Smoky Mountains Vacation News - Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Sevierville Tennesee

Guest Appreciation Points

2008-08-14T12:27:00Z

We started our Guest Appreciation program in March of 2007 and have had a great response. This program allows all of our guests to create their own accounts and accumulate MRG Points so they may earn free nights with us. We just want to thank all of our loyal customers that stay with us and recommend Mountain Rentals of Gatlinburg. I have noticed recently that many of our guests have started to redeem their points for 2 FREE nights on their reservations – I hope this program has been easy to use and allows you to spend more time enjoying all that Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains have to offer!

Learn more about MRG Points at: http://www.mountainchalets.com/PropertyManagement/MemberClub.aspx

Summertime Fun - Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales™

2008-06-27T10:38:00Z

Now is a great time for families to get out to the Smokies. The weather is divine and as always the mountains are breathtaking!
If you are looking for some great entertainment that won’t break the bank Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales™ will be running all summer in downtown Gatlinburg. This is FREE entertainment on the main strip where performers are dressed in costumes that depict different time periods and provide you with traditional mountain music, clogging, storytelling and much more. The performers arrive to different areas of the main strip in Gatlinburg by horse and carriage (which we are proud to help sponsor) and the entertainment is continuous from 5pm – 10pm each night.

I love this event because it adds such an amazing atmosphere to the streets of Gatlinburg. This is such a fun place and I feel that Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales™ event just adds extra excitement during the summertime. Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales™ is a great experience for the youngest family member to the young at heart!

Online Survey and Customer Reviews on the rental unit page

2008-06-24T13:50:00Z

We are happy to announce we've recently added new features to our web site!

We are conducting a Lottery every 2 months for our guests who submitted a survey online. The survey can be filled with valid reservation and on the date of arrival or later. The winner will be chosen randomly.

Note: Our cabin rentals ratings are based on our survey responses from each guest for the questions: “Rental unit overall” and “Value for the price paid”.

After submitting a survey you'll be offered to write your review for public viewing on the rental unit page.

All you need - just sign in into your customer account and follow the steps.

If you never stayed with us before but have topics to discuss, you are welcome to join our forums.

Alexandra's Goodie Baskets

2008-05-16T12:45:00Z

I hope all of you Moms had a Great Mother’s Day!

All Moms that stayed with Mountain Rentals of Gatlinburg got carnation and the chance to win a beautiful gift basket from Alexandra's Goodie Baskets.

Alexandra's Goodie Baskets are always gorgeous and can be customized for any occasion.

Find more at http://www.mountainchalets.com/HoneymoonIdeas/GiftBaskets.aspx

This basket was filled with:

Gourmet Chocolates
Tea
Bath Products
and Oh... Soft Blanket!

The Winner of Gift Basket is……..Mrs. Connie Beeson from Indianapolis, IN

Congratulations! We’ll see you next year!

Limited Time Offer: Get Extra 20% Discount -

2008-04-24T19:49:00Z

Owners Special:

Get Extra 20% Discount for Active Military/Policemen/Firemen May - June arrivals ONLY. Call Reservations 1-866-482-1044.

This discount applies to log cabins listed below:

"Lil' Bit of Paradise TR#2" Authentic Log Cabin in Timberidge, Gatlinburg

"Sweet Potato Patch TR#20" Authentic Log Cabin in Timberidge, Gatlinburg

"Mountain Mist" Authentic Log Cabin in Kings Way, Gatlinburg

"Honeymoon Memories" Authentic Log Cabin in Kings Way, Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg’s 6th Annual Ribfest & Wings festival

2008-04-14T16:35:00Z

This year Mountain Rentals of Gatlinburg will be sponsoring the entertainment for Ribfest! The stage will be set up on River Road and we will be giving out Frisbees, Beach Balls, Koozies and more. The entertainment will be the Beat Daddys and there will be activities for the kids! Come down and join us for some Good Food & Fun!

Details:

Date: April 17th
Time: 4PM-8PM
Location: River Rd. & Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies Plaza
Admission: $12 for a wristband or $1 for a bone or two wings

Owners Special Offer: Get Extra 10% Military Discount

2008-04-11T15:49:00Z

"Appalachian Retreat" Cabin in Beech Branch, Gatlinburg is now offering extra 10% Military Discount with valid Military ID.

Call Reservations: 1-866-482-1044

Smoky Mountains of Artists

2008-02-25T17:53:00Z

There are so many talented artists in Gatlinburg, TN and I suppose in part it is due to the abundance of natural beauty of the Smokies which is a great source of inspiration for all. While you are in the area you must visit the Arts & Crafts Community where you can watch many of the artists create magnificent pieces in their shops.
Alewine Pottery is one of the places you must visit. It is a family owned business and has a dazzling array of pottery from luminaries to salsa bowls. Robert Alewine is the master artisan and you can watch him on the potter’s wheel for hours as his masterpieces take shape. You can get a sneak peek at their website www.alewinepottery.net.
For a delicious home cooked meal Windwalkers Café is the best food in town! We eat there at least once a week and besides the food the café is always good for a mid-week pick-me-up. The owner Annette is always good for a smile and friendly chit chat. She is from Louisiana and cooks most of the food ranging from jambalaya to southern favorites like turnip greens and corn bread. After you have had your fill you must try one of the desserts, her homemade pies and cakes are absolutely sinful.
The Jim Gray Gallery is an opportunity you will not want to miss; his paintings and sculptures are awe-inspiring. You can spend hours in the Gallery just trying to take it all in. You can learn more about the artist and view his work at www.jimgraygallery.com.
Grab a cup of coffee at Coffee & Company and I assure you Starbucks will no longer be appealing! Jeanette, the owner, will tell you the same and if you don’t believe me just ask – at your own risk! The coffee is a staple in the community and many of us spend hours in the shop since she has wireless internet access (WIFI) and treats to go with the coffee.
There are so many wonderful shops in this quaint community that you will need to plan a day just to meander through at a leisurely pace and enjoy all this area has to offer. The hustle and bustle of downtown feels like a world away when you are in the Arts & Crafts Community of Gatlinburg Tennessee.
We would love to know what places you can’t miss while visiting.

Cabin Rentals Rating System

2008-01-25T20:12:00Z

Last year we introduced a star rating system for all of our rental homes. The ratings are based on our Survey responses from each guest for the questions: “Rental unit overall” and “Value for the price paid”.

Our hope was to give our guests an idea of what other guests thought about this particular rental unit. I would like to know what some of you think about this addition to the web site. Is it helpful? Is there something else that you would like to see that will better serve you?
We have also added a Forum to the blog if you would like to participate in any discussions about the topics listed.
As always I appreciate any feedback from you all because it helps us know what you need!

2007 Jeep Wrangler Winner

2008-01-15T18:24:00Z

Okay for those that aren’t familiar with our contest:

Mountain Rentals of Gatlinburg purchased a 2007 Jeep Wrangler 4X4 Unlimited to be given away to one lucky guest! This promotion was so much fun and created a lot of excitement, but the best part was giving it away!!!
I called the winner and it was possibly the best day I have had at work. I called the number listed on the reservation and asked for Mr. James Burns. He was having a difficult day and I was so excited I could barely contain myself. I proceeded to ask him if he stayed with Mountain Rentals of Gatlinburg on the specified dates, he said he had. I told him: “you have just won a Jeep Wrangler”. He said: "...this is a joke… Get OUT!" That made me even happier; he did not believe me AT ALL! We went back and forth for several minutes and I asked him if he was glad he brought his wife for their anniversary – (Note: Men - It is always good to take your wife on getaways!)
Anyway, I finally convinced him that this was no joke and he had indeed won a new Jeep! I had a smile for hours after our conversation. Upon meeting the family, his wife and 2 children, I was elated that such a deserving and genuine couple had won. They were from North Carolina, so we booked them a night in one of our cabins so they didn’t have to drive back. I think they were surprised by this as well.
Here are a few of pictures of the couple and the kids.

Photo 1: Jeep Winner - James Burns and family of Cary, NC

Photo 2: James Burns (Jeep Winner) & Beth Moncier (Marketing Director) - Passing the Title

Congratulations and from all of us at Mountain Rentals of Gatlinburg - Where your are family - ENJOY!

Smoky Mountains Memories

2007-12-07T13:00:00Z

One of my favorite memories is being 5 years old and visiting the Great Smoky Mountain National Park in the Winter. My mother and I had just moved to Tennessee from Mississippi, which never gets snow and you can wear shorts in the Winter, so the cold weather was a shocker. My Aunt had lived here for years, but we had only visited during the Spring and Summer because my older sister attended school. Anyway, we drove through the Park and for the first time…there it was SNOW! I stared dreamily and it was just as I had envisioned, beyond beautiful. The snow had fallen perfectly on the banks along the river and the rocks were capped with snow while water rushed around them. I was hooked! I threw snowballs, made snow angels, ate snow, built a snowman (it was my first one so he was pretty dirty :>) and picked icicles – I had never been that cold, but I knew there was no better place to live than the Smoky Mountains!

What are some of your favorite Smoky Mountain Memories?

Winter in the Great Smoky Mountains…

2007-10-31T20:06:00Z

I woke up this morning to the crisp cold mountain air that gives you an unbelievably invigorating feeling that gets you ready for the day. Enjoying the nip in the air for a few moments from my deck, with a steaming cup of coffee, while gazing at the snow capped Smokies I begin planning a day just for me. So many things to do! I have a decision to make…go shopping - maybe for some warm clothes to go skiing, ah, a nice day on the slopes… maybe a day at the spa…orrr the spa can come to me… a massage in the cabin… after skiing? Another cup of coffee.
A nice hike will do just fine, so I pack the Trail Mix and I’m off. Laurel Falls is a 2.6 mile hike round trip on a nice paved trail with a beautiful end at a 60’ waterfall. The trail was rewarding, to say the least, and I have spectacular photographs to return home with. The drive through Cades Cove and the Smokies presented an array of brilliant scenery with the mixture of snow on the trees and on the river banks to add to my photo collection!
Another cup of coffee in front of the fireplace and dusk is settling in. The fire is cozy and the Christmas lights and Christmas tree make me feel right at home and in the Holiday spirit. The plans for tonight are to take a stroll in the Winter Wonderland that is Downtown Gatlinburg and make the rounds through some of the specialty shops in The Village. Homemade crafts and candies abound in this bustling setting. The pure excitement and magnificent surroundings have made for an amazing day in the Great Smoky Mountains and a relaxing soak in the Hot Tub will make it complete!
Tomorrow, maybe I will sip wine in front of the fire…hot chocolate with extra marshmallows …or have that massage……….


Life's a Bear	Nestled Inn

	Appalachian Retreat

McIntoch RM#1

Our cabin rentals decorating for Christmas

2007-10-31T13:23:00Z

4 EVER
A MOUNTAIN SUNSET
A PRECIOUS PLACE
ABOVE THE SMOKE
ALWAYS
APPALACHIAN SPLENDOR
BEAR FOOTIN
BEAR NECESSITIES
BEAR TRACKS
BEYOND PARADISE
BLESSED BEYOND MEASURE TR#13
CV509 WOLFSONG
CV613 RIGHT AT HOME
GOD’S VIEW
JOURNEY’S END
LIFE’S A BEAR
MOUNTAIN HERITAGE
NESTLED INN
PAPS CABIN
RIVER’S EDGE
RM1 MCINTOSH
RM2 GRANNY SMITH
RM3 MOUNTAIN BEAR
RM4 TRAIL’S END
SILVER MOON
SMOKERISE
SMOKY HOLLOW
SMOKY MOUNTAIN HIGH
SWEET SURRENDER
TANGELWOOD
TR15 MOUNTAIN GLORY
TR4 COMIN HOME
TWIN VIEW
WOOD SPIRIT

Excellent Service - Part 2

2007-09-21T18:22:00Z

This entry I would like to focus on our Reservation and Front Desk Staff.
They are actually quite incredible if you consider it: 285 properties, each completely different, located throughout Gatlinburg and they field all the questions! Their knowledge of the properties and location is unsurpassed. These professionals go on site inspections to each home as it comes on the program and as updates are made so they can better serve our guests. We really have to appreciate them and the hard work they put in. Their job can be very stressful, there is never a quite moment, whether they are chatting online or on the phone there is always something to be done. Thank You!

And the Surveys are in:
Out of 4,400 Guests:
98% of our guests have rated our staff hospitality good - excellent!

Many of our Guests have commented on our helpful and caring staff members.

We have stayed in Gatlinburg many times & we have never received such genuinely hospitable service upon arrival. Thank you!
~ Guests from Mountain Bear Room #3

My husband and I were both totally impressed with the warmth of your staff. We made several calls before we made a reservation, and each question was met with patience and great suggestions. The gentleman who checked us in really blew us away with his professional description of your policies & directions and warmth & sincerity. We will definitely be back & will recommend Gatlinburg & Mountain Rentals.
~Erin & Try

Thank you so much! Again I would like to tell you we loved our trip to Tennessee and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay in the cabin. Also, the two guys that answer the phones to set up reservations, Nick and Matthew, were so helpful. We were kind of dissatisfied with our first cabin and they set us up in another quickly. Thanks so much for your help again.
~Cherie

Very relaxing stay. All individuals at your office are very courteous, friendly, and should be considered a high asset to your business company.
Thanks for a great vacation
~Jerry

Professionally Friendly, Thanks, Matthew!
~Guest from Blue Bird Point

Staff was exceptionally helpful & courteous!
~Cliff

Let us know what you think and your experiences!

Excellent Service – Part 1

2007-08-22T20:02:00Z

Mountain Rentals of Gatlinburg has built its foundation on professionalism, quality rentals and a courteous staff.
We take Surveys from each of our guests and enter them into a computer program that can generate reports for us. This lets us see how we are doing and gives our guests a chance to win a trip on us! The results are in!

Out of 4,416 Guests:
96% of our guests would stay with us again!
93% of our guests have rated our cleanliness good-excellent!
97% of our guests have rated our promptness of service good-excellent!

The tireless efforts of our Housekeeping and Maintenance staff has not gone unnoticed. We have a wonderful Housekeeping staff with very efficient inspectors and a great group of cleaners. They treat each home as their own and are very detailed oriented from the guest check in to their check out. Our maintenance staff is equally as efficient and quick to respond to our guests needs. Thanks to all of you!

One guest recently sent this letter.

Dear Sir/Madam:
I just wanted to take this opportunity to express my gratitude in the assistance in retrieving my wallet and its full contents. Your actions in regards in this matter exemplify the treatment that we received during our entire stay. Your staff was extremely courteous and helpful to us on several occasions.

For example, within one hour of our maintenance call concerning the air conditioning a technician was out and fixed the problem. Of course, the retrieval of my wallet, license and credit card was a great relief. I will always feel free to highly recommend your services.

~A recent guest from Baltimore, MD