Best Western Plus Apple Valley Lodge Pigeon Forge in Pigeon Forge, TN

The hotel was nice, clean, and comfortable; however, the parking situation was a problem. They have a below hotel parking garage, and it is kinda difficult to get in if a big truck is blocking the way like it was for us. Overall, it wasn't a bad experience. The ladies at the desk were nice and friendly. The other staff as well. Just don't bring your big ol truck there 🤣

The room was nicely renovated. The downside was our room was above the entrance to the lower parking deck. As cars came in and out it was very noisy. Room temperature was hard to keep constant. Breakfast buffet was fine with a good variety although I would have preferred more fruit options.

I sent a message about whether I could change the number of nights I was staying, but never heard back if this was confirmed. It was not mentioned at check in and they did not confirm when check out would be for us. They did not send an email, or a notification on booking. This meant that I payed for the extra night AND was rudely alerted by staff that we had 15 minutes to leave when they came to my door. The hotel room itself is showing some age. Although in photos it appears recently renovated, we immediately saw issues. There were large water stains on the ceiling, the spout of the tub was unstable and had not been caulked. The tile panel in the tub which should conceal the controls was not attached correctly and could be opened. The fireplace did not work, and the dial to use the fireplace emitted a loud ticking when it was on. Chairs showed evidence of wear and breakage. One of the chairs in the living room area had a loose back, and creaked when we sat down/generally felt unstable. The desk chair had been used for so long that you could feel plastic knobs through the seat cushion. There are not real deadbolts on any of the doors, and they can be opened from the outside. The back door to the hotel did not require a key for entry, as we saw people park and immediately go through the back door. Rooms are located near this entrance, as are the elevators. The elevators do not require a key scan to use either, which would add a layer of security with the lack of true deadbolts. There were not “no smoking” signs on the balcony as you would typically see if this was not allowed. When traveling around the world, this is a typical and cheap way to avoid any confusion with guests. There was no safe in the room, which I really needed because I am an antiques vendor. I’ve travelled to Japan, Hawaii, California, and New York this year and all locations had far more clear communication, regardless of the culture, hotel chain, or price.

Visited with a group of friends traveling on a 15 passenger church bus. Despite multiple calls to request an early check-in time, all of our rooms were not available until at least 4:15 p.m. - that’s 15 minutes after standard check-in time. Height clearances to access rear parking lots were insufficient for our small bus so we had to park on a grass lot north of the hotel. The only elevator in the property was at the very rear which our bus could not access due to lack of ceiling clearance, so we had to unload at the front and carry our luggage to the back. Many of our assigned rooms were on the front of the hotel, which means we unloaded in the front, carried our luggage to the back, and then had to bring it back to the front. Loading and unloading could not have been any more inconvenient. Breakfast was very good and front desk service was cordial. Rooms were clean and functional. It was an okay stay, but I doubt we would return!

Room clean,temp comfortable, view nice, wanted, Breakfast good,staff very welcoming.Close to many fooderies, activities, shopping. Staff pleasant, knowledgeable.Breakfast could use a little more fruit options.And make some snack available throughout the day 😊