7.8/10 Good! (1,005 reviews)
The only reason I am giving this hotel one star instead of zero is because of its excellent location. River Terrace Resort is within walking distance of downtown Gatlinburg, restaurants, shops, and attractions, which made getting around very convenient. Unfortunately, the room itself was a huge disappointment.
From the moment we arrived, it was clear that the property is much older and more worn than the photos suggest. The room showed multiple signs of deferred maintenance, including chipped paint around door frames, worn fixtures, unfinished repairs in the bathroom, and aging finishes throughout. While nothing appeared unsafe, the overall condition gave the impression that upkeep has been neglected for quite some time.
One of the most concerning issues was the furniture. A chair in our room was visibly stained and dirty, with dark discoloration on the seat cushion. It was unpleasant enough that we chose not to use it at all. Cleanliness and basic maintenance should be standard expectations for any hotel, regardless of age.
The décor, carpet, and furnishings felt extremely dated and gave the room a tired appearance. What was advertised online did not match the experience we had upon arrival. Had the condition of the room been more accurately represented, we would have chosen a different property.
The staff was courteous, and the location is undeniably convenient, but location alone cannot make up for poor room condition and lack of maintenance. This property is in seriou
Reviewed on Sep 28, 2026
