This motel is NOT in the heart of downtown Gatlinburg...it is at stoplight #1, while the "heart" (Ripley's aquarium) is at stoplight #6. Yes, you can walk to downtown, but it is NOT a short walk. The towels smelled mildewed. The bedspread on the bed was covered in hair... Not a very clean place. Good thing we did not spent a lot of time here. We will never stay here again.