Vacation Rentals by Owner

Enjoyed every minute!

Guest: Kristine S.
Date of Stay: 03/25/12 Review Submitted: 03/31/12

Our family enjoyed every moment at Gatlinburg and at Bob & Carol's property! We would definitely recommend to anyone! Like the review says... the view is breathetaking. We enjoyed the hot tub under the stars (my son really enjoyed his time with us in the hot tub). We also enjoyed the new flat screen TV in the family room that Bob installed before we arrived, and just the quietness around us. Like everyone else... we didn't want to leave!! Bob called us and gave us some tips on places to go see and eat. With his recommendations, we went on the Roaring Forks Nature Trail and it was beautiful. Got some wonderful pictures! Thanks for the tip Bob! We ended up hiking to Rainbow Falls. It was beautiful! We saw a couple wild turkey and a deer but no bears. Hiking round trip took around 5 hours. We enjoyed the hot tub when we got home!! Some places we ate that we really enjoyed were J.T. Nelson, AppleBarn, and the pizza pasta restaurant on 321 before you turn to go to the cabin (across from Alamos). This restaurant was small but the food was very good and it wasn't packed full of people. Pizza and breadsticks were delicious! Places we saw were Ripley's Aquarium at Gatlingburg, we really enjoyed the tunnel in Shark Lagoon. Shopped downtown Gatlinburg, played Hillbilly Golf, hiked to Rainbow Falls, and rode go carts at Star Tracks in Pigeon Forge (they rode for a good while; felt like we got our moneys worth and the employees were nice!). This trip was a much needed break from the craziness of life and we enjoyed every moment! Thanks again, Bob and Carol, for sharing your home with us! We would love to come back again!! Will definitely recommend to our family and friends!

Owner response:Thanks Guys! Glad to hear you had a fun vacation. Roaring Forks Motor Trail is one of my favorites. You are always welcome back at Wa-Ta-Vu !

Recommended for:

Can't wait to go back again!!!

Guest: jlsp (charleston, wv)
Date of Stay: 12/30/11 Review Submitted: 01/07/12

we stayed dec 30-jan 2. this was our first vacation to the smoky mountains. as soon as we walked into the cabin and saw the view, i knew i wanted to rent it for a weekend this summer to bring my mother with us. it is a wonderful cabin. very clean (spotless) and modern inside. very nice flooring and tiled bathrooms. the bathroom cabinetry was modern and very nice, as well as the sinks and faucets. i really loved the faucets. one bathroom has a nice jacuzzi tub that has lights under the water that change colors of the rainbow. there is a large rain style shower head in that same tub/shower. the other bedroom had a shower and a vanity mirror/table/chair. there is a stackable washer and dryer in the cabin. the deck is very large!!! the hot tub on the deck was nice. the cd player in the living room has a switch so that the music can play outside on speakers hidden near the hot tub. there is ample outdoor seating on the deck. all nice and comfortable. the cabin has vaulted ceilings. we loved the remote controlled fireplace. and although there are cable tvs in the living room and both bedrooms, we couldn't look at anything other than that view! even when inside, we'd sit facing the view with all the blinds up. it really is breathtaking. my husband and i disliked gatlinburg and pigeon forge. originally i had researched places to eat during our long weekend. however on our first night out, i decided we would have to find a grocery store so that we could cook at the cabin the rest of the weekend. i preferred staying in the cabin than going out and fighting the crowds & waiting in lines. there is a grocery store within 2 miles. there is a gas and a charcoal grill at the cabin so we had everything one could need to fix all our meals. the owner is easy to contact and very nice to work with. we live in west virginia and enjoy renting cabins in the mountains but i must admit that we haven't had one with a view like this before! i have already made our reservations for mother's day weekend to take my mom to this cabin. and i know i will be going back again next fall or winter with my husband. because of the view, the quality of the cabin, the genuine personality of the owner, and the reasonable pricing...we will be regulars at WATAVU from now on. i would recommend this cabin to anyone. it is great for those like us who want to relax and it is perfectly located for those who enjoy the activities in nearby gatlinburg & pigeon forge

Owner response: Thanks for the very nice review. We bought the cabin because of the view and we never get tired of looking out either. Glad you and your Mom are coming back. You are always welcome at Wa-Ta-Vu!!!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Wonderful December Retreat

Guest: Happy Four (Matthews, NC)
Date of Stay: 12/18/11 Review Submitted: 12/23/11

We just spent four amazing nights at this property owned by Carol and Bob. It is spacious, yet has a wonderful cozy feeling. The hot tub is incredibly relaxing and provides a view that words can't depict as it is so breathtaking. The cabin has all the cooking utensils you could dream of needing if you plan to cook when staying there. You won't regret booking this amazing location for your dream vacation!

Owner response:Thanks Caroline, Glad you guys enjoyed the cabin. That hottub is my favorite place too. You guys are always welcome to come back!Bob

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

HIGHLY RECOMMEND

Guest: Neely W.
Date of Stay: 11/09/11 Review Submitted: 01/22/12

As a family of 4, plus our dog, we found the cabin to be perfect. We even had room to spare. Our 4yr old daughter loved having her own room and bathroom. The cabin is set up wonderfully and the view is breathtaking. When we arrived it was overcast and we could see the first mountain peak and thought "wow." The next morning the clouds cleared and revealed several mountain peaks behind the first and we couldn't believe how incredible the view was. Even though it was chilly out, we still enjoyed grilling on the deck and sitting in the jacuzzi....especially the jacuzzi! The cabin is elevated above the street and other cabins so it feels very private. We even opened the blinds in every room and still didn't worry about people being able to see in. The cabin is stocked with everything you need and has more cooking supplies than I have at home! It is an A+ cabin. Very Clean and stocked! I wouldn't even consider staying anywhere else in the Smoky Mountains. As far as things to do, Gatlinburg isn't lacking. We were traveling with our 3month old infant and dog so a lot of the walking trails were out of the question for us but we did go to Laurel Falls which was a 2.5 mile paved hike up mountain great for stollers and wheel chairs. Cades Cove is pet friendly and offered a bit of history. Ober Gatlinburg was just okay. I think it would be a lot more enjoyable as a skiing destination than as an "amusement" area. We also took a drive to the forbidden caverns. Though the drive to get to the caverns wasn't as scenic as the drives through the national park, the cavern itself was impressive. Though it is a bit of a drive, I recommend the Bryson City Railroad, in NC. To get there from the cabin you have to go through the Smoky Mountain National Park. The best views of our vacation came from this adventure. Give yourself extra drive time to stop at lookouts and on your return to go to Clingsmans Dome. Downtown Gatlinburg is a quaint little mountain strip running several blocks with tons of tourist adventures and shopping. My husband and I are not very big into shopping but we still enjoyed walking the dog here in the evenings and sipping coffee at the cafes. While downtown, we rode the Gatlinburg Lift (dogs are allowed). It was fun to ride the lift but the view from the top was similar to the view from the cabin but with more lights below. Even so, I still recommend it for the ride. Overall, we couldn't have had a more enjoyable vacation. A big THANKS to the Howards.

Owner response:Thanks for the great Review!! Hope you guys can make it back again.

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Had a great time

Guest: Lan (Soth Carolina)
Date of Stay: 10/14/11 Review Submitted: 10/17/11

We can't express our gratitude enough to you for sharing your lovely Gatlinburg home. The relaxation obtained there on the trip was remarkable! The view from the home is priceless! Everything was as you stated and more! Our regret now is that we only booked three nights. Brooks said we have to come back next year and for a more extended stay. This having been said by a workaholic who doesn't leave town. He and I sure had a most difficult time watching the cabin disappear in our rearview mirror this morning. Thanks for your part in creating new memories. It is our hope that we may have your permission to return in the future. Thank you kindly and may you and yours continue to be blessed, Lan Columbia, SC

Owner response:Thanks Lan, Glad you guys enjoyed the cabin. You guys are always wecome to visit us again. Thanks!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Family Time

Guest: Roxanne P. (Troy, MI)
Date of Stay: 09/17/11 Review Submitted: 09/24/11

My husband and I shared the cabin with his sister and her husband. The cabin was very clean, well orginized with instructions on how to operate all the appliances. The directions to the cabin were very easy to follow. Bob was very helpful during the rental process and the cabin was everything that was promised. The bear did make a trip past the cabin one evening. In the morning and evening we enjoyed watching the birds come and eat the berries on the dogwood trees outside the window. The bedrooms were spacious and the kitchen well equiped so we could make meals with very little effort. It was very nice to have a washer and dryer so I only had to pack a few outfits and could do a quick load mid week. There is a well stocked grocery store on the main road just before you turn off to head up to the cabin. A couple of things we did that I have not seen on the other reviews were renting a pontoon boat from Douglas Lake Marina and visiting the Bush's Bean Vistors Center. We rented the boat for 2 hours and then the lady at Marina told us about the Bush's Bean Vistors Center. It was an easy drive, the center was free and very informative. The cafe at the center was very reasonable and the food was excellent. We attended church on Sunday at First Baptist right next door to the Alamo Resturant. Wonderful service and very welcoming. We drove to Townsend and toured the Heritage Center and took a bus tour of Cades Cove. The tour was very informative and we could enjoy all the wildlife as we were not driving. In the evening we played games, visited and the guys watched baseball and football. We also enjoyed a couple of ranger lectures/hikes in the park. Had a wonderful and relaxing time and still had plenty of things left for next time.

Owner response:Thanks guys for telling about your great vacation. I have always wanted to visit the Bush Bean factory too! Who knows maybe Duke will tell me the Secret receipe. Douglas lake is a very large lake, I spent alot of time fishing it as a kid. You guys are always welome at Wa-Ta-Vu. Thanks for staying with us!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Our Trip to Wa-Ta-Vu

Guest: Diane (Ontario Canada)
Date of Stay: 09/11/11 Review Submitted: 09/17/11

Hello Bob, Just thought I'd drop you a line and tell you what a wonderful time we had at Wa-ta-Vu!!! We thoroughly enjoyed your cabin. You must be proud. It is a great place to relax but lots to do close by if you wish. It is exactly how it is described on your website and all the reviews. So nicely decorated and welcoming. It was very nice and thoughtful to get your phone call as we arrived. We arrived on Ontario land about 4:00 p.m.and home at 6:00 p.m. We took two days to drive back to cut up the trip a bit so we enjoyed a game of golf in Kentucky yesterday. We did so much but still got time to relax at the cabin too. We bbq'd Wed night and had an uninvited guest....but should have expected it! Yes, Mr. Bear showed up. My husband had just gone inside for something when I heard rustling behind me or under the deck. Then I saw the tree by the stairs shaking then he was on the stairs! I hollered for Paul, who came out and yelled. We then quickly ran inside, locked the doors, shut the blinds.........and then I realized all our food was on the patio table!! So Paul went out, very carefully, and kept on eye on the stairs while he passed all the dishes to me. After it was all over, and we calmed down, we said that we were really stupid not to think that Mr Bear would smell our food and want steak and shrimp too! haha Unfortunately I didn't have a witness, and the bbq cover was on the stairs which I could have mistaken it for, but I don't think so! That's my story, and I'm stickin' to it! haha We enjoyed the Sky Lift which we had done 30 yrs ago, dinner at The Peddlar that you recommended,, Moodshine Distillery and two games of golf. While driving through Cades Cove, we saw, through our sun roof, a mother bear and her two cubs up in a tree above us. A ranger said she was chewing a branch so it would fall and she could get the acorns from it. Smart little devils. At least these ones were fun to watch! We would have loved to do some of the hiking but I broke my foot in June and it still can't handle too much walking yet. We look forward to sharing our stories, photos and video with our kids tomorrow. Our daughter and her boyfriend are very interested in hearing about our trip as they love the outdoors, hiking, camping, etc and they would like to go to the Smoky Mountains sometime. So you just might be hearing from us again sometime so they too can book the cabin and enjoy it like we did Diane & Paul . .

Owner response:Thanks Diane and Paul, You guys traveled along ways from Canada. We are glad you enjoyed your vacation in the Smokys. You guys did alot in the week you were there. You guys are always welcomed back! Thanks Again1 Bob & Carol

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Beautiful place & wonderful experience!

Guest: Tracy (DeMotte, IN)
Date of Stay: 03/24/11 Review Submitted: 03/29/11

We now know why your cabin is booked so often! Cannot say enough about the view, I couldn't stop taking pictures! We immediately felt at home. Loved the decor, especially all of the bears! The cabin is equipped with the best of everything! We did not want to leave! Bob was very helpful and so quick to answer any question I had. We didn't care so much for Pigeon Forge. Gatlinburg was less busy on a weekday. Highly recommend hiking to Laurel Falls and the drive to Cades Cove. Our family will never forget our time in the Smoky's!

Owner response:Thanks Tracy for the nice words. Glad you guys got to see the National Park.I think the Park is the best part of the area. I too enjoy all the hikes. I love the hike to the chimney tops. I have made the Chimney tops every decade since the 50's. It is amazing though how the distance to the top seems to be getting longer! You guys are always welcomed back!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Wonderful Cabin!

Guest: Kelli (Indianapolis, Indiana)
Date of Stay: 03/14/11 Review Submitted: 03/19/11

We stayed at Wat-A-Vu this past week and it was wonderful! The cabin is much more spacious than it looks like in the pictures. The washer/dryer was such a nice added bonus to have. It is pretty secluded, but still near enough to other cabins that you don't feel like you're in the middle of nowhere. It was only a short drive into town although if you're afraid of heights like me, close your eyes when you're going down or up the mountain to the cabin ;). The owner was so helpful with my questions prior to the trip and he even called to make sure we had arrived. Everything in the cabin is labeled with directions, making it easy on the guests. The hot tub was such a wonderful escape, with a beautiful view of the mountains! There is also a gas grill that we used to cook out one night and then a gas fireplace that we used on a few chilly mornings. Our dogs loved hanging out on the porch with us and watching the wildlife. I would definitely recommend taking a hike to Laurel Falls or if you're not into a 3 mile hike, take the short walk to Cataract Falls behind the Sugarlands Visitor Center in GSMNP. We took a stroller on both trails easily! The drive to Cade's Cove is long, but pretty. We wish we had spent more of the day outside walking around the park rather than being in the car. If you do go over there, be sure and bring a picnic lunch (something we wish we had done!) We also walked around downtown Gatlinburg on a rainy morning which is a much cooler town than Pigeon Forge (and not as commercialized). Our toddler loved the Deer Farm Zoo petting zoo which is in Sevierville, probably the favorite part of his trip! All in all this was a fabulous trip. The cabin was our favorite part of the vacation! You will not be disappointed!!

Owner response:Thanks Kelly, We like to hike in the park too. I did the hike up to the lodge at Mount Leconte last summer. You can see the roof of the lodge from the deck of the cabin with binoculeers.It was really a adventure hiking up to the lodge. Glad you guys had a fun time, I agree, that I too like Gatlinburg better than Pigeon Forge, it is just easier on the eyes! You guys are always welcomed back!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Relaxing Weekend!

Guest: Krystal & Anthony (Georgetown, KY)
Date of Stay: 01/28/11 Review Submitted: 01/31/11

We had an amazing time this weekend at the cabin. My husband and I have 5 children and we have not been away (alone) for a weekend together since we were married. Our time together was so relaxing, thanks, in part, to a clean cabin with a secluded feel. There were instructions for everything which made our stay in a new place almost effortless. Thanks Bob and Carol for calling us to make sure we made it. You guys are an absolute blessing. And yes, we do plan to return!!!! The good news....I love my husband more today than I did the day we left for Gatlinburg. Mission complete!!!

Owner response:Thanks Krystal & Anthony, Glad you guys had a nice weekend. It is very quite up there in the winter. Hope you guys can come back sometime.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Wonderful experience again!

Guest: Debbie (Loretto, TN)
Date of Stay: 12/02/10 Review Submitted: 12/05/10

This cabin has become our favorite in the Smoky Mountains. A large part of this is because of the owners, Bob & Carol. They have put so much of themselves in every room that you feel so at home. You can look at every decoration and see that it meant something to them or it would not be there. It's also very evident that they really care if you are enjoying your stay and want you to love it as much as they do. And of course the view! You can look outside every 30 minutes and the view changes every time. I've made hundreds of photos from their deck and I could convince anyone that half of them were from different places....just gorgeous. There are no photos however that can do justice to this view. The cabin and the view are prettier in person. Bob and Carol provide a very clean and tastefully decorated get-a-way. We are starting to feel like family.

Owner response:Thanks Debbie, The view sold us too when we bought the cabin. We also love staying at Wa-Ta Vu and try to visit every other month. Return guests like you guys are the best! Bob & Carol

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with young children, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

We're in LOVE!

Guest: Bentley03 (Maryland )
Date of Stay: 11/23/10 Review Submitted: 12/23/10

Sorry it took us so long to write a review! This was maybe our 7th trip to TN and 1st trip to the cabin.. We will never look at Gaitlinburg accomedations the same way and probly never stay anywhere else when in the area again! We arrived late at night and on the way there an unfamiliar number popped on my cell my husband answered and it was The Howards making sure we were making it in all right and reminding us if we had any problems to call. From the moment we walked in it was love at first sight even from my 6 year old! Everything was updated and made you feel right at home. The view is gorgeous off the deck and we spent thanksgiving morning 2010 looking at it from the hot tub! Now that is how a holiday should be spent! We recently recieved a holiday card from the howards with a picture of the cabin on the front and as I display and save every card we have ever gotton the photo went missing off of this one later I found it under my 6 year olds pillow and when I asked her about it she said mom the cabin misses us! We didnt get to meet Mr. Bear but we looked every day.. Maybe next time! Cause we will diffently be returning! Thanks Mr and Mrs. Howard for being so helpful and fr such a great place!

Owner response:Thanks Vanesa for the nice review!I feel the same way as your daughter every time we have to leave the cabin to go home.You guys are always welcome back at Wa-Ta-Vu Cabin, Have a Merry Christmas! Thanks Bob & Carol

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Enjoyed your Cabin

Guest: Wanda (Uniontown Mo)
Date of Stay: 10/26/10 Review Submitted: 11/07/10

We want to send a BIG THANK YOU for sharing your wonderful hide-away with us!! We had such an enjoyable time. Your warm and welcoming cabin had become our home away from home the second we walked in the door! We would venture out to sight-see but couldn't wait to get back and enjoy the fabulous view from the deck. We regret we didn't try the hot tub - perhaps next time. We dined at Alamo Steak, No Way Jose', and TGI Fridays to name a few. The Aquarium of the Smokies was so cool and exciting and the Titanic Museum was so very eye-opening and informative. We tried to take in as much of the sites as we could but still enjoy our time at the cabin. Your personal touches and care in setting up your cabin was very thoughful and we do believe you have thought of absolutely anything and everything anyone would ever need! Once again, thank you and we look forward to visiting again. Hopefully next time we can bring family along. God's blessings to you, Wanda & Don

Owner response:Thanks Wanda & Don, glad you guys had a good time at the cabin! You are always welcome at Wa-Ta-Vu!

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with young children, girls getaway, pet owners.

Great Place to Relax

Guest: Web Designer (Lagrange, Indiana)
Date of Stay: 09/12/10 Review Submitted: 09/21/10

We did not have near enough time to spend there. The view was great, the food outstanding (go to the Alamo Steakhouse just down the street), the Glades Rd Arts & Crafts we did not even get a 1/3 of the way down before we ran out of time and the stores downtown were beautiful and food in town was great too. Absolutely go to the Sevierville - Apple Valley Rd winery for some of the best wine you have ever tasted. Spend some time at the Smokey Mountain Knifeworks if you like looking at some of the best prices on any kind of cutting tool (knives, swords, axes, etc). Was the best vacation we have had in a long time. The owner is very on the ball if you need him for something too.

Owner response: Thanks! glad you guys had a good time. The mountains are really different than the flat midwest. You guys are always welcome.

Recommended for:Age 55+, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Perfect Place!

Guest: Becky (Osceola, IN)
Date of Stay: 05/31/10 Review Submitted: 07/06/10

This is the first time we've rented a cabin while in Gatlinburg, and we are so glad we did! When looking through all the possibilities, I kept being drawn back to this one; it seemed attractive and was so reasonably priced. It turned out to be all we hoped for and more. It was just as described---very clean, inviting, had all we needed to make our stay there enjoyable. When there, it felt like it was just us and the mountains, yet we were just a short drive from town and the national park. What the info about the cabin can't really tell you is how wonderful it was to work with Bob. He was sooo very prompt, kind and helpful in making sure we knew all we needed to know; not just about renting his cabin, but also about what we wanted to do while there. My husband and son were wanting to do a significant hike, and Bob suggested one, sent us the info on it, and it was the hike they ended up doing. Bob went above and beyond to help us out. We felt like he cared as much about our trip being a good experience as we did. I would highly recommend this cabin to anyone vacationing in the Gatlinburg area. You can enjoy the activities of town, yet then get away and enjoy the beauty of the mountains in a relaxing, quiet, comfortable home. Hope to get back again someday!

Owner response:Thanks so much Becky! Glad you guys had fun! Bob

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway.

Great cabin!

Guest: Jamestergirl (Cumming, Ga)
Date of Stay: 01/01/10 Review Submitted: 01/12/10

We had a great time staying at this cabin in Gatlinburg! The place was cozy and had everything we needed to make our stay comfortable. The first morning we were there we woke up to beautiful snow. The view was amazing from the front porch. Bob is wonderful to work with!

Recommended for:Pet owners, romantic getaway.

Guest: Ashley37 (Scott AFB, Illinois)
Date of Stay: 11/05/09 Review Submitted: 11/05/09

We had such a wonderful time at this cabin. The view was amazing and it was everything we needed in a relaxing vacation and more. We are already planning our return for the spring. I want to thank Mr. Howard for answering all of our questions and being so accommodating. If we hadn't planned on eating out some nights we would have had no reason to leave there was absolutely everything we needed at the cabin. You guys did such a wonderful job making it a home away from home. Can't say enough about how nice it was. Thanks again!!

Recommended for:

Guest: Mark & Kate Schmidt (Brunswick, OH)
Date of Stay: 07/12/09 Review Submitted: 07/12/09

This cabin is like your home away from home. It is so comfortable and relaxing. The views from the cabin are amazing. I loved our stay here, and wish we never had to leave. I have only been home one day and want to go back ASAP. My grandsone loved it here. He is only 4 and thought it was so cool.

Recommended for:

Best Gatlinburg Vacation

Guest: Ed & Tammy (Alabama)
Date of Stay: 06/27/09 Review Submitted: 07/05/09

This is our 5th trip to Gatlinburg and by far the best. We have stayed at many different places, we are now spoiled by the breathtaking view and clean, comfortable cabin. We will definately be back and have told many of our friends about the cabin. Everything is just as described and Bob is very friendly. I was very impressed that he took time out of his busy day to make sure we arrived safetly and make sure everything was just like we expected. We saw Mr. Bear on our last day there. Thanks Bob for making this the best Gatlinburg vacation.

Owner response:Thanks

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway.

Guest: Lulline (Atlanta, GA)
Date of Stay: 05/29/09 Review Submitted: 05/29/09

Bob & Carol: Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful cabin with us. The view from the deck was more awesome than we thought and I can see why you named the cabin WA-TA-VU. The kids (5 & 7yrs)had a hard time leaving and want to come back "really soon". I especially liked the way you left notes about where everything is in the kitchen,how to work the appliances, what to do in the event of an emergency and you were a phone call way. Your attention to detail is what I loved the most. Your map to the cabin was very helpful & easy to follow and you had a price saver card for the local supermarket on the fridge for us to use (yeah). After dinner we'd get in the hottub, sit back and enjoyed the view until it got dark. It was like being in heaven! We did get to Cades Cove where we saw bears, snakes and alot of white tailed deer. On the Roaring Forks Motor Trail we hiked to Grotto Falls which was only 2.4 mi off the road, going up hill on the way there and it took us a little over 1hr roundtrip(yikes). It rained as we were starting out but we all decided to go anyway and was so glad we did. The trailhead was very lush, beautiful but so humid with a nice canopy overhead. Take a stick with you though because we ran into 2 black snakes but they did't seem to care that we were there, thank god! Once you get to the falls you'll see that it was so worth the hike. It's shallow enough to let the kids take a dip in some places between the rocks and, you can walk behind the cascades. Overall this is one of the best vacations my family have taken and we will back again for sure. Thanks again!

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 02/01/09 Review Submitted: 02/19/09

Couldn't negotiate site til now for comment; lost my husband in April, 2008, had to get away after his memorial service in May with my 2 sisters, brother-in-law and nephew. Thank u Bob for being so kind, compassionate, & helpful. The cabin is AWESOME, the view is HEAVENLY, we can't begin to describe the wonderful 5 day vacation we had there. Will rent WA TA VU much more in accordance with great, great experience with cabin and Bob!

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 01/01/09 Review Submitted: 01/07/09

We had a great time in the cabin. It is the best view we have ever seen from a cabin, and the hot tub on the deck was amazing. It was also the best location we have ever been in. We will definitley be back!

Recommended for:

Excellent Cabin

Guest: JessiMS (Greenville, SC)
Date of Stay: 01/01/09 Review Submitted: 01/06/09

We have been to Gatlinburg several times and this was by far the best experience. Our cabin was clean with updated appliances. Both bedrooms were roomy. Bob was great about communicating information to us about rental. We misplaced the lock code to the door and he immediately called us with the information. The layout of the cabin was perfect. Both bedrooms have their own bathroom and the kitchen is better than my kitchen at home! The microwave is new, the dishwasher works well and there are lots of pans, glasses, utensils, etc and even a crock-pot! There are other cabins nearby but they are far enough apart to not have to see other people if you don’t want to. Our last cabin in Gatlinburg had well water which smelled similar to boiled eggs. In Wa-Ta-Vu cabin, the water had no such fragrance. I was grateful for this! Previous guests mention seeing the bear known as "Mr. Bear." We did not have this pleasure but my dog did bark at something while she was standing on the porch. The Jacuzzi worked perfectly and was very relaxing. The most impressive part of the Cabin is that everything has small labels and instructions. For example, light switches are labeled as to what they control. There are instructions on the outdoor Jacuzzi and indoor one. The same is also true for the washing machine. Bob emailed me directions and other information right after reserving the cabin. It's obvious that the owner put a lot of effort into guest comfort. I will definitely rent from Bob again. There is a great diner at the bottom of the mountain (Ridge Road) heading towards downtown Gatlinburg (on 321). I believe it's called Mountain Lodge Restaurant. Breakfast there was exceptional. They are only open until 3pm and we did not try lunch yet but I would expect it to be great. They are reasonably priced. We also liked Duffs Smorgasbord in Pigeon Forge. Greenbrier restaurant is nearby. We went there for a supposed 25 minute wait and after waiting an hour and a half left without eating. I would not recommend this place. It's a fantastic cabin and a great area. I would 100% recommend this cabin to anyone.

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

wonderful time and place

Guest: Kelley B (Waleska Georgia USA)
Date of Stay: 10/04/08 Review Submitted: 10/16/08

we rode our motorcycles up and had a wonderful time and the cabin was an excellent place to come back to after beautiful rides through the national forest and around the area. Very nicely outfitted and has a gorgeous view from the hot tub and deck. And yes we got to see Mr. Bear at the end of the road.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 09/01/08 Review Submitted: 09/15/08

Bob, We had a great time. Took a hike each day and went back to the cabin and just relaxed, ate and watched a lot of cable (we don't have it at home). Your cabin is so clean and the perfect size. The roads to it are a trip though. On Saturday after an outing when we got out of the van we were welcomed by a bear ... he was coming out from under the deck and going down the hill. I'm just glad we never saw one on a trail. Getting home was no issue. Gas ranged from $3.79 - $4.99. We did come home to a muddy basement, though. There is a lot more hiking for us to do without the baby so hopefully we will be back.

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 06/23/08 Review Submitted: 06/23/08

Hi Bob~Thank you for allowing us to share in your special place~ What a lovely cabin you have, we thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend it to anyone looking to stay in Gatlinburg.By the way, we did see the bear one night, he tipped over the trash box and that definitely cured my needs to “see a bear”. It was huge!Thanks again,Jayme

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 06/01/08 Review Submitted: 06/22/08

Hi Bob~ Thank you for allowing us to share in your special place~ What a lovely cabin you have, we thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend it to anyone looking to stay in Gatlinburg. By the way, we did see the bear one night, he tipped over the trash box and that definitely cured my needs to “see a bear”. It was huge! Thanks again, Jayme

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 06/01/08 Review Submitted: 06/16/08

Our family of 5 had so much fun on our vacation to Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge. Many thanks to Bob for providing such wonderful information (although don't let him fool you if you're an amateur biker into Cade's Cove being flat). He defintiely made our vacation planning easier. The cabin was peaceful and quiet. It's a great bargain! We will definitely stay here again when we make it back to the Mountains of TN!

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 03/01/08 Review Submitted: 03/08/08

I cannot express in words how happy we were with this vacation home. On a VERY cold day in February my husband and I decided to venture to South. We had never been to Gatlinburg so we decided to go. Found this cabin online and we were off. We could have never guessed just how nice it was going to be. It was clean, well supplied with dishes and furnishings, has fantastic views, is in a beautiful location, and is just a few miles from Gatlinburg and the park entrance. The fireplace was warm, the hot tub was relaxing, and the entire place was just peaceful. The owner was very nice and always helpful. We had no desire to go back to NY after our relaxing week at this cabin in the Smoky Mountains. My husband and I cannot wait to plan another trip back to Gatlinburg. We would highly recommend this cabin to anyone!

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 02/01/08 Review Submitted: 02/17/08

We had a great time at your cabin, thanks for sharing it with us! Thanks for being so helpful and answering all of my questions!

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 02/01/08 Review Submitted: 02/05/08

We stayed here the week of 11/5/07, just my hubby and I and our little Mr. Cooper, JRT. and it was so relaxing. There was such a warm and cozy feeling in this cabin. The smell of Fall was all around us. The beautiful leaves, a quiet evening in the HT, and then coming in to the warm cabin. Bob was very accommodating and was also very thoughtful when it came to our dog. I will definately rent from Bob again.

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 01/01/08 Review Submitted: 01/02/08

The view is awesome and so close to everything. Very quiet and serene. The place was immaculate and cozy. Very well equipped. The local supermarket carried many cajun seasonings. Woke up to snow our last day there. What can I say....it was a perfect vacation. Thank you so much for sharing your lovely cabin.

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 11/01/07 Review Submitted: 11/07/07

What a beautiful time of the year. The view from the deck and dining table was just magnificent. Just 10 minutes to all the action and yet so secluded. So homey and even our dog had a great time. Thanks again for sharing your little piece of Heaven.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 10/01/07 Review Submitted: 10/16/07

Our family stayed here for four nights in October 2007. The view is everything as advertised and more. The nights are quiet and peaceful. I've stayed at several places in and around Gatlinburg, and for the price, this was one of the best. The house is comfortable and clean. The owner (Bob) was amazingly nice and always available for questions. If you are having doubts about renting from vrbo, don't. I've rented from the big agencies and I found dealing with Bob much less stressful (no computer animated answering services or long check-in lines). Simply put, I would recommend this house for anyone wanting to enjoy the beauty of the Smokies. James, Tonia, Travis, Maddie, & Lindsay Grantham (Memphis, TN)

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 08/01/07 Review Submitted: 08/20/07

Our family stayed here for 3 nights. We had a great time. The owners are very nice people to speak with. We Loved the view from our deck! We loved the swimming pool too! It was all very relaxing and just what we needed! FYI -the rental contract notes that bears do live in the area. They aren't kidding! Follow the rules! We had a bear visit us twice. One visit was unexpected while I was below the deck at 10 pm with our dogs. That was the last after dark doggie walk. The other visit was mid afternoon while we were all inside. The bear seemed uninterested in us both times. However, we didn't attempt to become friends with it either!! We will be making plans to return to this location. We totally loved it here.

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 08/01/07 Review Submitted: 08/09/07

My husband and I stayed in this beautiful mountain home two weeks ago. It is absolutley wonderful, very nicely equipped and relaxing. A home away from home. All you need is some food and your good to go! Wa-Ta-Vu is the way to go. We can't wait till we can return. There is much to do in the area but the nicest thing is the beautiful comforts right in the middle of the Great Smoky Mountains!!! Enjoy!!!

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