I stayed at Dolly Parton's new resort in a $500 mountain-view room. Being close to her theme park wasn't even the best part.

Carly CaramannaJan 15, 2024, 01:55 IST

Dollywood's HeartSong Lodge & Resort is part of a new expansion of Dollywood. Carly Caramanna<ul class="summary-list"><li>I stayed at <a target="_blank" href="https://www.insider.com/best-things-about-dollywood-theme-park-photos-2022-3">Dollywood</a>'s HeartSong Lodge & Resort, a new resort in the Smoky Mountains.</li><li>My room had a mountain-lodge feel with modern furnishings that felt welcoming.</li></ul>I've been visiting <a target="_blank" rel href="https://www.insider.com/best-things-about-dollywood-theme-park-photos-2022-3">Dollywood</a> regularly for more than 10 years.It remains one of my <a target="_blank" rel href="https://www.insider.com/best-theme-parks-in-the-united-states-expert-reveals-2021-10">favorite theme parks,</a> even though I've visited dozens of them all over the world. Earlier this month, the property debuted Dollywood's HeartSong Lodge & Resort.My husband and I booked a king-bedroom stay with views of the <a target="_blank" rel href="https://www.insider.com/why-you-shouldnt-visit-the-great-smoky-mountains-without-car-2023-5">Smoky Mountains</a>. Here's what it was like.Business Insider paid a media rate of $200 for this king-bedroom stay. The full rate was about $500.

The resort is next to the Dollywood theme park.

Around the corner from the theme park, the new hotel is influenced by the region that fueled Dolly Parton's creativity.Carly Caramanna

HeartSong is an elevated take on a classic American lodge.

The decor is a celebration of the natural beauty found in the Smoky Mountains.Carly Caramanna

I enjoyed exploring the resort, especially the Dolly Parton memorabilia room.

The Acoustic Lobby has some of Dolly Parton's outfits and guitars on display. Carly Caramanna

The Acoustic Lobby's highlight is the guitar chandelier.

The room is centered by an expansive chandelier.Carly Caramanna

I especially loved the handwritten song lyrics on the wall.

In some ways, the resort felt like a museum. Carly Caramanna

There are other touches of the singer throughout the resort.

It's clear this is Dolly Parton's resort.Carly Caramanna

Even the elevator was inspired by the sight and sounds of nature.

I felt like I was in nature even when I was indoors. Carly Caramanna

I stayed in a 350-square-foot king bedroom with a mountain view.

There was artwork behind the bed. Carly Caramanna

The room had a lodge feel with modern furnishings.

The room has nice mood lighting, too. Carly Caramanna

I found even more special details once I pulled down the Murphy bed.

Special touches were everywhere.Carly Caramanna

We had a nice view of the whole resort from our window.

We could see the mountains, polo, and fire pits from our room.Carly Caramanna

I loved the in-room sound machine.

The sound machine was a thoughtful touch, though we didn't need it.Carly Caramanna

The bathroom felt luxurious but cozy.

The tiny bug design on the mirror felt like yet another sweet touch in the space. Carly Caramanna

The shower seemed nice and modern.

The shower had glass doors. Carly Caramanna

There were several community spaces on the property.

I was surprised by the sheer number of outdoor and indoor community spaces.Carly Caramanna

The resort has a hot tub, indoor pool, and outdoor pool.

The resort has an indoor pool, outdoor pool, and hot tub. Carly Caramanna

I found live music around the property.

I found a strolling musician near the indoor pool. Carly Caramanna

There's also a gift shop on the property with plenty of Dolly-inspired merch.

The beaded pouches were adorable. Carly Caramanna

The property has several dining spaces, including a bar and quick-service market.

Songbird Market has Dollywood's famous cinnamon bread.Carly Caramanna

We dined at the resort's signature restaurant, Ember & Elm.

I couldn't wait to have breakfast at Ember & Elm. Carly Caramanna

I ordered a twist on Dollywood's most iconic dish.

The cinnamon-bread French-toast casserole was awesome. Carly Caramanna

We also took advantage of the resort's theme-park perks, such as easy access to Dollywood.

Getting to the park from HeartSong was so easy.Carly Caramanna

My stay exceeded my expectations and I can't wait to return.

As frequent visitors of the area and Dollywood, this will now be our go-to spot.Carly Caramanna

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