Quality Inn Creekside - Downtown Gatlinburg

This hotel offers a unique blend of a central location and a distinctive natural experience, with many guests enjoying the soothing sounds of the creek and the exciting, albeit sometimes alarming, bear sightings that are a regular occurrence on the property. This makes it an ideal choice for sightseers and families seeking an immersive experience in the heart of the area, while also being suitable for pet owners due to its accommodating policies. The hotel is praised for its convenient access to local attractions and its generally friendly staff. To enhance your stay, guests recommend being prepared for the frequent bear visits by not leaving food in vehicles, and checking on the status of the elevators upon arrival, as they are sometimes out of service.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel features a pool that is often described as warm and open late, providing a relaxing option after a day of exploration. Many rooms offer a balcony overlooking the creek, which guests find particularly enjoyable. However, feedback on other amenities is mixed; the Wi-Fi service is frequently reported as sketchy or non-functional, and the elevators are a recurring point of concern, often being out of order, which can be problematic for guests with mobility issues or heavy luggage. Some rooms include a small fridge and microwave, and an electric fireplace for ambiance, though the latter is often noted as not working. The availability of vending machines and a laundry room is mentioned, but these are sometimes found to be empty or out of service.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on cleanliness and room comfort is varied. While some guests describe their rooms as very clean and comfortable, many others report issues such as mold in bathrooms, dirty floors, peeling paint, and general signs of an older, dated property. Specific concerns include wobbly toilets, non-functional lights, hair in tubs, and stained towels or sheets. Rooms are often noted for lacking basic amenities like a toilet paper holder, a soap dish in the shower, or a rod for hanging clothes. Noise levels are generally considered quiet at night, but some guests experience issues with street noise or sounds from the pool area. The beds receive mixed reviews, with some finding them comfortable while others describe them as hard or worn out.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel provides a free breakfast, which receives mixed reviews regarding its quality and variety. Most guests appreciate the convenience of an included meal, but many find the offerings to be limited or underwhelming. Typical items include scrambled eggs, biscuits and gravy, waffles, pancakes, cereal, mini muffins, and yogurt. However, common complaints include the absence of breakfast meat, dry eggs, watery gravy, and items running out quickly, especially later in the morning. The coffee and orange juice are generally available, but the overall food quality is often described as basic, with some guests opting to dine elsewhere after their initial experience.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is consistently highlighted as one of its strongest assets. Guests praise its proximity to the Gatlinburg strip, allowing for easy walking distance to numerous attractions, restaurants, shops, and bars. It is conveniently situated near the Convention Center, the National Park entrance, and Ober Gatlinburg. This prime spot enables guests to leave their vehicles and explore the town on foot, significantly reducing the need for driving. While the parking is available, it is often noted as a paid service, which can be an unexpected additional cost for some guests. Access to certain buildings or the main office can involve walking up a steep hill or relying on elevators that are sometimes out of service.

Staff & Service
The staff at this hotel generally receives high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and attentiveness. Guests frequently commend the front desk personnel for their welcoming demeanor, quick check-in process, and willingness to accommodate requests. Many reviewers highlight instances where staff went above and beyond to resolve issues, such as changing rooms due to maintenance problems or providing local recommendations. While some guests report challenges with issue resolution, particularly regarding persistent maintenance problems like non-working elevators or hot water issues, the overall sentiment is that the staff genuinely cares and strives to provide good service. Housekeeping is also noted, with some guests appreciating daily towel replenishment.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of the hotel's pet policy, which allows animals but often involves an additional nightly fee that some find to be high, and may restrict pet owners to specific room types or buildings. The property is undergoing ongoing renovations, which can result in construction noise or debris, though some guests appreciate the updated rooms. There are sometimes additional destination fees or resort fees charged upon arrival, which are not always clearly communicated during booking. The hotel is known for frequent bear sightings on the property, with guests advised not to leave food in vehicles. Specific room features like creekside rooms with balconies are popular, offering a peaceful ambiance.