Fairfield Inn By Marriott Gatlinburg

The Good

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o Excellent Location. Off the strip to avoid some of the crowd but within 5 minute walking distance of the main drag. Many good restaurants nearby and a brew pub w/great beer.

o Great balcony views of beautiful stream/river, Ober Gatlingburg gondola, etc.

o Nice staff.

o Decent breakfast, good variety, good coffee, tasted fine, had all we wanted.

o Clean room in good condition. Few ants milling about in bathroom from time to time, but not bad.

The OK (can't say bad)

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o Housekeeping staff did a nice job, but a little overeager IMHO. They were parked outside our room at 8:00 AM! Not pushy, but it was a bit unnerving.

o Parking. During the week, parking lot got completely full. Fortunately we always found a spot, but later there weren't any.

o The Pool. Was barely even the size of a hot tub. Big enough to splash in, but sorely lacking. Positive Note: They let you go to the other Fairfield and use their much nicer pools (w/slide, water mushroom, indoor and outdoor), and the staff at both hotels were great about it. That's why this moves up from Ugly to OK.

The Ugly

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o The Laundry. There was none! Again, they let you go to the other Fairfield to use theirs, but there was only 1 washer and 1 dryer! For 2 hotels? Downright ugly.

o Expensive. For what you get, this was very expensive. Of course, you pay for location. But next time we will go cheaper and sacrifice the location.

o Card Keys. Demagnitized twice during the week we were there. Right when your hands are totally full, the kids need to pee, and you're dead tired from hiking the strip. This irks me to no end. Get a system that works!

If you want a place to stay in the downtown Gatlinburg area, you can't beat the Fairfield Inn on River Rd. It's located just a half block from the Ober Gatlinburg Tramway, and within easy walking distance of all of the downtown stores and resturants. Our room (#217) was great - clean and roomy, gas burning fireplace and located right above the river. If you want a riverfront room ask for rooms 209-220 , 309-320, or 409-420. The other rooms front a small stream and are directly across from another building, but still nice views. The rooms are also reasonably priced ($80.00/night)for all you are getting - fireplace,great view,great location. We will definetly stay here on our next trip to Gatlinburg

My husband and I stayed for the weekend of 1/28/05 - 1/30/05. The rooms were clean. The jacuzzi tub was big. The fireplace was perfect and the balcony hit the spot. We wanted to get away for the weekend and not spend too much but still wanted the extras. We payed 80.00 a night and the room definetly made the experience for us perfect. After we checked out and I made it back to Nashville, I realized I had left my phone charger plugged in at the room. I called them and they are mailing this to me, no charge. I would definetly stay at this hotel again. Last but not least, the breakfast was awsome along with their friendly service. My husband did not want to get up to get breakfast, the staff member immediately offered me a tray to bring him food to the room. The people working the desk also helped us when we were looking for pizza. They gave us a map and directed us right to it with a smile. I loved everything about this place. :) P.S. Location was right in the middle of everything too.

Very friendly staff upon arrival during the check in process..... Room was exceptionally clean!!! I have stayed in a lot of other hotels in the Gatlinburg area and this is by far the cleanest room I've seen. Located at the edge of town on the river so its a lot quieter than Main St.

We had a wonderful stay at this nice hotel. The rooms are clean and the view is beautiful. Thwe room had a hot tub and fireplace. We would stay there again. The staff is friendly too.

Stayed here last weekend. Room was nice and clean. Great view from balcony of the river. Location was great..close walk to everything. Fireplace was ok. Pool was very small and the parking was terrible. Continental breakfast left alot to be desired and there was hardly anywhere to sit...kids were disappointed in what they had to eat. Cereal, oatmeal, stale bread and pasteries. We stayed at the Clarion Suites a couple weeks ago....much nicer hotel, breakfast and pool although the view was nicer at this hotel.

Clean and Comfortable. Nice view of river from your balcony. Good location. Pool is to small. Would stay here again.

This is a nice place to stay. All units face the river or a small creek. Most have fireplaces and whirlpool tubs. It's definately past its prime and needs a little additional maintenance but nonetheless a comfortable place to stay off the main drag, but still close walking to everything. We've stayed in a number of rooms and some were very nice and some were marginal ( moldy celing tiles, delaminated end table, etc). All in all, a reasonable and clean place to stay without frills.

It is in a great location. Park your car and walk to all the shopping and attractions. The rooms all have a gas fireplace and a balcony that faces to the Little pigeon river. It is a perfect location. For a Fairfield Inn it is very well kept. Loved the place and I was hesitant before we got there. Want to book again for x-mas but already sold out.

Nice clean rooms, spacious, hot-tub in room very nice. Pool in great location. Very well priced.