Smoketree Lodge

We booked two suites, each with a kitchen and separate bedrooms, and everything was clean. The heated pool, hot tub, and dry saunas were nice. The lodge is old and dated, but for the price I can’t complain. We’re particular about cleanliness and check every hotel for bedbugs. The location is great, right in the middle of Boone, shopping, Beach & Sugar. The former restaurant is now a game room with puzzles, so there’s room to gather. They do time shares, so it didn’t seem busy. If you’re Cracker Barrel folks, this place is for you. We’ll be back for the price. I’ll add photos later.

It’s an older, well-kept and clean property with 80’s decor and a step-in tub/shower. There are LOTS of steps, so be prepared. The kitchenette has old appliances, and while the view of Grandfather Mtn is great, there’s no balcony to enjoy it from. It’s okay, but NOT a 3 star IMO.

The bed was the worst part of our stay. The mattress was ridiculously uncomfortable, and we barely slept for two days. There’s no soundproofing either. The place was really dated and dingy, and I can’t remember the last time I used a key to get into a hotel room. I chose it for its proximity to Sugar Mountain Ski Resort, but that was a mistake. They don’t supply shampoo, so I had to buy a couple of tiny tubes from them for $1.50 each. Ridiculous. One of the worst stays I’ve had.

This was one of the worst hotel experiences I’ve had. The staff were unpleasant, the rooms were dirty, and the pool area looked nothing like the photos. Housekeeping wouldn’t clean or bring fresh linens, and the front desk closes at night. With no staff there overnight, we felt staying here because of how other guests behaved.