Lodging in Pigeon Forge, TN?

[horseshowmom]

We had a trip planned to Orlando for Christmas, but after due to some scheduling conflicts, we're thinking about changing it to Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg instead. Everything that I've looked at looks like it would be great for a holiday visit!

I'm going to need something with 2 - 3 bedrooms. Can anybody recommend somewhere that is very reasonably priced and convenient to Pigeon Forge (don't particularly want to be somewhere isolated that might be a problem if bad weather materialized).

I use VRBO and ebay regularly to get low rates for Orlando and will be watching them as the time grows nearer and our final decision is reached, but I would love some suggestions from people who can give positive reviews!

Thanks!

 

[mary0305]

Two chalet companies that we have used in the past are:

www.mountainchalets.com and www.greatchalets.com

We have been very pleased with both companies and the chalets they rent. We love the Pigeon Forge / Gatlinburg area!! Hope you have a great trip!!

 

[luvthatdisney]

I too have used VRBO, but to stay at the beach not the moutains. With that said, we have stayed in hotels and chalets in PF/G. I have to say that I enjoy staying in Gatlinburg more than Pigeon Forge. It has that mountain community feeling. Atmosphere is big for me - hence the reason I love WDW so much!! Many nice hotels to pick from.

Just google chalets in either town - they are all over. Not sure how cheap things will be during that time, but things are beautiful that time of year. It may be cheaper to get 2 adjoining rooms vs a chalet, but you might be able to find a deal out there!

Good luck and have fun!

 

[horseshowmom]

Thanks! I will definitely check out the suggestions made. I may go ahead and check out hotels too (the rooms don't have to be adjoining since the other two will be my daughter and son-in-law).

Again, thanks!

 

[downsouth]

We hit PF several times a year so let me recommend home hotels:

My fav. is The Resort at Governors Crossing because it has an indoor waterpark and has 1,2,3 BR Condos

Check out the following hotels:

Mainstay Suites
Music Road Inn
Music Road Hotel
Inn at Christmas Place
Comfort Inn Apple Valley
Econolodge Riverside
Comfort Inn (one across from Dollywood Lane)


Check www.mypigeonforge.com for a full list of hotels, condos, cabins etc...

 

[SC Minnie]

We just got back from a weekend in Gatlinburg! We rented a cabin through Sunset Cottages. It was a 5 bedroom cabin. It was clean and well maintained. It had a full kitchen, basement with a pool table, hot tub, etc.

The people at Sunset Cottages were helpful and everything was clearly spelled out. I would not hesitate to use them again. As a matter of fact we discussed with the other family we went with trying to book this same cabin next year!

 

[tinatark]

Wilderness at the Smokies is here now - it has an indoor water park - HUGE! That week is crazy busy for everywhere in town.

 

[horseshowmom]

Thanks for the additional information. We aren't interested in the indoor waterparks, but those hotels sound like they would be good to stay away from due to their popularity.

It's looking more and more like we'll probably get there the 19th and stay for 5 nights (coming home on the 24th). We want to go to Dollywood for the Christmas festivities (maybe a couple of days). My daughter will want to do the outlet malls for sure. The Aquarium is a possibility too. My son-in-law had always wanted to do the Dixie Stampede (we did it when it was still in Orlando). Also, thinking about a trip over to see Biltmore (I've heard it's incredible at Christmas).

We've been to PF/Gat many times, but it's been a long time now (probably 15 years), and we've never been during the winter.

Thanks!

 

[KristinBelle]

We loved Ripley's Aquarium, it was so cool. We vacationed in Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge this past summer and had such a good time we're going back next summer.

 

[Wishing on a star]

A new resort development for a nice cabin might be be Sherwood Forest.
It sounds fabulous.

The weather is usually okay until about Christmas... January into Feb are the biggest chances of ice and snow... But, there is always the possibility of snow and ice in December as well. I imagine that many cabins might be located off the main roads on the surrounding ridges and foothills. However, for Christmas/Winter in this area, nothing sounds quite like a cabin with a fire in the fireplace! Just look at maps and driving directions to be sure you know where the cabins are located.

If you are interested in a Condo, then perhaps you could check out RCI.com. Even if you are not with RCI, I imagine that most condo resorts in this area are affiliated with RCI, and searching for the Pigeon Forge area on RCI.com might be an excellent resource. Then, if you see a place that you like, you can simply contact them directly about availability and reservations.

 

[live4christp1]

There are several timeshares in the Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge area and if you go to redweek . com you can get some good deals by renting from owners who aren't using their weeks or renting their bonus weeks. We've gotten deals as good as $500 for a 3 bedroom unit that sleeps 10 for a week. No tour or anything required.

There is a fee for joining redweek, like $10 a year or something. I'll pop over and look and post back high/low.

Cristy

 

[Wishing on a star]

One day at DollyWood is plenty for Christmas...
Plan on getting there early if you want to see more than one of the Christmas shows... Remember, at Christmas the shows is why everyone is there... the lines for the theaters will be long... You might even want to consider the special Que thing that they offer.... where you pay for preferred seating and do not have wait in the lines.

Then plan on staying until close for the big Christmas light show.... Then, take your time exiting the park.... in just a few minutes the crowds will have rushed out, all congested going thru the gift-shop exit and waiting for the trams... So, you should just enjoy a slow walk out of the park, taking in all the lights, etc...

Yes, Biltmore sounds fabulous at Christmas!

 

[downsouth]

Yes, Biltmore sounds fabulous at Christmas!

Daytime at Biltmore is fantastic, but The Candlelight Christmas Evenings are unbelivable. The house will be alive with carolers, actors portraying period era visitors having a grand party in the solarium, etc... Well worth the extra admission price.

 

[live4christp1]

Dollywood tip - Park at Patriot's Park (lots of parking there). Hope on the Dollywood tram - think it's $0.50 per person each way. Drops you off at Dollywood entrance........then when leaving......picks you up at entrance/exit. Cheaper than parking in the lot at Dollywood and don't have the long walk to and from car.

Some prices from redweek. Mountainloft in Gatlinburg 3 bedroom unit, sleeps 10 12/5 - 12/12 (sometimes you can contact the owner to see if dates are flexible) for $599. Same location any dates up until 12/31/2009 2 bedroom unit sleeps 6 for $849.
Westgate - 3 unit postings 2 bedroom units sleep 8, dates through 12/31 for $1,100
Wyndham Smokey Mtn - 3 bedroom unit sleeps 10 12/25 - 1/1 for $1,199


Couple of other sites for cabins are sunsetcottage.com and the other I think is Eagles Landing.

 

[live4christp1]

Other useful links

http://www.gatlinburg.com/default.asp

http://www.mypigeonforge.com/

http://www.visitsevierville.com/

If you decide on a cabin keep in mind that the weather here around that time can sometimes be unpredictable especially in the higher elevations. Have been in Gatlinburg at times with nothing on the ground but driving up over the mountain in to Cherokee NC lots of ice. They do a great job of keeping the main roads pretty clear though.

 

[BirdLegsRed]

The Inn at Christmas Place is nice and festive. Clean rooms, wonderful staff, they even have Santa singing carols certain nights. All decked out for Christmas! We loved it!