Planning a group trip to the Smokies? Discover
Where to Stay for a Group Trip: Hotel vs. Cabin
In general, most people opt for a hotel instead of a cabin or other type of accommodation when traveling. In fairness, hotels have a well-deserved reputation for being convenient, affordable, and available.
When it comes to group vacations, though, hotels are often found lacking. Let's look at the differences that matter between a hotel and a cabin for your next trip.
Why Hotel Rooms Just Don't Cut It for Group Trips
Without question, booking a hotel for your group means booking multiple rooms to fit everyone. This is not only expensive, but it's also a logistical nightmare.
Is everyone on the same floor? Who lost their key? Are some people staying at a different hotel? Who's stuck next to the elevator?
All these questions and more make it clear that what should be a fun getaway for everyone can quickly become stressful, rather than enjoyable, and detract from the overall experience.
Why Large Cabins Are the Smarter Choice
Now imagine what you get when you choose a large cabin as your base. Everyone is under the same roof, there's a full kitchen, a large living room, and plenty of space for everyone to spread out comfortably.
In addition, there are a wide selection of amenities and locations available (more on that later), so everyone enjoys a stay that's as fun as it is memorable.
Choosing the Right Cabin Size for Your Group
Not all
5–7 Bedroom Cabins: Ideal for Families and Close Friends
Larger families, a group of friends, or even a couple of smaller families will enjoy our 5-7 bedroom cabin options. Sleeping anywhere from as few as 12 guests in our 5-bedroom cabins to as many as 24 guests in our 7-bedroom cabin rentals, this size range is the sweet spot between having enough space and not going overboard. These cabins are perfect for:
- Family Vacations
- Small Reunions
- Birthday Weekends
- Anniversary Celebrations
- Holiday Getaways
8–10 Bedroom Cabins: Great for Reunions or Multi-Family Trips
Are you planning something grander, like a full family reunion or a class reunion? It's time to look at the next step, which are our 8-10 bedroom cabins. These
- Plenty of private bedrooms and baths.
- Large gathering spaces make meal times and hangouts easy.
- Most have game rooms or theater rooms to keep kids (and grownups) entertained.
11–15 Bedroom Cabins: For Big Groups, Big Celebrations
If your plans fit in this category, nothing less than the largest cabins will get the job done. With our 11-to 15-bedroom cabins, you'll enjoy the perfect setting for any large occasion, from full reunions and church retreats to sports tournaments and corporate retreats.
Our largest cabins, such as our 15-bedroom cabin rentals, offer a wide selection of luxury amenities and can accommodate up to 64 guests, making them a perfect fit for any group, regardless of who you bring for the fun.
What to Know About Group Bed Layouts
One thing to keep in mind about reserving large group cabins is that not every layout is the same. Sleeping arrangements can vary greatly, from having more bunk beds than king-sized beds to shared sleeping spaces vs private bedrooms.
As such, it's important to match your occasion to the correct cabin layout. Traveling with a sports team? Grab a cabin with lots of bunk beds. Are all the siblings getting together for Mom and Dad's 40th anniversary? Invest in a cabin rental with multiple private bedrooms for the best experience.
Must-Have Amenities for Large Group Cabins
Now that space is covered, it's time to look at keeping everyone happy and entertained. To do that, it's all about making sure your future
- Multiple Bathrooms
- Fully Equipped Kitchens
- Spacious Living Rooms
- Plenty of Parking
- Wi-Fi Internet
While not every amenity is essential, having a few fun-focused features can go a long way, especially when you want to relax while others stay entertained. Grab a game room cabin that lets everyone enjoy friendly competition, or a cabin with a theater room to experience classic movie nights for low-key entertainment.
Are you interested in relaxation? Our cabins with a hot tub let you melt your stress in the warm water. Alternatively, gather the group around a private fire pit to unwind under the stars, perfect for late-night chats or planning another fun outing.
Prime Gatlinburg Locations for Group Cabin Rentals
With a big group, where you stay in Gatlinburg is as important as the cabin itself. Does everyone want to stay near top attractions, but you picked a secluded cabin rental? That puts a damper on the vacation plans. Fortunately, we offer a wide selection of cabins in the Gatlinburg area, such as:
- Glades: Located near the Arts & Crafts Community, this area offers a quieter setting that's ideal for families.
- Chalet Village: Close to Ober Mountain and downtown, this area is ideal for active groups.
- Cobbly Nob: Scenic views and access to Bent Creek Golf Course, great for retreat-style stays.
We offer cabins throughout the Smoky Mountains, making it easy to stay where you want, no matter how many people join you on vacation.
Helpful Tips to Maximize Your Large Group Cabin Experience
With so many people in one place, there are things you should know to help make the experience easier for everyone. Some helpful tips to consider are:
- Assign bedrooms before you arrive.
- Plan meals before the trip.
- Create a shared itinerary.
- Carpool when possible.
- Don't forget to set aside time for relaxation.
- Bring extra items, such as trash bags, paper towels, and coffee filters.
Ready to Book the Perfect Group Getaway?
Whether you're planning a reunion or a retreat with friends, the right cabin makes all the difference. Start your cabin getaway for large groups off right by exploring our spacious Gatlinburg cabins and booking your ideal fit today.
