Best Western Plus Apple Valley Lodge Pigeon Forge

This hotel offers a memorable stay, particularly noted for its exceptional cleanliness and friendly staff who consistently go above and beyond. Its signature feature is the availability of unique loft rooms and balconies, providing guests with distinct spaces and outdoor relaxation. The hotel is an excellent fit for families seeking spacious accommodations and kid-friendly amenities like the pool and breakfast, while couples can enjoy the comfortable rooms and in-room jacuzzi tubs for a relaxing getaway. Sightseers and tourists will appreciate its highly convenient location near major attractions. To enhance your experience, it is advisable to inquire about the functionality of the AC units in loft rooms, consider requesting a room away from the main road for a quieter stay, and bring sleep masks if sensitive to light, as some loft windows lack coverings.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests frequently highlight the hotel's well-maintained outdoor pool, which is heated and popular with children, providing a refreshing option for relaxation. Many rooms feature inviting jacuzzi tubs that are generally found to be clean and fully operational, contributing to a luxurious experience. The private balconies are also a significant draw, offering a pleasant space for guests to unwind, though some views may be limited. The hotel provides free Wi-Fi that is consistently reported as strong and reliable, ensuring connectivity throughout the stay. While luggage carts are readily available and sturdy, the hotel's single elevator is often noted as a point of inconvenience due to its frequent unavailability, slow operation, and location at the rear of the building, requiring a longer walk from the lobby. Parking is available, including an underground garage, but some guests find it tight and challenging for larger vehicles, with occasional noise from the ramp.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The hotel receives widespread praise for its pristine cleanliness, with many guests remarking on the spotless condition of rooms, bathrooms, and even grout lines. Most guests find the beds comfortable, often described as plush with soft pillows, ensuring a restful night's sleep. The spacious rooms, particularly the loft and family suites, are appreciated for providing ample space. Rooms are equipped with modern decor, coffee makers, refrigerators, and microwaves, adding to guest convenience. However, some guests have reported issues with noise levels, stemming from street traffic, hallway activity, and door slamming. There are also occasional mentions of AC units not cooling effectively, especially in loft rooms, or emitting a musty smell. A few reviews noted non-functioning outlets or dim bathroom lighting, and isolated incidents of mold or bugs were reported, though these appear to be less common.

Dining & Food Quality
The complimentary breakfast is consistently lauded as a significant highlight of the stay, frequently described as "great," "top-notch," and "delicious." Guests appreciate the breakfast variety, which typically includes hot items like eggs, bacon, sausage, biscuits and gravy, and customizable waffles with various flavors. Other options often include muffins, bagels, pastries, fresh fruit, yogurt, cereal, and oatmeal, alongside good coffee and juice. The eating area is generally kept clean and well-stocked by attentive staff who ensure food is replenished promptly. While the overall food quality is highly rated, some guests have noted that the breakfast area can become extremely busy, especially during peak times or when bus tours are present, occasionally leading to limited seating or temporary shortages of certain items like juice.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts a highly desirable central location directly on the Pigeon Forge strip, placing guests within easy reach of numerous attractions such as the Titanic Museum, Wonderworks, and The Island. Its proximity to Tanger outlets and a short drive to Dollywood makes it a convenient base for exploring the area. While the parking facilities are generally adequate, including an underground garage, some guests find the spaces tight and the ramp challenging for larger vehicles, occasionally leading to difficulties in finding a spot or navigating the area. The hotel's position on a busy street means that traffic noise can be noticeable in some rooms, particularly those facing the main road. Despite this, the overall ease of access to and from the property is a recurring positive point for many visitors.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff consistently receives high praise for their friendly staff, helpful staff, and attentive service. Guests frequently highlight their welcoming demeanor, efficiency during quick check-in and check-out processes, and willingness to accommodate requests. The housekeeping team is often commended for their thoroughness in maintaining cleanliness and promptly replacing towels. Staff members are also noted for their problem-solving abilities, such as opening additional spaces during busy breakfast times. While the vast majority of feedback is positive, a few isolated reviews mention instances of perceived rudeness or slow responses to specific room issues, though these do not represent the overall sentiment. The staff's commitment to providing excellent customer service is a recurring theme, significantly contributing to a positive guest experience.

Additional Information
Guests considering loft rooms should be aware that the upper windows often lack uncovered windows, which can allow significant light into the room, especially from external spotlights, potentially affecting sleep. Furthermore, the AC functionality in these loft areas has been a recurring concern, with some units reportedly not working or being intentionally turned off, leading to uncomfortable temperatures. While many rooms feature jacuzzi tubs and fireplaces, some guests have reported issues with these amenities, such as lukewarm water or non-functioning fireplaces. A few reviews also raised concerns about the hotel's security features, noting a perceived lack of true deadbolts on room doors and back entrances that do not always require key card access, which some guests found unsettling.