You’re standing on the Parkway in Gatlinburg. The air smells like kettle corn, diesel from the trolleys, and that specific damp-earth scent of the Smokies. You need a place to sleep that doesn’t cost $400 a night just because it has a view of a fake alpine village. That’s usually when the Microtel in Gatlinburg Tennessee pops up on your screen.
Honestly? It’s one of the most polarizing spots in town. People either love it for the "I can walk everywhere" factor or they’re writing paragraphs on TripAdvisor about the elevator noise.
The Reality of the Location
Location is basically the only reason this hotel stays packed. It sits at 211 Historic Nature Trail. If you aren't familiar with the layout of Gatlinburg, that puts you about 50 feet from the Gatlinburg Convention Center and a three-minute walk from the Space Needle.
You can park your car and forget it.
That is a huge deal because parking in Gatlinburg is a nightmare. It's expensive. It’s crowded. Staying here means you save twenty bucks a day just by using their free lot. You've got Crockett’s Breakfast Camp right there, though the line is always a mile long. You're also steps away from the Ole Smoky Moonshine "Holler."
Small Rooms, Big Trade-offs
Let's talk about the "Micro" in Microtel. They aren't kidding. These rooms are compact.
Most rooms are around 300 square feet. If you’re traveling with three kids and a stroller, you're going to feel like you're living in a submarine. But for a solo hiker or a couple who just needs a bed between trips to Clingmans Dome, it works.
What’s actually inside?
- The Window Seat: Most rooms have this built-in cushioned nook by the window. It’s actually kinda cozy for people-watching, even if the view is just the parking lot or the street.
- The Essentials: You get a flat-screen TV, a mini-fridge (usually), and a desk.
- The Bathroom: Private, but don't expect a spa. It's a standard tub/shower combo.
There is a weird quirk though. Some guests have reported that certain rooms lack a microwave or an in-room coffee maker. If you're the type who needs a caffeine hit the second your eyes open, you might have to trek down to the lobby.
The Breakfast and Amenities Situation
Is there a pool? No.
If your kids are banking on a late-night swim to burn off the sugar from the Donut Friar, you’re out of luck. The Microtel in Gatlinburg Tennessee doesn't have a pool. They do have a continental breakfast, but "continental" is the operative word here.
Expect the basics: cereal, maybe some muffins, juice, and coffee. It’s not a buffet. It’s fuel. If you want a real mountain breakfast, you're better off walking to Log Cabin Pancake House nearby.
One thing that surprises people is the elevator. It’s... vintage. Some call it "charming," others call it "shaky." If you’re on the third floor and don't like old machinery, take the stairs. It’s good exercise anyway.
The Elephant in the Room: Cleanliness and Maintenance
Look, this is a 2-star hotel in a high-traffic tourist town. It gets a lot of wear and tear.
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The reviews for the Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Gatlinburg are all over the place. I’ve seen people rave about how clean and updated it felt, and I’ve seen people post photos of stained carpets. It really seems to depend on which room you get and which housekeeping crew was on duty that morning.
If you walk in and it smells like a "smoke-free" room that someone definitely smoked in back in 2014, tell the front desk immediately. They’re usually pretty good about switching you if they have the space, but during peak season in October or July? You might be stuck.
Accessibility and Pet Policies
If you’re traveling with a dog, keep scrolling.
This Microtel is strictly not pet-friendly. It’s a bummer, I know. Many other hotels in the area allow dogs for a fee, but this one is a hard no.
On the flip side, it is wheelchair accessible. They have an elevator (as mentioned, it's a bit of a character) and accessible rooms with the right grab bars and clearances. Since it’s so close to the flat parts of the Parkway, it’s actually a decent home base for someone with mobility concerns who wants to see the sights without navigating steep hills.
Is the Value Actually There?
In January 2026, you can find rooms here for as low as $49 to $60. Compared to the Gatlinburg average of $150+, that’s a steal.
But you have to know what you’re buying. You are buying a parking spot and a place to put your head. You aren't buying a "resort experience."
If you want the luxury mountain lodge vibe with a fireplace and a balcony overlooking the river, this isn't it. But if you’re a solo traveler like Kenneth—a guy who once reviewed the place as his "base camp" for hiking Mt. LeConte—it’s perfect. He didn't care about the thread count; he cared that he was 10 minutes from the Park entrance.
Actionable Tips for Your Stay
If you decide to book the Microtel in Gatlinburg Tennessee, do these three things to make sure you don't regret it:
- Request a Room Away from the Elevator: It can be noisy at night. The higher floors tend to be a bit quieter in terms of street noise, but the elevator mechanicals are the real enemy of sleep here.
- Check the Room Immediately: Don't unpack until you've pulled back the sheets and checked the bathroom. If something isn't right, go back to the lobby before you settle in.
- Use the Trolley: Even though you can walk to the main strip, the Gatlinburg Trolley has a stop very close by. It’s a great way to get to the Arts & Crafts Community or Pigeon Forge without moving your car and losing that precious "free" parking spot.
At the end of the day, this Microtel is exactly what it claims to be: a budget-friendly, no-frills box in the middle of all the action. It's not fancy. It's not perfect. But for the price of a couple of steak dinners in this town, you get a roof over your head and a place to park your truck.