Review Of Carr’s Northside Cottages & Motel
Carrs Northside Cottages and Motel is a location that a lot of people may recognize for the name. However, other people may recognize is as a place that they have seen in pictures before. Still, with all the different motels in Gatlinburg, according to TripAdvisor a total of 22 motels, not hotels are located in the city it is important to learn about a location before booking. With that being said, we are doing our own review of Carrs Northside Cottages and Motel here to provide you with some solid foundations on how this motel stacks up to the rest.
Video Of Carr’s Northside Cottages and Motel
Location Of Carrs Northside Cottages and Motel
The address for Carr’s is listed below as are the directions that we normally post.
421 Laurel Road West
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
To reach this location, you will want to turn left onto East Parkway if you are coming from Pigeon Forge. This road will start to go up the hill and is generally seen as a big Y intersection before you reach the aquarium. When you tart up the hill you see Poplar Lane shooting off to the left and you will want to turn on the road. You then go up this road for a short distance and West Laurel Road shoots off to the right with the location on the left hand side.
Carr’s Northside Motel and Cottages
Features Of Carrs Northside Cottage and Motel
As you can imagine any place in Gatlinburg is going to play on their features and what they have to offer. This stems from the level of competition that is in the region. Still, Carr’s is no different in the fact that it does use a lot of its features to help keep you interested in the place. So what are those features that are available at the hotel? Well, let us explore that in a couple of different ways from the exterior, the property, but also the rooms as well.
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Exterior Features
The place is one that definitely sets off from the others in the way that it appears. However, for a lot of people the thing that sets off the location is the way it is set back towards the woods.
Now, what else a lot of people really enjoy is the access to the creek that runs by the property. I know for me being able to enjoy a mountain stream, even if it is a small one is always great fun! However, the steps down to the creek here and with some of the rooms having balconies right on the creek it sets it off from the rest.
The other thing that you can enjoy is the fact that the hotel does have a very relaxed type of look. This means you can return to the motel and find that instead of feeling stressed out about going into a modern day looking structure you can find that you are often relaxed and welcoming to the property.
Carr’s Northside Motel and Cottages
Property Features
The features that are at Carrs Northside Cottages and Motels are going to be ones that are unique in some cases to the place. The best part is some of these property features can be considered as property amenities as well. Since that is the case, we are going to cover mainly the physical features here instead of tangible items which are covered later on.
One of the great property features that is very handy is free parking. Parking is not cheap in Gatlinburg anymore and even then it can be very difficult to find a parking space! So the free parking at your motel and the ease of walking into the town makes this a great options.
I travel with my family as I have said before, which means I have kids with me and eventually grandkids one day. So a pool, even if it is seasonal, is a great amenity to have. That is exactly what you get here is a lovely pool to enjoy and relax in after a hot summer day in the mountains. A hot tub is also on the property and is a great option for the parents after walking in the mountains.
Speaking of children, another great option that you can enjoy with Carr’s Northside Cottages and Motel is the children’s playground. The playground is not a large one like you would find in a park playground, but it is one that keeps your kids occupied and out of your hair while you sit watching the kids and looking at the scenery around you.
The motel is a kid friendly location and kids do stay free here. However, to help protect the lungs of all the travelers the motel is completely smoke free. That not only helps the kids, but it also makes it easier for people who have breathing issues.
Carr’s has recognized the modern world relies on the Internet and the instant connectivity with family or friends. To help with that aspect and to keep your data usage down to a minimum the motel does offer free Internet.
What I really like is the fact that you do not have to eat at a restaurant all the time when staying here. The hotel has a BBQ facility to use, but also has a picnic area as well. This allows you to run to one of the grocery stores in Gatlinburg and pick up food to prepare for a BBQ. Then you can sit in the picnic area and have a picnic lunch in the city while enjoying the mountain stream.
Carr’s Northside Cottages and Motel
Room Features At Carr’s
The property does sound like it has quite a few amenities for you to enjoy. However, what you may need to know is about each room as well. Knowing what the rooms offer can help you make up your mind on a hotel or not.
The rooms all have what I view is a very common amenity now. That amenity is air conditioning. This makes it easier to enjoy the warmer days in the summer, but also even on those warm days in Spring and Fall. In winter this would not really be much of a help for the most part.
As a motel and even with cottages the places have a desk and a seating area. This makes it easier for you to have a working vacation in Gatlinburg and complete your work at the desk before going out to the mountains. What else is great is the seating area gives you some great views of the television areas.
We mentioned earlier the BBQ area which is a great option. However, one thing that we have not really talked about is the fact that the rooms have a kitchenette and a refrigerator. This makes it easier for you to prepare your food that you bring back from the restaurant and keep it ready for the next meal. Speaking of which if you do have to reheat your food a microwave is available in the rooms.
A key feature of the rooms that I really like is the private balcony. With a lot of places that I have stayed at before, the door would open up to a walkway for the rooms. Here, you have a front and a rear door. The rear door will take you to a private balcony and this balcony is one that you are going to love. For the most part they are overlooking the creek and have seats to sit in while looking out over the creek and woods.
Carr’s Northside Cottages and Motel
What Others Are Saying
Christine H has this to stay, please note she has stayed here multiple times, “always clean with friendly staff.”
Denise S says this, “room was spacious with 2 queen beds.”
Amy N says this, “very clean.”
So it is easy to see that a lot of people are complimenting on how clean the location is and how it is going to provide all that you need. However, they are also saying if you have questions the staff will make it easy for you to ask questions and get answers.
Carr’s Northside Cottages and Motel
What Restaurants Are Near Carrs Northside Cottages and Motel
In Gatlinburg you may notice that the city has plenty of restaurants. However, if you are driving to the restaurants it can be very difficult to find a parking space. Since that is the case and if you are like me driving in the traffic again is a headache to avoid, I decided to list what I view as the top 3 restaurants close to Carr’s that you can walk to.
Okay, well, I will list the breakfast place first that is close to Carr’s. That is Flapjack’s Pancake Cabin. This breakfast restaurant is one that provides the normal American type of cuisine for breakfast. The reviews online are mixed, but everyone does agree that the service is second to none.
Carr’s Northside Motel and Cottages
A place that I really like and one that you would want to call ahead first and have the food to go is Hungry Bear BBQ. This place as the name points out is a BBQ restaurant, but the food is amazing and the quality is good. Still, just like Flapjacks the reviews are mixed online and it is a place that can provide you with a great option for lunch to bring into the mountains.
Estrella Hondumex is a place that has more of the Mexican or Latin type of food. The restaurant has a very good rating on TripAdvisor, but is often considered a diamond in the rough. So you have to consider this place if you are looking for some good food that is close to Carr’s Northside Cottages and Motel.
Carr’s Northside Motel and Cottages
What Attractions Are Nearby
So what do you do if the mountains are packed with visitors or the weather is not cooperating? Well, you tend to find an attraction in town to go and check out. Since that is the case, we decided to do the same thing and share our top 3 attractions that are within a fairly easy walking distance of Carr’s.
One of the top attractions in Gatlinburg is within a 3/4 mile from Carr’s. That attraction is none other than Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. This attraction is a little bit on the pricey side since I last went. However, if you are looking for a place that is nice, family friendly, and educational then you cannot really go wrong with the aquarium.
Carr’s Northside Cottages and Motel
Anakeesta is another location that is not far from motel. Granted, it will be a walk, but it is at least closer than the Aquarium, but not much closer. This attraction is fairly new and for a lot of families can be out of the price range. Still, I would recommend checking it out if you have the time and are looking for a mountain type of theme park.
One place that I find as a great shopping attraction to check out is Aunt Mahalias Candies. This is a great shop that makes it easier for you to get some great candy, but also is an enjoyable place to shop as well. Now, this could be a good walk, but you will have a chance to work off the candy you eat on the walk back.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Far Of A Walk To Downtown?
The walk to downtown Gatlinburg is roughly 15-20 minutes.
Are Pets Allowed?
Only service animals wearing proper identification and approved in advance are allowed.
Are The Cottages Available?
The availability of the cottages varies and since the fire the company has been rebuilding.
Do The Cottages Have Porches Or Balconies?
The cottages and most of the rooms of the motel have private balconies or porches with furniture that you can sit on and enjoy the beautiful Gatlinburg weather.
Our Final Thoughts On Carrs Northside Cottages and Motel
As you have seen Carr’s Northside Cottages and Motel does have a lot of options available. The motel has some parts that are comfortable, but others that are lacking in what other hotels and motels in Gatlinburg offer. Overall, I have to say the value for what you get and the views you find are amazing. With all of these factors combined I will say I do like this motel for what it offers, but if you are looking for a lot of extra features then you may not like Carrs Northside Cottages and Motel.
Carr’s Northside Cottages and Motel
If you do not like Carr’s Northside Cottages & Motel, then you should check out our other Gatlinburg hotels.
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