Best Western Plus River Escape Inn & Suites

About The Hotel

The Best Western Plus River Escape Inn & Suites is a well-maintained 4.5-rated property on the bank of the Tuckasegee River beside the Dillsboro railroad village. Guests consistently praise the riverside location, with many noting that river-view rooms offer comfortable private balconies and excellent views of tubers and kayaks drifting past. The hotel scores strongly across cleanliness (4.7), location (4.7), and service (4.6). Free breakfast is included, and the outdoor patio with fire pits and rocking chairs is ideal for couples and groups. The pool is the main recreational amenity—no in-room jacuzzis—and the riverside decks provide the primary soak experience.

What Guests Are Saying

“I booked our first two nights in Gatlinburg to take advantage of trails, etc close to that local and chose Dillsboro for our third night to explore this section of the park without having to drive all the way back to Gatlinburg. We had every intention of exploring more of the park from this location, but once in our room, we were enjoying our second-floor balcony seating and view of the river that we just parked ourselves to rest and relax. The hotel provided two chairs on the balcony that were high enough to provide a great view of the river along with a foot-rest so your feet don’t dangle. So comfortable! The room was clean, the bed was very comfy, and all was quiet. We had a very relaxing, restful stay. The hotel also has a beautiful outdoor patio off of the breakfast area with tables and chairs for dining as well as rocking chairs to enjoy the river view. Breakfast was your standard fair. The desk staff gave us a fabulous dinner recommendation - Forager on the Creek which was a few miles away. The trout with blueberry compote was beyond delicious. The hotel is in a rather remote location by a railroad track. Don’t let that bother you. No trains. No noise. Great stay. I highly recommend this hotel.” — P1850DClindaw, 5 stars

“Great location on “The Tuck”. Near eateries and shops, 20 minutes from Cherokee, quiet and secluded. Clean and comfortable room, everything worked properly, balcony overlooking the water was a treat! Watched a couple kayaks and tubers float by. Beautiful outside deck and seating areas along the water, including two fire pits. Lovely landscaping with lots of flowers. Had visitors including herons, geese with babies, a woodchuck, many song birds. Free breakfast is always a hit. Staff was helpful when my key card bugged-out. Pool and hot tub very nice. Could have stayed at the hotel the whole trip! Will be back soon!” — Kristina F., 5 stars

“Pretty solid overall. Older hotel but well maintained. Rooms were in good shape, bed comfortable. Internet was spotty but returned pretty quickly when it went out. Business center with printer was useful. Breakfast average. Front desk is A+, great customer service to whomever was there. Can’t beat it’s location along the river.” — archiphoto, 5 stars

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Excellent riverside location with views of the Tuckasegee River and railroad village
• High cleanliness and service ratings with a well-maintained older property
• Free breakfast and free parking included
• Walking distance to the railroad depot, craft shops, and village center
• Close to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and river recreation

Cons:

• No in-room jacuzzi or hot tub; soak is by the shared pool only
• Limited dining within the immediate village; a short drive needed for full restaurant options
• Remote mountain location requires a car to explore the park, gorge, and nearby towns
• Books quickly during fall foliage season and winter Polar Express weekends

The Location

248 WBI Dr, Dillsboro, NC 28725—on the Tuckasegee River beside the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad depot in the center of Dillsboro village. You can find more details or book your stay on TripAdvisor.