Baymont by Wyndham Cherokee Smoky Mountains

The people I spoke with when booking were kind and helpful, and check-in around 7:40 was just as pleasant. The woman who helped me had a name starting with K, I think. Breakfast was meant to be out at 7, but at about 7:15 it was only just being set out. The man handling it seemed unsure what to do. I asked whether there were waffles, and he walked off muttering. I'm not sure what the problem was, but he came across like he didn't want to work.

The room was clean and pleasant, and the beds were more comfortable than I expected for an older hotel. We got moved from a king to a queen when we arrived, though the gentleman gave us a discount for the inconvenience. The setting near Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Blue Ridge Parkway was handy, with free self-parking, but getting around was rough: a fair was right next door, so traffic was awful and noisy. Breakfast was limited and could use improvement. It worked fine for a quick stay.

We picked this for a last-minute weekend away and found it quiet, with a clean room and beds that were surprisingly comfortable. The staff were really nice, too. Seeing elk in the parking lot each morning was exciting. Breakfast was only okay, with waffles, cereal, yogurt, bananas, toast, coffee, and juice.

Kay at the front desk was fabulous. Room 209 was spotless and the bed was comfortable. We had a great stay and plan to come back.