After reading some of the other reviews, I wanted to switch hotels. But we didn't want to board our dog for two nights, and the other dog-friendly hotels were booked. So we decided to take our chances and go.
We were told check-in was at 4. This seemed rather late to me, and we called at 2:30 to find out if we could check in early. We could.
We also got lost trying to find the hotel. We had been to Gatlinburg numerous times, but we had not noticed this hotel before. It's tucked off of the main street, about 1/2 mile uphill. The hotel stayed on the phone with us while we navigated our way through the horrific Gatlinburg strip traffic! Very nice of her.
When we arrived, we wanted to check the room (given the other reviews) before we checked in. The lady at the front said it was fine, and told us that there was a children's christian convention staying this weekend. My first reaction was "YIKES! There goes our romantic weekend!" She was very nice and gave us a choice of which room we wanted. We opted for the one in the back of the hotel, away from the pool and running children. Turns out it was next to the "dog walk", although really it's about 40 feet by 4 feet and right next to a ledge where the creek runs. So beware, those with dogs that need to be leash trained--you might end up in the creek!
The room was clean. Probably the cleanest I've stayed in. The decor was updated and very relaxing. Despite my concerns about the billion kids running around, it was quite quiet, except the dog next door howled the entire time his owners were gone. I didn't say anything, as I don't know how mine reacted when we were gone.
The hotel does need updating outside of the room. The pool area REEKED of chlorine--it gave me a headache after just a few minutes. The hot tub was inoperable--we attempted it, but the jets were blown and shot water a foot in the air. DEF needs work.
Nothing relaxing about it!
We spent most of our time on the strip, and the walk down was no problem. Walking back, however, is a half-mile hike uphill. Fine if you're young or in shape, but worth mentioning.
Parking was free and ample. We thought there was room service, but when we tried to order it we were told it was out of season....really? Strange.
Also, there was a random $4.00 charge that we are wondering what it was for...we didn't damage the room or anything, never used the phone....I did however, leave my cell phone charger in the room, and called to see if they would mail it to me. I recieved a call back from housekeeping and they asked for my credit card info. When I asked how much it would cost, they said they didn't know. Well, I don't know about you, but I'm not giving out my cc# to a housekeeper who can't tell me the cost. So I just bought a new charger.
I've mentioned all the inconviences with our experience. Honestly though, for 100 a night, we truly enjoyed ourselves and plan on going again.

My family and I stayed there for a cheerleading competetion. When we got there, the place looked nice from outside. There was a bible verse on the sign outside. However, when we went inside there was a bar with drunk people singing karoke .There was a man dancing with a blow up doll! They sent us up to our
room. It was like 1/4 mile behind the hotel. There was no elevator
and we had to take the stairs to get to our room. The room was freezing and we had to turn on the heater and leave til it warmed up. The showers and sink water was brown. We had to use
bottled water to brush our teeth. The thing my husband couldn't
understand was the toilet water was clear. Go figure that ! The pool area smelled terrible around it. Don't know if it was sewage
or what. It gave us an uneasy feeling all weekend. Glad to get out of there!

When I booked it was a Holiday Inn, when I got there it was sold to another company and it was now The Garden Plaza Hotel. I stayed in the towers building, which isn't really towers...it's about 5 floors. I stayed on the third floor, the room was ok on first inspection, but then when I was in there long enough to notice, there was food on the floor, the bathroom smelled of mildew, mildew growing in the sink, urine around the toilet and mold in the shower. Since it was the week of Thanksgiving, all the other Gatlinburg hotels were book, if not I would have left. I went to the grocery and bought clorox bleach and lysol wipes to clean everything with before I would stay there. Everyday when I got back to the hotel, I recleaned. The maid staff did not do a good job cleaning. The hotel is several blocks from the main drag....unless you want a good hike, I suggest driving.

This is our favorite hotel! It is not the newest or fanciest, but we don't go to Gatlinburg to hang at a hotel. Staff are so friendly that after staying there for so many vacations they call us by first names. We stay at least three times a year and can't wait to go back. Our favorite room is over the bar since we like the music. They probably think we are nuts. And...they love our yorkies! Give them a try...you won't be disappointed.