Mountain Empire Motel

The owner and his superintendent were really nice and went out of their way to accommodate us. From what I could tell, they’re renovating the place and trying to bring it back to life. Hurricane Helene hit the area hard, and it seems to have recovered a lot, though tourism has slowed because of the damage the storm caused. The rooms aren’t fancy, but they’re economical and have what you need. Ours wasn’t nasty or filthy, the AC was nice and cold, and the mountain view was amazing. The pizza smell from the local place across the way was great, too. The price feels like it’s from the old days and won’t break the bank. I’ve gathered this used to be the place to stay, though times have changed. Mountain City TN is such a pleasant place, and the people are very kind. There’s plenty to do outdoors, Watuaga Lake is right down the road, Boone NC is 30 minutes away for nightlife, and Johnson City TN is about an hour away. Give this place a chance and help Mountain City and the hotel get back to the top. You and your family could make memories here that last a lifetime.

I grew up in Mountain City and remember when this motel was nice. That’s changed, and I’d suggest staying in Abingdon VA or Boone NC instead. I was in town for a family event and checked out at 9:30 pm, then drove home to Charlotte NC. My room wasn’t clean when I arrived, and the musky smell was unpleasant. The outlets by the beds were so loose they wouldn’t hold a phone charger. Even in an upgraded room, the shower had a 1 inch pipe coming through a 2 1/2 inch hole with no cover. I was in room 107 and complained to the owner and staff about a party in room 104 on Sunday December 14 2025. The occupants had brought a stereo, and the music was so loud I couldn’t rest. There was yelling and an overwhelming smell of drugs. I joked that I.C.E. Agents could have made their quota from that one room. The staff and owner did nothing. The owner lives on site behind the front desk. The front door has a hasp lock, and after you ring the bell, he answers in his socks. Apparently that’s acceptable management in India.

Rooms were filthy, grime covered the walls, and mice were running around inside. Animals were everywhere. It was a thoroughly unpleasant stay, and I wouldn’t recommend the place to anyone.

We had to buy our own sheets before we could sleep there. It’s a shame, because as a kid I visited family in Mt. City every year and stayed at the Mountain Empire each time. We were there the first year the second building and pool were built, and the rooms were beautiful and clean back then. I don’t know if the same people own it as nine years ago. These days we get airbnbs when we come down. I hope mountain empire gets restored to its former glory someday.