
Margaritaville Island Hotel
Best for immediate access to The Island entertainment, riverside dining, and a rooftop pool deck with views of the show fountains.
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Margaritaville Island Hotel is a 4-star, family-friendly Margaritaville property on The Island entertainment complex in Pigeon Forge with a rooftop pool, on-site spa and riverfront dining. Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg is a 4-star Margaritaville-branded upscale resort in downtown Gatlinburg for travelers who want resort amenities a short walk from attractions like Ripley's Aquarium.
Updated · about 7–8 miles apart

Best for immediate access to The Island entertainment, riverside dining, and a rooftop pool deck with views of the show fountains.

Best for guests who want a larger pool complex, waterslide and a downtown Gatlinburg base within walking distance of aquarium and mountain attractions.
When Margaritaville Island Hotel wins: pick the Pigeon Forge hotel if you want direct access to The Island complex, riverside restaurants and a dramatic rooftop pool deck for sunset views and evening entertainment.
When Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg wins: choose the Gatlinburg resort if you want more on-site pool options (multiple outdoor pools, indoor pool and waterslide), a full-service spa plus close walking access to downtown Gatlinburg attractions.
Bottom line: both are 4-star Margaritaville properties with spas and restaurant options; pick Island Hotel for location next to The Island and the rooftop pool vibe, or Gatlinburg for bigger pool facilities and being in the heart of Gatlinburg.
| Category | Margaritaville Island Hotel | Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Tropical-themed resort hotel integrated with The Island entertainment complex | Upscale resort hotel in downtown Gatlinburg with traditional resort amenities |
| Location | 131 The Island Drive, on The Island entertainment complex (Pigeon Forge) | 539 Parkway, downtown Gatlinburg, steps from Ripley's Aquarium |
| Size (rooms) | 129 rooms | 163 rooms |
| Ages / check-in | All-ages property; lead guest must be 21+ to check in | All-ages property; standard check-in rules (lead guest minimum age not published) |
| Pools & water features | One heated rooftop outdoor pool, hot tub, cabanas, fire pits, Chill Bar | Multiple pools: 2 outdoor pools, 1 indoor pool, waterslide, children’s pool, hot tub |
| Restaurants & bars | Margaritaville Restaurant, Fins Bar & Chill, rooftop Chill Bar, Starbucks lobby shop | 2 restaurants, 1 coffee shop/cafe, 1 bar/lounge, 24-hour room service |
| Spa & wellness | St. Somewhere Spa (full-service day spa) plus 24-hour fitness center | Full-service spa, 24-hour fitness center |
| Family / kids | Family-friendly with kid menus and family rooms; rooftop pool is family-accessible (subject to pool rules) | Family-friendly; children's pool and waterslide on site |
| Parking | Self-parking and valet available for a surcharge; check current fees | |
| Nearby attractions | Steps from The Island, Great Smoky Mountain Wheel, short drive to Dollywood and GSMNP | Steps from Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies and Anakeesta; walkable downtown attractions |
Margaritaville Island Hotel sits directly on The Island entertainment complex in Pigeon Forge, with restaurants, rides and shops steps away.
Choose this hotel if you want immediate access to The Island and Pigeon Forge attractions.
Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg is located on Parkway in downtown Gatlinburg, a short walk from Ripley's Aquarium and other central attractions.
Choose this hotel if you want a downtown Gatlinburg base within walking distance of major attractions.
Margaritaville Island Hotel offers 129 rooms in two main types focused on Deluxe and Standard configurations.
Rooms are straightforward and themed to the Margaritaville style; good for couples and families.
Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg lists a broad range of room types, including standard rooms, family suites and one-bedroom suites.
The Gatlinburg resort offers more room-type variety, including family suites and one-bedroom suites for larger groups.
Island Hotel guests have several Margaritaville dining venues on property and immediate access to other Island restaurants.
Eat on-site or step out to the many dining options at The Island for a wide choice of casual and family-friendly meals.
Gatlinburg offers two on-site restaurants, a coffee shop/cafe and a bar/lounge, plus 24-hour room service.
Pick Gatlinburg if you want traditional resort dining and quick walks to many downtown eateries.
The Island Hotel’s rooftop pool deck is its signature amenity, focused on view, cabanas and a poolside bar.
If you prioritize a dramatic rooftop pool deck and poolside bar atmosphere, the Island Hotel delivers that experience.
Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg emphasizes a larger pool program with indoor and outdoor options plus a waterslide.
Choose Gatlinburg for a broader array of pools and a waterslide that work well for families and longer pool days.
Margaritaville Island Hotel has the St. Somewhere Spa plus regular on-property entertainment at The Island.
The Island location mixes spa services with built-in evening entertainment close to the hotel.
Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg provides a full-service spa and a 24-hour fitness center as part of its on-site wellness offerings.
Gatlinburg offers comparable spa services with convenient on-site options for relaxation and small-scale evening socializing.

Margaritaville Island Hotel — steps from The Island’s shopping, rides and dining.

Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg — multiple outdoor pools, an indoor pool and a waterslide.

Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg — broader mix of family suites and one-bedroom premium suites.

Margaritaville Island Hotel — heated rooftop deck, cabanas, Chill Bar and fountain views.
Both welcome families, but Gatlinburg has more on-site pool play (waterslide and kids pool) while Island Hotel puts you within easy walking distance of family attractions on The Island.
Island Hotel’s official FAQ states it is pet-friendly with a non-refundable pet fee, though some third-party sites conflict — verify directly. The Gatlinburg listing does not publish a pet policy in the supplied facts.
Margaritaville Island Hotel has several signature Margaritaville venues plus a Starbucks and immediate access to The Island’s restaurants; Gatlinburg has two restaurants, a cafe and room service.
Neither property is all-inclusive; Gatlinburg offers cooked-to-order breakfast for a surcharge. Island Hotel’s destination fee covers fitness and pool access but not full breakfast.
Explore how Margaritaville Island Hotel stacks up against other hotels nearby:
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