
Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park
Best for families and groups who plan to use on-site pools, Wild Bear Falls Water Park (ticketed), and villa-style rooms.
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Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park is a family-focused, villa-style resort in Gatlinburg with an on-site indoor/outdoor water park and multiple pools — good for families and groups who want resort activities plus easy access to the Smokies. Margaritaville Island Inn is a Margaritaville-branded, 3-star hotel in downtown Pigeon Forge near The Island — best for travelers who want Margaritaville-themed rooms and a central Parkway location for Pigeon Forge attractions.
Updated · about 7 miles apart

Best for families and groups who plan to use on-site pools, Wild Bear Falls Water Park (ticketed), and villa-style rooms.

Best for visitors who want a central Pigeon Forge base with Margaritaville-style rooms and a short walk to The Island entertainment complex.
When Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park wins: pick Westgate if you want villa layouts for families or groups, on-site Wild Bear Falls water-park access (note: admission is usually ticketed separately), multiple outdoor pools and a full-service spa.
When Margaritaville Island Inn wins: choose Margaritaville Island Inn if you prefer downtown Pigeon Forge walking access to The Island and nearby shows/shops, a compact 3-star hotel with complimentary breakfast and straightforward rooms.
Bottom line: Westgate is an activity-forward, family resort in Gatlinburg built around a large water park and villa accommodations; Margaritaville Island Inn is a convenient, centrally located Pigeon Forge hotel for guests prioritizing location and brand-style rooms over on-site water-park amenities.
| Category | Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park | Margaritaville Island Inn |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Family- and activity-focused mountain resort with villa units and a large indoor/outdoor water park. | Branded, downtown Pigeon Forge hotel with a casual, island-themed décor and straightforward rooms. |
| Location | Hillside in Gatlinburg, minutes from Great Smoky Mountains National Park and downtown Gatlinburg. | Downtown Pigeon Forge, steps from Island at Pigeon Forge and Parkway attractions (2735 Parkway). |
| Size | Resort with multiple villa types (Studio to 2‑bedroom) and extensive on-site facilities. | 104 air-conditioned rooms (hotel scale). |
| Ages | All ages welcome; family-friendly amenities and child supervision rules for the water park. | All ages welcome; not adults-only. |
| Pools / water park | Wild Bear Falls indoor/outdoor water park (ticketed separately for most guests), plus two outdoor pools and two hot tubs. | Number of indoor pools - 1; Number of outdoor pools - 1; Number of hot tubs - 1. |
| Restaurants & bars | Multiple on-site venues (Southern Comfort full-service restaurant, Roaring Fork Snack Bar, The Marketplace, Mountain Pizza, Mountain Top Pool Bar). | Snack bar/deli + complimentary full breakfast; limited on-site dining compared with full resort restaurants. |
| Spa & wellness | Serenity Spa by Westgate onsite offering 50+ services and two treatment rooms; fitness center and classes. | Not published |
| Known for | Large indoor/outdoor water park and family villa accommodations. | Margaritaville brand presence and walking proximity to The Island at Pigeon Forge. |
| Parking & transport | Free self-parking; Gatlinburg Trolley access nearby (free trolley system). | Free self parking (supplier listing) and central Parkway walkability to attractions. |
| Check-in / age policy | Check-in 4:00 PM; reservation holder must be 21 to check in. | |
Westgate sits on a steep Gatlinburg hillside a short drive from downtown and the national park.
Choose Westgate for mountain access and a resort base outside the Parkway hub.
Margaritaville Island Inn is located on the Pigeon Forge Parkway next to The Island entertainment complex.
Pick Margaritaville Island Inn for maximum downtown Pigeon Forge convenience.
Westgate focuses on villa-style accommodations that work well for families and groups.
If you need separate sleeping areas or more space, Westgate’s villa formats are a better fit.
Margaritaville Island Inn offers standard hotel rooms in several configurations and a few accessible options.
Choose Margaritaville for straightforward, comfortable rooms and a complimentary breakfast in downtown Pigeon Forge.
Westgate offers multiple on-site dining venues spanning full-service to quick snacks and pool bar service.
Westgate provides a broader range of dining styles without leaving the property.
Margaritaville Island Inn provides a snack bar/deli and complimentary full breakfast; more dining options are steps away at The Island.
If you want many on-site dining options, Westgate is stronger; Margaritaville is best if you plan to eat out at Parkway venues.
Westgate’s signature amenity is Wild Bear Falls Water Park plus multiple outdoor pools and hot tubs.
For a full water-park experience on-site, Westgate is the clear choice — budget for separate water-park admission if applicable.
Margaritaville Island Inn lists one indoor pool, one outdoor pool and a hot tub in its supplier listing.
Margaritaville provides basic pool amenities; choose it if you want a downtown hotel pool rather than a large water park.
Westgate offers an on-site spa, fitness center and several evening dining/ bar options.
Westgate combines a full spa and fitness program with on-site evening dining and drink options.
Margaritaville Island Inn lists basic amenities (fitness, business center) and puts you steps from Pigeon Forge nightlife at The Island.
If on-site spa services are important, Westgate is confirmed to have them; Margaritaville is better if you prefer walkable evening options on the Parkway.

Westgate — Wild Bear Falls plus villa layouts and family activities on-site.

Margaritaville Island Inn — steps from The Island and Parkway attractions.

Westgate — Serenity Spa by Westgate with many treatments and dedicated hours.

Margaritaville Island Inn — Margaritaville-themed rooms, complimentary breakfast, and central location.
Westgate: Wild Bear Falls water-park admission is usually sold separately for most guests; confirm your booking for exceptions. Margaritaville: supplier listing does not show a large water-park on-site; pool access appears included with the stay.
Margaritaville Island Inn is in downtown Pigeon Forge, closer to Parkway attractions and a shorter drive to Dollywood. Westgate is in Gatlinburg, about a 15-minute drive to Pigeon Forge.
Westgate — villa and two-bedroom configurations offer more beds and living space suited to families and groups.
Not published — the supplier listing does not confirm an on-site spa. Westgate does list Serenity Spa by Westgate.
Explore how Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park stacks up against other hotels nearby:
vs. sites like Expedia, Hotels.com and other OTAs ·