TSM Quick Take
Right stay for you?
Great Smokies Inn is a practical choice for families and park visitors seeking easy access to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, located within a 10-minute drive. The hotel offers a seasonal outdoor pool and mountain views, making it a solid option for value-focused travelers. However, it may not appeal to couples looking for a romantic getaway or those wanting to walk to downtown Cherokee, as it is about 1.8 miles away.
Who it's for
- Families with kids who want a pool day on a rainy afternoon
- Road trippers looking for convenient access to Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- Value-focused travelers seeking affordable accommodations near Cherokee
- Guests wanting easy access to Harrah's Cherokee Casino
Who it's not for
- Couples seeking a romantic/upscale stay
- Travelers wanting walk-everywhere downtown access
Where it sits
Location Strategy
National park
Within a 10-minute drive to Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Downtown
1.8 miles from the center of Cherokee
Walkable
Saunooke Village; Nearby restaurants
Drive times
Unverified for Cades Cove, Dollywood, and Anakeesta
Neighborhood feel
Located on Acquoni Road near shopping and dining, feels like a roadside convenience location.
What stands out
Amenity Highlights
Seasonal outdoor pool
The hotel features a seasonal outdoor pool, perfect for families looking to relax and enjoy the outdoors.
Children’s pool
A dedicated children's pool is available, making it family-friendly.
Free Wi-Fi
Guests can enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi, which is a valuable amenity for travelers.
Mountain / park views
Rooms offer views of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Blue Ridge Parkway.
Laundry facilities
On-site laundry facilities are available for guest convenience.
Tour/ticket assistance
The hotel provides assistance with tours and tickets, enhancing the guest experience.
Booking decision
Before You Book
Price tier
budget
Expect higher rates during summer, fall foliage, and holiday/event periods.
Know before you book
- Check-in time is 3:00 PM.
- Check-out time is 11:00 AM.
- The hotel has a 24-hour front desk.
- Minimum check-in age is 21.
Duration
1-3 nights (most guests use it as a base for Cherokee and park exploration)
Price
$79-150 per night depending on season and demand
Best For
Families visiting Great Smoky Mountains National Park • Budget-conscious travelers wanting Cherokee proximity • Couples seeking a quiet base near outdoor activities
Website
greatsmokiesinn.comPro tip: Ask for a room facing the river side - you'll get better mountain views and the sound of running water drowns out any parking lot noise from late arrivals.
About Great Smokies Inn
Located along Acquoni Road in the heart of Cherokee, the Great Smokies Inn offers straightforward, comfortable lodging just minutes from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park entrance. This riverside hotel combines practical amenities with an unbeatable location - you can walk to Saunooke Village shops and the Oconaluftee River Trail right from your room.
The two-story property features exterior corridor access to rooms equipped with the essentials: refrigerators, microwaves, free Wi-Fi, and mountain views through openable windows. During warm months, guests can cool off in the main outdoor pool and adjacent children's pool, perfect after a day of hiking or exploring Cherokee attractions.
What sets this hotel apart is its proximity to nature - the sound of the Oconaluftee River provides natural ambiance, and early risers often spot elk grazing in nearby fields at dawn. The 24-hour front desk staff knows the area well and readily shares local insights and recommendations.
Room rates typically start around $79 per night, offering good value considering the central location. Since there's no elevator, guests with mobility concerns or heavy luggage should request ground floor rooms. While the accommodations are simple rather than luxurious, the combination of riverside setting, convenient location, and practical amenities makes Great Smokies Inn a reliable choice for Cherokee visitors who want easy access to both outdoor adventures and town attractions.
Free parking, the seasonal pool, and walking distance to local shops add extra value for families and outdoor enthusiasts looking for a comfortable base in Cherokee.
Amenities & Features
- Exceptionally friendly and welcoming staff that guests rave about
- Prime walking location—minutes from shops, restaurants, Elk viewing spots, Blue Ridge Parkway, and Newfound Gap Road
- Consistently clean rooms with comfortable beds at great value pricing
- Quick problem-solving (like using ozone treatment to eliminate smoke smells)
Insider Tips for Great Smokies Inn
Insider tips
Visitors most often point to Riverside Location, Seasonal Pool Complex, and Saunooke Village Access. Free parking is available right outside your room door.
Bring layers - mountain nights get cool even in summer. No elevator, so request ground floor if you have mobility concerns.
Before you go
Plan around 1-3 nights (most guests use it as a base for Cherokee and park exploration) unless you are only stopping in briefly. Current price guidance on this page is $79-150 per night depending on season and demand.
A website is linked here for direct confirmation of current details.
Highlights
Don't Miss
experience
Riverside Location
You'll fall asleep to the sound of the Oconaluftee River flowing right behind the property. The riverwalk is steps away and perfect for morning coffee walks before the crowds arrive.
activity
Seasonal Pool Complex
Both an adult pool and separate children's pool make this a hit with families. After a day hiking Mingo Falls or exploring the park, there's nothing better than cooling off here.
experience
Saunooke Village Access
Walk to shops, restaurants, and Cherokee attractions without moving your car. We love grabbing dinner at the village then strolling back to our room.
experience
National Park Gateway
You're literally one mile from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park entrance. Morning elk viewing at Oconaluftee fields is a 5-minute drive away.
experience
In-Room Amenities
Every room has a fridge, microwave, and coffee maker - perfect for storing snacks and having morning coffee before park adventures. Free Wi-Fi actually works well too.
view
Mountain Views
Request a room facing the mountains and you'll wake up to gorgeous Smoky Mountain vistas. The views are especially stunning during fall foliage season.
Know Before You Go
- Free parking is available right outside your room door
- Bring layers - mountain nights get cool even in summer
- No elevator, so request ground floor if you have mobility concerns
- Pool is seasonal (spring through early fall only)
- Pet policy varies - call ahead to confirm if bringing pets
Best Times to Visit Great Smokies Inn
Book well in advance for peak seasons (summer and fall foliage).
Tags
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the hours for Great Smokies Inn?
The hotel operates 24/7 with a 24-hour front desk. Check-in is at 3:00 PM and check-out is at 11:00 AM, though they're usually flexible if you call ahead.
How much does Great Smokies Inn cost?
Rates start around $79 per night for standard rooms, but prices vary by season and demand. Fall foliage season and summer weekends cost significantly more, so book early for better rates.
Do I need reservations for Great Smokies Inn?
Yes, especially during peak seasons like October fall foliage and summer months. They do accept walk-ins when available, but we'd never risk it during busy times.
How long should I spend at Great Smokies Inn?
Most guests stay 1-3 nights as a base for exploring Cherokee and the national park. Two nights gives you time for one full park day plus Cherokee attractions without feeling rushed.
Is Great Smokies Inn good for kids?
Absolutely - kids love the seasonal outdoor pool and children's pool area. The location is perfect for families since you can walk to shops and it's minutes from park hiking trails and elk viewing.
Is there parking at Great Smokies Inn?
Yes, free self-parking is included for all guests. It's a surface lot right outside your room door since it's an exterior-corridor style motel.
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