16 Best Resorts in Tennessee
By Janet Benoir | Updated 3 Days Ago
Tennessee offers a diverse range of lodging options to cater to your vacation plans, be it a family road trip or a romantic getaway. The state’s resorts are as varied as its topography, encompassing both good value and high-end luxury properties. You can find resorts in the picturesque mountainous regions around Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, as well as among the urban cityscapes of Nashville and Memphis.
Depending on your interests, there are resorts tailored to your preferences. You might choose a resort like Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa if you’re looking to visit Dollywood Theme Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. However, if a golfing holiday is on your agenda, consider properties like Bent Creek Golf Village in Gatlinburg. Additionally, Nashville and Memphis offer some of the best resorts in Tennessee, with unique opportunities to experience unforgettable music history and vibrant city life.
The Hermitage Hotel, Nashville
The Hermitage Hotel, situated in downtown Nashville, is a historic gem on the National Register of Historic Places. As a five-star, five-diamond establishment, this Beaux Arts-style architectural marvel showcases an exquisite, lavish lobby.
You’ll find luxurious, elegant rooms and suites adorned with period decor, such as thick draperies and bold-colored upholstered furniture, while also featuring modern amenities. As a guest, you can indulge in the on-site spa and gym facilities. The hotel’s restaurant, Capitol Grille, offers delectable Southern classics complemented by fresh, local produce. Additionally, the hotel’s boutique retails products from nearly 40 local artisans, perfect for some shopping during your stay.
Conrad Nashville
The Conrad Nashville offers you a luxurious experience in the heart of Music City since its opening in July 2022. Situated in the bustling Midtown, this 5-star resort is merely a short 5-minute journey from Music Row. Indulge in the exquisite blend of modern architecture infused with Nashville’s rich musical history and Tennessee’s warm charm.
Boasting 234 thoughtfully designed rooms and suites, you’ll find space and comfort at every level. The Conrad Nashville also treats its guests to a rooftop swimming pool that boasts a terrace with spectacular downtown views, as well as a fitness center. When it’s time to dine, visit Blue Aster, their signature restaurant that serves up inventive, seasonally-inspired, southern farm-to-table cuisine.
Omni Nashville Hotel, Nashville
While visiting Nashville for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, consider staying at the Omni Nashville Hotel, which is conveniently connected to this popular attraction. The hotel offers 800 well-lit, contemporary rooms featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, and for exceptionally captivating views, choose a room on a higher level. Additionally, there are 54 family-friendly suites that come with separate living spaces and kitchenettes.
At the Omni Nashville, you’ll have access to a variety of on-site dining options, from casual to elegant. Treat yourself to authentic Southern cuisine at Kitchen Notes, or indulge in a memorable steakhouse experience at Bob’s Steak and Chop House. Bongo Java provides a selection of espresso drinks, often complemented by live music performances.
Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center
The Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center offers a luxurious experience with its nine acres of indoor gardens and waterways. You can enjoy a quarter-mile-long river boat tour and explore botanical gardens with beautiful streams and walking paths.
Your stay will be comfortable in their modern, clean rooms and suites. If traveling with family, the spacious suites provide separate bedrooms and pullout sofas in the living room. With a variety of on-site dining options, you can choose from 15 different restaurants, including Jack Daniel’s for a taste of southern cuisine. Other amenities include multiple swimming pools and an 18-hole golf course.
The Peabody Memphis
In the heart of downtown Memphis, just a short stroll from the iconic Beale Street, you’ll find The Peabody Memphis, a historic hotel that dates back to 1869. Its fame primarily rests on the shoulders of its resident ducks who participate in a daily procession at 11 am and 5 pm, strutting along a red carpet towards a fountain in the lobby — a true sight to behold.
As you explore the elegantly redesigned hotel, you’ll find moderately sized yet cozy rooms and suites, adorned with a fusion of contemporary and classic design. The walls elegantly display original art that pays tribute to Memphis, the ducks, and the mesmerizing Mississippi River. Among the hotel’s amenities are an indoor swimming pool, Chez Philippe – a renowned fine-dining restaurant famous for its lavish Sunday brunch, and a spa offering a wide range of treatments for your relaxation needs.
Big Cypress Lodge, Memphis
At Big Cypress Lodge located within the renowned Bass Pro Shops Pyramid, you can experience a unique and entertaining stay in Memphis. The four-star hotel offers a blend of rustic charm and luxury, with rooms and suites designed to emulate various styles such as hunting cabins, treehouses, fly-fishing lodges, and duck cabins.
The pyramid provides amusement with a wilderness adventure theme throughout its premises. Alongside the flagship Bass Pro Shops retail store, you can have fun at a 13-lane oceanic-themed bowling alley. Don’t miss out on riding the world’s tallest freestanding elevator to the summit of the pyramid, where a glass observation deck offers breathtaking views of Memphis from three vantage points.
ARRIVE Memphis
ARRIVE Memphis, a recently opened boutique hotel, offers you an excellent base for exploring the city, as it’s conveniently located near Beale Street. Notably, the hotel sits just opposite the historic Lorraine Motel, the assassination site of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in 1969, which now forms part of the National Civil Rights Museum.
Entering ARRIVE Memphis, you’ll be greeted by a vibrant lobby area that doubles as a cozy living space. Enjoy a refreshing beverage and light meal at the coffee shop, with ample comfortable seating available. For dinner, don’t miss out on the tasty wood-fired oven pizzas at the on-site restaurant. As for accommodations, expect trendy, industrial-style rooms featuring exposed pipes, concrete floors contrasted with warm area rugs, designer wallpaper, and large windows, providing an ideal blend of modern and cozy.
Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa, Pigeon Forge
Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa is only a short drive away from the well-known Dollywood Theme Park, offering the utmost convenience for your Pigeon Forge visit. You’ll find over 300 stylish rooms and suites, with a variety of sizes, shapes, and family-friendly designs to suit your needs.
Not only does the resort provide a complimentary shuttle service to Dollywood park, but you’ll also discover multiple dining options like the Song and Hearth, which specializes in Southern comfort food. Meanwhile, the lavish spa, kids’ club, fitness center, and two swimming pools—both indoor and outdoor—ensure a spectacular stay for the whole family at Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa.
The Inn On The River, Pigeon Forge
When you stay at The Inn On The River, you’ll enjoy clean and cozy rooms along the Little Pigeon River. The location is ideal, being less than four miles from Great Smoky Mountains National Park and just under six miles from Dollywood. This makes it an excellent choice for couples or families, offering a variety of rooms and suites to choose from.
For a truly memorable experience, opt for the rooms with river views, walkout balconies, Jacuzzi tubs, and fireplaces. Your stay also includes a full hot breakfast and access to amenities such as an indoor pool, hot tub, and a seasonal outdoor pool by the river. To end your day, enjoy complimentary popcorn and tea service every night.
The Lodge at Buckberry Creek, Gatlinburg
For a scenic mountain escape close to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, consider staying at the Lodge at Buckberry Creek in Gatlinburg. The 26-acre property is nestled in a forested area, offering its own hiking trails for guests to explore.
Built in the style of the 1920s Adirondack Great Lodge, the Lodge at Buckberry Creek emanates a rustic yet grand atmosphere. Each room and suite comes equipped with cozy beds, Jacuzzi tubs, balconies, and fireplaces. A complimentary continental breakfast is provided, and the on-site restaurant serves delicious meals for your convenience.
Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg
As you plan your visit to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park or the Anakeesta Theme Park, Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg is an excellent accommodation choice just a few minutes away. The resort features a unique design that combines mountain scenery with tropical elements, such as a lobby adorned with artificial palm trees and foliage.
Margaritaville Resort offers various room types to cater to all family sizes. The double queen rooms are ideal for families with young children and also provide good value. For extra space, consider the king family suites that include a separate living area with a sleeper sofa. The resort is equipped with multiple on-site eateries, such as an American grill, and a spa offering an array of treatments, along with a swimming pool.
Holiday Inn Club Vacations Smoky Mountain Resort, Gatlinburg
Nestled just off Route 441 and within a short walk from Gatlinburg’s attractions, such as Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium, the Holiday Inn Club Vacations Smoky Mountain Resort offers great value for your stay. This all-suite property is particularly favored by families traveling with children.
You can choose from spacious one- and two-bedroom suites, all equipped with full kitchens, living and dining rooms, as well as pullout sofa couches. Each suite also features a balcony, complimentary Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, and in many instances, a fireplace. For convenient amenities, the resort provides a kids’ club with activities, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a game room, a fitness center, and barbecue grills.
Bent Creek Golf Village, Gatlinburg
Located about 20 miles from Dollywood Theme Park, Bent Creek Golf Village offers a unique opportunity for golf enthusiasts who appreciate scenic settings. The 18-hole Gary Player-designed course is surrounded by picturesque woodlands, ensuring a tranquil and enjoyable golfing experience. Additionally, you’ll find various outdoor activities nearby, such as hiking, biking, and ziplining.
At Bent Creek Golf Village, you can select from one- or two-bedroom villa suites to maximize your comfort. Each suite features a fireplace, a fully equipped kitchen, a living room with a pull-out sleeping couch, a flat-screen TV, and a spacious bathroom with a walk-in shower. On-site amenities include indoor and outdoor pools, a games room, and a gym, guaranteeing a pleasant stay for all guests.
Park Vista – Gatlinburg’s DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel
Nestled in a picturesque mountainous location, Park Vista – a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Gatlinburg is just around a mile away from the renowned Gatlinburg Space Needle observation deck. As you step inside, you’ll be greeted by a stunning atrium, accentuating the hotel’s contemporary rooms and suites adorned with warm color schemes for a cozy ambiance.
For an enhanced lodging experience, the suites offer a Jacuzzi tub in the bathroom and a living area equipped with a pull-out sleeping sofa. Savor delectable American cuisine at the on-site restaurant, or take advantage of the indoor swimming pool complete with a waterslide and a hot tub.
Blackberry Farm, Walland
Nestled in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains, Blackberry Farm in Walland offers a charming escape on a 4,200-acre expanse. This luxury property is conveniently situated just 15 miles from the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park and a mere 10 miles from the captivating Tuckaleechee Caverns. As a guest at this picturesque retreat, you can indulge in beautifully designed rooms and suites, adorned with both elegant farmhouse and contemporary country décor.
For a romantic experience, opt for a suite with a cozy fireplace and a soothing soaking tub. Alternatively, consider booking a cottage or a multi-bedroom house for a comfortable family getaway. Blackberry Farm provides an array of on-site amenities, including a sophisticated gourmet restaurant (adults only, children under 10 are not permitted), as well as a welcoming family-friendly eatery. Don’t forget to take advantage of the outdoor pool, gym, and spa for a well-rounded, rejuvenating stay.
MeadowView Conference Resort & Convention Center, Kingsport
At MeadowView Conference Resort & Convention Center, located in Kingsport amidst the scenic foothills of the Smoky Mountains in eastern Tennessee, you’ll experience luxurious rooms and suites adorned with tasteful décor and furnished with comfortable beds fitted with premium linens.
In terms of dining, The Meadows Restaurant offers delectable American cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Indulge in their generous breakfast buffet, and you won’t want to miss their popular Sunday brunch, which even attracts local residents. For a different flavor, check out the nearby eatery that specializes in mouthwatering barbecue.