
Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park
Best for families who want villa space, multiple on-site dining choices and easy access to a large indoor/outdoor water park (Wild Bear Falls).
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Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park is a villa-style, family-focused resort in Gatlinburg with on-site Wild Bear Falls water park; read this if you want roomy suites, a spa, and easy family activities. Drury Plaza Hotel Pigeon Forge is a well-rated, branded 3-star hotel near Pigeon Forge attractions; read this if you prefer a compact hotel with free breakfast and a central Pigeon Forge location.
Updated · about 11 km apart

Best for families who want villa space, multiple on-site dining choices and easy access to a large indoor/outdoor water park (Wild Bear Falls).

Best for visitors who want a well-rated, centrally located Pigeon Forge hotel with complimentary breakfast and convenient access to the Island and other attractions.
When Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park wins: choose Westgate if you need multi-room villa layouts, on-site water-park time (Wild Bear Falls), a more resort-style set of amenities (spa, mini golf, multiple dining outlets) and activities that keep kids occupied without leaving property.
When Drury Plaza Hotel Pigeon Forge wins: choose Drury if you want a straightforward, well-rated hotel close to Pigeon Forge attractions, an indoor pool and a predictable branded experience that includes a free buffet breakfast and easy self-parking.
Bottom line: Both are practical family choices in the Smokies. Westgate is a full villa resort built around a large water park and more on-site entertainment; Drury is a compact, well-rated Pigeon Forge hotel that’s convenient for sightseeing and shorter stays.
| Category | Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park | Drury Plaza Hotel Pigeon Forge |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Resort-style villa complex built for families and groups with resort amenities and activities. | Branded midscale hotel focused on convenience and consistent guest experience. |
| Location | Gatlinburg hillside minutes from downtown Gatlinburg and the national park. | Pigeon Forge, a short drive from Gatlinburg and near Island at Pigeon Forge and LeConte Center. |
| Size / rooms | Villa & studio inventory with named room types (Villa, 1 Bedroom; Villa, 2 Bedrooms; Deluxe Villa, 1 Bedroom (2 Full beds); Deluxe Villa, 1 Bedroom (King); Room (Resort Select); Studio (Villa)). | 252 guestrooms, including Room, 1 King Bed; Room, 2 Queen Beds; and multiple accessible suites. |
| Best for ages | All ages — family-oriented, children’s playground and kid rules at water park. | |
| Pools & water features | Wild Bear Falls indoor/outdoor water park (tickets usually sold separately), plus 2 outdoor pools and 2 hot tubs. | One indoor pool and fitness center on-site. |
| Restaurants & bars | Multiple on-site outlets (Southern Comfort full-service restaurant and lobby bar, Roaring Fork Snack Bar, The Marketplace, Mountain Pizza, Mountain Top Pool Bar, Snack Shack). | One restaurant and 1 bar/lounge on property; complimentary buffet breakfast included. |
| Spa & wellness | Serenity Spa by Westgate with more than 50 services and two treatment rooms; fitness center and scheduled classes. | 24-hour fitness center; no full-service spa published in supplier listing. |
| Parking & transport | Free self-parking; Gatlinburg Trolley stop nearby (free trolley service). | |
| Accessibility | Accessible routes to amenities, pool lift for mobility-impaired guests; property provides accessible options. | |
| Breakfast | Not included by default; multiple on-site food outlets and Marketplace for grab-and-go. | Free buffet breakfast (weekday and weekend times published). |
| Pets | Welcomes dogs in certain rooms for a fee (details and restrictions published). | Pets can be arranged for a fee (pet fee USD 50 per accommodation noted in supplier listing). |
Westgate is on a Gatlinburg hillside a short drive from downtown Parkway attractions and the national park.
Choose Westgate for closer proximity to Gatlinburg and the national park with resort seclusion on a hillside.
Drury Plaza Hotel Pigeon Forge sits in Pigeon Forge near the Island and other Parkway attractions.
Choose Drury if you want a Pigeon Forge base within easy reach of the Island and other Parkway entertainment.
Westgate’s accommodations are villa-style units and studios suited to families and groups.
Choose Westgate when you want room to spread out — kitchens or kitchenettes are common in villa-style lodging (confirm at booking).
Drury offers branded, midscale guest rooms and several suite configurations.
Choose Drury when you prefer a predictable hotel room experience with a range of accessible options.
Westgate has several on-site eateries and a pool bar to serve families throughout the day.
Westgate gives families options for full meals, quick snacks and poolside drinks without leaving property.
Drury lists one on-site restaurant and a bar/lounge, plus a complimentary buffet breakfast.
Drury is practical for travelers who want breakfast included and a simple in-house dining option.
Westgate’s signature amenity is Wild Bear Falls, a large indoor/outdoor water park; pools and hot tubs supplement it.
Westgate is the stronger choice if a sizable water-park experience on property matters to your trip.
Drury has an indoor pool as part of its guest recreation offering.
Drury works well for travelers who want a hotel pool for downtime but not a dedicated water-park experience.
Westgate provides a full spa program and family activities on-site.
Pick Westgate if you want spa appointments and a mix of family activities without leaving the resort.
Drury focuses on dependable hotel services and a 24-hour fitness center rather than a full spa or on-site family attractions.
Pick Drury if you prefer a compact property that gets core hotel services right and a short walk/drive to Pigeon Forge nightlife.

Westgate — Wild Bear Falls on-site (ticketed) plus outdoor pools, playground and kid-focused activities.

Drury — steps from Island at Pigeon Forge and close to Parkway theaters and shops.

Westgate — villa and multi-bedroom layouts that fit families and groups.

Drury — strong guest scores, branded consistency and complimentary buffet breakfast.
For most guests, Wild Bear Falls admission is not included with the room and must be purchased separately; owners/owner-guests may have included access per occupancy limits.
Drury Plaza Hotel Pigeon Forge is closer to the Island and central Parkway attractions, making it more convenient for Pigeon Forge-focused itineraries.
Yes — both welcome all ages. Westgate is built around family activities and a sizable water park; Drury provides family-friendly rooms, an indoor pool and free breakfast.
Both properties allow pets with fees and restrictions; check each property’s published pet policy and applicable charges before booking.
Explore how Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park stacks up against other hotels nearby:
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