Best Western Cades Cove Inn

This hotel is widely regarded as a quiet and convenient gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Cades Cove, making it an ideal choice for nature enthusiasts, families, and couples seeking a peaceful retreat away from more crowded tourist hubs. Guests frequently commend the hotel's overall cleanliness, the generally friendly and helpful staff, and the consistently good breakfast offerings. To ensure a comfortable stay, it is advisable to confirm the operational status of the pool and be aware that some beds are notably high, which might be a consideration for guests with mobility concerns.

Facilities & Amenities
While many guests appreciate the presence of in-room amenities such as a fridge, microwave, hair dryer, and clothing iron, and the convenience of free Wi-Fi, a significant number of reviews express disappointment regarding the recreational facilities. The pool is consistently reported as being closed, often described as having green water or being out of order for an extended period, leading to frustration, especially for families. Similarly, the fitness center is frequently noted as being closed or lacking functional equipment. Some guests also mentioned the absence of an elevator, which can be an inconvenience for those with luggage or mobility issues on upper floors. The outdoor rocking chairs are a popular feature, providing a relaxing spot for guests.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Most guests find the rooms to be clean and spacious, often noting the absence of carpet and the presence of a pleasant, fresh scent upon arrival. However, a notable number of reviews highlight significant concerns, including strong chemical smells (like bleach), dirty floors, and instances of hair in the shower. More alarmingly, some guests reported encountering roaches and even bed bugs, along with mold in various bathroom areas and dust on fixtures. While many found the beds comfortable, some described them as too high or too hard. Noise levels were generally reported as quiet, though some experienced disturbances from loud AC units, heaters, or other guests. Maintenance issues like tubs that wouldn't drain, low hot water pressure, and non-functional fireplaces were also mentioned.

Dining & Food Quality
The breakfast at this hotel receives widespread praise, consistently described as good, great, excellent, and delicious. Guests particularly appreciate the hot and plentiful options, which often include sausage, scrambled eggs, biscuits, gravy, and waffles. The coffee is also frequently commended for its quality. Many reviews highlight the good variety of food available, and the breakfast attendant is often singled out for being exceptionally friendly and attentive, ensuring items are well-stocked and the breakfast area is clean. However, some guests felt the menu was repetitive over longer stays, and a few noted that the quality of certain items, like the eggs, was sometimes lacking.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is a major draw, consistently lauded as great and convenient due to its close proximity to the Smoky Mountains National Park entrance and Cades Cove. Guests appreciate being in a quiet area that offers a peaceful alternative to the bustling towns of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, while still providing easy access to local restaurants, a grocery store, coffee shops, and the visitor's center, often within walking distance. The hotel also benefits from being near a bike path and greenway trail, appealing to those who enjoy outdoor activities. Parking is generally described as easy and ample, with a well-lit parking lot, though some motorcyclists faced issues with specific parking requests.

Staff & Service
The staff at this hotel generally receives high praise for being friendly, helpful, attentive, and welcoming, with many guests highlighting their professionalism and willingness to assist. The check-in process is often described as easy and quick. However, there is a significant amount of mixed feedback, with numerous guests reporting rude check-in/out staff, instances of staff being unfriendly, defensive, or exhibiting a perceived lack of customer service. Some reviews detail frustrating experiences with cancelled reservations, overcharging, and refused refunds, as well as staff being unresponsive to phone calls or specific requests. Despite these negative encounters, many guests still commend the overall hospitable and accommodating nature of the team, particularly in areas like pet-friendly service.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of the hotel's pet policy, which, while accommodating, has been noted to include specific rules, such as pets not being allowed on beds, which some guests found surprising as it was not always clearly stated online. There have been recurring issues with payment policy, including instances of cards being charged unexpectedly or guests being overcharged, leading to disputes and difficulty in obtaining refunds. The hotel lacks an elevator, which can be a significant inconvenience for guests assigned to upper floors, especially when handling luggage. Other minor issues include occasional humidity in the rooms and non-functional vending machines.