A few years ago, plans to build a Margaritaville hotel and restaurant in Gatlinburg came to a halt when Pigeon Forge passed their “liquor by the drink” laws. Margaritaville Island Hotel and restaurant opened at The Island in Pigeon Forge, instead, and both have been a huge success ever since. With the amount of success they have seen, there are plans currently getting approvals to open a brand new Margaritaville hotel and new restaurant in downtown Gatlinburg! Below, we break down what we know so far.

Margaritaville Resort of the Smokies

The brand new hotel is proposed to be named Margaritaville Resort of the Smokies and plans are in place for it to replace Twin Islands Hotel, which is near Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. The new Margaritaville hotel is proposed to be a 7-story hotel which will combine a hotel, restaurant, spa and other amenities. The location is ideal for visitors who want to stay in an upscale resort and be within walking distance to downtown shops, attractions, and restaurants.

Cheeseburger in Paradise

While nothing has been “officially” released as of this writing, our sources have informed us that Cheeseburger in Paradise restaurant will go in the location where Hard Rock Cafe was once located before moving to Pigeon Forge. The location would make sense as it is directly in front of the proposed location for Margaritaville Resort of the Smokies.

While we trust our sources, we caution that these plans are going through the approval stages just as the original Margaritaville hotel and restaurant did a few years ago before backing out and moving to Pigeon Forge. Anything could happen between now and if they end up breaking ground. We have been told, though, that Twin Islands Hotel is scheduled for deconstruction beginning November 27th.

Are you excited?

We want to hear from you! Are you excited about Gatlinburg getting its own Margaritaville hotel and restaurant? Let us know in the comments below and feel free to share this news on Facebook, twitter, etc!