Smokey Mountain Accomodations???
 

Hi. I'm looking to take my parents and family too the Smokies. A few years ago we stayed in a chalet type cabin, three stories, hot tub, great view. I'm looking for someone to give me some ideas of great places to stay like this. I figure something close to the mountains for hiking, maybe a day trip into Gatlinburg or some other city, and rafting. By the way, I'm familiar with the websites like vrbo.com. Thanks!

If you enjoyed where you stayed before, perhaps you should try staying there again. If you live in Tampa, you should be able to pick up a copy of Southern Living at the grocery store and look in the middle travel ad section for help or in the back where there are chalets often listed in the classifieds.

Do you want Pigeon Forge area? Something less populated? North Carolina side perhaps? You might try Maggie Valley NC, it doesn't have nearly the traffic and hassle of Gatlinburg, and is somewhat close to rafting in the Nantahala Gorge. http://www.noc.com/rafting.html

My favorite cabins in the area are here:

oakhavenresort.com

More beautiful than the photos!

You might try either the Blue Boar Inn or Snowbird Mountain Lodge near Robbinsville. The Blue Boar has three weekly rental cabin in addition to individual rooms. Although these accommodations appear a bit pricey at first glance, remember that they include meal costs. I can only vouch for Snowbird, but their food was amazing!