River Bend Inn

Tan tile, oriental rugs, and gray banquet chairs adorn the traditional lobby, which also has a green tile fireplace and a seating area set with leather chairs and a flat-screen TV. Purple and brown striped chairs are arranged in an adjoining area, and there is free coffee and tea served on tan granite countertops. The breakfast room has a mix of brown carpet and green tile, and flowers are set on the dark laminate tables. Wood chairs provide seating and there is bland still lives hang on the walls. Outside at the riverbank, steps lead down to the water and there is some seating on red metal picnic tables in the shade. The hotel’s decor throughout is dated, and has a homey vibe. Families and couples are the most common visitors. 

The River Bend Inn is on Pigeon Forge's main road, adjacent to the Little Pigeon River. Guests can walk behind the hotel to swim or walk five minutes to the Hollywood Wax Museum, restaurants, shops, convenience stores, and the Grand Majestic Theater. The Titanic Museum and The Track are a 10-minute walk from the hotel while WonderWorks and the Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Show are around a 15-minute walk. A five-minute drive away are the Tanger Outlets and a grocery store, while Dollywood, the Dixie Stampede, and Gatlinburg Golf Course are 10 minutes by car. The McGhee Tyson Airport is a 45-minute drive away. Garage and outdoor parking are free of charge at the hotel. 

Rooms at the River Bend Inn are clean and have nice extras, but look dated. Each comes with a mini-fridge, microwave, and flat-screen TV. Some have a furnished balcony and a fireplace. The decor can include olive green or red carpet with mismatched pink or blue pillows and green accent walls. Most of the furniture is made of simple light wood and a minor bit of wear is evident. Bathrooms feature tan granite counters and gray tile, cream walls, and white shower/tub combos. Generic toiletries and a wall-mounted hairdryer are standard. Some rooms have jetted tubs inside the bedroom which can come in either quaint or tacky red heart shapes depending on the perspective. Rooms in the back of the hotel overlook the river.

There are some unexpected features for a budget hotel, though they vary in quality. A small indoor pool is surrounded by green plastic seating and a tan deck, with floor-to-ceiling windows that brighten the area. Outside, there is a fantastic riverbank area with picnic tables, barbecue grills, and stone steps down to a fishing and swimming space. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property and there are two computers for guests to use. A fitness center has cardio machines in a carpeted room.

Waffles, muffins, biscuits and gravy, cereal, and fruit are provided at the free breakfast, which receives mixed reviews. However, breakfast service ends earlier than some guests would like and there isn't a full restaurant or bar.