Name: Holiday Inn Express Gatlinburg Downtown by IHG
Address: 322 Historic Nature Trail, Gatlinburg, Tennessee, United States of America, Gatlinburg, Tennessee, US
Price range: US$150–US$489 per night
Rating: 9.05

What guests think

Holiday Inn Express Gatlinburg Downtown by IHG is widely described as a clean, family-friendly base with a popular indoor water play area, walkable location near downtown attractions, friendly staff, and a hot breakfast that many guests enjoy.

However, facilities feedback is mixed, with repeated notes about cold or closed water features, heavy chlorine or poor ventilation at times, and occasional lack of pool towels or broken arcade machines. Room impressions vary too: some find them comfortable and spacious, while others report small or dated rooms, thin walls, outdated or small TVs, spotty Wi-Fi, and occasional hot-water disruptions. Expect a convenient, kid-centric stay with standout breakfast and location, but inconsistent facility upkeep and service experiences.

Facilities

Cleanliness

Rooms

Service

Location

Dining

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Facilities

The indoor water park and pool are a big hit for families, though guests report intermittent closures, cold water when heaters fail, heavy chlorine or weak ventilation, and occasional lack of towels or broken arcade games. Parking is convenient but can be limited in the shared lot.

Related guest reviews

10

Diana

4 Jan 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

Hotel has a great location, very clean. It was upsetting to find out the water park heater is broken, so the water is ice cold.

10

Keela

9 Mar 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Hotel is great location. Kids loved the indoor pool/waterpark area. Perfect for them, the hours of the pool were convenient. The games in the game rooms however, didn’t work, 3 machines took our money. Do not recommend using any of those! Hotel breakfast was very good. Fresh coffee any time is convenient. Rooms were clean, pillows were comfortable. Perfect for our one night getaway. Lovely place for kids. Location from the Gatlinburg strip was great. Could walk to nearby restaurants and activities!

4

Hillary

29 Jan 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

It was really unfortunate we picked this hotel mainly for the indoor pool/waterpark and walking distance to most attractions. Come to find out it was out due to maintenance. I understand it was mid January and at some point it would need maintenance but we didn’t know until we checked in and saw the sign at the desk. We booked it strictly because we had a toddler and it was one of the few fun activities we could have done inside. Also one of the 3 days we stayed we didn’t have water. We went to brush our teeth and found this out the hard way. Which then obviously we weren’t able to shower either. We called to inquire and the response was we’re working on it. The shower when it was working was freezing the day before and the day after it was fixed. We’re pretty understanding and Thankfully our experiences in gatlinburg made up for the hotel experience; But we don’t plan on returning to this hotel.

6

Lauren

31 Jan 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The property was clean and bright. We booked it for the kids water park but it was closed for repairs which wasn’t indicated on either the hotels website or Expedia. Even though I booked the hotel through Expedia the hotel also collected payment so I am awaiting a refund.

10

Darlene

7 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Hotel very clean, good breakfast, kids loved the indoor pool and water slide.

4

Sharron

25 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 5 nights

This property was a disappointment. The indoor water area was so heavy with chlorine and there was no ventilation. The smell was strong and it was so hot that I did not feel comfortable letting my grandson play in there. Towels were terrible. Mattress although not terrible as far as comfort but had spots on the mattress. Lamp shade had a big burnt spot and carpet had cigarette burns even though there is no smoking. Ask about a trolley and was told did not stop at hotel. Then on last day there was the trolley. Refrigerator did not keep anything cold. Part of the ceiling was ripped and hanging down. Convenient to the Gatlinburg strip was good about all I can say.

8

Michael D.

4 Jan 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Pool area had no towels. Water park was freezing cold. Grandkids couldn't play in it because of the temperature. That's the whole reason we came here. Disappointed.

10

Tiffiny

15 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

We had an incredible stay! Indoor pool and slides were perfect for our stay!

8

Nicholas

4 Jul 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

This hotel shares parking with another hotel and finding a parking spot after the sun goes down is like a scavenger hunt, even though you have a parking pass.

8

Nicole

11 Apr 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

We had a great stay. The kids enjoyed the water slides. My only complaint was they had no towels un the pool area! It was a super convenient and easy walk right to the strip in Gatlinburg.

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Cleanliness

Most guests find the hotel and rooms very clean, with several noting a fresh, pleasant smell. A few mentioned lapses such as stained linens, odors, dust, or occasional pests.

Related guest reviews

4

Calli

29 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

There were straw papers and crumbs in the hallway when we arrived. The sheets had stains that appeared to be black mold. There was so much water damage to the bottom of the bathroom door the grey paint had peeled off all the way across. The beds were miserably hard. We arrived very late and moved hotels the next day.

10

Wendalina

30 May 2025

·

Stayed 6 nights

Love the cleanliness of the hotel. The hotel had an absolutely wonderful smell. The breakfast they provided was always enough with variety. The hotel was also close to all attractions not requiring a car.

8

Casey

16 Dec 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

The location of this hotel is great and it is less than a 5 minute walk to the strip. The downside to this property is the overpowering scent in the lobby, it is almost intolerable if you have allergies or are sensitive to fragrance. The beds are comfortable but there is a mountain of dust behind them that could desperately needs to be vacuumed. Also it is 2024 and why smart TV's are not standard in all hotels like this is something I will never understand.

10

Charles

17 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Absolutely loved the experience. Extremely clean, safe, friendly a great time. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Staff were incredibly friendly and respectful.

10

Karen

13 Apr 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

This hotel was exceptionally clean, the staff was super friendly, and the breakfast buffet had many choices. Our 8 yr old loved the water park. Very convenient location to downtown Gatlinburg.

10

Nikki

28 Mar 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Wonderful Motel! You can walk in and smell the cleanliness. Everyone was super nice, kind and helpful. The free breakfast had a huge variety and was very good. It is a two minute walk to the main strip in Gatlinburg. Everything was great! I have stayed at manu places when i come to Gatlinburg area this is by far the best! 100/100!!!

10

Timothy

4 Apr 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Very clean, large breakfast room, delicious breakfast!

10

Ceaira

23 Feb 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Hotel was beautiful nice but the young man at front desk was just there to get paid he didn’t provide me with receipt of payment no WiFi code no code to get into the pool area he give me my key card didn’t write the room on it I had to keep running back to the counter too ask for things he should have given me at check in the room was clean but just smelled like pee so badly those are the only issues I had

10

Lisa

2 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

I found this property to be clean and the staff to all be very nice and accommodating.

6

DHAVAL

21 Aug 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Few bugs in bathroom sink , freaked us out

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Rooms

Rooms are generally comfortable, with some reported as spacious and quiet, but others feel small or dated. Common gripes include thin walls, outdated or small TVs, spotty Wi-Fi, and occasional maintenance issues or appliance limitations.

Related guest reviews

6

Aaron

28 Jan 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

Considering what we paid for rooms here, I was left feeling as if we should have booked elsewhere for the amount we paid. The wifi did not work for the entire time that we were there; it worked for about an hour when we first arrived and after that, no more. Also, there is NO FREEZER space in the fridge in your rooms. We spent $12 on ice cream (Ben n Jerry's) only to get back to the room and discover there was nowhere to put it. The entire "fridge" is just that, no freezer section (and barely cooled drinks either). There is no jacuzzi or hot tub sadly, and there was no bathtub in our room either. Nice water park for the kids but nothing for the adults. We were given a handicapped accessible room due to a youth conference filling the place up that weekend and was unable to take a regular "bath" as it was shower only. I will not be staying at this location again, due to the lack of proper amenities. Hotel was very clean though.

8

Casey

16 Dec 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

The location of this hotel is great and it is less than a 5 minute walk to the strip. The downside to this property is the overpowering scent in the lobby, it is almost intolerable if you have allergies or are sensitive to fragrance. The beds are comfortable but there is a mountain of dust behind them that could desperately needs to be vacuumed. Also it is 2024 and why smart TV's are not standard in all hotels like this is something I will never understand.

6

Monica

26 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

usually love HGI Express.. worst one we stayed at.. unimpressive.. a little dingy.. rooms smaller than usual

8

Donald

20 Oct 2024

·

Stayed 4 nights

Overall, our stay was fine. Room had the smallest tv I’ve seen in a modern hotel. Tv signals were weak. Not good for college football weekends.

8

gladis

15 Oct 2023

·

Stayed 5 nights

Great hotel for families. The indoor water park was bigger than I expected. My children enjoyed it every night. The continental breakfast has great selection compared to other hotels. Many healthy options too (turkey sausage, boiled eggs, egg white omelette). Coffee station was available 24/7. Only con was that the walls are not sound proof at all. You hear every door slam close and people’s movements. It’s mainly families so every thing was pretty quiet by 9-10pm. Unless someone near by has a baby crying.

4

Sharron

25 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 5 nights

This property was a disappointment. The indoor water area was so heavy with chlorine and there was no ventilation. The smell was strong and it was so hot that I did not feel comfortable letting my grandson play in there. Towels were terrible. Mattress although not terrible as far as comfort but had spots on the mattress. Lamp shade had a big burnt spot and carpet had cigarette burns even though there is no smoking. Ask about a trolley and was told did not stop at hotel. Then on last day there was the trolley. Refrigerator did not keep anything cold. Part of the ceiling was ripped and hanging down. Convenient to the Gatlinburg strip was good about all I can say.

10

Mary

1 Oct 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

The room is huge and very clean. Bed is very confortable. Very close and short walk to the Parkway. Rate is great for the location and nice room!

8

Ashley

6 Apr 2023

·

Stayed 4 nights

We loved the indoor water park and all of the game rooms. Our room was a bit smaller than we expected (2 queen beds). The food options at breakfast time were good. Parking was quite lacking. Overall, we enjoyed our stay and would stay here again.

6

Crystal

27 Apr 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Everything was very nice my only thing is my tv was broken in my room so that was a bummer for night time

10

Dianna

6 Jan 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Great stay. Clean. Comfortable. Quiet. Awesome location. Easy walk to downtown. Wonderful breakfast. Only complaint had a ground unit facing parking lot , but amazingly it was still quiet !!! Would stay again.

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Service

Staff are frequently described as friendly, helpful, and welcoming, especially at the front desk and breakfast. Some guests, however, reported rude or unresponsive encounters, unfulfilled compensation or lost items, and occasional unexpected destination/add-on fees.

Related guest reviews

6

Dennis

4 Oct 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Horrible check in!! The lady, Carol at the desk was rude. Yelled to us when we were coming in, can't check in till 4pm! Ok, we thought it was 3pm like most Hotels. We arrived at 315. She then tells me, our room will be ready at 330? Family had already uploaded our car. Had our stuff on a cart. We waited in the lobby, in full view of this woman. Other guests started coming in to check in, as it was now 345. She never once said, come on up! I then got in line behind 6 other guests checking in. Ridiculous. Room was just ok, certainly not worth $300 a night during the week for a family of 4!! We had stayed at Gatlinburg Margaritaville 3 weeks prior for the same price. Much better Hotel for the same money! Also, the indoor pool was cold. Super thin small towels in our room. Beds were awful. Plastic silverware for breakfast was the cheapest made. Won't be staying here ever again!!

10

Candace L

22 Apr 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

We enjoyed our stay, however following our second night there we were asked to relocate to a different room due to a water leak in the wall affecting the room below us. We were told they would make compensation at check out, but didn’t. No partial refund or compensation of any kind. We were not happy about that at all.

10

Clayton

3 Oct 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Wonderful staff, clean and comfortable room. Easy walking distance to downtown Gatlinburg.

10

Emily

16 Oct 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

We really enjoyed our stay at the Holiday Inn Express. Our kids loved the pool and water slides. The slides were down for a few hours one day, but the front desk let us know as soon as they were ready. Convenient walk to parkway. Staff was very friendly and helpful.

10

Deborah

5 Mar 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The staff is outstanding! Lance, Hannah, and Mandy( food/breakfast) manager made our stay here exceptional!They are all inviting, welcoming, and take pride in their work. We will definitely book our next stay here. Thank you for your hospitality!

8

Ravikumar

23 Dec 2024

·

Stayed 6 nights

I liked the property and the stay as a whole. However, I paid in full for the stay ahead of time via Expedia. I stayed 6 nights. I thought everything was clear and paid for until on the last day a few hours prior to checkout, I got charged a hefty amount on my card from the property. When I asked them, they said this is “destination fee” which Expedia is not charging the customers so the balance ends up being charged at the end of the stay which is unexpected. No where on Expedia does it mention anything at all about destination fee. They are working to try to incorporate this fee in the price that Expedia quotes and charges, but it’s not yet done. So that’s why we get the surprise. I don’t like surprises, so this wasn’t good for me.

10

Erik

11 Jun 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

Front desk staff Carey was extremely nice and personable. Breakfast staff worked extremely hard to make sure all guests were comfortable.

10

Michael

17 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

I didn’t like the $25 add on fee before check in. I thought I had paid Expedia the entire bill.

8

David

8 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Great property, clean rooms, close easy walking distance to the main Gatlinburg strip. The water park feature was a hit, although it is quite “splashy” and hard to avoid getting water poured on you going down any of the slides— so if your kids don’t enjoy being splashed, they may be hesitant. There is no hot tub, but a small-medium sized indoor pool. It was comfortable to swim in but on the lower temp end of heated pools. We only had two negative components to our stay: 1) The shower temperature wasn’t as warm as we’d prefer. I like hot showers, so perhaps it was just me, but my spouse and I agreed we wished they had their water heater turned up just a couple more degrees. The shower was fine, but I got out feeling a just a little chilly rather than warm. 2) We forgot an item in the room. Called within a couple hours of leaving as we were still in the area, and nothing had been turned in. Went back the next morning to check again and still nothing turned in. So we were a little bummed that someone from the cleaning staff decided to keep it instead of turn it on, it left a little bit of a sour taste in our mouth. Overall a good stay though, one bad apple doesn’t spoil the bunch. The proximity to the strip and having the water park area for kids is what sold us.

10

Paul

8 May 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Thomas at the front desk is probably the most customer care person ive ever encountered during a hotel stay. He is the VIP of hotel services. Clean hotel, comfy beds and next to all the activities.

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Location

Highly walkable to downtown and the Convention Center, with easy access to attractions and nearby trolley stops. Many guests choose it for the central, convenient base.

Related guest reviews

10

Clay and Christy

28 Apr 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

It was nice and very convenient to convention center.

10

Ibreisha

20 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Our stay was amazing the front desk staff was very friendly the set up of the hotel and where it is located is in a very good location.

10

Iram

2 Jan 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

Very nice place to stay. Very close to downtown Gatlinburg. Just a few minutes walk. Friendly staff. Room service every day.

10

Wendalina

30 May 2025

·

Stayed 6 nights

Love the cleanliness of the hotel. The hotel had an absolutely wonderful smell. The breakfast they provided was always enough with variety. The hotel was also close to all attractions not requiring a car.

10

Jackie

8 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Great place to stay. Great breakfast. Short walk to the Main Street downtown Gatlinburg

10

Cheryl

18 Feb 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

Location

10

Karen

28 Jan 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

This place was very walkable to everything. The staff was very friendly.

10

Kayla

20 Oct 2024

·

Stayed 7 nights

I enjoyed that it was a short walk from the parkway and the trolley stops at the top entrance of the hotel parking lot. But, this hotel shares parking a parking lot with the hotel beside it, so it’s generally full. But there is also a smaller parking lot in the back.

10

taylor

15 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

In walking distance of a lot of activities to do with the family. Very friendly staff. Very clean!

10

Dianna

6 Jan 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Great stay. Clean. Comfortable. Quiet. Awesome location. Easy walk to downtown. Wonderful breakfast. Only complaint had a ground unit facing parking lot , but amazingly it was still quiet !!! Would stay again.

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Dining

Breakfast is widely praised for taste and variety, often considered better than typical for this tier. A few reviews noted inconsistent quality on some items or days.

Related guest reviews

10

Haydar

10 May 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

This hotel has been a gem in a quaint little town. Walking distance to almost everything. Much better selection of breakfast items served than most hotels I've been to. Awesome pool for kids...

10

Vince

21 Apr 2025

·

Stayed 5 nights

We enjoyed our stay. Breakfast was awesome!

8

Brenda

16 Jan 2023

·

Stayed 3 nights

The room and hotel was clean and comfortable. The breakfast was really bad! The pool wasn’t heated so it was very cold.

10

Mike

15 Apr 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Perfect hotel for families. The indoor pool/waterpark is a wonderful perk for kids. Even my teenagers enjoyed the 2 bigger slides. The free breakfast was also surprisingly good with something for everyone. The staff was very friendly and helpful.

8

Vivian

2 Dec 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

Need to improve on breakfast. Bacon was stringy and biscuits were overcooked.

10

qing

16 Jan 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

clean sheet,s and bed sheets, easy wifi, helpful front desk guts, great breakfast, good price

8

Ginger

29 Nov 2024

·

Stayed 6 nights

We've stayed here for several years - love the location. Breakfast the first couple days this trip was a little to be desired but it did improve.

10

Jeremy

22 Dec 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

Great stay! Our kids loved the mini waterpark & pool. Room was very clean & every employee we saw from maintenance to front desk greeted us and wished us a Merry Christmas. Breakfast was a step above the “free breakfast” norm & there was an actual keurig in room as well. Will stay here again!

10

Timothy

4 Apr 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Very clean, large breakfast room, delicious breakfast!

10

Miranda

13 Mar 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Great pool, great service, phenomenal breakfast and helpful staff.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Month	Average price
January	US$111
February	US$111
March	US$161
April	US$187
May	US$167
June	US$201
July	US$200
August	US$180
September	US$167
October	US$239
November	US$198
December	US$221

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
		1	2	3	4	5
6	7	8	9	10	11	12
13	14	15	16 $312	17 $236	18 $201	19 $234
20 $151	21 $183	22 $202	23 $247	24 $190	25 $312	26 $267
27 $150	28 $215	29 $262	30 $195

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
				1 $210	2 $350	3 $273
4 $231	5 $367	6 $297	7 $287	8 $234	9 $315	10 $313
11 $236	12 $345	13 $489	14 $386	15 $357	16 $395	17 $376
18 $327	19 $239	20 $254	21 $247	22 $357	23 $472	24 $278
25 $174	26 $202	27 $210	28 $266	29 $221	30 $291	31 $232

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Monthly average prices

About this property

Location

Room options

Suite, 2 Queen Beds, Accessible (Accessible Tub)

Suite, 1 King Bed, Accessible (Accessible Tub)

Suite, 1 King Bed, Accessible (Communication)

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible (Mobility, Accessible Tub)

Standard Room

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Accessible (Communication)

Suite, 2 Queen Beds

Suite, 1 King Bed

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible (Accessible Tub)

Suite, 1 King Bed, Accessible (Roll-In Shower)

Standard Room, 1 King Bed (Leisure)

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible (Communication)

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds

Guest reviews

Superb

Who stays here?

What guests think

Property policies

Check-in instructions

Good to know

FAQs about Holiday Inn Express Gatlinburg Downtown by IHG

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Prices for upcoming dates