Review: Pet Friendly Travelodge Inn and Suites Gatlinburg Tennessee

Photo credit: Travelodge Inn & Suites

My husband and I decided to stay in Gatlinburg, Tennessee November 13-15, 2015. Gatlinburg is a mountain town in eastern Tennessee, which borders the 520,000-acre Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It's typical to see elk, wild turkeys and other wildlife during the drive through the majestic mountains. Gatlinburg's attractions include a 407-ft. Space Needle observation tower, a Sky Lift, a 2.1-mile aerial cable car that travels from downtown to the ski resort Ober Gatlinburg.

We married there in April at a quaint chapel in the mountains. We were distracted by all things wedding, so we thought it would be nice to return and explore the town.

We chose Travelodge Inn and Suites in Gatlinburg on the River because it welcomes pets. Our room rate was $99.99 a night. Our two small dogs Lucy and Shelby stayed for an additional $20.00 a night each. Roscoe, Max and Cash stayed home with visits from a pet sitter.

Shelby, 12, has traveled with me by car and plane over the years. She's a seasoned traveler. She is calm. She never gets car sick. She sleeps most of the time.

Lucy, 2, has ridden in the car briefly. I was pleasantly surprised that she handled the more than three hour car ride well. Both dogs enjoyed stopping at mountain overlooks and mountain areas for potty breaks.

The Travelodge Inn and Suites in Gatlinburg is an older hotel that set on the banks of the Little Pigeon River. Each guest room overlooks the river, which is nice. It's a short walk to fantastic restaurants and shops. It offers a free breakfast that is adequate; the coffee was delicious.

Check in was fast and easy. Our room was on the third floor. There is an old and drafty elevator, or you can take the stairs. Shelby had lived with me in an Atlanta high rise years ago -- taking the elevator was fun for her. Lucy, meanwhile, was spread eagle and flattened on the elevator floor the first couple of elevator rides as though she was expecting a bomb to go off.

The room was nicely decorated and clean. The A/C and heating unit thermostat did not work properly. The bathroom shower and tub unit was new. The ceiling of the shower and tub unit was low. If you are 6-foot or taller, chances are you will not be able to stand upright while you shower.

We laid out a couple of pee pads on the bathroom tile -- just in case. I'm happy to report that none were used. Our two girls had no issues going potty on the property so we had no accidents.

There is not a designated dog park or a lot of grass areas for dog potty breaks. The hotel didn't recommend where to take the dogs. The car parking lot beneath the hotel, which is open air, does have a patch of grass behind it next to the river. It is the best choice for a potty area. Otherwise, you have to use the landscaped area next to the pool, which other guests may frown upon, or go for a walk in town and poop scoop.

I laid out the dogs' favorite blanket and toys, which kept them busy while we were out and about.

One good thing about the hotel's age; the rooms seem well insulated. We could not hear our next door neighbors, which was wonderful because the dogs were not alarmed and inclined to bark.

The room balconies overlook the river. Unfortunately, we could not allow the dogs on the balcony because all of the rooms open to a shared balcony, which is our number one complaint about the hotel. It is important to remember to lock the door leading out the shared balcony or strangers could access your room.

There were many dogs of all sizes staying at Travelodge Inn and Suites at Gatlinburg the weekend we were there.

In conclusion, we were satisfied with our stay at Travelodge's pet friendly hotel. We felt it was a good value. In hindsight, we should've asked for a room switch since the A/C and heat unit was not working properly.

The dogs enjoyed their stay. There are no negative incidents to report at the hotel concerning the dogs. Hound and Home recommends this Travelodge Inn for dogs.

Travelodge Inn and Suites Pet Policy

View from the balcony.

The Travelodge in Gatlinburg website currently states that there is a maximum of two pets allowed for a fee of $25.00 per pet per night. The rate must have increased. We paid $20 a night.

Max weight of 20 lbs. or less per pet. I don't think the hotel staff observes this policy because we saw dogs weighing over 20 pounds while there. Ask the reservation clerk if they will allow your larger dog.

Additional fees may be charged if room is found damaged or dirty because of your pet. Please do not leave pets unattended.

ADA defined service animals are also welcome at this hotel.

Travelodge Inn and Suites on the River is located at 218 Ski Mountain Road, Gatlinburg, TN 37738. 1-865-325-1516. Check in is after 3:00 p.m. Check out is before 11:00 a.m.

Have you and your dog ever stayed at a Travelodge Inn & Suites? Were you satisfied with the experience? What is your favorite pet friendly hotel chain? Share your experience in the comment section below.