Dancing Bear Lodge

United States , Townsend - TN
TOWNSEND, 137 Apple Valley Way
Show on Google | Map

100 reviews shown

10/10

Exceptional

26 May 2026

Paul

Wonderful experience!! Great property, our cabin was so awesome! The Bistro was fabulous!!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

28 Nov 2025

Hope

Super clean room, comfy bed, plenty of towels in the bath, lovely welcome basket, fantastic restaurant onsite, quiet and peaceful property. Also super friendly staff, excellent coffee shop, cafe, general store, and outdoor supply store onsite, and bikes available to ride the paved trail along the roadside. Hope to be back soon!

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

04 Oct 2025

Gopal

Convenient access to attractions. Breakfast is basic but meets needs. Room is efficient

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

17 Aug 2025

C Keith

Great food! Great martinis!

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

28 Jul 2025

Steve

This was our 5th time at DBL. we love it so much. The only negative is the mattress is losing its firmness. It has a hammock shape when you lay down.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

14 Jun 2025

April

Such a cozy place. The staff were very flexible and helpful. The amenities provided were essential for a family on a road trip.

Leisure Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

11 May 2025

Steven

Beautiful place. Great location to the Smokey mountains. Had my first tick encounter, other than that a great stay in the area!

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

21 Apr 2025

Janet

Always stay at The Dancing Bear when traveling to Townsend.

10/10

Exceptional

20 Apr 2025

Ann

We will be back again

The villa was clean and very comfortable. It had a beautiful tiled shower. The Bistro had delicious food and we were provided breakfast each day at the onsite coffee house. It had very good food and pastries and coffee drinks.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

23 Mar 2025

Kathy

Amy and Debbie at front desk was amazing really great customers service went above beyond great service

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

16 Mar 2025

Jacinda

Wonderful

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

24 Nov 2024

deborah

Everyone that worked there was so friendly and helpful. Loved the area ,the cabins were lovely
And The food was fantastic

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

02 Sep 2024

Jennifer

A little pricey compared to the others places in the area but the grounds are beautiful and the cabin was cozy. It was nice to walk down to the restaurants and coffee shop.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

08 Aug 2024

Stacey

Absolutely wonderful stay

Partner

8/10

Excellent

25 Jun 2024

Leafie

Birthday get away

Loved the area and the villa! The only downside was the bed, very hard and uncomfortable.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

16 Jun 2024

David

We were surprised how the individual units were tucked away on a quiet road in the woods. Our unit met our expectations and more. Porch off the back looked into the woods. Dinner at the bistro was wonderful. We had salmon and fried oysters. It is a Fabulous property.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

06 Jun 2024

Jeffery

Our cabin was fabulous from the gift basket, robes, pillow to beds, great pillows clean coffee, Crane in the fridge. I would recommend 10

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

02 Jun 2024

Galina

The property/cabin was in a great location (not far from anything). Their were plenty of restaurants near by and all kinds as well.This Cabin was pet friendly which made me happy and could not find a petsitter at the last minute. I took my dog with me and plenty of places accepted him with outdoor seating with no issues. My only issue for the Dancing Bear lodge Cabin which was located near the restaurant was there was no parking space available when I had returned from my evening adventures. I had a very tough time finding a parking spot when I had returned back to the cabin very tired. There were supposed to be signs up for spaces reserving spots for both of those cabins but no one seems to be paying attention to them! Space is limited and it is a very small parking lot as well. I went to cades cove (saw a least 2 sets of bears with cubs) , saw some waterfalls and went shopping.Overall, I'm glad I picked this place and would recommend it to friends and family!

Leisure Pet

10/10

Exceptional

02 Jun 2024

Christopher

Cabins are very nice with nice views.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

08 May 2024

Verified traveler

Enjoyed our stay at Dancing Bear Lodge

I only have one small complaint about our stay at Dancing Bear Lodge - the mattress needs replacing (it felt like falling in a hole). Everything else was wonderful - clean, comfortable, welcoming, attractive. Loved welcome basket and lots of towels. Setting is lovely and nice comp'd breakfast at Apple Valley Cafe. Would gladly stay here again.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

12 Apr 2024

Brent

Secluded but convenient location

10/10

Exceptional

12 Apr 2024

Santhanam

Check in was at 4 pm later than other hotels

10/10

Exceptional

02 Apr 2024

Paul

Fantastic!

Our family of 3 spent 3 nights at Dancing Bear Lodge in one of the duplex cabins, and also ate at the restaurant 3 nights in a row. It was absolutely fantastic in every way, from the welcome basket in the cabin to s'mores by the fire pit after dinner. The breakfasts down the hill at the cafe are also outstanding. If we come back to the SMNP area, this is where we will stay again, no question.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

26 Mar 2024

Branch

This is an excellent place to stay for a visit to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The park entrance is only a few minutes away, with quick access to Cades Cove. The cabins are named after certain sites in the Smokies. We stayed in the “Abrams Falls” double king loft cabin. The entire cabin was very clean and the grounds were well-maintained.

At the entrance to the premises, there is the Dancing Bean coffee shop, plus a family restaurant, an outdoor store, and a gift shop all right there. The cabins are up the hill, and a high end bistro in the middle of the cabins (we did not get to try the bistro). Each cabin has its own parking. There are walking trails on the property. The staff was very welcoming, helpful, and informative about the area.

Our only regret was that we didn’t stay longer.

Leisure Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

26 Mar 2024

Cheryl

Beautiful area, property...amazing stay

This is a one of a kind, top tier cabin and property. The bistro was OUT of this world! You WILL SPEND A LOT dining there, but every cent is worth it.

The cabins are beautiful, romantic, and every single detail is well thought out.

We will be back.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

25 Feb 2024

Craig

Best restaurant in the mountains

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

24 Feb 2024

Sandra

Favorite cabins in the Smokies

Dancing Bear is my favorite peaceful place in the Smokies. The fireplace in the cabin is warm and cozy with lots of firewood readily available close by. The cabin is well equipped and has a fabulous hot tub on the back porch. There is not a speck of dust anywhere in the cabin. The Apple Cafe’ is convenient to the cabins and there is a nice welcoming basket of trail food in the room. Having coffee at the Dancing Bean is a must and a dinner at the first class restaurant, Appalachian Bistro. I have never had a bad meal there. The fire pit is a great spot for a dessert of s’mores after dinner. A great getaway from the noise of city life. Especially nice in the winter. A prime spot if you prefer peace over the amusements of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. It’s not very far to either of these if you get the urge to visit these spots though. Yes! Both my husband and I ( and our two furkids) are fans of the Dancing Bear.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

11 Feb 2024

Melissa

Love this place!

Absolutely love this property! Always clean and comfortable, all cabins are very private.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

30 Dec 2023

Deborah

For the most part, we loved our stay here. However, we found that the cabin wasn't completely spic and span and feel that for the money we paid, it certainly should have been. More importantly, the shower is extremely difficult to manage--you have to get completely in the shower to turn it on and then move extremely quickly to get away from the cold water. The floor of the shower does get slippery and my husband fell and bruised himself pretty badly. This was in the LeConte cabin. I did notify management of the situation and, although the woman I spoke with was extremely nice, she showed no concern for my husband. On the other hand, she did indicate that they might look into making changes to the shower setup so that no one else has the same problem. On the brighter side. the cabin had everything we needed, was extremely comfortable, the restaurant is fabulous and the location near Cade's Cove can't be beat.

Leisure Pet

10/10

Exceptional

26 Nov 2023

Kristine

Excellent property, quiet, breakfast was amazing!!

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

25 Nov 2023

Amy

The girl who checked us in was especially pleasant. The cabin was great, stocked with everything we needed.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

22 Nov 2023

Diane

From the moment I stepped into the reception area, I was greeted with a smile, friendliness & helpfulness. We were given room keys, map and breakfast coupons and told about the four dining options available through the resort. The room was great-modern, bistro table & chairs, reading chair, kitchenette with dishes and silverware, comfortable queen bed and a big shower. Spent some time in the rocking chair on the back porch watching two playful squirrels! We ate at the resort’s pizza restaurant, The Dancing Bean, and Apple Valley Cafe twice. Food was good and service was outstanding! Next time we’ll book a reservation at the Dancing Bear Bistro and a villa with a fireplace!

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

14 Nov 2023

Vijay

We were very happy that we chose to stay in the Townsend - which was quieter and less chaotic than the Gatlinburg / Pigeon Forge, during our visit to the Smoky Mountains NP. The Dancing Bear Lodge was perfect for us in terms of location and facilities. The cabin was clean and comfortable. Loved the free breakfast options that included artisanal egg sandwiches, rolls and was surprised with the great coffee!

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

13 Nov 2023

James

The property was quiet and the coffee shop Bean had excellent drinks and we appreciated the gluten free option for a pastry. The fire pit was lovely. The bistro was a nice dining experience, however the chef was not willing to work with my husband for his several food allergies. Instead of the server going back and forth to ask options, the chef coming out himself to discuss it would have been more in keeping with our experiences with other fine dining restaurants. Having gluten free cornbread was appreciated but the only entree he could have was a burger with no bun and plain veggie. Not up to par. If the chef would have created a simple sauce without onions for the chicken, shrimp or pork chop, then the dining experience would have been better. The pear salad was very good. The cabin itself was not clean enough. There were cobwebs in the corners and in the shower. Mold in the shower grout. The hand towel hanging up wasn’t clean it had makeup mark on it. The sponge under the kitchen sink was not new but used. The towels in the kitchen need replacing. Why oven mitts with no oven? Overall the cleanliness was not up to our expectations. Otherwise, it was a very enjoyable visit. The front desk employees were so helpful and had our room ready early. They had great recommendations for us. The cabin appeared to need a very deep cleaning to have made this a great accommodation.

10/10

Exceptional

13 Nov 2023

Jody

What a beautiful property. Quiet, serene and the cabin was perfectly furnished. Our stay will be a lasting memory!

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

02 Nov 2023

Karen

Loved our quiet cabin in the woods. Very cl

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

15 Sep 2023

Tina

Clamping Cabin

Nice cabin in a wooded setting. Not your typical chain hotel. Loved the on-site bistro - excellent dinner.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

25 Aug 2023

Amanda

Beautiful location and friendly staff

Leisure

10/10

Exceptional

24 Jul 2023

John

Beautiful place!

Townsend is a wonderful town, and Dancing Bear fits right in!

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

14 Jul 2023

Debbie

Excellent property to stay at

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

05 Jul 2023

Donald

Lovely accommodations. Staff was great and the complimentary breakfast beyond expectations. All around excellence

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

20 Jun 2023

Melissa

Beautiful area, close to the Smoky Mountain National Park. Very nice cafe, coffee house, General Store and outdoor center. I will definitely stay again.

Leisure Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

18 Jun 2023

Candace

We loved our time together as a family here, would definitely go back!

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

10 Jun 2023

mary

Beautiful location, friendly staff, clean and would highly recommend it!

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

09 Jun 2023

Douglas

Just first class in every way

What a wonderful experience staying at the Dancing Bear Lodge!
We stayed in the "Meigs Trail" cabin which we would definitely book again. Secluded and everything you would need or want.
The entire campus including the Bistro where we got the included breakfast was just wonderful. The ladies there are just a joy to be around and the pancakes were the best we ever had.
Whoever owns this place knows how to run a business and take care of its guests.
We cannot rate our time there any higher.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

02 Jun 2023

Eleazar

Amazing Place!

We were visiting Tennessee for the first time and chose Dancing Bear Lodge, no regrets. It exceeded our expectations and looking forward to returning in the future!

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

27 Dec 2022

AMANDA

Needs an upgrade.

The restaurant was terrific but the Rainbow cabin was not a comfortable stay. The bed was incredibly uncomfortable and the pillows were so large and bulky that we did not sleep well at all. Decor was a bit outdated.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

29 Aug 2022

Larry

The bistro at the heart of the grounds made the stay.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

22 Aug 2022

Sharon

We really enjoyed our stay. We were in a ADA room that was large enough for my husband's motorized wheelchair. Getting into the bathroom was extremely difficult because the bathroom door opens into the bathroom instead of out into the hall. The wheelchair has no where to go when you roll into the bathroom door. Everything else was nice.

Leisure Friends

8/10

Excellent

31 Jul 2022

Carol

Peacefulness of the area

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

30 Jul 2022

Kimberly

Beautiful grounds and cabins! Staff is super friendly and accommodating. We’ve stayed twice and had great experiences both times.

Leisure Pet

10/10

Exceptional

28 Jul 2022

Kristina

Wonderful, quaint cabin village. The location was out of the hustle and bustle of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, but still near great hiking trails. The restaurant was also excellent.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

03 Jul 2022

Jaime

We had a great stay! Such a neat place, nestled in amongst the trees! The gift basket was a nice touch. The beds were comfortable and the cabin was clean and nicely decorated. We will for sure be back!

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

24 Jun 2022

Glen

Great base for visiting the Park, and great food.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

08 Apr 2022

Janet

Liked the quiet. The biggest "dislike" was the cost! Glad breakfast was included !

Leisure Friends

6/10

Pleasant

15 Mar 2022

Laura Lee

There was human hair still present on the bathroom floor, the carpet and couch was stained, and the sink in the kitchen had not been clean/dried. Some of the interior light bulbs had burned out. We were disappointed in our stay this time.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

13 Feb 2022

Carolyn

Quiet woodland area.

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

26 Dec 2021

nannette

easy access

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

21 Dec 2021

DANIEL

Great location with food and shopping and very walkable

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

25 Nov 2021

Busaba

Nice cozy cabin

The place is nice, clean, and cozy. It’s well decorated.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

25 Nov 2021

Kirk

We stayed two nights in the duplex Evergreen cottage. It was a beautiful log cabin but the walls were paper thin. You were able to hear everything going on in the adjoining unit. The cabin was also located next to the Bistro parking lot so it was not the private woodsy experience you might expect. The other cottages were more private but very close together. Excellent Coffee and breakfast items including granola , juice , yogurt etc supplied and replenished when requested. Room was not as clean as I would have liked. Unappealing stain on comforter and hair on bathroom sink, floor , in drawers and in shower. Bistro food and staff excellent- a bit pricey- try the short ribs. Outdoor fire pit with s’mores supplied a nice touch. Overall a good experience.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

26 Oct 2021

Stephen

definitely a place to go for a romantic getaway. that has to include dinner at the bistro. both require early reservations

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

01 Oct 2021

John

Very nice place to stay in Tennessee.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

06 Sep 2021

Jill

Cute cabin and nice hot tub on the back porch. Nice welcoming basket. Everything you need is in the cabin. Cute little coffee shop on property too. Would be nice to have 12 pm check out since check in isn’t until 4 pm. Bistro on site could be better. Small portions and cold. Flavor good.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

25 Aug 2021

Michele

The Lodge that has thought of it all!

Amazing Lodge, with it's own excellent restaurants and general store, a true winner in every way!

Self

10/10

Exceptional

17 Aug 2021

Verified traveler

We really enjoyed the log cabin. Very comfortable and cozy. After long hikes in the National Park, the hot tub was very relaxing. We liked the Bistro so much that we ate there all three nights.

We had some noisy neighbors next to use that took away from the quiet of the setting.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

15 Aug 2021

Verified traveler

Very friendly staff. A surprise welcome basket filled with many offerings. Loved the location. Very clean.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

24 Jul 2021

Craig

Great stay to relax after a long roadie

Great little cabin, comfy chais and bed. Refrigerator held the provisions they provided as well as what we brought.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

26 Jun 2021

Verified traveler

It was a good alternative to Blackberry Farm but you get what you pay for. Needs update on rooms, linens are not fresh in fact bed skirt needs replacement. Towels were fresh and white. Comfortable cottages altogether. Dining at the bistro was good but not refined. Perfect for overnight , at most 2 nights.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

21 Jun 2021

Verified traveler

Stunningly beautiful surroundings!

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

29 May 2021

Verified traveler

liked the inside of our cabin
Did not like the stairs going into cabin. Railing too far apart to be helpful.

Leisure Pet

10/10

Exceptional

23 May 2021

Verified traveler

Get away from the crazy of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. Quiet and still easy access to GSMP. Evening fire pit and s’mores are an added touch.

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

15 May 2021

Verified traveler

Clean and comfortable

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

22 Apr 2021

Verified traveler

Unique in the tranquil setting. Clean, well maintained cabins. The heavy denim cover was heavenly. Daily housekeeping is also a plus. The system in place for replenishments of food & toiletries works very smoothly.
Owners should be very proud of their obvious hard work
& caring in making Dancing Bear a memorable experience.
We would love to return !!

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

12 Apr 2021

Verified traveler

On property Restaurants were amazing!

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

10 Apr 2021

Verified traveler

Fabulous mountain getaway in the woods with all the luxury of a gourmet restaurant on site and hot tub to relax in after hiking! Highly recommend!

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

27 Mar 2021

Verified traveler

peaceful and refreshing get-away in the Smoky Mountains.Incredible restaurant on property (Appalachian Bistro). Close to Smoky Mountain National Park.

Leisure Pet

10/10

Exceptional

16 Feb 2021

Verified traveler

Excellent cabin. Perfect size for our family of 4. Loved that the cabin had the same amenities as a hotel would. The wood outside the door was nice and easy to keep the fire going. The snack baskets were a nice touch.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

19 Jan 2021

Silvia

Beautiful place

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

28 Dec 2020

Verified traveler

The Dancing Bear Lodge is a great hotel with a unique location. The semi detached room was comfortable with a private balcony overlooking the forest. There are on site options for food that are excellent. I highly recommend!

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

04 Nov 2020

Ralph

worth it!

Dancing Bear is terrific in every way - a unique and charming place

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

17 Oct 2020

Kris

I cannot praise this lodge enough! We really appreciated the design and decor of the cabin, and it was SUPER clean. The quiet and natural beauty of the grounds made for a relaxing and unforgettable experience.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

13 Oct 2020

Verified traveler

The bathroom towels and toiletries were not replaced.

10/10

Exceptional

08 Aug 2020

Harry

Cozy but upscale cabin. Great dinner and service. Extras in our room

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

30 Jul 2020

Amy

Quiet and secluded setting !!!

Nice location... clean room ... non smoking in room but had duplex cabin and had to walk thru cloud of smoke to and from car do to neighbors smoking on connecting porch ! Available amenities was nice and diner on location was friendly and good variety.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

25 Jul 2020

IUBOLT

Stayed five nights in a deluxe cabin and everything was excellent. I liked the use of of daily note cards pinned to cabin door to communicate what level of service you required from housekeeping that day. Would definitely stay again.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

24 Jun 2020

Villa

We stayed in a villa and it was so neat and clean. I love that the property is away from the main road so you don’t hear the car and truck noise and there are a lot of trees. We stayed on a Monday so the Bistro is closed. Most restaurants that were open on a Monday were very crowded and had up to over an hour wait. So I recommend reservation for dinner. They had a basket full of breakfast items including fruit in our villa. We enjoyed sitting on our back porch looking at the woods drinking our coffee. The property is very pretty and kept super nice. We will definitely be back.

Leisure Family

4/10

Poor

31 May 2020

Beck

The property was quite and peaceful and our cabin was nice except for when we went to shower the light was out so it was hard to see. Also, there were little black hairs on our white sheets. I do believe they were clean just had little hairs on them which was a little disturbing. We booked here for our 10 year anniversary because of the quite location and for the dinner. We did not get in to have dinner. We were misinformed about reservations and that was very disappointing. Not so sure that we will stay again.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

24 May 2020

Verified traveler

Nice rooms. Hot tub was great. The restaurant onsite was excellent.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

30 Mar 2020

Verified traveler

Romantic Getaway With My Husband of 47 years

A cozy quaint cabin with all the modern amenities one would need. Ours included a hot tub with the water perfectly heated.

We will definitely be going back@

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

17 Mar 2020

Tory

Nice cabins on the quiet side of the Smoky Mountains. Clean, friendly, awesome coffee large modern bathrooms and good location to park & Cades Cove.

Leisure Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

27 Feb 2020

Melissa

Loved our stay!

This place was perfect for a quick romantic getaway! The cabin was super cozy! We’ll definitely be back!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

23 Feb 2020

Verified traveler

Great weekend getaway, great staff! Great food and drinks!

Leisure

10/10

Exceptional

13 Dec 2019

Ronda

Quiet peaceful setting
Beautiful log style cabin cozy

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

27 Nov 2019

Verified traveler

The setting is very relaxing and it was great to have such a nice restaurant on site. The fire pit and the smores after dinner was an added treat.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

08 Nov 2019

Seth

Dancing Bear Lodge is amazing, the location, the small cabins, the hot tubs in the cabin and outside, make for an amazing experience.
The cleanliness also in the rooms is amazing.
It is a peaceful place to stay to relax.
The fireplace with the the wood provided makes for a very nice ambience in the cabins.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

04 Nov 2019

Verified traveler

Very clean and private cabins. The dinner we had was really great. We plan on returning.

Leisure Pet

10/10

Exceptional

22 Sep 2019

Verified traveler

Appearance of the property and the friendliness of the staff