Monday, June 21, 2010

Park Place Condominiums Gatlinburg Offers Perfect Mix of Seclusion and Location

Reviewed by Ashley of ReserveDirect.comPark Place Condominiums in Gatlinburg Tennessee is located on the edge of town, right on the banks of the Little Pigeon River. The tranquil setting is highlighted by lots of foliage, creating a relaxing place to stay while you visit The Great Smoky Mountain National Park, which is just minutes away. The property also offers a small fitness center and medium-sized, secluded outdoor pool to guests.

The units available include two and three bedroom condos. The two bedroom condo I stayed in had the same layout as the three bedroom unit, although the three bedroom has a loft which houses the third bedroom and third bathroom. The loft area of the third bedroom is accessed by a spiral staircase.

Upon arriving at my condo, I was pleased with its spaciousness and open layout. The fully equipped kitchen opens to a dining and living area, which features a mountain stone fireplace and has access to a balcony overlooking the river. The master bedroom also has balcony access and a large master bath with dual sinks, extra large Jacuzzi tub and walk-in shower. The case goods are in moderate condition and the entire unit is very clean. Near the entrance of the condo is the second bedroom, which is furnished with a king bed, and shares access to a shared common bath. A washer/dryer is also included in the unit. All of the condos are decorated in a unique fashion, although they all provide a good mix of at-home comforts.

A stay at the Gatlinburg Park Place Condos provides the perfect mix of seclusion and location for the Gatlinburg vacationer.

Be Amazed at the Cirque De Chine show in Pigeon Forge

Reviewed by Ashley of ReserveDirect.comCirque De Chine Pigeon Forge is an entertaining show that packs a lot of action into its two hour production. The talented performers combine movement and music for a one-of-a-kind display of Eastern arts. This show amazed me from start to finish, as these performers defy gravity, pushing their skills to new heights and generally do the impossible with their bodies.

A few of the highlights of this Pigeon Forge show included the human statue routines, during which the performers twist, turn and manipulate their bodies into statue like positions. The athleticism displayed is truly impressive. The Chinese dance segment, which feature a boy and girl performing aerial acrobatics was beautiful and highlighted the grace found in acrobatics. A balancing routine, featuring female cast members, was also a standout as the performers balanced flower torches, while dancing, in their mouths. Another spectacular stunt featured the males of the group jumping through hoops, literally! They would run, jump, flip, or somersault into a stand of hoops, and at one point the hoop was five circles high which totaled 10 feet! The way these performers gracefully swooped through these small circles, and at such a height, was unbelievable. A beautiful sash routine was another highlight. The story is based on a Chinese legend, similar to Romeo and Juliet, and the artistry of the man and woman during the sash segment was truly breathtaking. From swinging high above the crowd to seamlessly working together to perform artful moves, this segment truly brought the show to new heights. Other acts during the show included extreme juggling, chair/vase balancing at unheard of heights, human catapulting and martial arts.

The incredible finale of Cirque De Chine featured the famous flying motorcycles. A giant globe filled the stage and at first one motorcycle climbed inside driving up, down and all around. Then two filled the globe, then three, then four, then five! Watching five motorcycles spin, twist and go and upside down was a great finish to the show and still has my companions and I asking “How’d they do that?”

Young and old alike are enthralled by this show. It’s an easy choice for your next Pigeon Forge vacation.

Friday, June 18, 2010

Econo Lodge Riverside a Perfect Choice for Families

Reviewed by Ashley of ReserveDirect.comEcono Lodge Riverside Pigeon Forge is a nicely appointed property offering visitors a wide array of amenities and comfortable rooms that make a visit to the Smokies a relaxing one.

There is a large indoor pool area with retractable roof equipped with kiddie pool and Jacuzzi, and several of the hotels rooms face the pool, which is an added bonus. A game room, with 8 arcade games, and guest laundry facility is also available to guests, as well as free Wi-Fi access. An outdoor courtyard, located near the pool, is nicely landscaped and very inviting, and is a great place to enjoy breakfast in the morning. The deluxe continental breakfast, served each morning from 7am-10am, features 23 items, including biscuits and gravy and diabetic options. The breakfast room, which accommodates up to 53 people, can be accessed from the main lobby or from the lower level entrance. A unique feature of the Pigeon Forge Econo Lodge Riverside is that is does have a secluded creek located on property, perfect for enjoying the Smoky Mountain air.

Accommodations at this Pigeon Forge hotel include Double Queen, King and King Jacuzzi rooms. All rooms are considered “petite suites” as they come equipped with a mini-fridge, microwave, coffee maker and Serta Perfect Sleeper Beds. A bright décor of oranges, blues and yellows accents all of the rooms, which have nice cedar case goods, a 27” TV and L-shaped vanity located outside of the bath. The King Jacuzzi rooms feature a large corner Jacuzzi, and are more spacious than the aforementioned rooms. All of the units were very clean and were well presented during my visit. It is important to note the Double Queen rooms are a bit larger than the King rooms.

The Econo Lodge Riverside is an excellent choice for families on vacation in the Pigeon Forge area.

Enjoy Rustic Elegance at White Oak Lodge & Resort in Gatlinburg

Reviewed by Ashley of ReserveDirect.comExperience the mountains of Tennessee at White Oak Lodge and Resort in Gatlinburg. Home to impressive two and three bedroom cabins plus a recreation center, this property is the perfect place to get away from it all. They have artfully combined rustic charm and modern elegance to create a resort that is truly top notch. Located on 16 acres that borders the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, the resort’s cabins are beautifully crafted and offer 1,500 square feet of space to guests. Plus, all of the cabins have the same floor plan so you know exactly what you’re getting each and every time you stay.

The three bedroom cabin I stayed in featured an open layout on the main floor which included a kitchen with stainless steel appliances and granite counters, a rustic dining table and inviting living room with leather furniture, large flat screen TV with DVD player plus a stone gas fireplace. The large master bedroom was also located on the main floor. It was beautifully decorated with lodge décor and featured upscale case goods that really accented the lodge-style. It was also equipped with a flat screen TV and had a separate access to the screened-in porch with hot tub. The master suite bath was very spacious and had dual vanities and an extra large walk-in shower. A stacked washer/dryer was also located in the unit. Two additional bedrooms were located upstairs. Each bedroom was equipped with a flat screen TV and they shared a bathroom that was highlighted by upgraded hardware, dual sinks and granite counters. Excellent furnishings were found throughout the cabin, and really made the place feel exceptional. The cabins have a large porch with rocking chairs and the aforementioned hot tub.

The two bedroom cabins at White Oak Lodge Resort offer the same layout and design as the three bedroom unit, except the upstairs area features only one bedroom. The upstairs bedroom was equipped with a corner whirlpool tub, flat screen TV and has a small balcony. The bathroom had dual sinks and a large walk-in shower. The loft area of the two bedroom units also had a game area with pool table.

To make your stay at White Oak Lodge Resort Gatlinburg even more enjoyable, there is a recreation center with a magnificent u-shaped saltwater pool accented by stone grottos, two waterfall features, a zero-entry access point plus a Jacuzzi. Adjacent to the pool area is a stone gas fire pit. Tennis courts and basketball are also available.

Enjoy the Great Smoky Mountains at this impressive resort.

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Country Cascades is Remodeled, Renovated and Renamed for the 2010 Season

Reviewed by Ashley of ReserveDirect.comCountry Cascades, formerly Country Inn & Suites, is an inviting property offering interior corridor rooms, a secluded location plus the upgraded amenities guests deserve while on vacation. The hotel has been recently remodeled, and its charming décor and comfortable rooms reflect the renovations. The exterior of the hotel also has a fresh, new look as it received an extensive paint job in early 2010.

Upon arriving at the hotel, I was pleased with their expansive lobby, which featured art by local artist Ken Jenkins, and was equipped with a computer for guest use. Their Aquatic Center can be accessed from the main floor as well. There is a large indoor pool and hot tub, in an atrium-style enclosure, and secluded, medium-sized outdoor pool that was very clean and perfect for sunbathing. Plus, the pools at Country Cascades are non-chemical based as they use a salt-water blend instead of chlorine to purify their pools. A guest laundry, small fitness center and arcade are also located on-site. Wi-Fi service is available throughout the hotel free of charge.

Mill Creek runs right behind the property creating the perfect place to have a picnic, bbq or just play in the great outdoors. The Country Cascades also serves a deluxe continental breakfast in a medium-sized, very clean, breakfast room. The breakfast, which includes waffles, is served from 6:30am-10am.

The rooms at the Pigeon Forge Country Cascades have all been upgraded and now feature flat screen 32” TVs and DVD players, plus all rooms now have plush pillowtop mattresses and mini-fridges. All rooms also have new carpet, updated case goods and have a floral décor. The Double Queen units are equipped with a large vanity and moderate-sized bath area. The Celebration Suites, all located on the 7th floor, feature vaulted ceilings, which really added to the atmosphere of the rooms. They also feature medium-sized Jacuzzi tubs, extra-large windows, and are equipped with microwaves.

Choose the Country Cascades for your next Smoky Mountain getaway.

Newly Renovated Holiday Inn Pigeon Forge an Immaculate Lodging Choice

Reviewed by Ashley of ReserveDirect.comThe Holiday Inn Pigeon Forge is an immaculate, newly remodeled property that offers a wealth of amenities and conveniences for its guests. From the moment I arrived at the hotel, I was impressed with its stunning lodge-style lobby which boasts a beautiful flagstone fireplace, hardwood floors and spacious lounge area. After checking in to my newly renovated room, I made use of the array of amenities available.

Most of the properties amenities are located on the main floor. There is a small business center with two computers and copy/fax/print services, plus an indoor pool and arcade. The large indoor pool was very clean and inviting. It had a waterfall feature, plenty of lounge space, a hot tub plus a sundeck outside. The arcade, which has 12 games, is located in the same area, which is convenient for families. Louie’s Grill is also open to guests and it serves breakfast from 7am-10:30am. There is an $8.95 charge for the breakfast buffet. Louie’s is also open for dinner from 5pm-8pm. On weekends, The Marketplace Café is open and it offers sandwiches, light snacks and on-the-go type items. There is also a fitness center available, open from 5:30am-11pm, equipped with six machines and a flat screen TV. The hotel is also equipped with Wi-Fi, which is a free service to guests.

King and Double/Double rooms are available at the Pigeon Forge Holiday Inn. All rooms are newly renovated and featured triple sheeted pillow top beds that were very restful, a mini-fridge, microwave, sofa chair, 27” TV and new case goods. The bath area had a granite vanity and curved shower rod for extra space. The motif is simple earth tones of browns, greens, golds and whites with a hint of wildlife to accent the lodge-style of the hotel. All rooms also have large windows accenting the spaciousness of the rooms.

The all indoor corridor Holiday Inn Pigeon Forge is a top place to stay when you play in the Smokies.

Friday, June 11, 2010

Comfortable, Clean Accommodations can be found at Holiday Inn Express Pigeon Forge

Reviewed by Ashley of ReserveDirect.com
The Holiday Inn Express Pigeon Forge was a wonderful place to stay on my recent trip to Pigeon Forge. Newly remodeled, the property offers quality accommodations and amenities that make guests feel right at home. Plus, Pigeon Forge entertainment and shows were just steps away, which made enjoying the area very easy.
The Pigeon Forge Holiday Inn Express features a large indoor pool area with hot tub in an atrium-style enclosure that allowes for plenty of sunlight. It connects to a courtyard that is perfect for sunbathing. The spacious area was very clean and also has public restrooms. There is also a guest laundry located on the 5th floor and a picnic area with swing set for the kids located behind the pool area. A medium-sized game room was also available to guests. Plus, a computer was available in the lobby that offered free internet access with copy/print/fax services. However, free Wi-Fi was available throughout the hotel. The free hot breakfast that was served in the morning, from 6:30am-10am, was a great way to start my day. It featured standard continental breakfast items as well as hot items like eggs, cinnamon rolls, sausage and bacon.
Accommodations at the hotel include Double/Double and Single King units. I had the pleasure of staying in a Double/Double Unit, which was equipped with a very comfortable bed featuring fine linens and pillows that made for a restful night’s sleep. It was furnished with a sofa chair, mini-fridge, microwave and 27” TV. The décor featured greens, golds and whites. The bathroom area had a curved shower rod and large vanity area, and felt spacious for a standard hotel unit.
The Holiday Inn Express is a great choice for travelers to the Smoky Mountain region.