Holiday Inn Club Vacations Smoky Mountain Resort

This resort offers a memorable stay, primarily distinguished by its unique indoor water park and its prime walking-distance location to downtown Gatlinburg. It is an ideal destination for families seeking entertainment and spacious accommodations, as well as for sightseers and couples who appreciate easy access to local attractions and a peaceful retreat. Guests consistently highlight the property's cleanliness, the comfort of its rooms, and the generally friendly demeanor of the staff. To enhance your experience, it is advisable to be prepared for potential sales presentations related to vacation club memberships, which are a recurring theme during check-in and throughout the stay. Additionally, guests should carefully verify specific pet policies if traveling with animals, as experiences have varied. The resort's blend of convenient access and on-site amenities makes it a popular choice for those exploring the Smoky Mountains region.

Facilities & Amenities
The resort offers a wide array of facilities designed to enhance the guest experience, particularly for families. Guests frequently praise the multiple indoor and outdoor pools and hot tubs, providing ample opportunities for relaxation and fun. A standout feature is the indoor water park and splash pad, which is a significant draw for children, though some guests noted the water in these areas can be surprisingly cold, and they may close earlier than desired or be inaccessible during rain. The convenience of in-room washers and dryers is highly appreciated, allowing guests to manage laundry during longer stays, although some found the appliances to be noisy or inefficient. Other amenities include a fitness center and a game room, offering additional recreational options. While the property provides free Wi-Fi, some guests experienced connectivity issues. The elevators are frequently mentioned as being slow, leading to occasional long waits, which can impact convenience, especially during peak times.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests generally commend the cleanliness and spaciousness of the rooms and villas, often describing them as well-maintained and comfortable. The accommodations are designed to feel like a home away from home, with many featuring a full kitchen that is typically well-stocked with essentials. Feedback on bed comfort is mixed; while many find the beds cozy and conducive to a restful sleep, some guests reported them as being uncomfortably firm, likening them to "rocks" or noting issues with springs. Bathrooms are often spacious, with some including jacuzzi tubs, though a few guests noted slow drains, inconsistent shower temperatures, or high step-overs for the tubs. Noise levels can vary significantly; while some rooms offer a quiet retreat, others are affected by construction noise in the mornings or general sounds from neighboring units, such as flushing toilets or rolling carts. Some guests also noted issues with in-room coffee makers lacking supplies or televisions being small with poor cable connections.

Dining & Food Quality
The resort does not offer on-site dining facilities, which is a consistent point of feedback from guests. Many expressed disappointment that breakfast is not available, despite some initial confusion or expectations of a continental offering. This means guests must plan to seek out breakfast options elsewhere, often incurring additional expense and time. There is a recurring suggestion for the establishment to provide a coffee bar in the mornings, as the absence of in-room coffee supplies or a convenient on-site option is a common inconvenience. While the lack of on-site restaurants means guests need to venture out for meals, the resort's excellent location provides easy access to numerous dining establishments nearby. However, the absence of even basic dining services within the property impacts the overall convenience, particularly for families or those looking for a quick start to their day without leaving the premises.

Location & Accessibility
The resort's central location is consistently highlighted as one of its strongest assets, making it exceptionally convenient for guests. It is situated within easy walking distance to the heart of downtown Gatlinburg, providing direct access to numerous shops, restaurants, and attractions such as the Space Needle. This prime positioning allows guests to explore the town without needing a car, enhancing the overall vacation experience. For those venturing further, the property is conveniently located directly on a free trolley route, offering effortless transportation around the area. The proximity to the Smoky Mountains also makes it an ideal base for outdoor activities like hiking. Parking is generally described as safe and easy, with ample space available, including a parking deck, though some guests noted it could be expensive. Overall, the accessibility and strategic placement of the resort are major advantages for visitors.

Staff & Service
The staff at the resort generally receives high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and attentiveness, with many guests highlighting their willingness to go above and beyond to assist. The check-in process, however, is a frequent point of contention due to the pervasive timeshare sales pressure. Many guests report feeling coerced or subjected to lengthy sales pitches immediately upon arrival, even before receiving their room keys, which significantly detracts from the initial welcome experience. While some staff members are noted for their exceptional service and quick response to maintenance requests, others are perceived as rude or unaccommodating, particularly when guests decline sales presentations. Housekeeping services are generally appreciated for maintaining clean rooms, though some guests noted inconsistencies in towel provision or room servicing. The constant sales attempts, whether in person or via phone calls to the room, are a major source of frustration for many visitors, impacting their perception of overall service quality.

Additional Information
A significant aspect of the guest experience revolves around the resort's nature as a vacation club property, which often entails timeshare presentations and associated sales tactics. Many guests report feeling pressured to attend these sessions, with some describing the process as misleading or a "scam" due to unfulfilled promises or hidden fees. This aggressive sales approach is a recurring complaint, impacting overall satisfaction. The property's pet policy appears inconsistent, with one detailed account of an emotional support animal being denied entry despite prior confirmation, leading to significant inconvenience. Guests should also be aware of the slow elevators, which can lead to considerable wait times, particularly during busy periods. Rare concerns include unannounced early morning fire alarms and issues with the hot water capacity in larger units, which may run out quickly. Some guests also noted external noise from early morning leaf blowing or garbage trucks.