
Margaritaville Island Hotel
Best for families and groups who want resort-style amenities (rooftop pool, spa) and immediate access to The Island entertainment complex.
Prices in other currencies are estimates. You’re charged in USD.
Margaritaville Island Hotel is a 4-star, Jimmy Buffett–themed resort on The Island in Pigeon Forge for travelers who want a lively, family-friendly resort with a rooftop pool and on-site spa. Hotel Cleo, Knoxville Downtown, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel is a 4-star Marriott boutique property steps from Market Square for travelers who prefer a compact, upscale downtown stay with easy access to Knoxville attractions.
Updated · about 40 miles (≈64 km) apart

Best for families and groups who want resort-style amenities (rooftop pool, spa) and immediate access to The Island entertainment complex.

Best for business or leisure travelers who want a polished downtown base near Market Square, theatres, and UT Knoxville.
When Margaritaville Island Hotel wins: choose Margaritaville for a resort feel — rooftop heated pool with hot tub and cabanas, a full-service St. Somewhere Spa, multiple on-site restaurants and bars, and direct access to The Island entertainment complex. It’s the clearer pick for families and guests wanting on-site leisure amenities.
When Hotel Cleo wins: choose Hotel Cleo for a compact, upscale downtown stay if you want to be steps from Market Square, the Tennessee Theatre, and the Convention Center. Its Tribute Portfolio boutique positioning and Marriott affiliation suit travelers wanting a downtown walking base and higher guest-rating consistency.
Bottom line: pick Margaritaville Island Hotel for a resort-and-entertainment stay in Pigeon Forge; pick Hotel Cleo for a centrally located, boutique Marriott experience in downtown Knoxville.
| Category | Margaritaville Island Hotel | Hotel Cleo, Knoxville Downtown, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Themed, resort-style tropical motif with family-friendly programming and entertainment nearby | Marriott Tribute Portfolio boutique — modern downtown hotel focused on city guests |
| Location | On The Island entertainment complex, Pigeon Forge — immediate access to rides, shops, and fountain shows | Downtown Knoxville, steps from Market Square, theatres and convention center |
| Size (rooms) | 129 rooms | Not published |
| Minimum check-in age | 21 to check in (reservation holder must be 21+) | |
| Pools / signature outdoor amenity | Single heated rooftop outdoor pool with hot tub, fire pits, cabanas and Chill Bar | Not published |
| Restaurants & bars | Margaritaville Restaurant, Fins Bar & Chill (riverside), Chill Bar (rooftop) + lobby coffee shop | Lilou (on-property restaurant) and 1 bar/lounge listed |
| Spa / wellness | St. Somewhere Spa — full-service day spa with signature treatments and salon services | Not published |
| Parking | Self-parking and valet available (surcharge; confirm current fees) | Valet parking (surcharge); covered parking noted |
| Accessibility | ADA-compliant public areas; portable pool lift available for rooftop pool | Wheelchair accessible public washroom, registration desk, lounge; elevator present |
| Known for / highlights | Rooftop pool deck, themed dining and direct access to The Island attractions | Prime Market Square location and boutique Marriott Tribute Portfolio branding |
Margaritaville Island Hotel sits on The Island entertainment complex in Pigeon Forge, placing dining, shops and family attractions steps away.
Best if you want a resort stay with attractions and family entertainment right outside your door.
Hotel Cleo is a Tribute Portfolio boutique hotel in downtown Knoxville, a short walk from Market Square.
Best if you want a walkable downtown base for dining, theatre and civic events.
Margaritaville offers tropical-themed rooms and suites designed for families and couples.
Rooms skew toward family and couple travel with island-inspired details; a good fit if you want theme continuity throughout your stay.
Hotel Cleo offers several boutique room types and suites with city views and mobility-accessible options.
Expect compact, well-equipped rooms geared to downtown visitors and travelers who prioritize location over large on-site leisure facilities.
Margaritaville Island Hotel provides multiple on-site dining options anchored by a full-service Margaritaville Restaurant.
You’ll have multiple on-property choices for meals and drinks without leaving The Island complex.
Hotel Cleo has an on-site restaurant and a bar/lounge and is surrounded by downtown dining options.
Choose Hotel Cleo if you want a central hotel with easy walking access to a wide downtown restaurant scene.
The rooftop pool deck is Margaritaville’s primary public leisure draw, paired with event spaces for weddings and meetings.
Resort-style pool and multiple event spaces make Margaritaville suitable for leisure gatherings and small conventions or weddings.
Hotel Cleo is a downtown boutique property; a rooftop pool or large public resort pool is not published in supplier materials.
Hotel Cleo focuses on downtown convenience rather than resort-style pool amenities.
Margaritaville provides spa services, 24-hour fitness and nightlife options via The Island and on-site bars.
Strong spa and entertainment offerings make Margaritaville a good pick for guests wanting on-site wellness and evening activity.
Hotel Cleo offers a compact downtown location with concierge services and accessible public spaces.
Hotel Cleo is a practical choice for accessible, walkable downtown stays and theatre or convention visits.

Margaritaville Island Hotel — rooftop pool, family-oriented dining, and immediate access to The Island attractions.

Hotel Cleo — steps from Market Square, Tennessee Theatre and the Knoxville Convention Center.

Margaritaville Island Hotel — St. Somewhere Spa with full-service treatments and salon services.

Hotel Cleo — Tribute Portfolio boutique experience with Marriott affiliation and high guest rating.
Margaritaville Island Hotel — it’s marketed family-friendly with kid-friendly dining and a rooftop pool; the reservation holder must be 21+ to check in.
Hotel Cleo — it’s steps from Market Square, theatres, and downtown dining and easier to use as a walkable downtown base.
Yes. Both properties require the guest making the reservation to be at least 21 to check in, but they accept guests of all ages once checked in.
Not published — the supplier listing for Hotel Cleo does not publish a spa; Margaritaville publishes the St. Somewhere Spa.
No — Margaritaville Island Hotel has a heated rooftop pool with a Chill Bar; Hotel Cleo’s supplier listing does not publish a pool.
Explore how Margaritaville Island Hotel stacks up against other hotels nearby:
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