I hate to even let the cat out of the bag about the Riverhouse. I have been visiting the Riverhouse for over 30 years with family. I travel alot for my job and have Diamond status with two major chains, and probably enjoy my stays at the Riverhouse more than most of the hotels I frequent with my travels. The decor is out of style with the old looking bed covers and wood paneling, but the rooms are extremely spacious, with a great balcony overlooking the river. Large bathroom area, two sinks, refrigerator make the stay comfortable. The real selling point for me is the woodburning fireplace. It's really enjoyable to pull up the chairs near the fireplace, enjoy a cocktail, with a conversation or a sporting event on TV.
The free breakfast is limited-but don't let it fool you. They have the best homemade donuts. I promise you-you can't eat just one!
The flowing stream is perfect for putting you to sleep.
The proximity to downtown is perfect-you can walk just about everywhere. I will continue to stay here, even if i could use my points at other chains nearby.

We loved the fireplace and the complimentary wood and fire starters. You don't find many places that replenish the wood within a cabinet that can be accessed within the room. As others have said, the balcony and creek view are relaxing amenities. Room service breakfast was simple yet super convenient. We would definitely return.

We stayed at this lodge in September of 2011. We loved the place. It is like walking back in time when things were simple, clean, relaxing and worth the money you paid. We loved our balcony and how big the room was. The noise from the stream outside rocked us to sleep every night. Everyone was very friendly and we loved our coffee and breakfast being brought to our room every morning. (we could stay in our pjs and sit on the balcony and enjoy). The big attraction also are the bears that come by the stream and the woods. We loved watching them (from afar). Even though you are in the woods, you are only one block from the parkway. So it is easy for you to go back and forth any time that you want. Will definately stay there the next time we visit the Smokies. Only bad thing was it was suppose to be a no-pet hotel, and we saw dogs in one of the rooms.

This was our fifth year staying here. We love the wood burning fireplaces, the mountain stream, the seclusion you seem to have behind the trees and stream and yet you are only a few minutes walk away from downtown Gatlinburg.