Most Gatlinburg hotels have a website. Sidney James Mountain Lodge has a story.
In 1958, the Maples family didn't set out to build a hotel. They opened a community swimming pool on a creekside lot, back when Gatlinburg had more churches than tourists. Locals called it Maples Swimming Hole.
That pool is still there. So is the family. And somewhere along the way, a 65-year-old Gatlinburg institution grew up around it.
From Swimming Hole to Mountain Lodge
The timeline tells you something about how this family operates:
1958: Community pool opens on a mountain stream.
Early 1960s: The pool becomes a 16-unit motor lodge, then expands into a two-story creekside motel.
1970s: They build up to four stories, adding the elevation and creek views guests still love.
Mid-1980s: Indoor pool complex goes in.
Early 2000s: They acquire the property across the street (now Sidney James Courtside).
Today: The founder's grandson runs the place. He's been at it since 1987. His mother and sister work alongside him.
Three generations. Same family. Same mission: give people a comfortable place to stay without charging resort prices.
The Staff That Never Leaves
Here's where it gets interesting.
One maintenance team member has worked at Sidney James for over 25 years. The front desk manager and clerks? More than 15 years. Several housekeepers have been there for decades.
In an industry known for turnover, that's almost unheard of. And guests notice. Flip through the reviews and you'll see people mention being greeted by name, seeing familiar faces from trips years ago. That doesn't happen at a Marriott.
About Those Bears
The lodge sits directly on a mountain stream. Book a creekside room and you'll hear the water from your balcony, which is nice.
But the real surprise? Black bears.
They wander through the property regularly, especially mornings and evenings. It's not on the brochure, but it's all over the reviews. Guests post about watching bears from their balconies like it's the highlight of their trip. Because sometimes it is.
You're not guaranteed a bear sighting. But you're staying in their neighborhood, and they're not shy about it.
What You Actually Get
Location: Downtown Gatlinburg, but set back on the creek so you're not sleeping above the Parkway noise. Trolley stop #42 is right at the front door. Eight-minute walk to the Space Needle. Ten-minute drive to the national park entrance.
Pools: One indoor (with a waterfall), two outdoor, plus a hot tub and sauna. The indoor pool stays open year-round.
Rooms: Options range from standard queens to creekside balcony rooms, jetted tub suites, and rooms with fireplaces. They're also one of the few pet-friendly hotels downtown.
Food: Poolside Café serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner on-site. Breakfast runs $5-20 with cooked-to-order options.
Price: Typically $60-100/night depending on season. Kids 12 and under stay free. Parking is free.
For groups wanting more space, they have a couple of standalone cottage rentals with full hotel amenity access.
Why This Matters
Gatlinburg has no shortage of hotels. Most of them are fine. Clean rooms, decent pools, forgettable experiences.
Sidney James isn't trying to be a boutique hotel or a luxury resort. It's trying to be what it's always been: a family-run lodge where people come back year after year, where the staff knows your name, and where you might just see a bear wander past while you're drinking your morning coffee.
Some things are worth more than a points program.
Book direct: sidneyjames.com | (800) 876-6888
