Old photos of Sidney James Mountain Lodge in Gatlinburg

Our History

A Gatlinburg Tradition Since 1958

Three generations. One mission: Make every guest feel at home.

It all began in 1958 with a community pool and a simple dream: to create a welcoming space for locals and visitors alike. Our grandfather saw that dream come to life on the very site where Sidney James Mountain Lodge stands today.

Not long after, our father saw the opportunity to expand. That single pool became a 16-unit motor lodge, and in the early 1960s, it evolved into a two-story creekside motel that gave guests their first taste of staying by the rushing mountain stream.

By the early 1970s, Sidney James expanded again, this time into a four-story creekside lodge, adding the elevation and views our guests love to this day. In the mid-1980s, an indoor pool and additional guest quarters were added to meet the growing demand from families and travelers.

In the early 2000s, our family acquired the property across the street, now known as Sidney James Courtside, creating even more room options for travelers of all kinds, all while keeping everything just steps from downtown Gatlinburg.

Maples Swimming Hole at old Sidney James Mountain Lodge
Outdoor pool at Sidney James Mountain Lodge

Still Family-Owned. Still Family-Run.

The legacy continues today under the leadership of the founder’s grandson, who has been running the business since 1987. He’s joined by his sister and mother, both actively involved in the day-to-day operations. That family-first mindset doesn’t just extend to guests; it defines how we treat our team.

At Sidney James, our staff stays with us for decades.

  • One of our maintenance team members has been here over 25 years.
  • Our front desk manager and clerks have welcomed guests for more than 15 years.
  • Several housekeepers have been with us for decades.

When guests say it "feels like home," it’s because they’re often greeted by the same friendly faces they’ve seen for years.

Why Guests Keep Coming Back

We’ve watched generations of travelers grow up here. Guests who once came with their parents now bring their own kids. Some come for the creekside peace. Others come for the convenience. Most come because they know what to expect: clean rooms, fair prices, friendly service, and a place that feels like it remembers them.

We’re proud to offer all the things guests love today, including three pools, pet-friendly rooms, a poolside café, and a trolley stop out front, without losing the spirit of what made us special in the first place.

This isn’t just a hotel. It’s a legacy built one memory at a time.