Thanks Bob! Last year we stayed at the Howard Johnson, down behind Anakeesta. It was mostly clean, but the same issue with the corners. It was the location that was great. This year we're staying at the Greystone Lodge.
This is why I always bring my on bleach and cleaning supplies. My family used to clean rooms back in the day, and they only have 20 minutes per room just to clean it. Plus, they never wash them bed comforters.
I really appreciate your hotel reviews because I am way too picky when it comes to hotels, I like the detail you go into because those things really stand out to me when im staying in those kinds of rooms and make for sleepless nights. Thank you!
We are nickel-and-diming our spring Dollywood family vacation this year. We’re using the last of our hotel points and only have enough to go to an Econolodge. We were planning on going to the one in Pigeon Forge but I almost want to stay at the Econolodge on the River in Gatlinburg just for an excuse to be in Gatlinburg on our trip 😅 it’s also been my experience that even the tatty corporate hotels have higher standards in Gatlinburg. Thanks for the review!
@@SmokiesPlus We booked with greystone lodge (because of your review!) for October! 192 including taxes and fees. I think we got a sweet deal! Again, thanks for all you do!
Great video, hate hotels though after staying in Cabins for so many years. Everyone gets a bedroom with their own bathroom, full kitchen, beautiful view from covered deck with a grill and best of all, fresh air rather than that awful stale Hotel air lol. Good job.
I go to Gatlinburg about 10 times as year (7 hour drive). I have stayed in this hotel after getting there at 3am and 2 rooms later we had a mouse crawl up our curtain in the window, there were dirty tissues, gum and food behind the bed and under was totally nasty. we stayed in our last room from about 4 am just to get a cat nap and left around 6am. went to a couple more that were full and finally found one and absolutely love it.
I guess our family are creatures of habit. Our go to place the past 6 years has always been Wilderness at the Smokies. I wouldn't go anywhere else. They have everything there too for the kids.
It used to be a lot better two years ago. I don't know if it was mgt. or ownership but something changed. Country Inn and suites are better but only if they are having a sale and Choice Hotel group (which owns Econo Lodge) is trying to buy them.
It would be one thing if the place was falling apart... It's just basic lack of cleanliness that I do not understand. Probably lack of a solid cleaning staff
We've stayed there several times and the last time was horrible. Dirt all around the walls, the balcony had most of the paint worn off and garbage left on it..Wood floors were not cleaned..My socks was black on the bottoms.Dead bugs was in the tub..Never again
Thanks for your review on Econo Lodge. Just my opinion here, but I don't think that tile is the best flooring choice in a motel/hotel bathroom. That is where the majority of people's excess hair will be other than on the sheets and towels. If I were staying there, I would wear my shoes the whole time. Lol Looks nicer from the outside though.
I have stayed at this hotel several times. I'm not picky when I come up to the Mountains (3 1/2 hour drive) as long as the rooms are clean. I am just sick and tired of the overcrowding in this area. Bloggers such as yourself have gotten the word out to everyone that this overcrowded, overly commercialized area is the only place to vacation. It was not always this way. I do wish the folks who use to go to the beach, cruises and elsewhere would start going back to them.
I humbly disagree. People were coming whether I reviewed the area or not. In fact, quite a few of my subscribers can't come to the Smokies and use my videos as a virtual getaway. With all that being said, it is way busier than it's ever been and it makes it difficult
That corner in the bathroom would definitely bother me. It’s quite disgusting. I personally appreciate the nitpicking in your videos. Thank you for sharing.
HELLO, how are y'all?? so our yearly trip for ne n the Hubs is in June, we always watch SMF videos and yours to nake our decision on where to stay, we stayed at River Edge and Hampton Inn bc of ur reviews and we watched TSMF review on Glenstone and made a reservation and already sent a deposit, BUT im worried bc sone of mixed reviews on the hotel and no free breakfast, and i hear the walk isnt that far from the parkway but it's uphill coming back, but still worry a little. Now I did call Greystone , its Almost $400 extra , i know its all about location,but if we get a room at the building at the top is it that far? (I have read some mixed reviews on that as well) and of course they have a free breakfast , I just don't know if its worth th extra $442 extra for the location and free breakfast? Im just worried abt bedbugs, My choice would be the Historic GBurg Inn, but no Frig or microwave. Love the videos. Stay Blessed!!
We're doing well! Good to "see" you. 🙂 If it was $100, maybe but that's hard to justify... Prices from here through the end of the year should be crazy at most places so if you find a deal and don't mind eating out for breakfast or having pop tarts, go for it. :)
This one wouldn't be for me, but I can see the appeal for some ppl! Great review Bob!✌
I wouldn't stay here if it wasn't for the channel, but I know some want to see different options
@@SmokiesPlus I appreciate you exploring all options b/c who knows when u may find that diamond in the rough! 😁
Another great job!!!😊
Thank you!
Bob!!!
Huss!!
Thanks Bob! Last year we stayed at the Howard Johnson, down behind Anakeesta. It was mostly clean, but the same issue with the corners. It was the location that was great. This year we're staying at the Greystone Lodge.
We loved the Greystone. :)
This is why I always bring my on bleach and cleaning supplies. My family used to clean rooms back in the day, and they only have 20 minutes per room just to clean it. Plus, they never wash them bed comforters.
I heard that about the comforters. Good idea on your own cleaning supplies!
I really appreciate your hotel reviews because I am way too picky when it comes to hotels, I like the detail you go into because those things really stand out to me when im staying in those kinds of rooms and make for sleepless nights. Thank you!
Glad I could help!!
Same!
We are nickel-and-diming our spring Dollywood family vacation this year. We’re using the last of our hotel points and only have enough to go to an Econolodge. We were planning on going to the one in Pigeon Forge but I almost want to stay at the Econolodge on the River in Gatlinburg just for an excuse to be in Gatlinburg on our trip 😅 it’s also been my experience that even the tatty corporate hotels have higher standards in Gatlinburg. Thanks for the review!
Just another solid hotel review from the GOAT. Mic check 1,2,1, 2....
👊
You are a brave man!
I wouldn’t have stayed!
Thank you for the review!
Was surprised I stayed too. :) Can you believe this hotel gets over $250 a night in peak season?
@@SmokiesPlus We booked with greystone lodge (because of your review!) for October! 192 including taxes and fees.
I think we got a sweet deal! Again, thanks for all you do!
Bob another 👍 review
Thanks!
Great video, hate hotels though after staying in Cabins for so many years. Everyone gets a bedroom with their own bathroom, full kitchen, beautiful view from covered deck with a grill and best of all, fresh air rather than that awful stale Hotel air lol. Good job.
I totally understand that. It's a matter of convenience vs comfort
Love, love that you still show the prices with what day of week and season. 🥰
So glad!
I go to Gatlinburg about 10 times as year (7 hour drive). I have stayed in this hotel after getting there at 3am and 2 rooms later we had a mouse crawl up our curtain in the window, there were dirty tissues, gum and food behind the bed and under was totally nasty. we stayed in our last room from about 4 am just to get a cat nap and left around 6am. went to a couple more that were full and finally found one and absolutely love it.
Ewww. This definitely wasn't one of my favorites
@@SmokiesPlus Agree
I guess our family are creatures of habit. Our go to place the past 6 years has always been Wilderness at the Smokies. I wouldn't go anywhere else. They have everything there too for the kids.
I will have to try it sometime!
I always love "The Bob test"! You know your hotels Bob!
Appreciate it!
It used to be a lot better two years ago. I don't know if it was mgt. or ownership but something changed. Country Inn and suites are better but only if they are having a sale and Choice Hotel group (which owns Econo Lodge) is trying to buy them.
It would be one thing if the place was falling apart... It's just basic lack of cleanliness that I do not understand. Probably lack of a solid cleaning staff
I won’t be staying in hotel. Do enjoy looking at the videos though!
Thanks for watching!
Awesome. I've stayed at a couple of econo lodge hotels in different places and regretted it. This one looks pretty nice. Nice area as well!
It's all about preference. If you can overlook certain bits of uncleanliness, it's fine. Weekend prices April through December are ridiculous though
We've stayed there several times and the last time was horrible. Dirt all around the walls, the balcony had most of the paint worn off and garbage left on it..Wood floors were not cleaned..My socks was black on the bottoms.Dead bugs was in the tub..Never again
Yeah. There are some people that will trade off lower prices for cleanliness. I'm not one of those people
@@SmokiesPlusWas in another hotel in WV
became very sick the day after we arrived,Hotel would not do anything about it.Never stayed there again..
Thanks for your review on Econo Lodge. Just my opinion here, but I don't think that tile is the best flooring choice in a motel/hotel bathroom. That is where the majority of people's excess hair will be other than on the sheets and towels. If I were staying there, I would wear my shoes the whole time. Lol Looks nicer from the outside though.
Great points!
I have stayed at this hotel several times. I'm not picky when I come up to the Mountains (3 1/2 hour drive) as long as the rooms are clean. I am just sick and tired of the overcrowding in this area. Bloggers such as yourself have gotten the word out to everyone that this overcrowded, overly commercialized area is the only place to vacation. It was not always this way. I do wish the folks who use to go to the beach, cruises and elsewhere would start going back to them.
I humbly disagree. People were coming whether I reviewed the area or not. In fact, quite a few of my subscribers can't come to the Smokies and use my videos as a virtual getaway. With all that being said, it is way busier than it's ever been and it makes it difficult
That corner in the bathroom would definitely bother me. It’s quite disgusting. I personally appreciate the nitpicking in your videos. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks for watching and the comment.
HELLO, how are y'all?? so our yearly trip for ne n the Hubs is in June, we always watch SMF videos and yours to nake our decision on where to stay, we stayed at River Edge and Hampton Inn bc of ur reviews and we watched TSMF review on Glenstone and made a reservation and already sent a deposit, BUT im worried bc sone of mixed reviews on the hotel and no free breakfast, and i hear the walk isnt that far from the parkway but it's uphill coming back, but still worry a little. Now I did call Greystone , its Almost $400 extra , i know its all about location,but if we get a room at the building at the top is it that far? (I have read some mixed reviews on that as well) and of course they have a free breakfast , I just don't know if its worth th extra $442 extra for the location and free breakfast? Im just worried abt bedbugs, My choice would be the Historic GBurg Inn, but no Frig or microwave. Love the videos. Stay Blessed!!
We're doing well! Good to "see" you. 🙂 If it was $100, maybe but that's hard to justify... Prices from here through the end of the year should be crazy at most places so if you find a deal and don't mind eating out for breakfast or having pop tarts, go for it. :)