Newport TN has two major advantages for travelers to Great Smoky Mountains National Park: (1) it is close to the park’s unspoiled portions and (2) you can get to the park without going through Gatlinburg. Still, the city is located along an interstate, meaning there is an abundance of chain stores, restaurants, and stores – long on efficiency and value but devoid of warmth or charm. Econolodge is definitely one of these, meaning one should expect a lot of amenities for the price paid. One can rapidly get from this lodging to the Cosby area of the Smokies, or to a variety of rafting companies near Hartford, or even to Gatlinburg – without the latter’s prices or tourism. Note that there is only one road entrance to this motel, and it is easy to drive by without realizing it, particularly if you are driving northwest as you exit Interstate 40. This is not helped by the fact that the sign at the entrance says, ‟Comfort Inns.” My room had full bath, phone, AC, radio-alarm clock, hair dryer, microwave, fridge, coffee maker, iron & board, and TV with over 100 channels. It was clean, quiet, and well-maintained. Free amenities include parking, pool, PC & printer in the lobby, wifi (usually good), and a bag breakfast (definitely not a ‘hot’ one). Staff was polite and professional. Their web-site mentions an exercise room and a weekday paper, but the former has become a storage room and I never saw the latter. While there is nothing else on-site but the motel, restaurants and convenience stores are adjacent; and any kind of food or shop is available in a short drive. If you’re visiting the area to experience Gatlinburg, you may as well stay near there. If you want to visit a quieter part of GSMNP, or just need a place to spend a night while driving down the interstate, this place may well meet your needs.
Very Good
99 Reviews