
What do the Declaration of Independence, the Statue of Liberty and Dolly Parton all have in widespread? Properly, they’re all nationwide treasures. However solely one in all them has a brand new resort open on the foot of the Smoky Mountains, and TPG was there in November when Dolly officially opened Dollywood’s Heartsong Lodge & Spa.
Should you’re confused about why the singer, songwriter, actress and philanthropist has a resort, then you definately won’t learn about her unimaginable Smoky Mountain theme park, Dollywood, in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. It is one in all my favourite theme parks on the planet, together with its authentic resort, Dollywood’s Dreammore Resort & Spa.
With increasingly more of us flocking to Pigeon Forge to spend a number of days riding over-the-top coasters, munching on mouthwatering cinnamon bread and perhaps even spending a few nights on Dolly’s retired tour bus, Dollywood wanted extra space and extra rooms to accommodate all the enjoyable.
So whether or not you have been to Dollywood dozens of instances like me, otherwise you’re planning your very first journey to Dolly’s “Tennessee Mountain House,” here is what it’s worthwhile to learn about staying at Dolly’s modern new lodge, Heartsong.
What’s Dollywood’s Heartsong Lodge & Resort
Heartsong is the second of two official resorts related to Dolly Parton’s theme park, Dollywood. Whereas the unique, Dreammore, leans right into a kind of Chip and Joanna Gaines-like upscale southern design, 302-room Heartsong absolutely embraces the mountain lodge aesthetic. It characteristic stone fireplaces, woodland creature motifs, big vaulted ceilings within the foyer and every lodge ground representing the colours and scenes of a special season within the Smokies.
Associated: 11 best hotels near Dollywood
A real family-friendly resort, there’s an indoor and out of doors pool, youngsters actions all through the day, rooms designed for households with bunk beds, a restaurant and bar, plus particular perks for company at Dollywood, however extra on all of that later.
Learn how to e book Dollywood’s Heartsong Lodge & Resort
Sadly, Heartsong will not be related to any main loyalty program, and getting any elitelike perks right here is unlikely — particularly as so many various room configurations are tailor-made to sure forms of company, like suites with bunkbeds.
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That mentioned, Heartsong generally is a nice worth, relying on the time of yr you go to. Entry-level king rooms with a sleeper couch begin round $199 per evening, whereas the identical room with the balcony begins at $249 per evening. A household suite with bunk beds begins round $274 per evening, and a junior suite with a balcony, a king-size mattress, sleeper couch and bunk beds begins round $374 per evening.
Simply be aware that in peak season, like in the summertime and through busy vacation weekends, these charges can fluctuate.
Should you’re a frequent Dollywood customer, one technique to save on rooms is by buying a Dollywood Seasons pass to obtain 10% off on Dollywood resort bookings.
The rooms are fashionable and cozy
Having stayed at and obsessed over Dolly’s authentic resort, Dreammore, I used to be excited to see how Heartsong would differentiate itself from its lovely sister property. Let me let you know, the parents behind Heartsong discovered a technique to develop on the spirit of Dolly that permeates Dreammore whereas creating a completely new idea with rooms that really feel like a contemporary and fashionable mountain lodge.
In my room, a king with a balcony and Murphy mattress, I used to be really impressed from the second I walked in. Measuring a minimal of 350 sq. toes, the room instantly felt massive, contemporary and, most likely most essential, homey and enjoyable. The sage and forest inexperienced shade palette, mixed with delicate leather-based and wooden accents, instantly made me really feel like I used to be within the mountains. Trendy touches, each delicate and really current, additionally made it clear the room was effectively in contact with the twenty first century.
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Strolling in, a big mirror with leather-based straps was hanging on the wall, adopted by an uncovered closet with coat hangers, a number of cabinets, an unstocked minifridge (there is a gasoline station throughout from the resort space entrance to replenish on snacks and drinks, plus a market off the foyer), a protected, an ice bucket, and an iron and ironing board.
In the primary bed room space, I used to be impressed by the stylish and easy wooden and leather-based headboard with extra leather-based straps (a theme all through the room). Above the mattress was a cute mural with a sundown view of the Smoky Mountains (paying homage to the duvet of Dolly’s “Blue Smoke” album) behind a mama and child bear and flowers internet hosting Dolly’s signature image, butterflies. The mattress itself was completely snug, and I slept superb throughout my three-night keep.
On one nightstand, there have been built-in energy retailers, and on the opposite nightstand, an alarm clock with wi-fi charging capabilities.
Throughout from the mattress was an extended picket console with a padded bench that I am certain would’ve been an awesome place to take my sneakers off (although I used it as a spot to dump my backpack), plus storage and a 42-inch TV with streaming capabilities.
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There was additionally a desk with a chair good for getting some work executed, together with a small however environment friendly single-cup espresso maker. One factor I particularly beloved was slightly sound machine the place you may combine totally different nature sounds to essentially make it really feel such as you have been on previous Rocky Prime.
Reverse the desk, a small sofa sat in opposition to a picket cupboard that contained a pre-made Murphy mattress. The sofa magically collapsed down when the Murphy mattress was open, making it straightforward to transform the house.
There was additionally a balcony overlooking the doorway to the resort with two chairs and a picket desk.
The lavatory was a two-room affair with a single-sink vainness and many further floor house. There was an enormous mirror with these picket straps, however with the added impact of an in-mirror gentle to glow as vivid as Dolly (plus etched lightning bugs, in any other case generally known as fireflies). In fact there have been additionally further towels, a hair dryer and a few small rest room facilities.
There was additionally a black cosmetics washrag, which I discovered humorous contemplating Dolly has mentioned publicly she by no means takes off her face at evening.
The bathroom and bathe have been separated by a sliding barn door, so two individuals might, in concept, use the house on the similar time, however do not anticipate it to work as a lot of a sound barrier. The bathe had a glass sliding door, white bathe tiles and Heartsong-branded rest room facilities that smelled fairly good.
Get your fill with elevated Southern meals
Belief me after I say you will not go hungry at Heartsong, as there are a handful of locations to eat or moist your whistle.
Begin your day with Starbucks espresso and grab-and-go from the Songbird Market within the morning. There, you’ll be able to load up on snacks for the day, order a sandwich or a pizza, seize ready-made meals to take with you or get Dollywood’s world-famous cinnamon bread for a sugary jolt. It is open all through the day, so don’t fret if it’s worthwhile to get your afternoon caffeine repair on, too.
The primary restaurant, open for breakfast and dinner, is Ember & Elm: Tastes Rooted In The Smokies. Located in a ravishing, fashionable eating room, company can have a continental breakfast ($19) or order dishes like hen and waffles (go for the Nashville scorching hen, $19), cinnamon bread french toast casserole ($14) or more healthy choices like avocado toast ($18).
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For dinner, make a reservation and cargo your desk up with Southern consolation classics and good-for-the-soul favorites. Biscuits (my favourite meals) got here to the desk with out ordering (a dream). I really loved every thing I ate, together with deviled eggs 3 ways (crispy pimento cheese, hen caesar and scorching honey shrimp, $14), a mouthwatering heirloom tomato and burrata salad with grilled peaches ($15) and an airline pan-seared hen breast with brussels sprouts and root vegetable puree ($32).
On the restaurant’s informal bar, the place you may as well order meals, I loved an incredible wedge salad with grilled hen and many nice toppings, like crispy bacon, tomatoes and bleu cheese ($16). I additionally ordered a caramel apple Previous-Usual with a sticky, caramel-glazed rim ($16). The bar referred to as Excessive Observe is open later, and I discovered it stuffed with drained mother and father on a Saturday evening go to after Dollywood closed.
Lastly, you’ll be able to order meals and drinks to the pool with poolside service. Or, in case you really feel like staying put in your room, an in-room menu with highlights from all of the aforementioned eating retailers is out there from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
There are two swimming pools for company to take pleasure in
Although I visited Heartsong in early November, I have been to the sister property Dreammore a number of instances throughout hotter months. I can let you know the swimming pools there have been always busy and full of oldsters lounging in chairs, youngsters guffawing and splashing round and an total joyous environment that comes with a theme park trip.
Because it warms up, I do know the identical can be mentioned of the massive out of doors pool at Heartsong. It has a kind of funky U-shape design with a zero-entry space on one aspect and a peninsula-like house within the center; I might simply think about my niece utilizing it as an Olympic-like leaping platform. There’s additionally a waterfall that is certain to be a success with anybody trying to settle down throughout a sticky Tennessee summer season day. For much more enjoyable, there is a splash pad for youths.
There’s additionally a scorching tub exterior that stays open because the temperatures drop, and each youngsters and adults have been flocking to it.
Even when the out of doors pool is closed, a big indoor pool is open daily till 10 p.m., giving the little ones a great way to burn what vitality is left after an extended day working round.
Household-friendly actions abound
Although you may probably spend most of your time whizzing round on rides like Big Bear Mountain at Dollywood, when you have kiddos, remember to save slightly time to take pleasure in one of many many on-property experiences like Camp DW.
With that program, youngsters (and youngsters at coronary heart) pays between $10 and $20 to take part in several crafts, like making magnets or Christmas tree ornaments. I joined a bunch to make my very own stuffed fox, even making a want on the guts earlier than placing it in; I used to be blissful to have a particular souvenir to convey residence.
Different actions embody day by day studying time within the library stuffed with books from Dolly’s Creativeness Library, a charity she began that has donated greater than 2 million books to youngsters all over the world.
And at evening, be a part of the Camp DW crew for “Roasties,” the place all company can seize a connoisseur marshmallow (we’re speaking those full of much more candy goodies), get a spot across the campfire and make s’mores whereas lightning bugs dance round. Some nights, there’s even a reside sing-along.
And if merely sitting by the fireplace is your supreme technique to move the time, there is a centerpiece firepit exterior with dozens of chairs surrounding it, plus smaller pits your group or household can declare. Inside, chairs and couches are centered round a large double-sided stone fire; almost each time I walked by I noticed somebody cuddled up with a e book in hand.
Resort company get nice perks at Dollywood
Making Heartsong a Homebase for a go to to Dollywood is a superb thought as a result of lodge company get the VIP remedy.
For starters, ticketed company get precedence entry to Dolly and Dollywood’s Splash Nation water park and early entry on Saturday to take pleasure in a choose journey (although there are some restrictions). You will additionally get complimentary TimeSaver Passes that let you skip the road on sure rides 5 instances in a day and make reservations for sure reveals. You will additionally get free trolley service to and from the parks and the choice to have in-park purchases delivered to the entrance desk of the resort.
Should you want extra assist planning your good day, we have now a helpful information with everything you need to know before visiting Dollywood.
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I’ve mentioned it earlier than, and I will say it once more: Dollywood is likely one of the finest theme parks within the nation. Should you even have an inkling of want to go to, here is your signal to go.
Now, it is solely getting higher with the addition of a contemporary new resort that is an awesome place to spend a day. At Dollywood, you’ll be able to sleep in a ravishing lodge, eat at a really great restaurant, take pleasure in rides for the entire household after which spend the following day exploring one in all our most lovely nationwide parks.
Some would possibly say that Dolly Parton had no thought what she was doing when she transformed a drained previous theme park into Dollywood again in 1986. However I do know in my coronary heart she knew precisely what she was doing — and precisely what it might develop into: a world-class expertise with not only one however two unimaginable resorts for the entire household to take pleasure in.
Finest bank cards for reserving motels close to Dollywood
There are over a dozen excellent travel rewards credit cards on the market for lodge stays. The fitting one(s) for you’ll rely on in case you’re loyal to a selected program or chain, whether or not you need premium perks, and in case you worth advantages like annual free nights, automated elite status and profitable incomes charges.
Listed here are three nice bank cards to make use of for reserving stays throughout quite a lot of lodge chains and impartial properties whereas nonetheless having fun with money-saving options and high-end advantages.
The Platinum Card® from American Express
Incomes charges: This card earns 5 factors per greenback on airfare bought straight with the airways or by way of the Amex Travel portal (on as much as $500,000 of airfare purchases per calendar yr). Plus, you may earn 5 factors per greenback on pay as you go motels booked with Amex Journey. All different purchases earn 1 level per greenback. Bear in mind, Amex factors switch to Hilton Honors at a 1:2 ratio, to Marriott Bonvoy at a 1:1 ratio and to Selection Privileges at a 1:1 ratio, and there are typically switch bonuses.
Advantages: This card is completely full of perks, however among the many travel-related ones you may wish to maximize, together with some hotel-specific advantages, are:
- As much as a $200 annual hotel credit, within the type of an announcement credit score, on pay as you go Amex Tremendous Accommodations + Resorts or The Lodge Assortment bookings with Amex Journey if you pay along with your Amex Platinum (Lodge Assortment stays require a two-night minimal)*
- Entry to Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts and The Hotel Collection
- Complimentary Gold standing with Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy*
- As much as $200 in statement credits yearly for incidental charges charged by one airline you choose*
- As much as $200 annually in Uber Cash, legitimate on Uber rides and Uber Eats orders within the U.S. (break up into month-to-month $15 credit plus a $20 bonus in December)*
- As much as $189 in assertion credit to cowl your Clear Plus annual membership*
- A $100 statement credit for International Entry each 4 years or an up-to-$85 charge credit score for TSA PreCheck each 4 1/2 years (relying on which utility charge is charged to your card first)
- Entry to the American Express Global Lounge Collection, together with Centurion lounges, Priority Pass lounges, Airspace lounges, Escape lounges, Plaza Premium lounges and Delta Sky Clubs (when touring on same-day Delta flights, restricted to 6 annual visits from Feb. 1, 2025)*
*Enrollment is required for choose advantages.
Annual charge: $695 (see rates and fees).
Learn our review of the Amex Platinum card.
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Incomes charges: Earn a vast 10 miles per greenback on motels and rental vehicles booked by way of Capital One Travel, 5 miles per greenback on flights booked by way of Capital One Journey and a vast 2 miles per greenback on all different purchases.
Advantages: Cardholders get $300 in credits yearly for bookings made by way of Capital One Journey, plus 10,000 bonus miles each account anniversary, beginning in your first anniversary (price $100 towards journey). By means of the Capital One Premier Collection, cardmembers can take pleasure in free breakfast, on-property credit and room upgrades (if out there) on stays at collaborating properties booked by way of Capital One Journey. In addition they obtain as much as $100 in assertion credit for both TSA PreCheck or Global Entry.
Annual charge: $395 (see rates and fees)
Learn our review of the Capital One Venture X.
Incomes charges: This card accrues 5 factors per greenback on journey booked by way of the Chase travel portal, on Lyft purchases (by way of March 2025) and on Peloton equipment and accessory purchases of $150 or more (by way of March 2025, with a restrict of 25,000 bonus factors). It additionally racks up 3 factors per greenback on eating, choose streaming providers and on-line grocery retailer purchases (excluding Goal, Walmart and wholesale golf equipment); 2 factors per greenback on all journey not booked by way of the Chase journey portal; and 1 level per greenback on every thing else.
Advantages: Cardholders obtain a $50 assertion credit score on lodge stays bought by way of the Chase Ultimate Rewards travel portal upon opening the cardboard and every following cardmember anniversary. In addition they obtain a ten% bonus primarily based on their complete spending through the account anniversary yr at a charge of 1 level for every $10 spent. This card additionally has among the finest journey protections within the business, together with trip cancellation insurance, trip delay insurance and primary rental car coverage, amongst different insurance policies.
Annual charge: $95
Learn our assessment of the Chase Sapphire Preferred.
Associated studying:
For charges and charges of the Amex Platinum, click on here.
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