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I recommend the Clarion Suites in Gatlinburg. They have safe parking in the rear and great balconies, but the complementary breakfast sucks. Smokey Mountain Brewhouse is right behind the hotel and Texas Roadhouse is across the street.
The Mid Town Lodge is an older motel right asross from Ripleys. We used it as a base camp a couple of years ago. They were bike friendly and gave us rooms we could park the bikes in front of. There was 20 of us so we had 10 side by side rooms. They have a large balcony above the lobby right on the strip. It worked very well for us. Get up early and eat breakfast or sleep a little and skip breakfast. Be ready to ride by 8:00 we rode each day and returned by 7:00. Everyone could clean up before supper and walk to eat. No problem with a few drinks and the girls could fix up and not have to get back on the bikes. The ones that were tired could grab a bite and retire to the room, the other could party into the night. One tip Puckers will not let you in if you have been drinking, Hogs and Honeys is fun, but Sonnys (behind Ripleys) is more like a small town beer joint (were we wound up every night). Tip, come into Gburg on the river road benhind the strip and miss some of the traffic.
I have stayed several years at the Rocky Waters Motor Inn at traffic light #2. They have great parking under the building out of the weather. They are concrete columns that you can park next to for security reasons. The rates are good. The rooms are nice. You can get fireplaces. All of them have balconies over the river.
Been going 3 or 4 times a year for as long as I can remeber. Have stayed at several diffrent motels and they were all friendly. My favorite is the Ramada Inn. it is dead in the middle of town making everything within walking distance. Drink a Mountain Light for me at the Smokey Mountain Brewhouse and try the "wet" wings. My favorites. If you want a big steak try the Alamo on HWY 321. Have a great time and enjoy the riding, some of the best in the country.
We go 3 or 4 times a year. The Hampton Inn is great and has covered parking for the bikes. The people are super friendly and the breakfast is actually good. We have a great time there (Gatlinberg) every time we go. Ride all day then park the bikes and walk at night.
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