Growing up in a family whose mom is a travel agent has its perks. Our family has visited many places over the years. Travel has brought us close as a family and is the common thread we share to this day.
I once told my husband that I was born to travel, and I meant it. Aside from my family, there's nothing I love more than exploring new places and revisiting the other places that are close to my heart.
In my 41 years of travel, I have stayed in countless hotels, inns, and bed & breakfasts. Some were amazing, some not so amazing- and some were everything in between.
Recently, my husband JC and I took the kids to Tennessee. We went with my entire family- parents, siblings, siblings-in-law, and nieces and nephews. My husband thought it would be a nice idea to leave a day ahead of the rest of the group and stop along the way at a hotel where the kids could swim and we could rest before meeting up with everyone. I agreed.
We {actually my husband} drove 7.5 hours and the entire way JC was complaining of a back ache {Even so, he wouldn't let me drive}. He asked me to use the GPS and Trip Advisor to find a nice hotel because he was in need of rest ASAP. That's how I found The Inn at Christmas Place in Pigeon Forge, TN.
{I must say here that Christmas is my favorite of all the holidays. I hold many special memories of Christmas' growing up and love spending the holidays with my family. I enjoy everything about Christmas. Truly. Even so, I wasn't certain that I would enjoy Christmas in July. It seemed, well, silly. I was wrong.}
I read many of the reviews for The Inn at Christmas Place on Trip Advisor, and the one thing that was repeated in almost every review was that the inn had the most comfortable beds some of the reviewers have ever slept in. That was all JC needed to hear. I called and booked a two-room themed suite.
Once we arrived, we were immediately impressed by the beauty of the outside of the inn. Gorgeous isn't an accurate enough adjective. Amazing. Spectacular. {You get the point.}
{Please note: this photo was found on the internet. I did not take this photo.}The Inn at Christmas Place has a Bavarian style of architecture that is simply stunning. It is almost as if you are in the European Alps visiting a little village. We arrived in the evening, so the lights outside were twinkling in the dusk which made everything even more beautiful.
At the etched-glass front doors, we were greeting by a uniformed bellman who welcomed us to the inn. Stepping inside, I looked around and immediately fell in love. Decorated tastefully in old world Christmas charm, The Inn at Christmas Place appeared to be the nicest hotel I have ever visited. The lobby has hardwood floors, a two-story fireplace, and a 12-foot decorated Christmas tree. Looking around, we noticed other decorations as well- wreaths, trees, artwork, and more. I immediately felt at home.
I must have been in a daze from the inn's beauty because my son Jake had to point out to me that the inn smelled like gingerbread. It really did! We asked the reservations clerk about that and he told us the scent is piped through the inn's ventilation system.
Tired and hungry from the drive, the guys didn't want to take any time to explore the hotel until we ate. Fortunately there is a terrific pizza place across the street from the inn- Mellow Mushroom {I highly recommend their Buffalo Chicken Pizza.}
Bellies full, we went back to the inn to check out our suite.
Oh. My. Heck.
{This is where I remind you that I have had the opportunity to stay in many hotels in my lifetime.}
Stepping into the suite, I knew without a doubt that The Inn at Christmas Place is the best, most grand hotel I have ever had the pleasure of visiting!
We had a Nutcracker themed suite {perfect, I might add as I absolutely LOVE The Nutcracker!} Words cannot adequately describe the beauty of this suite. Just look at the pictures, and you can see for yourself {even the pictures fail to show the true beauty}:
After spending time in our suite, the guys headed down to the indoor pool and hot tub {open 24 hours a day} while I explored the rest of the inn. I was particularly smitten with the Glockenspiel in the Grand Lobby, which plays Christmas carols on the hour from 9 Am to 9 PM.
At around midnight, we decided to head back upstairs for some much needed rest. In the main bedroom, the king bed boasts a Sleep in Heavenly Peace mattress, custom-made for the inn and available for purchase. JC will gladly tell you that he had the best night's sleep in this bed that he has ever experienced. {We are even purchasing a mattress set for our home!} I can add that the pillows are AMAZING too! I didn't want to get out of bed the next morning!
We did wake up earlier than any of us wanted to because we were told that the complimentary breakfast was too delicious to pass up. Again, I agree. Breakfast was a country-style buffet with an omelet station, Bavarian waffles, biscuits and gravy, hot and cold cereal, and so much more! I have never stayed anywhere that offered such a wonderful complimentary breakfast. What really made this one special though was the visit from Santa! :)
Before checking out and moving on to Gatlinburg, the boys decided to spend some time at the pool. Pristine is the word I would use to describe the pool. My boys aren't too picky when it comes to swimming in public pools. I am VERY picky. There's just something about it that freaks me out just a little bit. No need to worry about that at the pool at The Inn at Christmas Place. This is the cleanest pool I have ever seen. It boasts a 95-foot figure eight water slide which the boys couldn't get enough of!
We were sad to have to leave The Inn at Christmas Place. The boys are already asking if we can please, pretty please return again and stay a little longer. I would in a heartbeat {maybe then I could eat at The Partridge & Pear Restaurant I have heard raves about!}, but we have to convince JC to make the drive again. {Well, that and save enough money to be able to afford the trip!}
Whether you live in Tennessee or are traveling to Tennessee or are traveling through Tennessee, I highly recommend you stay at The Inn at Christmas Place. With 145 beautiful rooms and suites available, you are sure to find one that suits your needs. {I suggest one of the themed suites as they are not only spacious but fun as well.} All of the staff is friendly and accommodating, the decor is enchanting, the breakfast is delicious, and the beds are so comfy! The only drawback to this is that you may never want to leave. :)
Visit The Inn at Christmas Place website for more details and information.
Disclaimer: This is not a paid post. I was in no way compensated for writing this post. This post my honest opionion.
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