If you are looking for the perfect Smoky Mountain getaway that combines relaxation, entertainment, shopping, and incredible dining all in one place, staying at Margaritaville Island Hotel is hard to beat.
Located right in the heart of The Island in Pigeon Forge, this tropical-inspired hotel offers guests a unique vacation experience with easy access to some of the best attractions in the Smokies.
From luxury accommodations and relaxing rooftop pools to family-friendly attractions and live entertainment, Margaritaville Island Hotel is the perfect home base for your next Tennessee vacation.
For more Pigeon Forge fun, be sure and check out my Complete Travel Guide to Pigeon Forge, TN.
Why Stay at Margaritaville Island Hotel and The Island
One of the biggest advantages of staying near The Island is the location. You are close to many of the most popular attractions in the Smokies while still having easy access to restaurants, shopping, and entertainment without needing to drive all over town.
The Island sits just minutes from:
- Dollywood
- LeConte Center at Pigeon Forge
- The Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- Titanic Museum Attraction
- The Comedy Barn Theater
Because everything is centrally located, you can spend less time sitting in traffic and more time enjoying your vacation.
Attractions at The Island near The Margaritaville Island Hotel
There is no shortage of things to do when staying at The Island. The entertainment complex is packed with activities for all ages. And everything is right next to the Margaritaville Island Hotel.
Ride the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel
One of the most iconic attractions at The Island is the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel. Standing 200 feet tall, this massive observation wheel offers breathtaking views of the Smoky Mountains, especially at sunset.
The enclosed gondolas make it comfortable year-round, whether you are visiting during the heat of summer or the festive winter season.
Enjoy the Dancing Fountain Show
The Island’s dancing fountain show is one of the most relaxing and entertaining experiences in Pigeon Forge. Water dances to music and lights throughout the day and evening, creating the perfect atmosphere for families and couples alike.
Grab a rocking chair nearby, sip on a cold drink, and enjoy the show while soaking in the mountain atmosphere.
Shopping at The Island
If you love shopping, you could easily spend hours browsing the unique stores throughout The Island. From boutiques and specialty food shops to souvenir stores and candy shops, there is something around every corner.
A few favorites include:
- Ole Smoky Moonshine
- Emery's 5 & 10
- The Island Tiki General Store
Best Places to Eat at The Island
Food lovers will have no problem finding delicious options during their stay. Whether you want Southern comfort food, sweet treats, or casual dining, The Island has it all.
Paula Deen's Family Kitchen
This family-style restaurant serves classic Southern comfort food like fried chicken, meatloaf, mac and cheese, and banana pudding. It is one of the most popular dining spots in Pigeon Forge for good reason.
Mellow Mushroom
Perfect for pizza lovers, Mellow Mushroom offers creative specialty pizzas, appetizers, and a fun laid-back atmosphere.
Margaritaville Restaurant
If you want vacation vibes, live music, and tropical-inspired dishes, Margaritaville is always a fun stop while visiting The Island.
Family-Friendly Fun
Families especially love staying near The Island because there is entertainment for every age group. Kids can enjoy rides, arcade games, and sweet shops while adults enjoy shopping, dining, and relaxing.
The open layout also makes it easy to walk around together without feeling rushed or overcrowded.
Tips for Staying Near The Island
Here are a few tips to make your trip even better:
- Visit early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid heavy crowds.
- Wear comfortable shoes because there is plenty of walking.
- Take advantage of free parking at The Island.
- Stay at a nearby hotel or cabin within walking distance to avoid traffic headaches.
- Don’t miss the nighttime fountain shows.
Staying at the Margaritaville Island Hotel Resort
The Valet Service
When you visit the Margaritaville Island Hotel, they have a humongous parking lot to accommodate all the guests that stay there. The hotel tram will pick you up from the parking lot and deliver you back to the front of the hotel, but my favorite thing? The Valet Service that they offer.
For only $14 a day, they will take care of parking your car, bringing it to you when you want to leave the grounds, and repark it for you — for that price.
To me, it was totally worth it because everything we did was right there in the area, so I did not want to have to worry about the car too much. The Valet service is totally worth the $14 a day that they charge.
The Rooms
The rooms are spacious and each one offers a balcony view to the shops and area below. While Stephen was resting every day, I would pile up on the balcony, listening to music and watching all the people passing by.
We were lucky enough to have a room close to the Giant Smoky Mountain Wheel so I loved watching it every day.
Each room also comes equipped with a Margarita maker and upon check-in at the hotel, you can purchase a package that comes with everything you need to make your own frozen margaritas — complete with limes and salt.
The beds are super comfy and if you stay here during the winter, there is a wall fireplace to keep you warm and cozy.
If you choose to stay in the Fountain rooms, you will need to call and book those directly with the hotel. Stephen and I are already making plans to go back so we can stay in their brand new Presidential suites!
Why You Should Stay Here
If you are looking for a great place this summer to take the family, THIS is where you should stay.
Not only is there a ton of things for you to do at the Margaritaville Island Hotel and Spa, it's central location is right in the middle of everything there is to do and see in Pigeon Forge, TN!
Final Thoughts
Whether you are visiting for a weekend or planning a full Smoky Mountain vacation, staying near The Island in Pigeon Forge gives you the perfect mix of entertainment, dining, shopping, and convenience.
From riding the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel to enjoying Southern comfort food and taking in the mountain atmosphere, The Island truly offers something for everyone.
If you are looking for a place where you can relax, explore, and create unforgettable memories with your family, The Island in Pigeon Forge is the perfect home base for your Smoky Mountain adventure.