Riverstone resort and spa. Pigeon Forge

[maxaroni]

Still having a hard time finding where we want to stay on our vacation.

Any thoughts on the Riverstone.

We are all over the place on this...we do like Hilton Garden Inn, Music Road Inn and Hamton inn. Also, Park Vista in Gatlinburg.

 

[okeydokey]

We stayed there for a week last June and really enjoyed it. The condos were very modern and nice and it was far enough off the main drag that it was quiet and peaceful. We stayed in building 2 I think and my in laws in building 4 and if you are on an upper floor you can see the fireworks from Dollywood from the balcony.

I highly recommend this place.

CORRECTION. Building 2 and 3 see fireworks. Building 4 is further down, by the river.

 

[YoYoAurora]

A good friend of mine takes the promotional photos for Riverstone. He highly recommends it as a great place to stay with your family, just the two of you or by yourself. He wouldn't steer me wrong - we've been friends since high school. And everyone else I've known who stayed there just loves it. I'd stay there in a heartbeat!

 

[Wishing on a star]

Okay, I just pulled this one up on TripAdvisor to remind myself.
Yes, if they have availability, and this is in your price-range... This one would be great.

This is a smaller condo-resort. And, I just noticed that, according to TA, they are not showing good availability????

If they separate the units into one-bedroom lockoffs, just be aware that at most places (not sure about RiverStone), those rooms are very small. May not have a decent sized balcony. Etc... So, double check that before you decide which type of accommodation to book.

I also noticed that I saw a good sized dog in one photo. Not sure how pet friendly they are... But, if this is something you would want to consider... Pet Friendly rooms are often on the first floor (no doggies on stairs and elevators, etc....) So, just mentioning this in case you want to try to be on a particular level.

Of course, VERY convenient to anything 'DOLLY'.
Good option, unless you decide you really want Gatlinburg over Pigeon Forge.

I, personally, would choose any of these that your are leaning towards, except the Park Vista.

 

[maxaroni]

Thanks everyone!
We are currently thinking by this weekend we will have this nailed down. Once we do, we can get on to planning the rest.

So much to consider and not knowing the area at all, it's confusing. Many times, when traveling we've found a hotel or resort and been very pleased. Several times, not so much.

Wishing on a Star...you are very good with knowing the area!

The other resort we are starting to look at is The Lodge at Buckberry Creek, I believe it is called. I told you, we are all over the place on this....

 

[okeydokey]

We booked through VRBO instead of the resort itself and saved a lot. I think we paid about 200 a night including taxes and fees for a two bedroom.

 

[Wishing on a star]

Sorry, can't help you with the Inns in the area.
I looked that one up, and, just for me, I wonder if it would be a bit, well, 'rustic'.

Now, If you really want a more intimate mountain getaway at an Inn, Check out the Buckhorn Inn, about 10 miles from Gatlinburg. (probably a l-o-n-g ten miles..) Wish it wasn't so far out.... I think it seems very nice. I have thought about going there for their Chef's dinner when in the area.

http://www.buckhorninn.com/

 

[Carina]

Sorry to throw another option in but have you considered a VRBO cabin instead of a hotel/resort?

You lose daily maid service but gain a full kitchen, private hot tub, and no connecting walls to anyone.

We are going in August and booked a very cute cabin with great reviews for just over $100 a night after taxes and fees.

 

[maxaroni]

Sorry to throw another option in but have you considered a VRBO cabin instead of a hotel/resort?

You lose daily maid service but gain a full kitchen, private hot tub, and no connecting walls to anyone.

We are going in August and booked a very cute cabin with great reviews for just over $100 a night after taxes and fees.

Actually, no we haven't. This is now a new option to explore. Oh my!
This is one of the hardest things to figure out for us on a vacation. Once the accommodations are set, the rest is easy peasy.

This may truly be another avenue to explore. I don't know why we didn't think of it, actually. When our DS was small we'd always rent a condo, small house, etc. It was better than a hotel as we could put him to bed and then have space to do what we wanted.

Thanks!

 

[Wishing on a star]

It is just two of you traveling this time?

If not, having the condo at RiverStone would be great, over a hotel.

We did a cabin on our Honeymoon, MANY MANY years ago. (big anniversary coming up next week as a matter of fact) I grew up close to this area.

They can be lovely... But, personally now... I enjoy being where the restaurants activities, etc. are convenient.

Unless you are prepared to bring in food and stay-in, (or drive back and forth every day) be aware of the cabin's location.

 

[Rose23]

http://hamptoninn3.hilton.com/en/hotels/tennessee/hampton-inn-pigeon-forge-PGFTLHX/index.html

The new Hampton Inn near the Christmas Inn and Tanger Outlet Center is wonderful for couples. Brand new hotel along with outdoor pool and patio area with fireplace. It is off of the main parkway so still fairly quiet but yet close enough for you to walk to parkway and catch trolley anywhere you wish to go.

Also, the Hilton Garden Inn in Gatlinburg is a great choice as well. Off of the main parkway area but yet close to walk to everything. Very clean and fairly new "green" hotel with jacuzzi tubs and balconies. You overlook the mountain side and sky ride. You can walk down the street to Ripleys Aquarium, HardRock, etc.

Best Wishes!

 

[maxaroni]

It is just two of you traveling this time?

If not, having the condo at RiverStone would be great, over a hotel.

We did a cabin on our Honeymoon, MANY MANY years ago. (big anniversary coming up next week as a matter of fact) I grew up close to this area.

They can be lovely... But, personally now... I enjoy being where the restaurants activities, etc. are convenient.

Unless you are prepared to bring in food and stay-in, (or drive back and forth every day) be aware of the cabin's location.

Just the 2 of us this time. Last year, we went to Barbados and stayed in a small, intimate boutique hotel...fantastic. 2 years ago, we went to WDW as a couple. Again, a great vacation and different with the 2 of us. DS21 was last with us 3 years ago and we went to Jamaica. For some reason, this year we are having more trouble really figuring this all out. Perhaps, some of it is me as my mom passed away in March and I'm just having a hard time "feeling it".

Yes, we prefer the convenience of having things right at our fingertips. However, we also aren't "running" the same way as when we traveled as a family. We are more laid back and we wouldn't have as much of an issue with.

For some reason, we are both wanting a "road trip" this year and we have both heard so much about the area that it has intrigued us.

Oh, our honeymoon was MANY MANY years ago as well!

Thanks for all of your help and insight.

 

[maxaroni]

http://hamptoninn3.hilton.com/en/hotels/tennessee/hampton-inn-pigeon-forge-PGFTLHX/index.html

The new Hampton Inn near the Christmas Inn and Tanger Outlet Center is wonderful for couples. Brand new hotel along with outdoor pool and patio area with fireplace. It is off of the main parkway so still fairly quiet but yet close enough for you to walk to parkway and catch trolley anywhere you wish to go.

Also, the Hilton Garden Inn in Gatlinburg is a great choice as well. Off of the main parkway area but yet close to walk to everything. Very clean and fairly new "green" hotel with jacuzzi tubs and balconies. You overlook the mountain side and sky ride. You can walk down the street to Ripleys Aquarium, HardRock, etc.

Best Wishes!

I will certainly look into the Hampton Inn. We stayed at a Hampton Inn when we went to Louisville, KY and it worked out well for us. The Hilton Garden Inn was actually in our "first round" of looking and not off the table yet.

Thanks!

 

[Wishing on a star]

Helpful update Maxaroni!

How many nights in the Gatlinburg/PigeonForge area?
Are you interested in the Mountains/Nature, more laid back.
Things like the Dolly Parton Attractions, shopping, etc.

For just a few nights in the area, from what you posted, I am thinking maybe that Hilton Garden Inn at Gatlinburg... Make sure you get a nice room, and something other than a parking lot view. Pick some recommended Restaurants for Supper and then walking and taking in the sights.

You won't get halfway as much of that 'character' of the area if you stay more in the Pigeon Forge area. Unless, of course, you are in one of the shows or Dollywood, etc. Otherwise, as you are probably seeing, here you will find Olive Garden, Outlet Shopping, etc... More similar to any other area.

Plenty of folks on here can probably help you with dining and attractions in the area as well.

Which other areas will you be heading thru on your road trip? Of course, Asheville and the Blue Ridge Parkway are recommended. But, you may have other interesting roads in mind!

 

[Wishing on a star]

For a cabin that is in a more convenient location... outside of Pigeon Forge, you could check out Sherwood Forest, thru Wyndham Vacation Rentals. I thought that Hunter's Hideaway looked like it had a nice mountain view. http://www.wyndhamvacationrentals.c...untains/pigeon-forge/rentals/hunters-hideaway

 

[maxaroni]

Helpful update Maxaroni!

How many nights in the Gatlinburg/PigeonForge area?
Are you interested in the Mountains/Nature, more laid back.
Things like the Dolly Parton Attractions, shopping, etc.

For just a few nights in the area, from what you posted, I am thinking maybe that Hilton Garden Inn at Gatlinburg... Make sure you get a nice room, and something other than a parking lot view. Pick some recommended Restaurants for Supper and then walking and taking in the sights.

You won't get halfway as much of that 'character' of the area if you stay more in the Pigeon Forge area. Unless, of course, you are in one of the shows or Dollywood, etc. Otherwise, as you are probably seeing, here you will find Olive Garden, Outlet Shopping, etc... More similar to any other area.

Plenty of folks on here can probably help you with dining and attractions in the area as well.

Which other areas will you be heading thru on your road trip? Of course, Asheville and the Blue Ridge Parkway are recommended. But, you may have other interesting roads in mind!

Thanks! I am coming around to where we first started....

Hilton Garden Inn - Gatlinburg. If we choose Pigeon Forge, it would be the Hampton Inn. The reason why we sort of "dismissed" the Hilton Garden Inn is that we are wanting a more laid back vacation and want some "resort" time. Similar to WDW....a value (we've stayed at Pop) worked out great as we are not in the room much at all. We've stayed moderate, but again...not much in the room. We've also stayed deluxe with some resort downtime. Hence, looking for more of a "resort" setting.

As far as the area, we most definitely want to see Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. We want to be able to walk around Gatlinburg but most probably won't do much of the touristy things. Perhaps a couple but not enough that we "need" to stay right in the center of things. Although, general convenience is certainly something to think about. We want to see the Smokey Mountains and will venture out. We also would probably take a day to go to Asheville. We had been thinking of going to Asheville at one point anyway. For many in NJ, that is becoming an area that many move to....NJ is expensive and many are retiring to that area.

We would not really be bringing food in but like the convenience of a fridge and perhaps a microwave. We usually stock the fridge with cold drinks.

As an aside, my parents retired at age 55 and became world travelers...many many Caribbean Islands, African safaris, all over Europe, river cruises, Russia, Hawaii, Tahiti...etc., etc. They saw very little of the US. Yes, up to New England and to FL. A trip to visit relatives in AZ and friends in Idaho. Also, did do a little of CA before heading to Hawaii one year. However, most of their travels were outside of the US. When mom got sick 9 years ago, their traveling days were over. We have asked them why they didn't see much of the US and they said once bitten by the travel bug and going to these places, no desire to see the US.
DH and I are different...we want to see the US. We have a lot to offer and would love to take time when retired to motor around the country.

You've been very helpful indeed. Thanks!

 

[Wishing on a star]

Hey, I am not even familiar with that Hampton Inn. Kinda new....
Looks super nice!!!!
OMG, the fireplace there looks like a bigger version of the stone fireplace we had put in our house. Like, almost exactly... that keystone and all!!!!

Okay, Here is my take then....
If you are not into being right in the 'character' of Gatlinburg...
Go with those who suggested to consider Pigeon Forge...

See if there is any way that you can get into Riverstone.
The factors that would put that over the Hampton are two-fold.
1. I don't think any rooms at the Hampton offer balconies. If at all possible, being able to open my room up and step outside means a lot to me!
2. Larger unit, full kitchen and fridge at the Riverstone. Not that I would be cooking... But since we have done a lot of travel thru time-share condos... (inlaws had timeshare) I just LOVE how nice it is to have that fridge and freezer for drinks snacks, ice, etc... Extra kitchen sink... over just the small bathroom sink... etc.

I think you would be very happy and love your stay at either one!

Go into Gatlinburg for supper one evening. You can dine at the Cherokee Grill (make reservations. Request a table in the section over by the fireplace!!!!) At this restaurant (and I think others at this little center) you will have a Parking Pass... You can park, dine, take in the evening strolling Gatlinburg, and parking would not be any issue.

Happy planning!


PS: My MIL was just the opposite of your parents... She was just SO proud to brag and say that she had seen like every one of the 50 states... To me... 'yawwwwwwnnnnn!!!!' There are SO many pleces that I would enjoy more than a drive thru, for example, Arkansas...

 

[maxaroni]

Hey, I am not even familiar with that Hampton Inn. Kinda new....
Looks super nice!!!!
OMG, the fireplace there looks like a bigger version of the stone fireplace we had put in our house. Like, almost exactly... that keystone and all!!!!

Okay, Here is my take then....
If you are not into being right in the 'character' of Gatlinburg...
Go with those who suggested to consider Pigeon Forge...

See if there is any way that you can get into Riverstone.
The factors that would put that over the Hampton are two-fold.
1. I don't think any rooms at the Hampton offer balconies. If at all possible, being able to open my room up and step outside means a lot to me!
2. Larger unit, full kitchen and fridge at the Riverstone. Not that I would be cooking... But since we have done a lot of travel thru time-share condos... (inlaws had timeshare) I just LOVE how nice it is to have that fridge and freezer for drinks snacks, ice, etc... Extra kitchen sink... over just the small bathroom sink... etc.

I think you would be very happy and love your stay at either one!

Go into Gatlinburg for supper one evening. You can dine at the Cherokee Grill (make reservations. Request a table in the section over by the fireplace!!!!) At this restaurant (and I think others at this little center) you will have a Parking Pass... You can park, dine, take in the evening strolling Gatlinburg, and parking would not be any issue.

Happy planning!


PS: My MIL was just the opposite of your parents... She was just SO proud to brag and say that she had seen like every one of the 50 states... To me... 'yawwwwwwnnnnn!!!!' There are SO many pleces that I would enjoy more than a drive thru, for example, Arkansas...

Thanks!

It will all come down to what we are looking for, I suppose. Basically, wanting to make sure no place is a real clunker when we get there. For example, one year we drove to WDW (usually fly) and on the way home we had pre-booked a Hampton Inn, in SC (I believe). It must have been another motel and Hampton Inn recently took it over. The rooms had not been rehabbed and it was awful. Had we not been so tired, we'd have looked for something different. However, DH was too tired. Little did we know, the next morning we found nicer places not far away.

I need to get away and clear my head a bit after the loss of my mom and the 9 years of stress/anxiety with her being very sick. I am sure once I get away, I will be fine but having trouble just "feeling it" and perhaps, that is why I am so torn. My DH was very close to my mom as well and needing to get away as well. DS21 will be going to college, working and checking on dad. Dad is 78 and so far healthy but now alone after being with my mom 63 years, married 58.

Thanks again for your help and I will let you know what we decide to do. The next thing will be looking for restaurants! We do not want chains while on vacation.

 

[Wishing on a star]

You have plenty of time to plan and make up your mind.
I know you will have a great trip!!!

Cherokee Grill is local. It is part of a local Restaurant Group out of Knoxville, I believe. But def. not a big chain. (Be careful of some of the mom-and-pop places) This group also has restaurants that are focused on seafood. So, even though this is a steakhouse, If you like crab-cakes, theirs are very good!!! You can get one large one as an app, or two as a meal. (OMG, two would be to much for me)

I am trying to remember what Calhoun's are in the area.
They good for steaks or smoked prime rib. (only I like mine roasted, not smokey... but it is excellent.)

You can try what we always call 'The Apple Barn', the Applewood Grill at Pigeon Forge. It has 'southern' cooking like fried chicken. There are some small shops there. Try a loaf of sweet apple bread from the bakery. Great the next morning, warmed and served with some butter. (little butter pats from a restaurant) When we planned that reunion event, I put a small loaf of that bread in each welcome basket.

There is also the Old Mill Restaurant. Which is def. not like any chain, and will have the local mountain character.