Old World Bavarian inspired inn with a 95- foot high, figure-eight slide in the outdoor swimming pool
At The Inn at Christmas Place in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, Christmas is in July. It’s in every other month as well. Step in the hotel’s front doors for a Christmas celebration 365 days a year.
The Bavarian style architecture and decorations throughout are a nostaligia burst of wonderland with both kids and adults in mind. Wreaths and garlands festooned with ornaments and bows, plus assorted Christmas-themed displays, deck every hall and common room. Framed Victorian era Santa-themed illustrations bring thoughts of “The Night Before Christmas” with visions of sugar plums dancing in heads.
If there are any troubles outside, The Inn at Christmas Place has an aim to melt them away with glad tidings of a cheerful staff that starts with the holiday costumed bellman who holds open the door with a hearty hello. In the main lobby, designed to look like a grand parlor for entertaining guests, there is a light scent of the season–a lovely potpouri blend of vanilla and fresh baked cookies.
Dr. Eric J. Littleton plays carols on the Grand piano in the lobby
Every sense gets attention. The large decorated tree and massive stone fireplace festooned with an enormous wreath are visual attention grabbers. Music, whether it’s piped in or live–I enjoyed listening to Dr. Eric J. Littleton playing Christmas carols on the grand piano in the lobby, is an inn staple.
Unfortunately, I missed out on guitar playing Singing Santa whose repretoire is a mix of Christmas classics. During the concerts that include stories and conversations held on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday nights, guests can sing along.
On the ground floor lobby, the Glockenspiel, an enormous clock with two rows of vertical bells and two cheerful elves ready to ring the larger bell between them when the clock strikes the hour, plays Christmas carols as well.
For tastebud treats, there’s the complimentary coffee bar with an assortment of regular and flavored coffees and lemonade. At night, there are cookies and milk.
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Other Christmas spirit offerings are the costumed characters like Rudolph, Frosty and Mrs. Claus that make scheduled appearances and the kid-friendly activities. Marshmallow roasting, Christmas craft making, and games are some things to do depending upon the day. Also, there are Christmas movie DVDs to check out at the front desk and a letter writing to Santa station.
Two queen bed room
Each guest room has a DVD player as one of the amenities. Guest rooms, like the rest of The Inn at Christmas Place are Christmas theme decorated. The decorations are well-placed as to not be overwhelming. A bit of greenery with red accent pieces mixed in, red bedspreads, throw pillows with a Christmas motif and wintery Christmas scenes set the stage for holiday cheer.
Some rooms, depending upon the style, have completely decorated Christmas trees. Some have gas fireplaces and private balconies. I was impressed that bathrooms got decorating attention. Soap dishes and hand-towel dishes are Christmas lovely.
Rooms range from two queen beds to king bed mini suites with an in room two-person whirlpool tub to two room suites to Santa suites with a special Santa door. All rooms have an HD flat screen TV, coffee maker, microwave and refrigerator. Wifi is free.
In the morning, a hearty and complimentary breakfast of items like made-to-order omletes, fresh Belgian waffles and southern favorites like biscuits and gravy and grits plus fresh fruits and more ensure that guests are well fed to head out to Pigeon Forge’s vacation offerings. Pigeon Forge is a busy, bustling place.
King bed with in-room, two person whirlpool tub
For some The Inn at Christmas Place relaxation, head to the fitness center, the indoor pool or the outdoor pool with its figure eight slide.
Room rates range from $179 to $339 depending upon the date and the room. Check The Inn at Christmas Place’s website for deals and special events. There are packages and discounts only available through the hotel’s reservation page. But you can always compare rates at Booking.com, Expedia, or Hotels.com.
Glass case with Christmas items to purchase
If you want to take some Christmas home with you, there’s plenty available for purchase including the lovely soap dishes, ornaments and Santa memorabilia.
Post and photos by Jamie Rhein
