
Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park
Best for families and groups who want on-site entertainment (indoor/outdoor water park, pools, mini golf) and spacious villa-style rooms.
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Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park is a family-focused Gatlinburg resort with villa-style rooms and an on-site indoor/outdoor water park; read this if you want lots of on-site activities for kids and multigenerational groups. Historic Rocky Waters Inn, A Small Luxury Hotel is a boutique, riverfront luxury property in downtown Gatlinburg; read this if you prefer a smaller, adults-oriented hotel with river views and close walking access to Parkway attractions.
Updated · about 1.2 miles apart

Best for families and groups who want on-site entertainment (indoor/outdoor water park, pools, mini golf) and spacious villa-style rooms.

Best for couples or adults seeking a quiet, boutique riverfront stay within easy walking distance of Gatlinburg Parkway attractions.
When Westgate wins: Choose Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park if you need space for family or a group, value on-site activities (Wild Bear Falls Water Park, outdoor pools, mini golf), and villa-style accommodations where kids have things to do without leaving the property.
When Rocky Waters wins: Choose Historic Rocky Waters Inn if you want a smaller, more intimate hotel on the river with a focus on luxury, cooked-to-order breakfasts, concierge service, and close walking access to Ripley's Aquarium and downtown Gatlinburg.
Bottom line: Pick Westgate for activity-rich, family stays and bigger rooms; pick Historic Rocky Waters Inn for a quieter, boutique riverfront experience geared toward adults and couples.
| Category | Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park | Historic Rocky Waters Inn, A Small Luxury Hotel |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Large family resort with a lively, activity-focused atmosphere. | Small, boutique luxury hotel with a relaxed, riverfront feel (adults-only policy). |
| Location | Hillside location about a short drive from downtown Gatlinburg; Gatlinburg Trolley access nearby. | On the Gatlinburg Parkway waterfront within easy walking distance of Ripley's Aquarium and downtown attractions. |
| Size | Large resort with multiple villa room types and extensive on-site facilities. | Small property (36 rooms). |
| Guest profile / age policy | All ages welcome; family-focused (children-friendly). | Adults-only policy (guests under 21 not permitted). |
| Pools / water features | Wild Bear Falls indoor/outdoor water park (ticket usually sold separately), 2 outdoor pools and 2 hot tubs. | No published pool; riverfront setting with private terraces/balconies. |
| Restaurants & bars | Multiple on-site dining options (Southern Comfort full-service, pool bar, Marketplace, Mountain Pizza, snack bars). | One restaurant (The Heirloom Room) and one bar/lounge; cooked-to-order breakfast available for a fee. |
| Spa & wellness | Serenity Spa by Westgate with ~50+ treatments and two treatment rooms; fitness center and classes. | Concierge services and guest education on local ecosystems; no published on-site full spa in supplier listing. |
| Known for | On-site Wild Bear Falls Water Park and family activities. | Riverfront location and boutique luxury experience close to Parkway attractions. |
| Parking & transit | Free self-parking; access to free Gatlinburg Trolley routes. | Parking limited on-site; self parking available (charges may apply). |
| Room highlights | Villa-style rooms with multiple-bed configurations suitable for families. | 36 air-conditioned rooms, private balconies, room types include Majestic Glen and Heirloom Suite. |
Westgate sits on a Gatlinburg hillside a short drive from downtown with a free trolley stop nearby.
Good if you want lots of resort amenities while remaining a short drive or trolley ride from downtown Gatlinburg.
Historic Rocky Waters Inn sits on the Gatlinburg Parkway waterfront within easy walking distance of Ripley's Aquarium and many downtown attractions.
Better if you want to be in the middle of downtown Gatlinburg and walk to attractions.
Westgate offers villa-style and studio rooms designed for families and groups.
Pick Westgate when you need larger rooms or multiple bedrooms for families or groups.
Historic Rocky Waters Inn is a small luxury property with individually styled rooms and river-facing balconies.
Choose Rocky Waters for a smaller, more intimate room with river views and luxury touches.
Westgate has multiple on-site dining venues catering to families and casual meals.
Westgate is convenient for families who want varied, casual dining without leaving the resort.
Historic Rocky Waters Inn has fewer on-site dining outlets with a focus on a signature restaurant and quieter dining.
Pick Rocky Waters if you prefer a quieter, curated dining experience plus easy access to downtown restaurants.
Westgate's signature amenity is Wild Bear Falls Water Park plus outdoor pools and hot tubs.
Westgate is the clear choice if on-site water attractions are central to your trip.
Historic Rocky Waters Inn's main water advantage is its riverfront location and private terraces overlooking the river.
Rocky Waters suits travelers who prefer river views and walking access over resort water attractions.
Westgate provides a dedicated spa, fitness center, and family-oriented evening activities.
Westgate gives you a full-service spa and fitness setup plus family-focused evening options.
Historic Rocky Waters Inn emphasizes quieter evenings and concierge-arranged local experiences.
Rocky Waters is better for low-key evenings, concierge service, and walking access to downtown nightlife.

Westgate — indoor/outdoor Wild Bear Falls water park, outdoor pools, mini golf, and kid-friendly amenities.

Historic Rocky Waters Inn — adults-only policy, riverfront rooms, and a smaller, quieter property.

Historic Rocky Waters Inn — on the Parkway within easy walking distance of Ripley's Aquarium and downtown shops.

Westgate — multiple casual and full-service dining outlets on property serving all ages.
Westgate is the better choice for families thanks to the Wild Bear Falls water park, outdoor pools, mini golf, and villa-style rooms that fit groups.
Historic Rocky Waters Inn is on the Parkway and within easy walking distance of Ripley's Aquarium, restaurants, and downtown shops.
No — the supplier listing notes guests under 21 are not permitted; this property operates with an adults-only policy.
Typically no — Wild Bear Falls admission is sold separately for most reservations, so plan for that additional cost.
Explore how Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park stacks up against other hotels nearby:
vs. sites like Expedia, Hotels.com and other OTAs ·