This was our second trip to the Lodge at Buckberry Creek--went in the fall two years ago, and in January this year. The Lodge still excels at customer service, and the staff goes above and beyond to help. We stayed in a grand suite--I would recommend the top floor, as the lodge has lots of wood stairs and walkways and they can be noisy. Also, the top floor has the wood burning fireplaces as opposed to gas logs in the lower floors--if you like to build your own fires and hear the snap/pop of burning wood. The rooms are great--spacious and decorated in the grand tradition of an Adirondack hunting lodge--in fact, it is more reminiscent of a lodge up north, with lots of white birch accents, etc. No white birch trees in the Smokies! But very attractive, nonetheless. Full kitchens, though we only used the full size fridge with icemaker and the micowave. All of our meals were eaten out.
Definately the best place to stay in Gatlinburg--a nice change from the kitchscy, dated and lower star tourist motels on the strip. In fact, we liked the fact that you can go from the park to the lodge via the bypass and never have to go through the tourist areas in Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge. In fact, have dinner at the Park Grill and just skip the rest of Gatlinburg--how much funnel cakes, fudge, and Ripley's museums can you stand? The restaurant in the lodge looks still to be good, though we did not eat there this time around. Go for great sightseeing in the park, then stay here at night and you have a winning combo.
One comment to the Lodgekeepers---make a note to stock up with seasoned firewood--green firewood is very frustrating to get lighted with those little firestarters you give out. We splurge on the Grand Suite on the top floor for the wood burning fireplaces, but did not count on taking so long to get the fire started!
- Hotel At Buckberry Creek
- At Buckberry Creek Gatlinburg
- Lodge Buckberry Creek
