experience that keeps guests very happy. The lobby has a rustic, modern look with warm brown and yellow tones in the carpet and furnishings, next to lovely stone accent walls and a cozy fireplace. Sectional sofas, leather chairs, and divans create plenty of seating areas, which are well-spread around the large room. Outside, a lovely courtyard with fire pits and a pool that has a lazy river are popular for lounging and dining. The grounds are limited, but well-tended. The Courtyard brand is a business-friendly class of hotel, but this location draws mostly leisure travelers -- both couples and families with kids -- who appreciate the modern feel and affordable rates.

This Courtyard Marriott is in Pigeon Forge, a small town just north of the Smoky Mountain range in Tennessee. It is near the main road that goes through town, tucked behind a couple of restaurants and with a small river that has a walking path out back. It is a five-minute walk to a grocery store, and a six-minute walk to an outdoor shopping mall. There’s also lots of family entertainment nearby. The Track is a six-minute walk and offers mini-golf, race cars, and an arcade. Dollywood, a fun amusement park for kids, is a 10-minute drive from the hotel. For nature lovers, it is a 25-minute drive to Gatlinburg, the last town before picking up various roads and trails through the Smokey Mountain National Park. The hotel is a 14-minute drive from the tiny Gatlinburg Pigeon Forge Airport, and a 50-minute drive from McGhee Tyson Airport, a larger hub.

Rooms are appealing and comfortable, though unsurprisingly generic in design. Color schemes are primarily cool gray and white tones, with warm orange/brown accents in behind-the-bed murals. Queen- or king-size beds have quality linens, thick blankets, and extra pillows for a comfortable sleep. Pullout sofa beds are available for an extra guest. The hotel opened in 2016, so the design is fresh and amenities are modern. All rooms have a 49-inch flat-screen TV, which comes with movie channels and streaming video services, as well as a microwave, mini-fridge, iron, kettle with free coffee, and USB ports by the bed to charge devices. Some rooms have a balcony overlooking either the courtyard and pool or the parking lot and surrounding town, with the Smoky Mountains visible in the distance. Mostly white bathrooms have a granite countertop, and either a shower/tub combo or shower stall. A hairdryer and light-up mirror are provided, and free Paul Mitchell toiletries include soap, shampoo, conditioner, and make-up remover wipes.    

An appealing list of amenities makes this a solid pick for all types of travelers in the Smoky Mountains. The pool with a lazy river is a highlight, especially for kids. Though both are small, when taken together there’s enough space for guests to swim, plus there are a good number of gray lounge chairs lining the stone patio. It’s a lovely spot, surrounded by trees for a semi-private feel and several little garden sections throughout, including in the center of the lazy river. A heated indoor pool and a hot tub are open 24/7. The fitness center, mini-market, and bistro are also open all day and night, making this a good pick for night owls. The hotel does not have a full restaurant, but a bistro in the lobby offers breakfast, snacks, and a light dinner -- none of which are included in the room rate. Seating is in the lobby or outside at the fire pits provide cozy spots for a drink or evening meal. A desk with two computers in the lobby makes up the business center, and there’s an arcade with a few video games for kids. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel and on-site parking is free.