Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Pigeon Forge

Microtel Inn & Suites is a budget-friendly hotel with simple interiors and amenities. From the outside, it looks quite quaint with an a-frame roof detail, pastel-colored wood-slated exterior walls, stoned feature walls, and manicured flower beds. The interiors however, offer little to get excited about. The lobby is a bit drab, with black-and-white tiled flooring, antique-style sofas, shabby curtains, artificial flowers, a dark-wood reception desk, beige walls, stone feature wall, and low drop-style ceilings. The breakfast room is plain with stock-standard black chairs and tables, framed event posters, a single window, and then the buffet and waffle station. Overall, the atmosphere is relaxed and guests mostly use the hotel as a base to explore the numerous nearby attractions. Guests are mostly tourists, including couples and families, with a few business travelers passing through.

Microtel Inn & Suites is located on the Pigeon Forge Parkway, directly opposite Smoky Mountain Opry (venue for music and dance shows) and Wonderworks - Pigeon Forge (indoor amusement park). There are several bars, restaurants, fast food outlets, and shops within an easy walking distance from the hotel -- including a Hard Rock Cafe across the road. It's a four-minute walk to the Titanic Museum and Tanger Outlet Center is a seven-minute drive. The famous Dollywood theme park is a 12-minute drive from the property. Smoky Mountains National Park and Gatlinburg are both 20 minutes by car. Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge Airport is a 15-minute drive from the hotel. The hotel also offers a shuttle service to local attractions (for an additional fee).

The 71 guest rooms at Microtel Inn & Suites are generic and a bit dated. Decor is rather plain -- expect striped industrial-grade carpeting, white linens, faded striped curtains, beige walls, wooden furniture, and bland artwork. There's a comfortable amount of room, and the large mirror above the beds gives the illusion of even more space. All rooms include a small seating area; some with sofa beds. Room occupancy varies from three, four, or six guests. All units include air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, telephones, desks, safes, iron and ironing boards, free Wi-Fi, and kitchenettes. Kitchenette's are equipped with mini-fridges, microwaves, sinks, and tea- and- coffee-making facilities. Bathrooms feature a shower/tub combo and come with hairdryers and basic toiletries. Handicap rooms feature accessibility friendly showers.

Microtel Inn & Suites provides only a few features, though it makes for a comfortable stay. There's a free buffet breakfast each morning, with a waffle station and continental items like fruit and muffins. The small outdoor swimming pool is seasonal and includes a limited selection of sun loungers, chairs, and parasols. For business travelers, there is one meeting room (suitable for up to 20 guests) as well as a small business center with computer facilities and free coffee station. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property and the free parking lot includes bus, truck, and RV parking spaces. Additional features include selected pet-friendly rooms, a laundry room, ice machine, vending machine, and shuttle to local attractions (for a fee).