Bearskin Lodge on the River

Great family friendly place to stay with nice staff! Rooms were very spacious and clean. Corridors could use an upgrade carpet is worn and stained but bedrooms have nice hardwood floors!

My children love the lazy river

Very picturesque and convenient hotel on the Smokies end of the Gatlinburg main parkway. Because of the location, if you don't want to wait through the traffic of Gatlinburg you can take the Parkway bypass to get to the hotel more easily, which I recommend. Property was well maintained, with a log-cabin theme and decor, including in the rooms. My room was clean and pleasant, and the air conditioning worked well. There was a gas fireplace which would be great to use in winter. The balcony over the river was nice, except for the fact that it faces another hotel and all their guests on *their* balconies. All the staff I interacted with were pleasant and helpful. The pool and pool area were kept clean, and the pool was a good temperature, not too cold. There are also towels to use while at the pool that you just drop in a hamper as you leave. The "Peddler" steakhouse is right next door to the hotel, and it is also very close to a pizza buffet, general store, gas station, Crockett's Breakfast Camp, and The Park Grill restaurant. The only thing I encountered that did not work was the ice machine on my floor, which was a slight inconvenience. My only quibble with the hotel is that if you specifically want to spend time in the pool, be aware it is quite small. The "lazy river" is also very small, but young kids would enjoy it.

I like the atmosphere and true Lodge feel. I didn't like the odd smell in the elevator nor the breakfast offering. The Jr. king suite was great for a family of 5!! We did bring along a twin air mattress, but didn't use it. The Bearskin Lodge is a short walk to several excellent dining options!! And downtown Gatlinburg. It really was a good choice for my family!