Tennessee has range. One minute you're hiking through the Smokies, the next you're catching live music in Nashville or strolling through Memphis with barbecue in hand. Whether you're after mountain views, downtown energy, or something quiet in between, where you stay can shape your whole trip.
In this guide, we've rounded up the best short-term rentals across Tennessee, from cosy cabins and lakefront homes to stylish city apartments. Each one brings something different to the table, but they all offer comfort, character, and a great home base for exploring the state.
Where to Stay in Tennessee
1. Heated Pool/Hot Tub/Theatre/Game/Fire Pit/Sleeps 34 - Gatlinburg
This mountaintop villa in Gatlinburg is a full-blown experience. Perched 2,500 feet up in a private gated community, it offers sweeping views of Mt. LeConte and the Smoky Mountain valleys below. With 8,500 square feet of space, a private pool, and a high-end design by architect JAI, it's made for large groups looking to relax in style. From fireplaces and a chef-worthy kitchen to quiet nooks and sun-filled rooms, the home strikes a balance between luxury and comfort.
The real fun kicks in downstairs, where the game room rivals an arcade, featuring pinball, racing games, pool, foosball, and more. A private movie theater, multiple decks, and outdoor spaces mean there's always something to do, whether you're soaking in the hot tub or roasting s'mores by the fire pit. Despite the seclusion, you're just minutes from downtown Gatlinburg, the national park, and Pigeon Forge, making it easy to blend peaceful mountain mornings with action-packed afternoons.
Staying here means you get to experience the best of Tennessee: the nature, the family fun, and the unforgettable views. Whether you're hiking through the Smokies, exploring nearby towns, or staying put to enjoy the home itself, this rental offers comfort, entertainment, and the kind of scenery that stays with you long after you've left.
2. Vibe - Nashville
This cozy Nashville studio brings you right into the city's rhythm without the chaos of downtown. Located in the lively Melrose neighborhood, it's walking distance to bars, restaurants, and groceries, and just a short ride to hotspots like 12 South, Broadway, and the Ryman. Whether you're in town for a concert, a football game, or just a few days of good food and live music, this condo gives you easy access to everything while keeping things quiet and comfortable back home.
The 440-square-foot space is smartly designed, with a comfy queen bed, a sofa bed for extras, and thoughtful touches like free Wi-Fi, coffee, and on-site parking. The complex also has a seasonal pool for cooling off in summer. It's dog-friendly too, so you don't have to leave your four-legged travel buddy behind. The hosts are a local husband-and-wife team, and it shows; they've thought through the small things and offer personal tips to help you plan your trip.
If you want to experience the real Nashville, beyond just Broadway, this stay is a solid pick. You're close to live music, stadiums, coffee shops, and green spaces. It's perfect for solo travelers, couples, or friends looking to explore the city and have a clean, well-located home base.
3. Hot Tub, Fire Pit, Games & King Bed - 5 Min to DT - Nashville
Underwood Manor brings a playful, social vibe to your Nashville stay, all just five minutes from downtown. Whether you're planning nights on Broadway or laid-back days exploring Germantown, 12 South, or The Gulch, this home puts you close to it all. Inside, it's a fun mix of comfort and character, with a dedicated workspace, poker table, and Nespresso setup that feels more like a boutique stay than a basic rental.
Out back, the private yard is built for hangouts: a 7-person hot tub, smokeless fire pit, string lights, yard games, and even a light-up cornhole set. Grill on the premium charcoal BBQ, snap pics at the curated photo spots, or just relax and unwind under the stars. High-speed Wi-Fi, smart TVs, and a digital guidebook help make the stay easy and connected.
This is the kind of rental that works for everything, from group trips and birthday weekends to romantic getaways for couples. Whether you're heading out or staying in, Underwood Manor gives you the space to kick back, recharge, and make the most of your Nashville trip.
4. Mountain & Creek View Log Cabin at GSMNP Hot Tub - Wears Valley
Minnecreek Cabin offers peace, nature, and location in Wears Valley, just minutes from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Dollywood, and Pigeon Forge. With easy access and no steep roads, this authentic log cabin sits next to a spring creek and opens up to scenic mountain views. A wraparound deck, outdoor dining, fire pit, and a hot tub by the creek set the tone for restful mornings and starry nights.
Inside, the cabin is set up for laid-back comfort with smart TVs, a cozy gas fireplace, board games, and a foosball table in the loft. The kitchen is fully stocked for home-cooked meals, and the bedrooms provide flexible sleeping options for families or small groups. With a large flat yard for outdoor games and access to a nearby community pool and fishing pond, it's great for both quiet retreats and kid-friendly fun.
The Wears Valley area itself is a destination: lush, relaxed, and rich with things to explore. Whether you're hiking to Laurel Falls, spotting wildlife in Cades Cove, or grabbing food from the local truck park, the pace here is slow in the best way. Minnecreek Cabin makes it easy to unplug while still staying close to Tennessee's most loved attractions.
5. Kota Ridge - Butler
Kota Ridge is the kind of place where quiet comes easily. Set on 13 acres in the Blue Ridge Mountains near Watauga Lake, this cozy lodge is designed for families who want to slow down and reconnect with nature. With mountain views out every window and a layout built for comfort, including heated stone floors and space for up to eight guests, it's a warm and restful retreat in every season.
The surrounding area offers a wealth of things to explore. From lake adventures and Appalachian Trail hikes to peaceful drives through Butler and Mountain City, you're close to it all while still feeling completely tucked away. Kids will love the dedicated bunk room, while adults can unwind on the patio, taking in the sound of the wind in the trees. It's a rural setting, so you'll need a car, and maybe four-wheel drive in the winter, but the seclusion is part of the charm.
Kota Ridge offers more than just a place to sleep. It's a reset button. With fast Wi-Fi, well-equipped interiors, and views you won't want to leave, it balances comfort with natural beauty. And while the hot tub and sauna are on their way, the peace, space, and sense of escape are already built in.
6. Lovely Cottage with Smoky Mountains Views & Breakfast - Pigeon Forge
This private cottage offers a fairytale-style stay in the Smoky Mountains, complete with a jacuzzi tub, scenic views, and fresh flowers on arrival. Located on a peaceful three-acre property just outside of town, it gives you room to breathe while staying close to all the essentials. With a strong focus on cleanliness, comfort, and a personal touch, this mini retreat is ideal for couples or solo travelers seeking a more intimate experience than a hotel.
What makes this stay special is the hands-on hospitality. The hosts live nearby and offer personalized recommendations, local tips, and even airport pickup. Add-on breakfast includes a full self-serve setup with bagels, pastries, cereal, and more. For extra pampering, guests can book affordable in-room massages or simply enjoy quiet moments under the gazebo with mountain views.
When you're ready to explore, you're minutes from Smoky Mountain hikes, riverside trails, waterfalls, and even horseback rides. Whether you're tubing down the river or catching a local dinner show, this cottage serves as a calm, charming base for your Tennessee adventure, with all the heart of a true local stay.
Book Your Next Tennessee Home on Houfy
From mountaintop estates to tucked-away cabins and city studios, Tennessee offers something for every type of traveler. Whether you're after sweeping views, downtown access, or total seclusion in the Smokies, these short-term rentals bring you closer to the best the state has to offer: comfort, character, and the freedom to explore at your own pace.
Each stay has its own story, but what they all share is a sense of home away from home. The kind of place you'll remember long after the trip ends. Book directly with hosts on Houfy to skip the fees, get insider tips, and enjoy a more personal way to travel through Tennessee.
