The Best Hotels Closest to Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies in Gatlinburg for 2026

A museum atrium with dinosaur skeletons, a children's play area, and a restrooms sign.

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Our top choices for Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies hotels

A spacious lobby with wicker furniture, a blue and yellow striped rug, and a variety of potted plants.

A pool area with multiple lounge chairs and a water slide.

A bar area with a 'License to Chill' sign, multiple TVs, bar stools, and a seating area with sofas and a round table.

A hotel with a large blue sculpture in front, a covered entrance, and multiple balconies.

1. Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg

Downtown Gatlinburg, 0.2 km from Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies

Dale

￥27,768

￥31,308 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 27 - Sep 28

A rooftop bar with outdoor seating, a bar area, and a view of a forested hill.

A modern hotel with multiple floors, large windows, and a well-lit entrance.

A hotel room with a large bed, a wooden wardrobe, a balcony with a table and chairs, and a city view.

A rooftop pool area with lounge chairs and a view of a mountainous landscape.

2. Hotel Indigo Gatlinburg Downtown by IHG

Downtown Gatlinburg, 0.4 km from Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies

Fabiola

￥26,223

￥33,021 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 20 - Sep 21

A wooden cabin with a fire pit, surrounded by trees and a gravel path.

A cozy, rustic interior with a stone fireplace, wooden ceiling, and a bar area with hanging lights.

A wooden double door with glass panels and a keypad lock, flanked by two wall-mounted lanterns.

3. The Timber at Holly Branch

1.4 km from Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies

Dayren

￥19,057

￥27,608 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 27 - Sep 28

An aerial view of a resort with a large swimming pool, a water slide, and a fire pit area.

A modern bar area with bar stools, a long counter, and a television screen. There are seating areas with tables and chairs, and a sign indicating the location of restrooms.

A spacious lobby with a central seating area, a large window, and a bar area in the background.

A multi-story hotel with a prominent 'E' on the facade, a covered entrance, and a landscaped driveway.

4. Embassy Suites By Hilton Gatlinburg Resort

1.2 km from Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies

Regina

￥31,495

￥35,510 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 22 - Sep 23

A stream flowing over rocks with surrounding greenery.

A swimming pool with a fence, a motel sign, and a small stream.

A sign for 'Marshalls Creek Rest Motel' with a small stream and flowers in the foreground.

A small, single-story building with a stone facade and a green roof.

5. Marshall's Creek Rest Motel

0.5 km from Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies

Jacqueline

￥12,507

￥14,102 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 20 - Sep 21

A compact kitchen with a refrigerator, a coffee maker, a TV, and a dining area with a chair and table.

A hotel room with a bed, a desk, a chair, a TV, and a balcony with curtains.

A spacious living room with a large window, a dining area, and a sofa with decorative pillows.

6. The Gillette

0.8 km from Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies

Tracie

￥19,991

￥22,540 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 20 - Sep 21

A rectangular swimming pool surrounded by a black fence, with lounge chairs and picnic tables on the deck.

A hotel room with two beds, a wooden panel wall, a television, and a wardrobe.

Outdoor picnic tables arranged in rows with a building in the background.

A commercial kitchen with a coffee station, including a coffee machine, various coffee cups, and condiment dispensers.

7. Sleepy Bear Motel

1.9 km from Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies

Corey

￥11,877

￥13,392 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 28 - Sep 29

A pool area with a 'No Diving' sign, stone patio, and outdoor seating.

A large house with a stone facade, multiple chimneys, and a well-maintained lawn.

A spacious lobby with a large leather sofa, wooden chairs, a coffee table, and large windows with blinds.

A view from a porch with a stone bench, American flags, a parking lot with cars, and a mountain in the background.

8. The Historic Gatlinburg Inn

Downtown Gatlinburg, 0.5 km from Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies

Boyd

￥16,294

￥18,372 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 20 - Sep 21

A resort with a large pool, outdoor seating, and a building with a stone facade.

A lodge with multiple buildings, a well-maintained lawn, and a sign indicating its name.

A restaurant with wooden tables and chairs, a bar area, and a television screen.

A hotel room with two beds, a window with curtains, and two paintings on the wall.

9. Bearskin Lodge on the River

Downtown Gatlinburg, 1.2 km from Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies

Colleen

￥29,490

￥33,250 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 17 - Sep 18

A riverside restaurant with outdoor seating, stone walls, and a view of the river.

A bar area with wooden ceiling, bar stools, and a variety of bottles and glasses on shelves.

A balcony with two wooden chairs, a table, and a lamp. A river and greenery are visible in the background.

A modern living room with a fireplace, a flat-screen TV mounted above it, a round coffee table with a plant, a sofa, and a kitchen area with a countertop and cabinets.

10. Historic Rocky Waters Inn, A Small Luxury Hotel

0.6 km from Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies

Walter

￥35,323

￥42,367 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 20 - Sep 21

A lodge with a prominent sign reading "Old Creek Lodge" and a scenic view of the sky.

A rustic lodge interior with wooden floors, stone walls, and a central fireplace. Tables and chairs are arranged around the room, and there are framed pictures on the walls.

A narrow stream flowing through a wooded area with a wooden structure on one side and a stone wall on the other.

A covered outdoor seating area with wooden chairs and a table, overlooking a river and a bridge.

11. Old Creek Lodge

Downtown Gatlinburg, 0.9 km from Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies

Bingxin

￥24,409

￥27,522 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 20 - Sep 21

A hotel patio with outdoor seating, a fire feature, and a stone wall.

A Fairfield Inn & Suites Marriott hotel entrance with a covered walkway, brick pathway, and a parked SUV.

A modern living room with a stone accent wall, a flat-screen TV, and a large window.

A modern reception area with a wooden ceiling, a reception desk, a seating area with blue and yellow upholstered chairs, and a large abstract artwork on the wall.

12. Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Gatlinburg Downtown

1.2 km from Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies

Brandon

￥17,585

￥19,828 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 20 - Sep 21

An outdoor dining area with tables and chairs, a stone building with a 'REGISTRAR' sign, and a forested hillside in the background.

A spacious lobby with a stone fireplace, leather sofas, a wooden reception desk, and a chandelier.

A lodge with a stone facade, multiple roof styles, and a covered entrance.

A swimming pool area with a water slide and a building in the background.

13. The Greystone Lodge on the River

Downtown Gatlinburg, 0.1 km from Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies

JUAN MANUEL

￥24,025

￥27,089 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 20 - Sep 21

A modern living room with sofas, a coffee table, and a TV. Large windows offer a view of the outside.

A modern reception desk with a wooden finish, a wall-mounted crescent moon decoration, and pendant lighting.

A modern kitchen with a central island, wooden cabinets, and a blue ceiling.

A modern hotel building with a sign reading "Comfort Suites."

14. Comfort Suites Gatlinburg Downtown-Convention Center

0.7 km from Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies

Nalia

￥16,354

￥18,439 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 27 - Sep 28

An outdoor patio with wooden Adirondack chairs, a stone fire pit, and a stone wall.

A rustic-themed store with wooden shelves displaying snacks, beverages, and souvenirs.

A lodge with a ski lift, a parking area, and a prominent sign for The Abundance Lodge.

A reception area with two wooden counters, a stone wall, and a circular sign above the counters.

15. The Appy Lodge

1.2 km from Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies

Tyler

￥22,115

￥24,935 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 21 - Sep 22

An outdoor patio with wooden beams, stone walls, and a fire pit surrounded by chairs and tables.

A covered pavilion with stone pillars, a metal roof, and outdoor seating.

A spacious lobby with a curved wooden ceiling, comfortable seating areas, and a large flat-screen TV.

An indoor pool with a waterfall, surrounded by stone walls and a wooden deck.

16. The Park Vista - a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel - Gatlinburg

0.9 km from Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies

Sigita

￥18,214

￥20,537 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 24 - Sep 25

An indoor play area with slides and climbing structures.

A Holiday Inn Express building with a brick facade, multiple windows, and a sign indicating the address 322.

A hotel room with two beds, a desk, a chair, a nightstand, a lamp, and a bathroom with a sink and mirror.

A Holiday Inn Express building with a sign indicating the address 322.

17. Holiday Inn Express Gatlinburg Downtown by IHG

0.9 km from Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies

Kiranveer

￥21,441

￥27,652 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 20 - Sep 21

A hot tub area with seating and a fire pit, surrounded by a patio with a view of a forested hillside.

A stone fireplace with a flat-screen TV above it, flanked by two wall sconces.

An indoor swimming pool with tiled flooring, surrounded by wooden-framed windows and potted plants.

A multi-story hotel with a prominent entrance, stone pillars, and a covered area with a sign reading "Cliffhouse 1st".

18. Hilton Garden Inn Gatlinburg

Downtown Gatlinburg, 0.9 km from Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies

James

￥21,381

￥24,106 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 23 - Sep 24

A patio with Adirondack chairs, a fire pit, and a stone pathway surrounded by greenery.

A hotel reception area with a wooden reception desk, a welcome sign, a minibar, and a seating area with patterned carpet.

A pool area with chairs and a sign indicating a 3-foot depth limit.

A multi-story hotel with a covered entrance, several balconies, and a parking area with cars.

19. Hampton Inn Gatlinburg Historic Nature Trail

1.3 km from Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies

Jamie

￥16,701

￥18,830 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 1 - Oct 2

A MainStay Suites building with a modern design, featuring a prominent entrance and multiple windows.

An indoor swimming pool with clear water, a lifeguard chair, and a pool ladder.

A hotel room with two beds, a sofa, a chair, a table, and a painting on the wall.

A hotel room with a large bed, a desk with a chair, a television, and built-in wardrobes.

20. Mainstay Suites Gatlinburg TN

1.6 km from Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies

Kassidy

￥8,773

￥9,892 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 1 - Oct 2

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Compare popular hotels close to Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies

Property	Star rating	Guest rating
Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg	9.8 Exceptional 2,056 reviews	View
Hotel Indigo Gatlinburg Downtown by IHG	9.6 Exceptional 692 reviews	View
The Timber at Holly Branch	9.6 Exceptional 259 reviews	View
Embassy Suites By Hilton Gatlinburg Resort	9.6 Exceptional 1,053 reviews	View
Marshall's Creek Rest Motel	9.4 Exceptional 1,000 reviews	View

Top Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies Hotel Reviews

Sidney James Mountain Lodge

8/10 Good

"Really unique hotel tucked away on the mountain. Great price for what it’s worth. The room was nothing special, could use some updating, but it was clean and relaxing. I was disappointed with how the hotel photos portray a river running behind the hotel, but doesn’t show the parking lot and adjacent hotel directly across the other side, but non the less, the sounds of the river are very tranquil and if you walk to the edge of the property, there are two stone walkways that lead down to the actual river and that area is very beautiful. The pool and hot tub are really awesome. Didn’t get a chance to try the restaurant but I heard it’s pretty good overall we would totally choose to stay there again!"

Baymont by Wyndham Gatlinburg On The River

10/10 Excellent

"Great"

Crossroads Inn & Suites

10/10 Excellent

"Awesome room! We stayed for two nights and I loved that everything was close by."

Gatlinburg River Inn

10/10 Excellent

"Absolutely amazing definitely will go back"

The Historic Gatlinburg Inn

10/10 Excellent

"Everything was great"

Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg

8/10 Good

"2nd floor room was noisy. Parking lot below. No free meals. Valet parking was $11 dollars per night extra. Perks program not available, being reworked. Parrot Mountain brings birds in in mornings for kids to meet."

Hotel Indigo Gatlinburg Downtown by IHG

8/10 Good

"This was our third or fourth trip to the hotel. The room was clean, location, obviously very convenient with being just a few steps away from Gatlinburg strip. Unfortunately they cannot get the restaurant together… We tried to give it another go our last visit and it seems as though they can just not get staff or train staff properly. There were maybe five or six other patrons and one bartender he could not keep up. Honestly, I felt bad for him. Hopefully they will get some staff in there and have them trained properly. After that, we didn’t even try to eat dinner there. As we have eaten there twice before, and the food was definitely not aligned with the hotel. The first time I ordered a chicken pasta entrée it was literally a lump as it was all stuck together and mushy not to mention cold we did bring close attention to the manager. I took one bite of the food and they did not comp it. I’m sure we will be back there in a few months, but unfortunately, our dinner/drinks will be had elsewhere"

The Wander Hotel, a Ramada by Wyndham

10/10 Excellent

"The location right in the heart of Gatlinburg is awesome at the price point. The staff are nice and very helpful; the facilities and room itself is good, nothing really special, but again, the location is amazing. I'd definitely come back here if I were to visit Great Smoky Mountains and wanted the entertainment of Gatlinburg right there as well."

The Park Vista - a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel - Gatlinburg

8/10 Good

"Breathtaking views and a helpful staff"

Other attractions near Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies

A street with a wooden building labeled "Asphalt Cowboy" and "Cowboy Way Hats & Boots Leather."

Mountain Mall

8.2/10 (32 reviews)

You can find the perfect gifts to bring home at Mountain Mall during your trip to Gatlinburg. Stroll along the riverfront or discover the mountain views in this family-friendly area.

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A Guinness World Records sign with a globe mural in the background.

Guinness World Records Museum

8.4/10 (15 reviews)

Learn about great sporting and music achievements, see figures of the world’s tallest and smallest people or try to beat a world record at this interactive museum.

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Anakeesta

9.2/10 (1,580 reviews)

Bring the kiddos to Anakeesta and have a fun-filled day at this theme park in Gatlinburg.

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A red vintage car with the number 01 in white block letters on its side, parked indoors with wooden beams and various posters on the walls.

Cooter's Place

Meet actors from the popular television show The Dukes of Hazzard. Then play a round of mini-golf and race around a go-kart track.

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Traffic Light #6

You can learn about the history of Gatlinburg with a trip to Traffic Light #6.

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Traffic Light #5

Learn about the local history of Gatlinburg with a stop at Traffic Light #5.

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Tennessee Homemade Wines

You can enjoy a tasting or tour at Tennessee Homemade Wines during your travels to Gatlinburg.

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The Village Shops

You can browse for the perfect souvenirs at The Village Shops during your stay in Gatlinburg.

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Frequently asked questions

What's the area like around Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies?

Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies is located in a family-friendly area of Gatlinburg known for its magnificent mountain views and must-see aquarium. If you're looking for a convenient place to stay, check out the 405 hotels and other accommodations you'll find within a mile.

What's the best hotel to stay near Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies?

Adjacent to Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies, Edgewater Hotel - Gatlinburg is one of the top choices for your stay based on our traveler data, and this hotel offers free breakfast and an outdoor pool. Other good options within a short distance include Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg and Hotel Indigo Gatlinburg Downtown by IHG.

How many hotels will I be able to find close to Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies?

Expedia has 405 hotels and other accommodations within a mile from Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies.

If I need to cancel the hotel reservation for my stay near Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies, will I receive a refund?

Yes! The majority of hotel bookings are refundable if you cancel before the accommodation's cancellation deadline, which is often 24 or 48 hours before your check-in date. If you have a non-refundable reservation, it might still be possible to cancel it and receive a refund within 24 hours of booking. Put your dates in and click on "Search", then use the "fully refundable" filter to review the best deals near Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies.

Where can I learn more about changing or cancelling my trip in the area near Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies?

To access more information about updating your stay near Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies or cancelling it, go to https://www.expedia.com/service/.

What can I see and do near Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies?

Study the collections at Ripley's Believe It Or Not Museum, Guinness World Records Museum, or Christ in the Smokies Museum and Gardens. Sights like Historic Ogle Log Cabin and Noah Ogle Place highlight some of the local culture. You can catch a show at Dolly Parton's Stampede Dinner Attraction, Iris Theater, and Ripley's Moving Theater.

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Find hotels near Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies, Gatlinburg from ￥9,892

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Treat yourself

Be picky

Check prices for these dates

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Our top choices for Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies hotels

1. Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg

2. Hotel Indigo Gatlinburg Downtown by IHG

3. The Timber at Holly Branch

4. Embassy Suites By Hilton Gatlinburg Resort

5. Marshall's Creek Rest Motel

6. The Gillette

7. Sleepy Bear Motel

8. The Historic Gatlinburg Inn

9. Bearskin Lodge on the River

10. Historic Rocky Waters Inn, A Small Luxury Hotel

11. Old Creek Lodge

12. Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Gatlinburg Downtown

13. The Greystone Lodge on the River

14. Comfort Suites Gatlinburg Downtown-Convention Center

15. The Appy Lodge

16. The Park Vista - a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel - Gatlinburg

17. Holiday Inn Express Gatlinburg Downtown by IHG

18. Hilton Garden Inn Gatlinburg

19. Hampton Inn Gatlinburg Historic Nature Trail

20. Mainstay Suites Gatlinburg TN

Compare popular hotels close to Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies

Top Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies Hotel Reviews

Sidney James Mountain Lodge

Baymont by Wyndham Gatlinburg On The River

Crossroads Inn & Suites

Gatlinburg River Inn

The Historic Gatlinburg Inn

Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg

Hotel Indigo Gatlinburg Downtown by IHG

The Wander Hotel, a Ramada by Wyndham

The Park Vista - a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel - Gatlinburg

Other attractions near Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies

Mountain Mall

Guinness World Records Museum

Anakeesta

Cooter's Place

Traffic Light #6

Traffic Light #5

Tennessee Homemade Wines

The Village Shops

Frequently asked questions

Explore a world of travel with Expedia