Gatlinburg, TennesseeDowntown Gatlinburg
Historic Rocky Waters Inn
Restored riverside inn
Downtown Gatlinburg Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Renovated
2024
Price
$$$
Rated for
Design Heritage LocalOutside the door
Restored riverside inn
The 1935 motor court is now an adults-only lodge where Parkway traffic gives way to the sound of rushing water.
What it’s good at
Notable
Cedar slat screening shields roadside suites with cantilevered balconies over the Little Pigeon River.
Notable
A 1935 motor inn predating Gatlinburg's charter, revitalized along the rushing mountain river.
Notable
Appalachian walnut furnishings and in-room whiskey tasting kits root stays in the Smokies.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Also in Condé Nast Traveler.
There are few more relaxing sounds than that of gently flowing water, and at this adults-only inn dating back to 1935, all 36 bedrooms come with balconies overlooking the Little Pigeon River;
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park entrance is a short drive south. Downtown Gatlinburg's shops and distilleries are within walking distance.
The rooms
Every room has a balcony cantilevered over the rushing river. Select rooms add stone fireplaces and deep soaking tubs.
Restaurant
The Heirloom Room
Leather stools line the bar for rare Appalachian bourbons, and the kitchen serves dry-aged steaks and regional game.
A family establishment sitting at the foothills of the Smokies, Historic Rocky Waters Inn places guests in the heart of the serene mountains while still staying comfortably close to downtown.
At the table
Tables for breakfast sit on the covered patio, looking straight down into the rocky mountain stream.
How it began
The Lawson family built eight riverbank cabins here in the early 1930s to lodge visitors to the newly created national park.
Gatlinburg
More like this
Hotel Indigo Gatlinburg by IHG
“Appalachian rooftop lodge”
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.