Updated: July 21, 2025
Want more bookings for your Gatlinburg cabin? This article reveals the top amenities guests crave—from scenic views and hot tubs to game rooms and high-speed internet—and how adding them can turn satisfied visitors into repeat customers.
Here is one thing that will forever tie Gatlinburg cabin owners and property management companies together — customer satisfaction. To us, customer satisfaction is much more than a smiling face and a friendly greeting when guests arrive to check into the rental. True customer satisfaction lies within the guests' vacation experience as a whole, not just the check in and check out experience.
So, what can you, as a cabin owner, do to make sure that guests to your rental are as satisfied as possible?
Below, you will find a list of the top amenities visitors love having in their cabins. By incorporating some of these needs, you have a better opportunity for more bookings at your cabin. Here's what guests are looking for:
Contents
1. Scenic Views
3. Fireplace
4. Game Room
8. Home Theatre System and Cable
9. Other Amenities Guests Love Having in a Gatlinburg Cabin Rental
1. Scenic Views
It comes as no surprise that guests are looking for scenic views from their Gatlinburg cabin rental. With over 9 million visits annually, there is no question that the Great Smoky Mountains National Park plays a major part in why families choose to vacation in the area.
But, the views your guests are looking for may not always be of the mountains. Some of the visitors reported that they preferred a wooded view because they generally offer more privacy and it gives a relaxing environment around the rental.
Last summer, one family we hosted told me they spent every evening on the deck at dusk watching mist roll through the trees, squirrels dart between trunks, and once, even a curious deer wander past. They said that quiet woodland vista felt more restorative than any mountain panorama.
The main thing to remember is guests want to be able to appreciate the natural beauty of the area from their cabin.
2. Outdoor Hot Tub
In a recent survey, outdoor hot tubs were the second most-requested amenity from cabin renters. According to these guests, the outdoor hot tubs really help guests relax and step away from any of life's little stresses while they're on vacation.
3. Fireplace
Speaking of the relaxing feeling that guests look for while on vacation, a fireplace is another important amenity that guests are looking for in their cabin rentals. Fireplaces help make vacation rentals feel more like a home away from home.
4. Game Room
Guests appreciate staying in Gatlinburg cabin rentals that offer game rooms. Parents like game rooms because they keep kids entertained, and kids love them because it gives them something fun to do at any time of the day. Of course, your game room can be as simple or as elaborate as you want. Guests enjoy arcade games, pool tables, air hockey tables, foosball, darts, and more.
Last winter, the Johnsons stayed at a Gatlinburg cabin with a game room. Their 10-year-old twins spent hours battling on the air hockey table and classic arcade machine—even the parents got pulled into a fierce pool‑table showdown. They told me afterward that rain couldn't dampen their trip "because the game room kept us laughing all day".
If you don't want to install a full arcade in your cabin, or you don't have the space for an entire game room, you should at least consider adding a pool table.
5. Private Deck or Patio
One of the biggest appeals to staying in a cabin is they are the most private vacation rental option in the area.
They are the closest guests can come to staying in a real home while they're here. Having a private deck adds to their love of scenic views while giving them a space to enjoy a hot cup of coffee and take in the fresh mountain air.
6. Convenient Location
When it comes to a cabin's location, it doesn't matter which city the cabin is in. However, it is important for guests to find a rental that is close to the many fun things to do in the area.
In our survey of guests to the area, 44% reported that they didn't care whether their cabin was in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge or Sevierville. However, out of the total number surveyed, a close location to attractions, shows and the national park came in number six of the most-preferred amenities.
7. High Speed Internet
We have seen a growing number of visitors to the area requesting that their cabin rental come equipped with high-speed internet. This keeps guests feeling connected through their social media outlets as well as other web services like email. With high speed access, each guest can be comfortable knowing that the internet is just a click away.
8. Home Theater System and Cable
Similar to their request for a game room or a pool table, guests want to be entertained while staying in a Gatlinburg cabin rental. A home theater room adds a touch of luxury to your rental.
Whether you decide to add a home theater system or a full movie theater, guests did not show a strong preference in one over the other.
Other Amenities Guests Love Having in a Gatlinburg Cabin Rental
A few amenities guests noted that didn't make the list include:
- Pet-Friendly
- Handicap Accessible
- Cozy Atmosphere
- Pool Access
- Comfortable Furniture
- Privacy
Want to learn even more ways to improve your Gatlinburg cabin rental for guests? Give Stony Brook Cabin Rentals a call today!
For vacation rentals along Florida's Emerald Coast, turn to Emerald Coast Vacation Rentals. Their Destin and South Walton properties offer stunning views, modern amenities, and awesome guest experiences that keep visitors coming back year after year.