My wife and I along with our two younger boys traveled to Gatlinburg on a Saturday for a two day get-away. Having stayed in a variety of different hotel chains, I am no stranger to Holiday Inn, which depending on which one you stay at is usually a clean, safe and friendly atmosphere. This is definitely a step above any of the Holiday Inn properties I have stayed in over the past 15 years. The outside grounds and inside are well maintained. It was extremely clean in our one bedroom suite, which featured a nice kitchen. The bathroom was in excellent shape and very clean as well. The staff was OUTSTANDING. I called to inquire about a few things shortly after we checked in, one of which was our ice maker in the freezer was not making much ice. To my surprise the front desk clerk, who was extremely nice and eager to help said she would take care of it for us shortly. I was expecting someone from maintenance in 20 to 30 minutes. What we got was yet another extremely nice and professional staff member who showed up at our door in less than 5 minutes with a brand new bag of ice! He explained that the units are cleaned thoroughly after each guest stay, "NO KIDDING ON THAT THEY DO ACTUALLY CLEAN CLEAN THESE UNITS", and that the ice maker takes some time before it starts producing ice. The next morning we had so much ice we could have empty the bag he brought us and re-filled it. They have indoor and outdoor pools, although it was too cold for the outdoor pool, but the indoor pool was a nice temperature as was the indoor hot tub. We were asked as other guests have indicated about listening to a presentation in exchange for a monetary reward, which we declined and were not bothered about it again. One other interesting fact about the staff at this location, maybe insignificant to some, but important to my wife and I, EVERYONE was extremely friendly and nice, even the maintenance staff asked me how I was doing and if I was enjoying my stay. Most properties your lucky if maintenance staff even says hello much less asks you if you are enjoying your stay. I too have visited Gatlinburg many many times but usually stay in a cabin. This place has an ideal location, short walk to downtown where all the shops are, a back way in and out to avoid traffic and everything at this location was in tip top shape. Congrats Holiday Inn with coming up with something completely different and definitely a step above any of your other properties. We will be back!
