Fontana Village Resort & Marina

Tyler Allen

2024-05

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Jacanthony Kim

2024-04

Campground here are amazing. Little rocking in some places. You wake up every morning to the most epic view of the Fontana Dam. Perfect fishing spot. Very reasonable priced and certainly located several other attractions in the smokies. Personally I recommend going for a rip up hwy 129 and see if you will survive the dragon. Make a right out of the camp ground, follow the road til you come to deals gab. Make a right and enjoy the next 318 turns in 11 miles. Drive safe.Walkability: There's lots to do in the village, go for a walk and try the mini golf course.Food & drinks: Great value , fast even when busy.

Tara Silver

2024-05

Been coming for years a couple of times a year for car gatherings. Loved the updated and more comfortable lodge rooms. It was SO NICE to have room service everyday we were there and we didn’t have to ask.The check in was easy down at the general store and they were nice. However, not sure about the lobby situation up at the lodge. It’s such a beautiful but now awkward space. No coffee (yes it’s in the rooms but people usually like to mingle over coffee). No water, no snack machines, no nothing. Former front desk is some awkward fishbowl conference room. We all honestly felt it was weird to have no one who works for Fontana in the building. If you get locked out of your room you’re going all the way down the mountain to get a new key hopefully you have your car keys on you. And if there’s an emergency … again no phone even in the lobby. They could totally have a coffee shop with maybe quick foods?? Vending machine with essentials (tooth brushes, razors, ect …)??The Quill food was good bar food/ fast casual food but the service, minus 2 people down there, were not friendly. Literally rolled eyes at my husband when had to ask for 6 plates for the shared appetizer we ordered. Rolled them again when he asked for napkins and then he was hand exactly 2 napkins. That’s when were done with them and the kicker is they were asking for a 25-20% tip up front when you go in to order your food, get your own drink, get your own refills, get your own plates and singular napkins. They did bring our plates out and bussed our table which I was honestly surprised but it’s still a hard no.

E Smith

2024-04

New owners! And it shows! They are giving the Fontana Resort Village the care it needed.  I stayed in the main lodge and it’s beautiful.  It's a wonderful place to stay to hike nearby trails, boating, fishing and just relaxing.  Great location to stay on your way to Smoky Mountains.  It would be a perfect place for a group gathering or a family reunion.  The cabins will be finished getting their face lift soon.  All the staff was helpful and friendly.

Pam Perdue

2024-05

Beautiful location and convenient to our activities. Room had been recently updated and was lovely. However, the website said my Cabana room was poolside. The pool appears to have been filled in and landscaped. Internet was unreliable.Food & drinks: The grill had an excellent smashburger and service was great.

Stephen Stone

2024-05

We visited the resort and restaurant via the AT shuttle provided by the resort. $5 one way they bring you into town to eat, resupply, laundry, post office ect. We ate at the restaurant, grabbed a package from the resort, and shopped at the general store. Everyone working there was very friendly and helpful. The shuttle driver, Shua, was the absolute best! He went above and beyond for the hikers and had tons or great stories along the way! My only problem with whole experience was the massive up charge at the general store. There is a convenience up charge and then there is greed. I understand the economics of running a place like this is difficult due to the seasonality, but if you charge fair prices, people will buy more instead of the bear minimum to get by and warning others to avoid. All in all, I appreciated the amenities coming off the AT and I would recommend to a friend.

Margaret B

2024-01

Yes, a bit outdated but we’ve always appreciated the resort for what it is. They are renovating, which is exciting - we can’t wait to see the finish result. I know they’ll honor the history of the area and we love them for that!! Most recently, we stayed in a cabin and loved it! Everything was clean and we used the wood-burning fireplace almost the whole time! Staff is wonderful and accommodating and they even shipped us the ipad we left by accident. We absolutely adore this place and highly recommend! The bistro on-site also has great food!

Jennifer Onetto

2024-04

Our family vacation was in the off season (March) at the village and we loved it! Our 2 bedroom cabin was up to date and decorated lovely -and clean!!! The views we had every sunrise and throughout the day were breathtaking. We loved the lack of connectivity and WiFi at the cabin, you’ll need to go down to the general store or find the “sweet spots” in your cabin for WiFi. The grounds themselves are truly so beautiful and well taken care of. You see the improvements with newly painted cabins and other projects that will make the resort even better. There are the most magical babbling brooks that run through the property, hours of walkable trails throughout the village, the historical connection - this resort was incredible! The staff was always so kind and courtesy, especially the check in and general store staff, always eager to help! The location was also great - close to Bryson City, Cherokee, Fontana Dam, just so much to explore!We will definitely be returning to Fontana Village to enjoy the warmer months, but I’m sure it’ll be a DAM good time!!!Rooms: Our 2bedroom / 2 Bath was so clean and you could tell had newer features. There were pots/pans, utensils, plates & cups available in the cupboard for use. The water pressure in the showers was phenomenal. The fire place was so lovely to sit by and enjoy every night.Nearby activities: Fontana Dam, Bryson City, (meh) Cherokee, Yellow Creek Trail, Road to Nowhere, Tail of the Dragon, Great Smokey Mountain State Park, Appalachian Trail

Kristine P

2024-05

The resort has a lot of potential since it’s in a great location in the Great Smokies but the rooms are horrible. It’s so outdated, smelly, dusty, dirty, and moldy. Whoever owns this place needs to put a little bit of an effort on maintaining the rooms. Customer service isn’t as good as it used to be either. No complimentary coffee for the guests this time around either. They only had 1 wait staff available during breakfast hours knowing they have at least 90% capacity this weekend. Definitely poor management.***updated 04/24/2024 stayed again for long weekend***Huge improvement for the lodge rooms as they are fully renovated. House keeping maintenance of the room isn’t great though. My friends room had dirty linens. She had to change it herself. The check in/out of the general store is a bit of a hassle. Much prefer having staff up in the lodge for security reasons.

Bradley Clifton

2024-03

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ok barnett

2023-12

Stayed several times. Rooms are big and bathrooms good size. All better than any other local hotels. This 70s hotel that is not the same as ultra modern hotels but very adequate. Always clean and very well kept and maintained. Big property. Very well priced, low rates. A+ Rating!!Nearby activities: Tail of the Dragon, Moonshiners 28, Cherohala Skyway. GREAT DRIVING and GREAT MOUNTAIN SCENERY

Andrew Baird

2024-04

Wish I could give them a zero. No early check in, blood on comforter and sheets, dead bugs on the floor, and airport prices on everything. Then made me check out one day, wait 5 hours to put me in another room. These people dont care at all about you! I will never come back here again.

Ben Shaw

2024-04

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Austin Sullivan

2023-11

This was my second trip to Fontana Village, the first being in the Spring of ‘21. Overall, it seems the place is teetering a bit. First, the good: Location is great, beautiful views, access to activities, most staff pleasant, food decent. The bad: although decent (pizza was great) not a lot of options especially healthier-should have some upper tier dishes such as steaks/salmon/etc, breakfast was disappointing, cabin was very dated and damage/wear in areas although I don’t need much-would like to sit in the toilet without it moving😂, the food service staff seemed overwhelmed and there weren’t that many people-me and the couple ahead of me waited 5-10 minutes for a table at breakfast with a half full room, the bartender the first night short circuited with a handful of guests wanting drinks. Staff were pleasant but also seemed tired and not to want to be there. I had a cabin the first 2 nights and had reserved a room at the lodge but canceled and came home a day early. Now, part of that was being tired, but I also was not motivated to stay. Much different than my last visit.I understand there is new management. I think just updating the rooms/cabins, updating food options, and getting staff more customer service focused will do the trick.

Ian Mathews

2023-12

management is quick to right wrongs and make sure you're satisfied. I've been going here for 7 years and even though my last stay wasn't the greatest, they provided proof that they fixed what I complained about and refunded me for my stay. They are also updating all the cabins. I will be returning as a loyal customer. support business that give honest effort into righting wrongs!

Christian Papineau

2024-04

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Benjamin Ferguson

2023-12

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Ina Schweitzer

2023-10

The Husband and I were here for a Car Club event just last weekend. As such, my view of this "resort" is somewhat skewed as the whole weekend was fantastic. But as an individual, and also a travel adviser, I was appalled.While the location is beautiful, this property is, at best, a 2-star hotel.Rooms are in desperate need of updating. Our room smelled mildewy. The sink outside the bathroom was clean, but was, I'm sure, left over from 1969. The bathroom was exceedingly small, but it was clean, I will say.The bed covers were either leftover window dressings or they were washed so much you could see through them. Also, they were permanently stained.It looked as though someone started to paint the hallway outside our room but who knows when that was. Then they just walked away from the project.Our first breakfast with the group was, uh, disappointing. Literally limp, moist and semi-cold waffles, overcooked sausages and institution eggs. The next couple of days, the food did get a bit better, and the dinners were fine for a club event. We had a cash bar available to us which was ridiculously expensive...$27 for a shot of whiskey and a Vodka-Cranberry. In PLASTIC CUPS!The lack of cell service and spotty-at-best Internet in the lodge made the whole thing even more exasperating.Well, as I said, we were there for the event and nobody complained about anything because, you know, cars.The personnel on property were all very pleasant and I'm sure can't help the state the place is in. I read that the owners gave their lease back to the Tennessee Valley Authority and some big conglomerate will be in charge now. The property deserves some TLC. It could really be a fantastic place with a major renovation. But til that happens, I won't send clients there for sure.

FennéCat

2023-10

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Guy Bedette

2023-10

It’s rustic and dated, not unexpected considering the remote location, but be prepared. The rooms are musty and in serious need of updating. The staff though is excellent, restaurant surprisingly good and you’re really coming for the views and outdoor activities. No cell service, WiFi spotty except in the lodge and restaurant.Rooms: Our room was very damp and musty smelling. Bed not comfortable at all. Stay in the lodge or cabana rooms if available.Nearby activities: Fontana Dam and Lake. Nantahala gorge. Tail of the Dragon.Food & drinks: Good food and great service in the restaurant. Highly recommended the potato salad as a side.

Kelsey Knight Cody

2024-01

The food, experience and service was excellent at the bistro for our Christmas party. Thank for the awesome experience! We look forward to coming back next year.

Danny Veiga

2023-11

Fontana Village Resort & Marina carries with it the whispers of a bygone era, an establishment that one imagines could tell tales of many a weary traveler in its time. However, the charm of antiquity can only go so far when the expectation of modernity comes into play. It seems this storied venue, while basked in the natural beauty of its surroundings, has let the luster of its accommodations wane into obsolescence.The lodge and cabins, once havens for the adventurers and the retreat-seekers, now evoke a sense of disappointment among those who come seeking the solace and comfort of updated amenities and a reliable Wi-Fi connection, which has become almost as essential as the very air we breathe. In the age of connectivity and online gatherings, to fall short in providing such basic staples is a misstep for any host.The silver lining to such experiences often lies in the feedback provided by patrons. One can hope that the resort takes these critiques not as a final judgment but as a roadmap for renovation and rejuvenation. The potential for a memorable stay is undoubtedly there, nestled within the natural splendor of North Carolina, waiting to be realized once more.

Joe Lemieux

2023-08

A beautiful, dog friendly resort just outside of the Smoky Mountains National Park. Our unit was a two bedroom, two bath with a full kitchen and living room.It is the perfect place to unplug as there is no cellphone service. There is wifi at the lodge, and we were able to have limited service at the pool as well. All on all, a fantastic place to escape to!

Nate Fortin

2024-04

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jstraziante

2023-08

Beautiful area as always. Hopefully the new owner will breathe some life back into the village and bring back the families who were as much of a fixture as the resort itself. Lodging needs some serious TLC, and I wish the restaurant at the inn was open for dinner (they catered my wedding with phenomenal food). My biggest complaint wasn't even the fault of the resort. People drive entirely too fast and blow the stop signs; fast cars and walking families on the same road is a recipe for disaster.

Martin O'Hara

2023-10

Inexpensive, charming with friendly staff (and some of the funniest waitresses ever) - on top of the most beautiful grounds I've ever wandered. Included disc golf, mini golf, activity areas (basketball, softball, tennis/pickleball, horseshoes, etc) and just space for days! 3 nights was not enough, would book a full week next time.Things of note:The two pools look lovely including a lazy river, but we couldn't use them since they were closed for the season. Apparently they're open memorial to labor day, but when we visited at the end of September it was still 80 degrees outside and would have been prime pool time.There is zero cell phone service, and while they do have wifi it's really only in the common areas lounge/grill. I didn't have an issue connecting to it when in range, but some of my party did. Personally I don't mind the lack of connectivity as that's why I'm going to the mountains, but ymmv.The general/grocery store doesn't have the largest selection so if you're planning to cook a specific meal you'll need to stop at a grocery store on the way in or be ready to drive ~25 minutes to the nearest one.I literally left planning in my head when I could next come back and who I'd invite with me and I can't think of higher praise.

Don Stephens

2023-08

I’ve been coming to Fontana for 40 years, deeply saddened by the property’s condition and decline. Recently checked into a bat infested cabin with large amounts of feces scattered throughout deck and entrance. Transitioned to a “premium” cabin with faulty air conditioning and very dated. Many of the cabins need to be torn down or renovated.Basic upkeep and service levels are seriously lacking. Inadequate/broken lighting for general activities; early closure for amenities such as ice cream shops - and this over a July 4th holiday.Most concerning is erosion of a family friendly environment. What used to be a property to allow your children to roam freely doesn’t exist. During recent visit females in our group were “mooned” by men in a cabin having an all day drink fest.I understand the property is under new management and I sincerely hope the necessary investments are made to get to an acceptable standard. I’m not optimistic as I provided feedback to management with no response as of yet. Very disappointing and likely won’t be returning unless significant changes are made.

Karl Leibensperger

2023-10

Tired and dated are the best descriptions I can muster. The rooms were dark and dingy, housekeeping is only after two days (using that Covid baloney to save themselves a buck), the WiFi signal is weak, cell phone service is non-existent, the ice machine near us didn't work and one morning was cold showers only in a tub that drained slowly. The front desk didn't care about any of these things.There was another front desk person when we checked in that was nice and the Grill had decent food with decent service, so all is not lost.Rooms: Wear socksFood & drinks: Good pizza!

Bryan Wasden

2023-08

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Kimberly Patterson

2023-09

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