Years ago, fine old lodges and inns were built to house visitors who arrived by train and bus. Today, some of those lodges are still among the best places to stay around the park. Large enough to provide privacy, but small enough to offer personality and personal service, these inns run the gamut from rustic to elegant. One word of caution: any place that advertises "natural air-conditioning" is actually admitting to a lack of mechanical air-conditioning. Nights in the Smokies are generally comfortable throughout the year, but these hills aren't immune to stifling heat. More »