Courtyard by Marriott Kodak Sevierville

We booked two rooms for a last-minute weekend away with our teenagers, and it worked out perfectly. The beds, pillows, and bedding were so comfortable. I travel a lot for work and usually stay in high four-star or five-star hotels, so my expectations are high. This place was new, and really couldn’t have been better. We had dinner downstairs one night, and the food was good. There’s a great wine selection, beers on tap, and even a full Starbucks menu. Every team member was extremely nice. The teens also loved being able to walk to Buccees. It’s an easy drive to Knoxville and Pigeon Forge, and the pool and kids’ splash pad look really nice too. Service, food, and location all get five stars from me.

Breakfast isn’t complimentary here. You can order it each morning at The Bistro for about $18 per person. The hotel is right next to Buc-ee’s, which makes picking up food or snacks easy, and it’s also close to the interstate and local attractions. The rooms are quiet, comfortable, and spotless, with modern furnishings, a smart TV, mini-fridge, coffee maker, and microwave. The hotel is brand new. Check-in was quick, the staff were welcoming, and the gym is large and well equipped. RV parking is available too.

The gym is the best part of the hotel, with dumbbells up to 50 pounds, a good pulley machine, and a few other things. The pool seems aimed at families, though it does have small loungers. Rooms are comfortable, but I’d bring my own pillows. There’s a refrigerator, so you can stock your own beer, water, and other drinks, or bring a camping grill and cook. Buc-Cees is next door if you’re craving junk food, and the hotel is convenient to the highway. I’d stay again, but I’d eat breakfast and dinner elsewhere. The Courtyard charges for breakfast. Flapjacks has fresh, made-to-order breakfast instead of microwaved food, and Food city is only a mile away for hot, fresh dinner. My other gripe was seeing employees sitting at the front desk on their phones, and smoking. If they’re not busy, I’d rather see them wiping down furniture or gym equipment.

The hotel itself is beautiful, modern, clean, and comfortable. Our rooms were quiet, spotless, and thoughtfully laid out. But it was the team’s kindness and calm that really stood out. We were greeted by name whenever we came through the lobby or sat at the bar, a small thing that made me feel cared for. I checked in Friday afternoon as a winter storm was moving in. By Friday night it was snowing, and by Saturday morning we were snowed in. Youth volleyball players and their families were there, along with other guests who couldn’t travel, so the lobby and bar stayed busy Saturday evening and through Sunday while much of the area was closed. December, the hotel manager, and the whole team were exceptional through all of it. They were clearly short-staffed because of the weather, but nobody showed frustration or exhaustion. Every interaction was warm and welcoming. Their professionalism and grace under pressure were remarkable. Marriott could learn a lot from this location’s staff. I’d gladly stay again and recommend it to anyone traveling through.