Wednesday, May 7, 2008

The Resort at Governor's Crossing a Swimming Success With Families

Reviewed by Ashley of ReserveDirect.comThe Resort at Governor’s Crossing is a haven for families visiting Pigeon Forge. This property was pleasing from arrival to departure, with each amenity and service receiving high marks. There are 1-3 bedroom condominiums available. The style of each unit is warm and inviting, and each condo has a living room and dining room area, along with a full kitchen and balcony. The layout of the condos places the kitchen and bathrooms towards the entrance, with the bedrooms divided by the living area.

As much as I was pleased by the lodging at The Resort at Governor’s Crossing in Pigeon Forge, I was really impressed by the unique water features they have implemented. There is a huge, central, outdoor pool with sunning deck, a nice-size lazy river, children’s pool with sprinklers and other features. Plus, there is also an indoor pool area with three divided pools and more kiddie water features. To top it all off, there are two water slides that begin on the inside, wrap around the outside of the building, and tunnel back into the pool area. They are a lot of fun!

This property is a wonderful choice for families and is highly recommended! Retirees would most likely want to steer clear of this property as it is a “kid friendly” property and there can be extra noise. I would make reservations early, as when I visited they were completely sold out.

Impressive RiverStone Resort Top Choice for Pigeon Forge Visitors

Reviewed by John of ReserveDirect.com RiverStone Resort couldn’t have impressed me more. The property is a beautifully laid out complex which I found to be very convenient to Pigeon Forge’s most popular attraction, Dollywood, but also along a side road that made moving up and down the Parkway quick and easy.

Each building offered covered parking and elevators with views of the Gatlinburg Golf Course (yeah, it's in Pigeon Forge) on one side and the Parkway on the other. All the condos offer both views front to back and are beautifully appointed with pillow top mattresses, lovely furniture arrangements, walk in showers, fireplaces, flat screen televisions, spacious rooms, kitchen….must I go on? They are luxury condos, but at a reasonable price when you consider how spacious they are, the location and the amenities.

The swimming pool was large and was housed in a standalone complex with a sizeable workout facility offering multiple machines upstairs and an arcade style game room downstairs. There is also a walking trail along the creek and an outdoor lazy river for hot Summer days. RiverStone Resort in Pigeon Forge rates well and should be considered for your next trip to the Smokies.

Ramada Inn a Convenient Choice for Pigeon Forge Visitors

Reviewed by Ashley of ReserveDirect.comThe Ramada Inn Pigeon Forge is nicely situated on the Parkway, with easy access to all the fun Pigeon Forge has to offer. The property is a nice choice for families visiting the area, as it provides an outdoor pool, heated seasonally, and is also budget friendly. Parents will enjoy the fact they offer free wireless internet as well as a free executive continental breakfast. Plus, there is a sundry store on location, which is stocked with drinks, snacks and other various items you might need on your stay.

The hotel is outdoor corridors only, with drive-up parking to most rooms. There are no elevators on site but the rooms themselves are appointed nicely with modern décor and new furnishings. There is a microwave and fridge in every room on the first floor, with new carpet and new curved shower rods accenting the rooms features throughout the hotel. The Pigeon Forge Ramada Inn is also pet friendly and smoker friendly. Although it is standard in many ways, the property is a good choice for budget conscious families.

Note: Although the property does not feature an elevator there are gradual walking ramps available.

Branson's Quality Inn an Affordable yet Quality Place to Stay

Reviewed by Ashley of ReserveDirect.comThe Quality Inn on Shepherd of the Hills Expressway in Branson offers exactly what its name suggests: Quality. This word is apparent throughout the property, as they have strove to provide a comfortable, yet affordable property for their guests. During my visit, I toured the Double Queen and King Rooms, many of which are in the midst of being redecorated. They offer basic amenities, such as a 27 inch television, while some rooms also have recliners.

The recreation area I toured was very large, with a vaulted wood-beamed ceiling over the indoor pool, hot tub, game area and guest laundry, adding a nice ambiance. There is also an outdoor pool available as well as a lounge, which is open on weekends only. The Quality Inn does offer a free continental breakfast, with an optional hot breakfast available for an addition $4.00. This property has a mix of indoor and outdoor corridor rooms, with ample level parking for guests. There is also a meeting room, which will handle groups of up to 85 people. The location of the hotel is also key to its success, as it provides easy access to many alternate Branson routes and activities.

The Branson's Quality Inn on Shepherd of the Hills Expressway is well suited for families and seniors, as it does not specialize in luxury, but it does specialize in great service and quality for its customers. It is a great choice for Branson visitors looking for affordability but with the amenities they deserve.

Melody Lane Inn Budget Friendly Branson Property

Reviewed by Ashley of ReserveDirect.comThe Melody Lane Inn in Branson is a quaint property located right on Hwy 76, amidst many popular theatres and attractions such as The Presleys’ Jubilee Show. It offers convenient access to all things Branson, while also offering guests a nice, clean property at an affordable rate.

This outdoor corridor property allowed for easy-access parking during my visit and is also well suited for large groups and motor coaches working on a budget. There is an outdoor pool on property as well as a cozy breakfast room offering a free continental breakfast, which includes hot items, such as waffles. The rooms I visited were standard double queen or king arrangements, and were priced reasonably, while retaining the comfort visitors desire. They come equipped with a 27 inch television, floral or modern deco décor, with new tile in all bathrooms adding a nice touch.

Although Branson's Melody Lane Inn does not specialize in luxury or upscale amenities, The Melody Lane Inn is a great option for Branson travelers looking for affordability, location and simplicity in their lodging.

Diamond Mountain Rentals Provide Cozy Cabins and Gatlinburg Fun

Reviewed by Ashley of ReserveDirect.comDiamond Mountain Rentals in Gatlinburg was a great choice for me and my fellow travelers. The location was far enough away to get a feel of the “mountain town” aspect of Gatlinburg, while maintaining a convenient location to all of Gatlinburg’s attractions and restaurants.

The cabins were very impressive, both in their design and layout. My fellow travelers and I lodged in a four bedroom/four bath cabin that gave each of us plenty of space and seclusion. The bathroom and bedrooms were unique and well-equipped throughout. Gatlinburg's Diamond Mountain Rentals also specializes in a fun time, as many of their cabins come standard with a pool table and hot tub. Our cabin even had a sauna for our enjoyment. Plus, charcoal grills, cookware and utinsils come complimentary, so a BBQ is just a quick trip to Gatlinburg away.

The cabins are close together, in a suburban style fashion. So, the cabins are secluded, but in a semi-private fashion. Diamond Mountain Rentals is a good choice for anyone visiting Gatlinburg. From families who need the space, to couples who want the charm, these cabins can provide the unique Gatlinburg experience you’ve been looking for.

Pigeon Forge's Creekstone Inn is a Simple, Budget Friendly Property

Reviewed by Ashley of ReserveDirect.comThe Creekstone Inn in Pigeon Forge is a quaint property located just off the Parkway. The biggest appeal of Creekstone Inn is its creekside location. A nice, flowing creek runs right behind its lodging units, giving guests a nice respite from the busy days of shopping, going to shows and hiking.

The rooms at Pigeon Forge's Creekstone Inn are standard, with basic amenities, including refrigerators and microwaves in every room. The floor plan is split, so privacy can be maintained in double queen rooms. New carpet has also just been installed, adding a nice touch to the floral décor of blues, greens and gold. They also offer a semi-private balcony with a nice view of the peaceful creek. The rooms are a bit dated, as is the property, but has an updated decor.

There is a very small breakfast hospitality room available, which is basically a converted hotel room, offering basics such as coffee and pastries. The Creekstone Inn is a good choice for families on a budget, couples looking for a unique creekside experience and even for retirees looking to relax while enjoying all Pigeon Forge has to offer.