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 spacious lobby with a large flat-screen TV, a fireplace, wicker furniture, and a patterned carpet.

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

A coffee shop interior with a wooden counter, menu boards, and a tropical mural.

1. Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg

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

David

￥23,026

￥25,962 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 15 - Nov 16

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

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

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

2. The Gillette

0.8 km from Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies

Jacob

￥21,315

￥24,034 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 3 - Nov 4

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

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

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 courtyard with outdoor seating, stone walls, and a wooden pergola.

3. Embassy Suites By Hilton Gatlinburg Resort

1.2 km from Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies

Kyle

￥26,511

￥29,892 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 11 - Nov 12

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

A modern restaurant with large windows, wooden floors, and unique spherical hanging lights.

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.

4. Hotel Indigo Gatlinburg Downtown by IHG

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

Melissa

￥22,721

￥29,074 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 15 - Nov 16

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

A stone wall with a wooden log ceiling and a sign reading "Bearskin Lodge on the River".

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

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

5. Bearskin Lodge on the River

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

Sara

￥27,322

￥30,806 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 8 - Nov 9

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

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

A cozy hotel room with a bed, a sofa, a small table, a lamp, and a fireplace.

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

6. Old Creek Lodge

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

Bingxin

￥26,489

￥29,866 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 1 - Nov 2

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

A dining area with a wooden bench, a table set for two, and a view of a stream through large windows.

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

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.

7. Historic Rocky Waters Inn, A Small Luxury Hotel

0.6 km from Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies

Mark

￥26,487

￥32,444 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 18 - Nov 19

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

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

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

A cozy living room with a stone fireplace, leather sofas, and a chandelier.

8. The Greystone Lodge on the River

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

Jerry

￥22,707

￥25,602 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 24 - Nov 25

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

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

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

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

9. Comfort Suites Gatlinburg Downtown-Convention Center

0.7 km from Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies

esaul

￥15,161

￥17,879 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 19 - Nov 20

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 hotel room with two beds, a desk, and a television.

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

10. The Appy Lodge

1.2 km from Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies

Chris

￥23,157

￥26,109 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 1 - Nov 2

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

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.

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

11. Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Gatlinburg Downtown

1.2 km from Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies

Jeff

￥18,651

￥21,029 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 18 - Nov 19

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.

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

0.9 km from Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies

Angie

￥19,792

￥22,315 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 18 - Nov 19

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

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

A modern living room with a stone wall, a fireplace, a flat-screen TV, a desk with a chair, and artwork on the wall.

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

13. Hampton Inn Gatlinburg Historic Nature Trail

1.3 km from Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies

Jennifer

￥18,518

￥20,880 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 18 - Nov 19

An indoor play area with slides and climbing structures.

A gym with treadmills, elliptical machines, and weightlifting equipment.

A buffet with various food items, including omelets and other dishes, served in metal trays.

A spacious lobby with a central seating area, multiple tables, and a high ceiling with recessed lighting.

14. Holiday Inn Express Gatlinburg Downtown by IHG

0.9 km from Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies

Wayne

￥30,562

￥37,991 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 18 - Nov 19

An indoor swimming pool with a stone wall, lounge chairs, and a fire feature.

A modern bar area with a long counter, multiple stools, and overhead lighting.

A patio area with a fire pit, outdoor seating, and a view of the building's exterior.

A hotel room with a bed, desk, two armchairs, a sofa, and a small round table.

15. Courtyard by Marriott Gatlinburg Downtown

0.8 km from Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies

Ramona

￥20,696

￥23,334 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 18 - Nov 19

A hotel room with a large bed, a wooden headboard, two bedside tables with lamps, a green sofa, and a small ottoman.

An indoor swimming pool with clear water, marked depth lines, and a lifeguard chair.

A compact office space with a desk, two chairs, a small stool, a coffee maker, and a lamp.

A fitness center with treadmills, stationary bikes, and a weight machine.

16. Mainstay Suites Gatlinburg TN

1.6 km from Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies

Kassidy

￥8,381

￥9,497 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 22 - Nov 23

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

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

A breakfast table set with various dishes, drinks, and utensils.

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

17. Hilton Garden Inn Gatlinburg

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

Debra

￥23,846

￥26,886 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 18 - Nov 19

A river with clear water flowing over rocks.

A view from a balcony overlooking a river with a bridge, buildings, and mountains in the background.

A hotel with a stone facade, multiple balconies, and a sign indicating a Gold Award Winner.

A hotel room with a bed, a desk with a chair, a TV, a bathroom with a bathtub, and a large window.

18. Econo Lodge Inn & Suites On The River

Downtown Gatlinburg, 1.1 km from Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies

Patricia

￥11,342

￥12,788 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 15 - Nov 16

An indoor swimming pool with a hot tub, stone walls, and a mural of a natural landscape.

A hotel room with a bed, a TV, a fireplace, a large window, a bathroom with a bathtub, and a wooden table with a bottle and glasses.

An outdoor patio with a stone fire pit surrounded by wooden chairs, under a wooden pergola with string lights.

A cozy living room with a fireplace, a television, and a comfortable seating area.

19. Edgewater Hotel - Gatlinburg

Downtown Gatlinburg, 0.3 km from Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies

Erin

￥19,715

￥22,229 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 9 - Nov 10

A house with a sloped roof, surrounded by a forested area with tall trees and a clear sky.

A balcony with a view of a swimming pool, a door, and a chair.

A cozy living room with a stone fireplace, a flat-screen TV mounted on the wall, a dining table with chairs, and a large window with curtains.

A cozy living room with a stone fireplace, a mounted TV, and a dining area with a round table and chairs.

20. Laurel Inn Condominium

0.7 km from Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies

Shailesh

￥14,099

￥30,931 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 8 - Nov 9

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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 2,090 reviews	View
The Gillette	9.4 Exceptional 377 reviews	View
Embassy Suites By Hilton Gatlinburg Resort	9.6 Exceptional 1,085 reviews	View
Hotel Indigo Gatlinburg Downtown by IHG	9.6 Exceptional 804 reviews	View
Bearskin Lodge on the River	9.4 Exceptional 1,002 reviews	View

Top Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies Hotel Reviews

Edgewater Hotel - Gatlinburg

10/10 Excellent

"Breakfast was great. Staff friendly and welcoming. Rooms clean and remodeled. Only complaint is the elevators moving slow and no indoor steps for other access without going outside"

Brookside Lodge

8/10 Good

"Rooms were as advertised. A bit rustic but nice. A few cosmetic touch ups would help but overall as advertised. We spent most of the time being tourists so the room was a good place to sleep."

Crossroads Inn & Suites

10/10 Excellent

"We stay there often. Excellent location, clean, convenient………."

Best Western Johnson's Inn Downtown Gatlinburg

10/10 Excellent

"Danielle the girl who checked us in was professional and she had a great attitude she was able to guide us to the complete town and we were confident in her knowledge great stay and great breakfast just amazing"

Bear Creek Inn

10/10 Excellent

"Wonderful place. We saw a bear walking by the creek from our balcony! Was a great little place."

The Park Vista - a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel - Gatlinburg

8/10 Good

"The property itself has good bones and a beautiful view but it needs a facelift."

Clarion Pointe Downtown Gatlinburg

10/10 Excellent

"Lo menos que me gusto fue El desayuno no es variado, y lo mas q me gustó ubicación y y la habitación."

River Terrace Resort & Convention Center

8/10 Good

"Overall, this hotel is fine, just fine. Its location is fantastic and easy to get to, and very convenient if you are planning to spend your time on the Parkway. The rooms have outside doors like a motel, so security always felt a little off. And because there is direct access from outside, dirt kept getting into the room which was difficult to manage. The bathroom was outdated, and the toilet felt like you were playing Russian roulette every time you flushed. It was the slowest flush ever. The hot water for the shower was insufficient too. My understanding is that most if not all this property is going away in 2027 as the company is building a new resort. I got this information from the very long winded gentleman that was handling the parking passes. He was trying to entice me to go to the other property in the morning for a breakfast presentation and an offer of free Anakeesta tickets for going. But that would have involved driving which I was not inclined to do. Overall, this property cost more than I would normally pay for any hotel, but significantly cheaper than the other options in the location. Good enough."

Sidney James Mountain Lodge

10/10 Excellent

"Staff was very helpful."

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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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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Treasure Quest Miniature Golf

8.4/10 (11 reviews)

You can take time to visit Treasure Quest Miniature Golf during your travels to Gatlinburg. Wander the riverfront or discover the mountain views in this romantic area.

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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 401 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 401 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 ￥9,497

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

1. Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg

2. The Gillette

3. Embassy Suites By Hilton Gatlinburg Resort

4. Hotel Indigo Gatlinburg Downtown by IHG

5. Bearskin Lodge on the River

6. Old Creek Lodge

7. Historic Rocky Waters Inn, A Small Luxury Hotel

8. The Greystone Lodge on the River

9. Comfort Suites Gatlinburg Downtown-Convention Center

10. The Appy Lodge

11. Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Gatlinburg Downtown

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

13. Hampton Inn Gatlinburg Historic Nature Trail

14. Holiday Inn Express Gatlinburg Downtown by IHG

15. Courtyard by Marriott Gatlinburg Downtown

16. Mainstay Suites Gatlinburg TN

17. Hilton Garden Inn Gatlinburg

18. Econo Lodge Inn & Suites On The River

19. Edgewater Hotel - Gatlinburg

20. Laurel Inn Condominium

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

Top Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies Hotel Reviews

Edgewater Hotel - Gatlinburg

Brookside Lodge

Crossroads Inn & Suites

Best Western Johnson's Inn Downtown Gatlinburg

Bear Creek Inn

The Park Vista - a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel - Gatlinburg

Clarion Pointe Downtown Gatlinburg

River Terrace Resort & Convention Center

Sidney James Mountain Lodge

Other attractions near Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies

Mountain Mall

Guinness World Records Museum

Anakeesta

Traffic Light #6

Traffic Light #5

Tennessee Homemade Wines

The Village Shops

Treasure Quest Miniature Golf

Frequently asked questions

Explore a world of travel with Expedia