Westgate Resorts Expands Gatlinburg Property With $26M Mountaintop Lodge

Event summary

  • Westgate Resorts opened a $26M mountaintop lodge at its Smoky Mountain Resort, adding nearly 1,400 rooms total.
  • The lodge features rustic-modern design with suites ranging from studios to five-bedroom villas.
  • Located near the entrance of the nation’s most visited national park, with 12.2M annual visits.
  • Part of broader expansion strategy including new timeshare brand VI Resorts by Westgate.
  • Resort offers amenities like Wild Bear Falls Water Park, Serenity Spa, and on-site dining.

The big picture

Westgate Resorts continues its aggressive expansion strategy, leveraging its position as the largest privately held timeshare company. The $26M investment in Gatlinburg reflects a broader trend in the hospitality industry towards high-end, experience-driven vacation properties. The proximity to Great Smoky Mountains National Park positions the resort to capitalize on growing demand for outdoor adventure travel.

What we're watching

Expansion Strategy
Whether Westgate can sustain this pace of expansion while maintaining profitability.
Market Positioning
How the new lodge will affect Westgate's competitive standing in the Gatlinburg market.
Guest Experience
The impact of the refined design and amenities on guest satisfaction and repeat visits.

Related topics

Expansion