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3-star hotel Check-in 16:00 · Check-out 11:00

Smoketree Lodge

Enjoy a relaxing stay at Smoketree Lodge, Banner Elk, NC. Features include indoor pool, kitchenettes, free Wi-Fi, and easy access to Sugar Mountain Ski Resort.

11914 NC-105, Banner Elk, NC 28604, United States View on map
8/10
Very Good Based on 284 recent guest reviews
Free Wi-Fi Free parking Accessible Indoor pool Air-conditioned
What recent guests emphasize

Comfortable and clean lodge with scenic mountain views

Guests appreciate the cozy atmosphere, convenient kitchenettes, and well-maintained amenities, though the lodge’s older style and lack of certain modern features are noted.

Guests often praise

  • Clean, spacious rooms with kitchenettes and functional amenities for families and groups.
  • Large heated indoor pool, hot tub, dry sauna, and a welcoming fireplace lounge that create a relaxing environment.
  • Quiet and peaceful setting with attractive mountain views, close to popular outdoor activities and local attractions.
  • Friendly and courteous staff contributing to an overall pleasant stay experience.
  • Generous common areas including a game room providing space for socializing and relaxation.

Worth knowing

  • The lodge building and décor are dated; this suits guests who appreciate a retro lodge style rather than modern luxury.
  • No on-site restaurant or airport shuttle service, but free parking and Wi-Fi are available.
  • Limited bedding provided for pull-out beds—guests may need to bring or request additional linens.
  • Multiple stairs and no elevator may limit accessibility for guests with mobility issues.
  • Not pet-friendly, but kid-friendly amenities and spaces support family stays.

Best for

  • Visitors looking to explore the Blue Ridge Mountains, including nearby ski resorts and hiking trails.
  • Families and groups who value roomy accommodations with kitchenettes and communal spaces.
  • Guests seeking an affordable, low-key mountain lodge with convenient access to outdoor activities.
  • Travelers who appreciate quiet evenings and a relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere.
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About this property

Welcome to Smoketree Lodge

Smoketree Lodge offers a relaxed mountain retreat nestled at 11914 NC-105 in Banner Elk, North Carolina. Set within the Blue Ridge Mountains, the lodge is surrounded by hiking and biking trails, and is conveniently located just over 3 miles from Sugar Mountain Ski Resort and a short drive to downtown. This setting appeals to visitors looking to explore outdoor activities or enjoy a quieter mountain environment.

The lodge features low-key accommodations with kitchenettes in some rooms, catering well to families or guests seeking self-catering options. While the building shows signs of age and has a retro style, recent guest reviews commonly describe the rooms as clean and cozy, with practical amenities including free Wi-Fi, parking, and air conditioning. The property is not pet-friendly and has limited accessibility, with stairs and no elevator noted, which may be worth considering for travelers with mobility concerns.

Facilities include an indoor heated pool, hot tub, dry sauna, fitness center, and a spacious lounge with a fireplace and games area. Guests often mention the welcoming communal spaces and mountain views as highlights, although some note the absence of an on-site restaurant. The lodge maintains a calm atmosphere and is known for its family-friendly vibe, providing picnic areas and kid-friendly services.

Nearby attractions such as Grandfather Mountain, Sugar Mountain, and Beech Mountain Ski Resorts offer varied seasonal activities like skiing, snow tubing, and hiking. Though the lodge is more casual than luxurious, it draws visitors who prioritize location and comfort over modern decor. With a 4-star rating based on 281 reviews, Smoketree Lodge meets the needs of visitors who appreciate straightforward accommodations with mountain access.

Summary compiled by GoHotelly editors from verified guest reviews, partner descriptions and editorial notes.
Facilities & essentials

What's on-site and what you should know before you arrive

The short version: what's available day-to-day, and the key practical details most travelers search for.

Most popular facilities

Free Wi-Fi
Free parking
Accessible
Indoor pool
Air-conditioned
Kid-friendly
Kitchens in some rooms
Hot tub
Fitness center
Golf course

Not available at this property

Pet-friendly
Restaurant
Airport shuttle
Verified guest reviews

What recent guests are actually saying

Reviews from travelers who stayed here in the last 12 months, grouped to help you spot the pattern quickly.

MP
Max Pergament Apr 17, 2026
10

Great location in the middle of Boone, shopping, Beach & Sugar. We got two suites with kitchens & separate bedrooms. Everything was clean. Heated pool, hot tub & dry saunas were nice. The lodge is old & a dated but no complaints for the price. We are particular about cleanliness and check every hotel for bedbugs. They also have what used to be a restaurant is now a game room with puzzles, so plenty of space to gather. They do time shares, so it doesn’t seem busy. If you are Cracker Barrel folks, this place is for you. We’ll be back for the price. I’ll add photos later.

D
DJ Apr 09, 2026
10

My best friend brought me to NC to celebrate my birthday. I was Very Pleased with this establishment. I enjoyed going in the hot tub every evening. We spent a lot of time taking in the area and playing on Beech Mountain. We are going to book reservations asap for next year. The staff were courteous. The amenities were great. The entire experience here was beyond wonderful. I'm looking forward to seeing all of you again!

TC
Tyler Collins Apr 07, 2026
10

Yes it is an old building with old decor but I didn't care and neither did my wife. We loved everything about this place and will definitely come back again In the future!

LL
Laranda Lambeth Apr 02, 2026
10

We have visited many times and have enjoyed our stay each time. The Smoketree Lodge is nothing fancy, but is cozy and clean. The inside pool is clean and has tables and chairs to sit on if you don't want to swim. There is also a great view of the mountains.

M
Michael Mar 08, 2026
10

This is an older hotel. Keep that in mind when you visit. I am currently staying here and it’s just lovely. Rooms are clean and quiet. No odd odors like some have mentioned. Haven’t visited the pool/hot tubs yet, but rec room is spacious with a TV. Nestled on the side of a mountain with great views of Grandfather Mountain. My friend’s family has been staying here for years and I have no complaints thus far. Worth checking out!

RP
Roxy Pepper Jan 20, 2026
10

Love these retro lodge style accommodations. It is perfect for a family stay. Rooms have a kitchenette, huge common room to sit by the fire or play games, large heated pool and hot tub. Picnic areas outside. Everything is clean and nice. My only complaint is the bedding provided for the pull out beds. There was only two pillows and a blanket. No sheets were in the room. Fortunately I was prepared as I had read the same complaint when researching the property and I brought my own set. If you plan on using the pull out make sure you get there early enough to request sheets from the front desk (check their desk hours) or bring a set. Other than that I was completely pleased with the lodge. Will definitely stay again! One thing to note is that this is an older building with lots of stairs so it is not recommended for someone with mobility issues. I did not see an elevator so enquire before.

MG
Mary Giallanza Jan 12, 2026
10

Cozy, Clean ,Safe environment . My room was immaculate ,full kitchenette ,dishes, pots and pans ,like a mini dorm room. Laundry rooms . Pool, Hot tub, Dry Sauna also small workout room with equipment . I loved the quaint chill vibe . Can't wait to revisit. The setting is near large grocery stores and most of all ,it was quiet at night ,what more could you ask for.

JR
Jacqueline Reimer Dec 28, 2025
10

My husband and I stayed at Smoketree Lodge when we went to Tweetsy Railroad and loved our stay there! If we ever go back to Tweetsy Railroad we will definitely stay there again!

Location & neighborhood

Where you'll find Smoketree Lodge

Banner Elk, North Carolina, USA

Set in the Blue Ridge Mountains, and surrounded by hiking and biking trails, this casual lodge complex is 3.3 miles from the Sugar Mountain Ski Resort and 6.1 miles from the center of town.

  • Tri-Cities Airport (TRI) 1 hr 20 Car
Things to do nearby

Worth the walk or a quick ride

Curated spots travelers usually pair with a stay in North Carolina. Distances are rough real-world times, not straight-line.

Grandfather Mountain 1,979 reviews

Grandfather Mountain

North Carolina 28646, United States

4.7 · Mountain Peak
Beech Mountain Ski Resort 1,484 reviews

Beech Mountain Ski Resort

1007 Beech Mountain Pkwy, Beech Mountain, NC 28604, United States

3.4 · Ski Resort
Sugar Mountain Ski Resort 4,588 reviews

Sugar Mountain Ski Resort

1009 Sugar Mountain Dr, Sugar Mountain, NC 28604, United States

3.9 · Ski Resort
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