Funky Pigeon Forge hotel throwback to ’70s
Get ready to go back in time for your vacation. Way back in time.
The Wayback is a groovy, retrothemed hotel mostly for adults opening in Pigeon Forge between Flapjack’s Pancake Cabin and the Jurassic Jungle Boat Ride.
Inspired by old roadside motels in Palm Springs, the hotel is hoping to provide a “vibrant escape amidst the high energy of downtown Pigeon Forge.”
The 134-room hotel is expected to open in early September, according to general manager Marty Rothchild, and is developed by Sevierville-based company Aatmos. It’s a Tribute portfolio hotel, part of the Marriott family.
“We are excited to bring to market a product that finally catches up to meet the drastically changing needs and expectations of today’s travelers,” Mahavir Patel, president and CEO of Aatmos, said in a press release. “With our grand opening right around the corner, we are finalizing the last touches to this spirited oasis and soon-to-be iconic destination property.”
The Wayback in Pigeon Forge a place for ‘schmoozing’
With a hotel bar, Airstream bar and a taco truck all by the pool, The Wayback’s website describes it as a place for “schmoozing” and relaxing.
The funky, nostalgic vibes permeate throughout the property, with vibrant (yet slightly muted) colors and wavy lines.
Once checked in, Rothchild said, guests will receive a complimentary welcome cocktail to kick off the stay.
The hotel caters to adults and older teens. Guests can bring someone younger, but it might not be the hotel for them.
The pool, which is bordered by private cabanas, is only available to guests over 16 during the day and is 18-and-older after 4 p.m.
Guests can pick from one of three rooms available, with prices starting at $250 a night:
● The Sweet space
● Two-fer - two queen beds - king bed and a living
● The Big Guy - king bed
Each rooms comes with a flatscreen TV, in-room Wi-Fi and a refrigerator. Some higher end rooms will feature amenities like fireplaces and larger showers.
If you’re looking to do more then just schmooze at the hotel, Rothchild said The Wayback is curating guest experiences to enjoy all the attractions in Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg and Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
A south-of-the-border menu
Whether you’ve been running around Pigeon Forge theme parks all day or just lounging around the pool, you’re bound to work up an appetite.
Paloma, the hotel’s restaurant, will feature tacos and other Mexican-style cuisine as part of a menu Rothchild said will have an “imaginative south-of-theborder flair.”
Between the Airstream bar at the swim club and the hotel bar, you’ll find a variety of tequila and other “agavebased
spirits” and cocktails to quench your thirst.
If you’d like to jump into a time machine and spend some time in the Wayback once it opens up, you can book a stay at waybackhotel.com.
Silas Sloan is the growth and development reporter. Email silas.sloan@knoxnews.com . Twitter @silasloan. Instagram @knox.growth .