GATLINBURG, Tenn.—The Embassy Suites by Hilton Gatlinburg Resort has been named “New Hotel of the Year” by Hilton’s Embassy Suites brand, marking a standout achievement during what the company calls its busiest year of global expansion in more than a century.
Since opening in March 2024 under the Gatlinburg-based development company Hospitality Solutions, the resort has quickly become one of Hilton’s top-performing properties. It currently ranks fifth in guest satisfaction scores among all Hilton hotels worldwide.
“For our locally developed property to top Hilton’s new all-suites hotels list sends a strong message: We’re setting a new standard for the Smokies,” says Logan Coykendall, president and CEO of Hospitality Solutions. “We want to be the Great Smoky Mountains National Park resort, because it’s one thing to see the park, but it’s another to be in the park.”
The Gatlinburg property’s recognition comes alongside another milestone for its developer. Hospitality Solutions was also named “All-Suites Developer of the Year” by Hilton Americas for 2024.
“The Smoky Mountains are home, and the exceptional resort [Hospitality Solutions] created is their way of opening their front doors to guests from all over the world,” Gatlinburg Mayor Mike Werner says. “Logan has always wanted to help his community grow and stand out, so he went beyond any standard Embassy Suites and developed a groundbreaking resort.”
The 164-suite property features lush landscaping with fire pits, three indoor and outdoor pool areas, a lazy river, a waterslide, and a creekside hot tub. Guests can enjoy the brand’s signature made-to-order breakfast and evening reception, along with dining options at three on-site eateries.
Unique to the Gatlinburg location is The Guide Room, a concierge service offering customized itineraries and local expertise for exploring Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
“There’s something to be said about loving the business that you’re doing but then trying to create something spectacular to help the whole community thrive,” Coykendall says. “This new Embassy Suites is one-of-a-kind.”
Hilton representatives praised the property’s success and its impact on the brand’s growing portfolio.
“We think travelers around the globe will want to know that fellow guests find this resort among the very best, and so does the Hilton brand,” says Shelbie Lock, Hilton senior manager of development for the Southeast region. “This is a unique Hilton property—a true mountain oasis.”
