We stayed at Dollywood’s new HeartSong Lodge & Resort for its grand opening. It was a chance to explore the new lodge and start the excitement of the Christmas season. We were there for a weekend getaway but were able to appreciate a well-rounded lodging experience to review the room, lodge atmosphere, signature restaurant, and overall décor.
We need to talk about the fireflies. I think this was the best décor element in the entire resort. There were fireflies in the carpet design. Some fireflies lit up in the bathroom mirror. They were displayed on the bottles of shower supplies. They were presented in artwork when we exited the elevators to walk to our room. I interpreted some of the swirls of yellow-green color in the carpet to be the lit-up trails of the fireflies flying in the dark. The overall presentation of fireflies was subtle and not in-your-face obvious. It was a nod to one of those things that makes the Smoky Mountains special. I imagined Dolly playing in the Smoky Mountains as a child and how she must have liked this lodge feature.
This design decision was brilliant and well-executed with how they were incorporated throughout yet balanced aesthetically without being over-the-top. As someone who grew up with fireflies or lightning bugs, I thank the design team for capturing the awesomeness of these mesmerizing wonders.
As long as we talk about décor, let us discuss other elements. I have never enjoyed staying in a hotel and seeing random artwork hanging on the wall. Thankfully, that was omitted here. Instead, a beautiful, playful mural strip captured the area's essence. Simple, clean, meaningful design. I hope other hotels are listening.
The lodge's signature restaurant, Ember & Elm, also had minimal décor but had a lodge feel. Lighting fixtures and wall art continued the lodge’s theming with a modern take that was not a typical poorly lit, overly cabin-like feel with bear statues at every turn.
The outside areas were not an exception when portraying a lodge feeling. Cozy areas tucked back from the walkway allowed families to sit around a fire pit and enjoy quality time together. The large communal fire pit is also available for those who want a more collective approach to life. The balance of personal family time and community connectedness can be observed here. The HeartSong was a balance of rustic and modern, being isolated in nature yet close to Dollywood, and modern convenience combined with old-fashioned quality family time.
If you have difficulty with stairs and enter the lodge from the parking lot through the pool area, there are three pairs of steps (three times going down two steps) going down from the parking lot to the pool area to enter the side of the lobby. If needed, you can take the pathway to the right of the stairs from the parking lot and take a smooth pathway around the pool into the lobby area. This might be helpful depending on how much luggage you are rolling or carrying. This walk takes very little time, and if music is still being played at the pool area when you arrive, it adds some fun. I enjoyed listening to Christmas music being played as I walked the pathway. I also liked the relaxing waterfall sound as I walked it. Once you are settled in your room, you can take advantage of the soothing sounds of the rock water feature by the firepits or the waterfall at the pool.
The lodge atmosphere continued around the perimeter of the lodge. Wagon wheel-inspired lights greeted guests as they pulled up, and walkable areas on the outskirts of the lodge incorporated lodge theming as well. Lit metal towers showcased animals and birds one might find staying in a lodge-like area, and the sound of a babbling brook created images of staying in a cabin with a nearby stream.
The inside areas were also cozy. The fireplace inside provided a relaxing place for people to enjoy their evening. An extended seating area beyond this area provided an excellent view out of the window, looking at the outside firepit and pool area, including the view of the communal fire pit lit up at night. Additional seating was available outside of the pantry area. Because we went during the Christmas season, the lodge was decorated for the holiday. The decorations were minimal again, and the hallway of lit trees was lodge-themed with deer.
There are several food options. Ember & Elm offers filet, ribeye, pork chops, brick oven-fired flatbread, beef short ribs, rainbow trout, and fried chicken. There is also a casual café, a lounge, and a pantry for grab-and-go items, including to-order pizzas. You can read more about our food at Ember & Elm, including a fantastic allergy-friendly experience here.
My husband was presented with cheese biscuits with pepper jelly for his bread service. He described the jelly as sweet with a spicy kick at the end. He could really taste the cheese, so if you are not a cheese lover, take note before eating one. My husband is not at all a cheese lover, but he still enjoyed the biscuits; they were fluffy with good consistency. He shared that he could see people fighting over the last biscuit. Your Dollywood Gold and Diamond Season Pass discounts work at the signature restaurant, so remember to let your server know.
Our two-queen room was decorated nicely and had a functional layout that was not overly tight between pieces of furniture. There was a desk, television stand, and metal storage rack with a micro-fridge for storing items. There were also purse and coat hooks on the wall behind the door to the room. A nice touch was the micro-fridge being at the upper body level, so we did not have to bend down to retrieve items. The bed was comfortable, and the room was overall enjoyable. I loved the fireflies lit up in the bathroom mirror.
A guest benefit of staying at the lodge is a TimeSaver pass that allows quicker entry onto five rides (not Big Bear Mountain, and only one time each on Dragonflier and Firechaser Express) and special reserved seating for shows. The park was busy, and we used our passes for two rides. Other benefits include free trolley service to and from the park, package delivery to your room for purchased park items, entrance one hour before opening to enjoy a select ride on Saturdays, and priority access to the parks based on ticket type and the reservation stay dates.
We were provided a good atmosphere, a fun stay, a nice room, and quality time at the fire pit…when we were not at Dollywood enjoying the Christmas festivities. So, did the HeartSong Lodge & Resort meet the expectation of a cozy getaway with days of relaxation that come to mind when you think of staying at a lodge? Yes, HeartSong provided that.
