
Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park
Best for families and groups who want villa space, an on-site water park (Wild Bear Falls), and resort-style amenities.
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Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park is a villa-style, family-focused resort in Gatlinburg with an on-site indoor/outdoor water park; this guide is for travelers who want resort amenities and space for families. Hilton Garden Inn Pigeon Forge is a 3-star Hilton-brand hotel in central Pigeon Forge for travelers who prefer a straightforward national‑brand stay near the Parkway and attractions.
Updated · about 7 miles (≈11 km) apart

Best for families and groups who want villa space, an on-site water park (Wild Bear Falls), and resort-style amenities.

Best for travelers who want a familiar Hilton property within walking distance of Island at Pigeon Forge and Parkway attractions.
When Westgate wins: Pick Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park if you want villa-style rooms, on-site family entertainment (Wild Bear Falls), multiple on-site dining options, and a full-service spa.
When Hilton Garden Inn wins: Choose Hilton Garden Inn Pigeon Forge if you want a central Pigeon Forge location, reliable Hilton-standard rooms, easy walking access to Island at Pigeon Forge and nearby theaters, and a simpler hotel experience.
Bottom line: Westgate is the better fit for families and multi-night stays that value space and on-site activities; the Hilton is a convenient, well-rated choice for visitors prioritizing location and a national-brand consistency.
| Category | Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park | Hilton Garden Inn Pigeon Forge |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Resort with villa-style accommodations, family activities and a water park | Straightforward national-brand hotel focused on convenience and consistent rooms |
| Location | Hillside property in Gatlinburg; about 2 miles from some Parkway attractions, close to Great Smoky Mountains NP | In the heart of Pigeon Forge, within walking distance of Island at Pigeon Forge and many shows |
| Size (rooms) | Not published | 112 guestrooms |
| Ages / Audience | All ages; family-focused with kids' amenities and rules for water park supervision | All ages; standard hotel welcoming families and business travelers |
| Pools & water features | Wild Bear Falls indoor/outdoor water park (ticket usually purchased separately), 2 outdoor pools and 2 hot tubs | 1 indoor pool and a seasonal outdoor pool |
| Restaurants & bars | Multiple on-site outlets (Southern Comfort, Roaring Fork, The Marketplace, Mountain Pizza, Mountain Top Pool Bar) | Garden Grille and Bar plus limited on-site dining |
| Spa & wellness | Serenity Spa by Westgate with >50 treatments and 2 treatment rooms | Not published |
| Accessibility & family rooms | Villa layouts and accessible routes; water park has height rules and supervision policies | Multiple accessible room types and wheelchair-accessible public areas |
| Known for | Wild Bear Falls Water Park and villa accommodations | Central Parkway location and Hilton brand standards |
| Parking & transport | Free self-parking; Gatlinburg Trolley access (free) nearby | |
Westgate sits on a Gatlinburg hillside minutes from downtown and the national park.
Best if you want proximity to the national park and a quieter hillside setting with resort grounds.
Hilton Garden Inn is on Teaster Lane in central Pigeon Forge near the Island and theaters.
Best if you want immediate access to Pigeon Forge attractions and dining on the Parkway.
Westgate offers villa-style accommodations in multiple layouts built for families or longer stays.
Choose Westgate when you need extra space, kitchens/market access, or multi‑bedroom layouts.
Hilton Garden Inn offers a range of guest rooms and junior/one‑bedroom suites in standard hotel layouts.
Choose the Hilton for consistent room design, accessible rooms, and a compact footprint near Pigeon Forge attractions.
Westgate has several on-site dining and grab-and-go options tailored for families and pool days.
Westgate works well if you want multiple on-site choices so you don’t need to leave the resort for most meals.
Hilton Garden Inn offers Garden Grille and Bar as its primary on-site dining option.
Hilton is convenient for guests who plan to eat out on the Parkway or want a single reliable on-site restaurant.
Westgate’s signature amenity is Wild Bear Falls Water Park plus outdoor pools and hot tubs.
Westgate is the pick if an on-site water park and multiple pool options matter to your group.
Hilton Garden Inn provides standard hotel pools for guest recreation.
Hilton suits guests who want hotel-style pool facilities and plan to use local Pigeon Forge attractions for major entertainment.
Westgate includes a full-service spa and basic fitness options on-site.
Westgate is better for guests who want spa treatments and on-property evening options.
Hilton Garden Inn focuses on fitness and proximity to Pigeon Forge nightlife and shows.
Hilton works well if you plan to spend evenings at Parkway shows, dinner theaters and nearby attractions.

Wild Bear Falls water park, villa layouts and on-site kid-friendly activities make Westgate the family pick.

Hilton Garden Inn’s central Pigeon Forge address puts you within walking distance of Island at Pigeon Forge and many dinner shows.

Serenity Spa by Westgate offers a full menu of treatments and signature services on-site.

Hilton Garden Inn lists many accessible room types and wheelchair-accessible public facilities.
For most guests, admission to Wild Bear Falls Water Park is not included with the room rate and must be purchased separately; some owners’ reservations include passes.
Hilton Garden Inn Pigeon Forge is within about a 15-minute walk of Island at Pigeon Forge; Westgate is in Gatlinburg, roughly a 15-minute drive from Pigeon Forge.
Not published — the Hilton listing highlights fitness facilities but does not publish an on-site full spa in the supplier listing.
Westgate offers multi-bedroom villa options suited to families and groups; Hilton provides suites but is primarily a standard-room hotel.
Explore how Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park stacks up against other hotels nearby:
vs. sites like Expedia, Hotels.com and other OTAs ·