Old Creek Lodge

About The Hotel

Old Creek Lodge on River Road is a 4.5-rated (1,337 reviews) creekside lodge on the Little Pigeon River in downtown Gatlinburg, with a pool, free breakfast, and rooms overlooking the rushing creek — a quieter, well-rated downtown option within walking distance of the Parkway. The creek and the pool are the water features, with jetted-tub rooms a category to confirm at booking. Guests love the peaceful creekside setting, the balconies, the free breakfast, and the well-run operation. It is a comfortable lodge rather than a luxury resort, but for travelers who want quieter downtown Gatlinburg with creek views and an easy walk to attractions, it is an excellent pick.

What Guests Are Saying

“My husband and I have been dedicated to Hilton brand for decades, but after reading reviews of their properties in Gatlinburg we decided to try something different in a calmer setting. After reading the rave reviews of the Old Greek Lodge we decided and are so happy we stayed there for our 1st visit to Gatlinburg Oct. 2025. After booking, we periodically received emails from the lodge with great info about the lodge, things to do in the area, best restaurants, etc. The emails helped us plan our trip, got us excited about going and we really appreciate the time the lodge takes to prepare the emails. We still receive them today and read them just to reminiscence the wonderful trip we had. The staff at the front desk and around the lodge were so friendly, helpful and professional. The lodge is right outside one of the entrances to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It was nice after exploring the park in the daytime to leave our car and walk to many restaurants and attractions in the area and up and down the parkway. There is so much to see and do in Gatlinburg, at the park and in the neighboring towns that we were amazed. We enjoyed a balcony stream view room and the room was very clean. The breakfast was nice and help yourself. In the evening when we returned to the lodge, we were able to get a cup of hot tea, etc. in the breakfast room to bring back to our room. One afternoon when we returned to the lodge from the park, we saw a group of people looking over the stream so we went to check it out and a bear was walking on the other side of the stream. We walked a way along and overlooking the steam watching the bear. It was so amazing. One day we saw a guy catch a big trout from the stream. If we ever venture out that way again from the west coast we’ll stay at the lodge again for sure.” — Islands4me22, 5 stars

“Old Creek Lodge is a great place to stay, right on the edge of Gatlinburg, you can watch the tram from Ober come and go. When we checked in, they told us to watch for their resident bear who hangs out in the creek behind the lodge. Within a half an hour of checking in, we got to watch him wander down the creek. The room was large and comfortable. The fireplace is a wonderful addition. Easy walk to the parkway and all the attractions. Close to the entrance to the national park as well. Staff was wonderful, friendly and knowledgeable. Breakfast was adequate for our needs. Quiet room with the exception of the Canada goose who thought 2:30 am was a great time to hoot and holler.” — Rebecca B., 5 stars

“The location is excellent. The main drag is one block up. The lodge was quiet and you didn’t hear all the noise from the strip. The balcony overlooking the river was most enjoyable. Enjoyed viewing the wildlife on the river. I even saw a bear in the river. The sound of the water was soothing to my soul. It was nice to sip my coffee on the balcony and let nature entertain me. I would stay here again in a heartbeat. Most people I met staying at the lodge were repeat customer. Also the room were exceptionally clean. Why would I stay anywhere else. It met all my needs. No wonder it stays sold out.” — N J., 5 stars

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Soothing creekside rooms over the Little Pigeon River
• A 4.5 across 1,337 reviews — quieter than the Parkway core
• A pool and free breakfast
• Walkable to the downtown shops and attractions
• Well-run and well-reviewed

Cons:

• A comfortable lodge rather than a luxury resort
• A downtown setting — some street and creek noise
• A jetted-tub room is a specific room type — confirm at booking; the pool is the shared amenity
• Books up in peak foliage and summer season

The Location

On the Little Pigeon River in downtown Gatlinburg, within walking distance of the Parkway and the shops. You can find more details or book your stay on TripAdvisor.