Where to Stay in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge with Kids: Best Hotels & Cabins

The Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge area is one of my favorite family vacation spots in the Smoky Mountains.

But let’s be honest—finding the right place to stay, especially for a big family, can feel overwhelming.

With so many options, it’s hard to know what’s best—location, price, space, cleanliness, and kid-friendly amenities all matter, but which matters most for your family?

The truth is, the perfect place to stay looks different for every family.

As a mom of four, I get it. I’ve been where you are, trying to weigh all the options.

That’s why I put this guide together—to help you visualize Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge and make choosing a hotel or cabin a little easier.

Whether you want a resort with pools and free breakfast, a spacious suite, or a cozy cabin with mountain views, these are my top family-friendly picks—all places I’d confidently recommend to other moms planning a fun (and doable!) Smoky Mountain getaway.

Cabins vs. Hotels—Which Is Best for Families?

Choosing between a cabin or hotel in the Smokies can feel like a tough call. Both have their perks, and the best choice really depends on your family’s priorities.

Cabins are great if you:

• Want extra space (separate bedrooms = happier kids and parents!)
• Plan to cook some of your meals and save on dining out
• Love relaxing on a deck with mountain views
• Prefer a quiet, tucked-away escape

Hotels are great if you:

• Prefer amenities like pools, free breakfast, and housekeeping
• Want to be close to attractions, restaurants, and entertainment
• Don’t want to cook or worry about cleaning
• Need easy, quick access to everything (especially with younger kids)

I’ve stayed in both on two different Smoky Mountain vacations, and honestly, it came down to price during the time we were visiting.

Both give very different vibes—a cabin feels cozy and relaxing, while a hotel is fun and convenient—so it really depends on what kind of experience you want for your trip.

Best Family-Friendly Hotels in Gatlinburg

Embassy Suites by Hilton Gatlinburg Resort

If you want a hotel that’s family-friendly and convenient, Embassy Suites is one of my top Gatlinburg picks.

The spacious suites are perfect for families (hello, separate sleeping space for parents and kids!), and the complimentary cooked-to-order breakfast makes mornings so much easier.

The pool area is another big win—my kids love a hotel with a pool for winding down after busy days.

Plus, the location is close to downtown Gatlinburg and only a short drive to the national park.

We haven’t stayed here yet, but it’s high on my list for our next Smoky Mountain trip because of the space and that amazing breakfast!

Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg

If you’re looking for a fun and relaxing resort feel right in Gatlinburg, Margaritaville Resort is a fantastic pick.

The kids will LOVE the tropical-themed pool area and maybe mom can sneak away at the on-site spa (it’s always a good goal to have at least). There’s even some dining options right at the resort!

The rooms are clean, comfortable, and have that laid-back vibe—plus, the location can’t be beat.

You’re just steps away from downtown Gatlinburg attractions, which makes it easy to explore without constantly hopping in the car.

One of our favorite spots nearby is Anakeesta—here’s Why We Always Visit Anakeesta in Gatlinburg.

I haven’t stayed here yet, but I think it would be so fun for a trip where you want that resort-style feel without leaving Gatlinburg.

Best Family-Friendly Hotels in Pigeon Forge

Margaritaville Island Hotel – Pigeon Forge

If you want to stay right in the middle of the action, the Margaritaville Island Hotel is a fantastic choice for families.

Located at The Island in Pigeon Forge, it’s just steps away from rides, restaurants, and entertainment (our kids love the ropes course and fountain show!).

We love The Island, so I think this would be a fantastic place to stay!

There’s entertainment, restaurants, shops, and more—all in one spot.

The rooms are spacious and cozy, many with balconies overlooking The Island—and there are even rooms that fit a family of six!

After a busy day, the rooftop pool is a great spot to relax while still feeling like you’re in the heart of everything.

Residence Inn by Marriott – Pigeon Forge

For families who love extra space and convenience, Residence Inn is a great choice!

The suites come with full kitchens (a big money-saver for larger families) and plenty of room to spread out.

The complimentary breakfast is a huge win for busy mornings, and the outdoor pool is great for downtime after exploring the area,

We stayed here on one of our Smoky Mountain trips and loved everything about it! The full kitchen and extra space were lifesavers for our family of six. Plus, the free breakfast saved us both time and money in the mornings. The pool is phenomenal and it was so great to be so close to The Island!

Best Family-Friendly Hotels Near Dollywood

Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort

Dollywood’s newest resort, HeartSong Lodge, is a beautiful option for families who want a mix of luxury and kid-friendly fun.

The biggest perk? The rooms are spacious enough for families.

It’s also close to Dollywood and Dollywood’s Splash Country, making it perfect if you plan to spend a lot of time at the parks.

This is on my list for a future trip—it looks gorgeous, and I think it would make a Dollywood-focused vacation feel extra special. 💕

Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort

DreamMore Resort is a longtime favorite for families visiting the Smokies. It has tons of kid-friendly amenities (pools, playgrounds, on-site dining) and offers perks like early park entry and free transportation to Dollywood.

The rooms are cozy and functional, and the resort has that “everything’s taken care of” feel that makes family travel less stressful.

We haven’t stayed here yet, but it’s high on my list for a future Dollywood trip—it just seems like such an easy, fun place for families.

How to Choose the Best Cabin for Your Family in Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge

Staying in a cabin is one of my favorite ways to experience the Smoky Mountains.

There’s just something special about sipping coffee on a deck with mountain views or having space for the kids to spread out after a busy day of sightseeing.

But not every cabin is the right fit for every family.

Before you book, here are a few things I always consider:

• Space: Make sure it has enough bedrooms for everyone to sleep comfortably (for our family of six, at least 2–3 bedrooms is a must).

• Bed Types: Check what kind of beds each room has—bunk beds or twin beds are great for kids, while parents might prefer a king or queen for more comfort.

• Location: Decide whether you want to be closer to Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge—pick based on the attractions you plan to visit most.

• Amenities: A hot tub, deck with a view, or even game rooms can make downtime just as fun as your day’s adventures.

• Budget: Prices vary by season, so book early if you can. Sometimes a cabin can actually be cheaper than two hotel rooms for larger families.

We’ve stayed in cabins on a couple of Smoky Mountain trips, and honestly, it’s one of the easiest ways to feel at home while still on vacation.

My top tip? Read the reviews carefully! They’re usually very telling about what you can expect—things like how clean the cabin really is, how responsive the host is, and whether the photos match the actual space.

Best Areas to Stay: Gatlinburg vs. Pigeon Forge vs. Sevierville

Choosing the right area to stay in the Smokies can make your trip so much easier. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide:

Gatlinburg

• Best for: Families who want to be close to attractions like Anakeesta, Ripley’s Aquarium, and the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

• Why I Love It: You can easily walk to restaurants, shops, and attractions, which is a huge plus if you don’t want to drive everywhere.

• Extra Tip: For trolley maps, parking info, and local events, check the Gatlinburg Convention & Visitors Bureau website.

• Where to Stay: Check current hotel deals in Gatlinburg here

If you’re planning to spend most of your time downtown, my Downtown Gatlinburg: Ultimate Guide for Your Visit has tips for where to eat, shop, and play.

Pigeon Forge

• Best for: Families who want a mix of entertainment, shows, and easy access to Dollywood

• Why I Love It: There’s so much to do for kids of all ages—The Island, go-karts, mini-golf, and family-friendly dining are all right there.

• Extra Tip: You can see all the attractions, shops, and events at The Island in Pigeon Forge’s official website.

• Where to Stay: Check current hotel deals in Pigeon Forge here

Want extra ideas for things to do? My post on Gatlinburg Family Vacation: Smoky Mountain Memories shares some of our favorite attractions and activities.

Sevierville

• Best for: Families looking for a quieter, more affordable stay while still being a short drive to the action

• Why I Love It: You can find larger cabins at better prices here, and it’s still only 15–20 minutes from Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge attractions.

• Where to Stay: Browse family cabins in Sevierville here

Once you’ve picked your area, don’t miss my Top 10 Free Things to Do in Gatlinburg for Families—it’s a great way to fill in some fun, budget-friendly activities.

Mom Tips for Booking Family Lodging

As a mom of four, here are a few things I always keep in mind when booking Smoky Mountain lodging:

• Book early—The best family cabins and suites sell out months in advance.

• Think about where you’ll spend most of your time. Staying closer to either Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge can save you a lot of driving (and keep the kids happier).

• Suites or cabins are worth it for families of 5+. Having extra space makes a huge difference for everyone’s sanity.

• Look for hotels with free breakfast and pools. This saves money and gives you easy downtime on busy travel days.

• Check the bed setup carefully. Bunk beds or twin beds are great for kids, while parents will appreciate a king or queen.

• Read reviews before booking. They’re usually very telling about cleanliness, noise levels, and whether the pictures match reality.

And don’t stress too much about finding the “perfect” place.

Most family-friendly hotels and cabins in the Smokies are great options—you just need one that works best for your family and makes your trip feel doable and fun.

Conclusion: Where to Stay in Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge

Finding the right place to stay can feel like a big decision, but once you get there, you’ll see that the Smoky Mountains are amazing no matter where you stay.

Whether you choose a cozy cabin with mountain views or a hotel packed with family-friendly amenities, the most important thing is creating fun memories with your family.

We’ve stayed in both cabins and hotels, and honestly, each gives a completely different vibe—so pick what feels best for your family and your budget.

At the end of the day, it’s not about finding “perfect,” it’s about finding what’s doable and fun for you!

May you LOVE your adventure! KW