On the whole, and what sticks in my mind, was that I found what I was looking for at Norma Dan: Clean, Quiet, Comfortable. Very friendly staff and a very cozy living space. We booked a jacuzzi room, and that being the major perk we were really looking for, were quite satisfied. Additionally, we got a great deal on the room ($50 off normal price) either as a New Year's promotional or Gatlinburg.com online booking rate.
An overall pleasant experience, there were only minor things that kept it from being perfect, but there were a handful, which was really a shame because it spoke to the lack of upkeep.
The gaslog fireplace really would have provided an extra romantic touch ... had it worked.
I can absolutely live with an outdated TV and slow Internet for a one-night getaway, but slow was an understatement as the wi-fi couldn't even load the motel's own home page. It got to Google but couldn't run a search. Forget about watching Netflix or YouTube.
Finally, after a quick lukewarm shower (very little hot water) in the morning, came the thing that put the biggest damper on the experience. I made coffee and poured myself a cup, only to find that the plastic-wrapped cups in the room must not have been used or replaced in several months or even a year or more.
By this I mean the straight-from-the-package cup immediately broke at first pour and leaked hot coffee all over my luggage and fresh change of clothes below where I was pouring.
I was amused at the housekeeping envelope beseeching a tip for the effort (my first thought: This isn't exactly the Plaza, and I don't have any Fruit Stripe anyway), and actually laughed out loud at the idea when my coffee cup broke open.
Other positives, notwithstanding what wasn't right:
(1) Room had great proximity to ice/vending and the indoor/outdoor pools (yes, both, with hot tubs) and everything was more or less centralized conveniently, (2) great variety of channels on cable, (3) real good location in terms of shuttling or driving into Gatlinburg, visiting Dollywood or the nearby golf course and parkway attractions, (4) plenty of quick food places within brief walking distance, fast food or sitdown, (5) seems off the beaten path and caters to more grown-up, subdued clientele (i.e. no loud parties or raucous guests).
Very nice "little place" if you can take or leave the perks, if efficiency is your priority, and if you value peace, quiet and cleanliness above all else. If you need creature comforts like courtesy laundry bags, a working fireplace, a truly hot shower and coffee cups that function properly, go elsewhere.
- Norma Dan Hotel
- Norma Dan Pigeon Forge
