
Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park
Best for families who want villa-style rooms and an on-site water park with separate-admission Wild Bear Falls.
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Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park is a hillside villa-style, family-focused resort with an on-site indoor/outdoor water park; read this if you want big rooms and waterpark access for families. Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg is a downtown, lifestyle-brand hotel with island-themed touches and close walking access to Parkway attractions; read this if you want central location and easy access to Ripley's and other downtown sights.
Updated · about 2.0 km apart

Best for families who want villa-style rooms and an on-site water park with separate-admission Wild Bear Falls.

Best for travelers who want to stay steps from downtown Gatlinburg attractions and a branded resort experience.
When Westgate wins: Choose Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park if you prioritize larger villa-style accommodations, an extensive indoor/outdoor water park (Wild Bear Falls) and family amenities like mini golf, a playground and multiple casual dining outlets on property.
When Margaritaville wins: Pick Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg if you want a central Parkway address within easy walking distance of Ripley’s Aquarium, Anakeesta and downtown restaurants, with island-themed public spaces, two restaurants, and a full-service spa.
Bottom line: Westgate is the practical family resort with villa layouts and a separate-admission water park; Margaritaville is the downtown, lifestyle-brand hotel for guests focused on walking to downtown Gatlinburg attractions and a compact, polished hotel experience.
| Category | Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park | Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Hillside villa resort, family-focused, casual | Downtown lifestyle-brand hotel with island theming, polished |
| Location | Hillside, about a short drive from downtown Gatlinburg and park entrances | Downtown on the Parkway, steps from Ripley’s Aquarium and Anakeesta |
| Size (rooms) | Not published | 163 rooms |
| Ages / audience | All-ages, family destination (children welcome) | All-ages (not adults-only); family and couples visiting downtown |
| Pools & water | Wild Bear Falls indoor/outdoor water park (separate ticket), 2 outdoor pools, 2 hot tubs | 1 indoor pool, 2 outdoor pools, waterslide; pool access included in stay |
| Restaurants & bars | Multiple casual options (Southern Comfort, Roaring Fork, Marketplace, Mountain Pizza, pool bar) | 2 restaurants, 1 bar/lounge, coffee shop/cafe and 24-hour room service |
| Spa & wellness | Serenity Spa by Westgate (2 treatment rooms; 50+ services) plus fitness center | Full-service spa with massages, body treatments and facials; 24-hour fitness center |
| Known for | On-site Wild Bear Falls Water Park and villa-style accommodations | Steps from Ripley's Aquarium and Parkway attractions; Margaritaville brand theming |
| Parking & transport | Free self-parking; on-site access to free Gatlinburg Trolley (Purple Route) | Self parking (surcharge) and valet (surcharge); very walkable for downtown sightseeing |
| Check-in / check-out | Check-in 4:00 P.M.; check-out 10:00 A.M. | Check-in 4:00 P.M.; check-out 11:00 A.M. |
Westgate is set on a steep Gatlinburg hillside several minutes' drive from the Parkway and Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Choose Westgate if you want a quieter hillside base with easy car or trolley access to downtown and the national park.
Margaritaville sits on the Gatlinburg Parkway in the heart of downtown, within easy walking distance of major attractions.
Choose Margaritaville for maximum walkability to downtown attractions and restaurants.
Westgate offers villa-style accommodations designed for families and groups, with multi-room layouts and kitchen amenities in many units.
Westgate is better for guests who need separate living/sleeping areas, kitchens, and larger capacity units.
Margaritaville has standard and suite room types offering hotel-style guestrooms with designer toiletries and in-room refrigerators/microwaves.
Margaritaville suits travelers who prefer hotel-style rooms and proximity to downtown activities.
Westgate focuses on multiple on-site casual dining outlets that serve families coming to the water park and villas.
Westgate gives family-friendly, varied casual options without needing to drive into town.
Margaritaville offers two on-site restaurants, a bar/lounge and a coffee shop for downtown-style convenience.
Margaritaville is convenient for quick access to downtown dining and a compact on-site food program.
Westgate’s signature amenity is Wild Bear Falls Water Park—an indoor/outdoor park that requires separate admission for most guests.
Westgate is the clear pick if an on-site, ticketed water park is the reason for your trip.
Margaritaville provides traditional hotel pool facilities and a waterslide as part of its downtown offerings.
Margaritaville is good for guests who want standard hotel pools and quick downtown access, not a dedicated large water‑park experience.
Westgate runs Serenity Spa by Westgate and on-site fitness offerings plus casual evening dining and a pool bar.
Westgate provides a full spa program and relaxed evening dining options suited to families and couples.
Margaritaville features a full-service spa, a 24-hour fitness center and a bar/lounge for evening drinks in a downtown setting.
Margaritaville fits guests who want a traditional hotel spa and downtown evening options within walking distance of restaurants and bars.

Westgate — on-site Wild Bear Falls water park, playground, mini golf and villa layouts for groups.

Margaritaville — steps from Ripley's Aquarium, Anakeesta and Parkway shops and restaurants.

Westgate — villa and multi-bedroom options with sofa beds and kitchen-style conveniences.

Margaritaville — branded lifestyle feel, full-service spa and compact downtown hotel amenities.
Margaritaville is on the Parkway and within easy walking distance of Ripley’s Aquarium and Anakeesta; Westgate is on a hillside a short drive or trolley ride from downtown.
For most guests, admission to Wild Bear Falls at Westgate is not included with the room rate and must be purchased separately; owners may have complimentary access per unit rules.
Westgate caters to families with a large indoor/outdoor water park, playground and family-style villa accommodations; Margaritaville is family-friendly too but is more of a downtown hotel setting.
Yes — both properties note that reservations are required for massage services and spa treatments; contact the hotel before arrival to reserve.
Explore how Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park stacks up against other hotels nearby:
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