Dolly Parton welcomes guests to her new HeartSong Lodge in the Smokies
The Great Smoky Mountains come alive in HeartSong Lodge and Resort, Dolly Parton’s newest resort in Pigeon Forge.
Featuring picturesque views, gorgeous murals, rustic color palettes and even a wood-burning firepit where s’mores will be served nightly, every detail honors the Smokies.
The resort had its grand opening ceremony Nov. 3, and is now open for families to make new memories. The queen of country was at HeartSong to commemorate the occasion.
"I'm excited to be here to open our HeartSong Lodge and Resort. I've been following the construction ever since we started, seeing it from the ground up. I'm just so happy to see that it's done," Parton said.
The resort is inspired by Parton’s love for the Smokies and is the second hotel operated by the Dollywood Parks and Resorts brand, meaning the singer, songwriter, actress, humanitarian and global icon is adding another worthy title to her name.
"People are calling me – what they call it – a hotelier, now!" she said. "Now that I got two hotels, I’m a chain!" Parton joked, making a reference from the film "Steel Magnolias," in which her character owned beauty shops.
“We’re so thrilled to be able to build this dream for you," Eugene Naughton, president of Dollywood, said during the ceremony. "HeartSong is obviously a big milestone for not only Dollywood Parks and Resort but her vision. (Over) 300 rooms that reflect your love of the Smoky Mountains."
HeartSong Lodge was designed for families, which comes through with unique details such as bunk beds, play areas, cafés, shops and other communal spaces. But don't worry, guests will still get to experience that Dolly Parton class we all love.
"I just love the idea of having a lodge. I like having something that's a little rustic. And I'd say this is high-fashion rustic," Parton said.
The HeartSong Lodge at Dollywood experience
The new resort is a 302-room lodge with high ceilings, exposed beams and natural layered textures, four-story windows, a fireplace and a spacious atrium.
Guests of all ages are welcome. Suites are designed for families and couples. Loft options are available. Many of the rooms include balconies.
It also features indoor and outdoor pools and multiple indoor and outdoor event spaces, including the two-story HeartSong Event Center.
Guests will have six dining options, including enjoying meals prepared by chefs at the resort’s signature full-service restaurant, in their rooms or by the pool. Songbird Market will offer quick selections and Honeysuckle & Pine Storied Goods Mercantile will be the place for gifts and keepsakes.
How much will a HeartSong Lodge stay cost?
Rates for the HeartSong Lodge & Resort vary depending on suite, days of the week and how far in advance you reserve the booking.
The lowest standard rates as of Nov. 2 were $269 per night for a weekday stay and $309 per night for a weekend stay.
Some rooms offer passholders a 10% discount.
What Dollywood specials will HeartSong offer?
Resort guests with Dollywood or Splash Country tickets will have priority access as well as early park entry on Saturdays. Guests also will receive Dollywood TimeSaver passes that can be used to access select rides and unlimited daily show reservations when applicable.
Guests will get door-to-door transportation to and from the park and complimentary package delivery for items purchased inside the Dollywood theme park.
HeartSong is Dollywood’s second resort and is part of Dollywood Parks & Resorts’ half a billion-dollar dream to expand over the next decade into a premiere year-round destination for family vacations. Reservations can be made at dollywood.com/heartsong or by calling 1-800-Dollywood.
DreamMore, the first resort launched by Parton, remains a popular spot in Pigeon Forge.
Devarrick Turner is a trending news reporter. Email [email protected]. Twitter @dturner1208.
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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Dollywood HeartSong Lodge opens in Pigeon Forge
