Travel Review: Holly Ridge Condominiums in Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Spring break found us visiting Gatlinburg, Tennessee this year--and venturing into new lodging since our old favorites were booked or closed for remodeling when we planned our trip.  We chose the Laurel Inn Condominiums.  When we arrived, we learned; however, that our condo was actually located on the Holly Ridge Condominium side of the rental complex.  As our H entry in the Blogging from A to Z Challenge, we chose to review the Holly Ridge Condominiums in Gatlinburg. H is if Holly Ridge Condominiums.

Holly Ridge Condominiums are easily accessed from bypass routes.  If you have ever driven through the heart of Pigeon Forge through the heart of Gatlinburg on their congested parkways, you will already appreciate the fact that the Condo website offers directions that allow guests to avoid both via less traveled bypass routes.   This easily cut an hour off our drive time for a 5 pm, weekend arrival!

Holly Ridge Condominiums are spacious, clean and well maintained.  We were told that our Holly Ridge unit was a little larger than the Laurel Inn condos--and we had a balcony looking down on Gatlinburg--essentially watching the Skylift and the Ober Gatlinburg Tram make their rounds in the distance.  

The two bedroom condo also had two bathrooms--which was a gift when travelling with three daughters.

And a jacuzzi tub in the master suite..

We were fortunate enough to also have a full kitchen and washer and dryer in the unit.  

Yes, the furnishings and appliances were a little dated (the washer and dryer were the same model that I grew up with at home in the mid 80’s), but everything was clean and worked wonderfully.

The staff at the Laurel Inn/Holly Ridge office was friendly and helpful.  We only needed minimal contact, on check in and check out, but were well received both times. 

Holly Ridge Condominiums overlook the heart of Gatlinburg.  Stairs descend from the rear of the property down to an easy walk into town.  Okay, the stairs become a little tiresome to sore muscles after a few days, but--they do offer easy, ten minute access to the “hustle and bustle” while being just far enough away from the strip to allow for a little relaxation. 

Would we stay at the Holly Ridge Condominiums again?  Yes--in the Spring or Fall.  I don’t think the balcony would have the same appeal in the summer when the outdoor pool is open--nor do I think I would brave the stairs in the summer heat or snowy winters.  We enjoyed our stay and would certainly recommend it to fellow family travelers who need more space than a hotel suite and can accept clean and well maintained over trendy and modern.  Our unit wasn’t fancy--but, it was certainly easy to accept as our home away from home during our trip!  It really does offer the conveniences of condo living at a hotel price--great for a family budget!

You can learn more about Laurel Inn and Holly Ridge Condominiums by visiting the Laurel Inn Condominiums Website.

Disclaimer:  We were not compensated for this review--we just enjoyed our stay and wanted to share our experiences with readers!