Digital Guest Guidebook
Welcome to Laurel Valley Mountain Retreat — a quiet boutique mountain retreat in Townsend, Tennessee, on the Peaceful Side of the Smokies. Use this guide for arrival information, breakfast, parking, property amenities, accommodation details, house rules, safety reminders, checkout instructions, and local resources.
🗝️ Arrival & Self Check-In
Laurel Valley Mountain Retreat is a self-check-in property with remote guest support rather than a traditional front desk. Please complete all required pre-arrival steps before traveling to the property.
Self check-in means there is no front-desk cutoff and no need to meet anyone on arrival — but it does not mean around-the-clock entry. Access begins at 4:00 PM unless an early check-in has been approved in advance.
Before Access Can Be Released
- Complete your digital guest registration/check-in.
- Accept the required rental agreement.
- Complete identity or fraud-prevention verification when applicable and permitted.
- Complete any remaining payment requirement, if applicable.
- Complete the damage-protection or authorization requirement shown in your secure reservation workflow, when applicable.
Arrival-Day Access
- Standard check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
- Final secure access details are generally sent around 3:30 PM after requirements are verified.
- Door credentials activate according to your approved check-in time.
- Your private arrival message includes your exact building, level, entrance, parking, and access instructions.
🚙 Laurel Valley Community Entrance
The retreat is located inside the private Laurel Valley community. The community gate may be closed between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM. Registered guests receive any required gate instructions privately with their arrival information.
📍 Property Address
Laurel Valley Mountain Retreat
220 Winterberry Lane
Townsend, TN 37882
✅ Required Digital Check-In & Damage Protection
Every reservation completes a short digital check-in before arrival. This is how we verify the reservation, deliver secure access information safely, and protect both our guests and the property.
What Digital Check-In Includes
- Guest registration and reservation details.
- Electronic acceptance of the rental agreement.
- Identity or fraud-prevention verification, where applicable and permitted.
- A valid payment method on file, where required.
- Selection of the damage-protection option presented for your reservation.
Damage Protection Options
Unless different terms are displayed for your reservation, you will be asked to choose one of the following:
- A non-refundable accidental damage waiver — provides coverage for eligible accidental damage, subject to the provider's terms, limits, exclusions, and reporting requirements.
- A refundable security authorization hold — a temporary authorization on an eligible payment card.
🥐 Complimentary Breakfast
Daily Breakfast
8:00 AM–10:30 AM
The Lodge Refreshment Corner
Enjoy a rotating breakfast selection in a peaceful Lodge setting. Menu items and preparation may vary from day to day.
Departure-Morning Courtesy
Standard accommodation checkout remains 10:00 AM. After vacating your accommodation, departing guests are welcome to remain in the Refreshment Corner until 10:30 AM to finish breakfast.
This breakfast courtesy does not extend room checkout.
☕ Fresh coffee and hot tea are available in the Refreshment Corner throughout the day, along with an ice station and vending options for snacks and drinks.
🗺️ Property Map & Layout
Laurel Valley Mountain Retreat includes The Lodge, The Chalet, Cove Shack, designated parking areas, landscaped grounds, koi ponds, outdoor gathering spaces, the Observation Deck, chapel, greenhouse area, and other shared retreat features.
🏠 The Lodge
The central guest building and primary orientation landmark. The Lodge contains 10 suites, the lobby, Refreshment Corner, common sitting areas, and Observation Deck access.
🏡 The Chalet
Located uphill from The Lodge. Timeless Haven occupies the upper/main level. Bordeaux and Provence are on the lower level and are accessed from the lower/back side.
🌲 Cove Shack
A standalone cabin located behind The Lodge along the upper property drive. Follow the reservation-specific parking and access instructions sent before arrival.
📐 Floor Guide
- The Lodge — Lobby / First Floor: Refreshment Corner, lobby, sitting room, Blissful Breeze.
- The Lodge — Second Floor: Iris Spring, Tranquil Corner, Rustic Comfort, Snug Hug, Sage Haven, Cliffside Bliss.
- The Lodge — Third Floor: Twilight Ridge, Skyward Haven, Cozy Hideaway, Observation Deck access.
- The Chalet — Upper/Main Level: Timeless Haven.
- The Chalet — Lower Level: Bordeaux and Provence.
- Cove Shack: Standalone cabin behind The Lodge.
🛏️ Accommodation Reference
🏠 The Lodge — 10 Suites
Premium view balcony • Direct mountain view • No fireplace • Hospitality station
Premium view balcony • Direct mountain view • Wood-burning fireplace • Hospitality station
Balcony • Direct mountain view • Wood-burning fireplace • Hospitality station
Balcony • Wood-burning fireplace • Hospitality station
Balcony • Wood-burning fireplace • Hospitality station
No balcony • Gas fireplace • Hospitality station
No balcony • Gas fireplace • Hospitality station
Balcony • Wood-burning fireplace • Hospitality station • Near Observation Deck
Balcony • Wood-burning fireplace • Hospitality station
Balcony • Wood-burning fireplace • Hospitality station
Please note that Rustic Comfort and Snug Hug do not have a balcony. Outlook and outdoor exposure differ from suite to suite — your reservation listing describes what is included with the suite you booked.
🏡 The Chalet
3 bedrooms • Premium view • Deck plus porch with swing • Private hot tub • Whirlpool tubs • Gas and wood-burning fireplaces • Full kitchen • Wet bar
Premium view • Deck • Wood-burning fireplace • Whirlpool tub • Kitchenette • Wet bar
Premium view • Deck and balcony • Wood-burning fireplace • Whirlpool tub • Kitchenette • Wet bar
🌲 Cove Shack
Premium view • Deck • Private hot tub • Kitchen • No fireplace
Furniture, décor, and minor room arrangements may change over time. Do not assume a feature from another accommodation is included in yours.
✨ Guest Amenities & Shared Spaces
☕ Refreshment Corner
Located in The Lodge lobby with coffee, hot tea, ice, vending options, and the daily breakfast service.
🌄 Observation Deck
A peaceful elevated space at The Lodge for mountain views, quiet reflection, sunsets, and stargazing.
🐟 Koi Ponds
Active koi ponds and landscaped water features are part of the retreat grounds. Please enjoy them safely and respectfully.
🔥 Outdoor Fire Pit
Shared outdoor fire-pit area, subject to weather, fire-danger conditions, community rules, and burn restrictions.
⛪ Chapel & Grounds
Enjoy the rustic outdoor chapel, landscaped grounds, walkways, and nature-connected spaces.
🚗 Complimentary Parking
On-site parking is complimentary for registered guests. Please follow your accommodation-specific parking instructions.
Included Arrival Essentials
Accommodations are stocked with fresh linens, towels, private-bathroom essentials, shampoo, conditioner, body soap, and standard arrival supplies. Accommodations include climate control, television, mini-fridge, and coffee/tea setup. Additional features vary by accommodation.
📶 Wi-Fi & Technology
Complimentary guest Wi-Fi is available. For security, the current network and password are provided in your private arrival information or guest portal rather than published publicly here.
Basic Wi-Fi Troubleshooting
- Confirm you are using the network shown in your private arrival information.
- Double-check the password exactly as provided.
- Forget the network on your device and reconnect.
- Restart your device.
- If the problem continues, call or text us at 865-448-4891.
Mountain location, weather, provider interruptions, or maintenance can occasionally affect Wi-Fi, streaming, televisions, smart access, or other technology.
🌙 House Rules & Guest Courtesy
Quiet Hours
10:00 PM–7:00 AM. Please keep voices, televisions, music, balconies, outdoor areas, and shared spaces quiet during these hours.
Registered Guests
Only registered guests are permitted unless Management provides prior written approval for a visitor.
Primary Guest & Minimum Age
The person who books is the primary guest, must meet the minimum age stated for the booking (generally 21), and should be present during the stay. Bookings made on behalf of someone else require prior written approval.
No Unauthorized Parties or Events
Parties, events, gatherings, receptions, commercial filming, photography productions, or other organized activities require prior written approval and may require separate terms.
No Pets
Laurel Valley Mountain Retreat maintains a no-pets policy. Please contact Management with any accommodation-related questions before arrival.
Smoking & Vaping
Smoking and vaping are prohibited inside accommodations, on balconies, on the Observation Deck, at entrances, and in prohibited shared guest areas. Use only a specifically identified designated smoking area.
Respect Shared Spaces
The Lodge common areas, Refreshment Corner, Observation Deck, outdoor areas, ponds, chapel, and walkways may be shared with other registered guests. Please leave shared spaces clean and peaceful.
🔥 Fireplaces, Fire Pit, Hot Tubs & Whirlpool Tubs
Fireplace Reference
Gas Fireplaces
Rustic Comfort and Snug Hug.
Gas + Wood-Burning
Timeless Haven includes both fireplace types.
Wood-Burning Fireplaces
Bordeaux, Provence, Cliffside Bliss, Iris Spring, Twilight Ridge, Skyward Haven, Cozy Hideaway, Sage Haven, Tranquil Corner, and the Lodge lobby.
No Fireplace
Blissful Breeze and Cove Shack.
Indoor fireplaces are typically seasonal, generally September 1 through April 1, and use may be restricted by weather conditions, maintenance, fire-danger notices, or burn bans.
Outdoor Fire Pit Guidelines
- Keep fires small, and never leave a fire unattended.
- Burn only clean, dry wood. No trash, plastic, treated lumber, or construction debris.
- Do not use gasoline, lighter fluid, or other accelerants.
- Keep a water source nearby and fully extinguish the fire — douse and stir until embers are cool to the touch.
- Charcoal grills must stay on gravel or pavement, never on a wooden deck.
- Supervise children at all times.
🛁 Hot Tub & Whirlpool Reference
- Timeless Haven: Private hot tub and whirlpool tubs.
- Bordeaux: Whirlpool tub.
- Provence: Whirlpool tub.
- Cove Shack: Private hot tub.
- All other accommodations: No private hot tub.
Hot Tub & Whirlpool Care
- No glass in or around hot tubs or whirlpool tubs.
- No oils, bath bombs, soaps, bubbles, salts, or foreign products.
- Do not enter after applying lotions or products that may contaminate the water.
- Children must be supervised at all times.
- Do not tamper with controls or equipment.
- Replace and secure outdoor hot-tub covers after use.
- Quiet hours also apply to hot-tub use.
- Report any mechanical, cleanliness, or safety issue promptly.
🐻 Mountain, Wildlife & Property Safety
Black Bear Country
Laurel Valley is in a natural mountain environment where black bears and other wildlife may be present.
- Never feed, approach, corner, or attempt to photograph wildlife at close range.
- Secure food, garbage, coolers, and scented items.
- Keep vehicle doors and windows closed and locked.
- Give bears and all wildlife plenty of space.
- If you encounter a bear, stay calm and back away slowly.
- Do not leave food or drinks outdoors where they may attract wildlife.
- Report bear activity to park rangers, local authorities, or our team.
🏔️ Mountain Terrain
The property includes slopes, stairs, gravel, outdoor walkways, decks, water features, elevation changes, low-light areas, and uneven natural terrain.
Rain, leaves, frost, ice, and changing mountain weather can make outdoor surfaces slippery. Use extra caution after dark and in wet weather.
♿ Accessibility
Accessibility varies by accommodation and building location. The property does not have elevator access and does not guarantee wheelchair-accessible, step-free, or ADA-style accommodations.
Guests with mobility or accessibility concerns should contact us before arrival so we can discuss the specific reserved accommodation.
👨👩👧 Children
Due to the property's stairs, slopes, ponds, decks, natural terrain, and mountain setting, Laurel Valley Mountain Retreat is not suitable for infants or young children. The property is not childproofed, and minors require active adult supervision.
🚨 Emergency
For fire, active gas or smoke danger, serious injury, or another immediate life-safety emergency, call 911 first.
📷 Exterior Cameras & Noise Monitoring
No cameras or recording devices are placed inside guest accommodations, bedrooms, bathrooms, or private interior guest spaces. Disclosed exterior cameras may monitor entrances, parking areas, driveways, walkways, and other exterior areas. Noise-monitoring devices may measure decibel levels but do not record conversations.
🚑 Emergency & Medical Information
🏥 Hospital
Blount Memorial Hospital
907 E Lamar Alexander Pkwy
Maryville, TN (approximately 25 minutes)
(865) 983-7211
💊 Pharmacy
Mac's Pharmacy — Townsend
7959 E Lamar Alexander Pkwy
Townsend, TN 37882
(865) 421-6227
👮 Local Authorities
Townsend Police Department
Office: (865) 448-6875
Non-emergency dispatch: (865) 983-3620
Emergency: 911
📞 On-Site Concerns
For non-emergency, property-related, or access concerns, call or text our guest support line at 865-448-4891.
Please confirm current hours and availability directly with any medical or pharmacy provider before traveling to them.
🧼 Housekeeping, Supplies & Maintenance
Your accommodation is prepared and stocked before arrival. Routine daily housekeeping is not included unless separately arranged.
Need Extra Supplies?
Extra towels, toiletries, or limited resupply items may be available during your stay, subject to availability. Call or text us and we will do our best to assist.
Something Needs Attention?
Please report cleanliness concerns, maintenance issues, damage, or unsafe conditions promptly so we have an opportunity to help during your stay.
Conditions reasonably discoverable at arrival should be reported within four hours of check-in whenever possible.
Lost & Found
If you believe you left an item behind, contact us as soon as possible. Returned-item shipping, packaging, and handling are generally the guest's responsibility unless Management approves otherwise.
🚗 Parking & Getting Around the Property
Complimentary on-site parking is available for registered guests. Please park only in the designated area for your assigned accommodation.
- Do not block drive lanes or emergency/service access.
- Do not block stairs, walkways, or neighboring accommodations.
- Do not park on grass, landscaping, or prohibited surfaces.
- Follow the accommodation-specific parking directions included in your arrival message.
The Lodge
Lodge-suite guests should use designated Lodge parking and follow their arrival instructions for the closest approach.
The Chalet
Timeless Haven uses the upper/main Chalet access area. Bordeaux and Provence use the lower/back-side access area.
Cove Shack
Cove Shack is behind The Lodge and has its own designated arrival and parking directions.
Laurel Valley Mountain Retreat does not provide shuttle transportation.
🌄 Observation Deck
Enjoy peaceful Smoky Mountain views from the Observation Deck at The Lodge. It is a quiet shared space designed for relaxing, reflection, sunsets, and stargazing.
- From outside: use the back stairway of The Lodge.
- From inside: follow posted signs toward the top level.
- No smoking on the Observation Deck.
- Quiet hours begin at 10:00 PM.
- Supervise children and use caution around railings and stairs.
⏰ Early Check-In & Late Checkout
Early check-in and late checkout are optional services that require advance review and written approval. Availability depends on housekeeping, inspections, maintenance, incoming guests, and accommodation readiness.
Standard Accommodations
$25 per approved hour
Applies to all 10 Lodge suites, Bordeaux, Provence, and Cove Shack.
Timeless Haven
$50 per approved hour
Timeless Haven is the only accommodation at this rate.
- Early check-in requests should be submitted at least 24 hours before arrival.
- The extension is generally limited to a maximum of two hours.
- Approved late checkout normally may not extend beyond 12:00 PM.
- Submitting or purchasing a request does not itself guarantee approval.
- Do not enter your accommodation before the approved check-in time.
- Contact us or use the approved guest-portal option associated with your reservation.
Turnover and cleaning are handled by an outside cleaning company, which is why these requests require review and cannot be confirmed automatically.
🧳 Checkout & Departure
Before You Leave
- Place used towels in the bathroom.
- Remove personal food from the refrigerator.
- Set heat to approximately 65°F, or air conditioning to approximately 75°F, as seasonally appropriate.
- Turn off lights.
- Close and secure windows and doors.
- Place trash in the property dumpster or designated trash area.
- Return any physical key or access device as instructed, if one was issued.
- Check drawers, outlets, bathrooms, and closets for personal belongings.
Thank you for helping our housekeeping team begin the next turnover on schedule.
📋 Booking & Cancellation Information
Your reservation confirmation, rental agreement, and any approved written modifications control your specific reservation. The following is a general summary for reference.
Standard Accommodation — Direct Booking Cancellation Summary
- Reservations are non-refundable within 3 days of arrival.
- Cancellations within that period are charged 100% of the booking amount.
- No-shows are charged 100% of the booking amount.
Timeless Haven / Approved Whole-Building Rental — Direct Booking Cancellation Summary
- More than 30 days before arrival: 97% refund of eligible booking charges.
- 15–30 days before arrival: 50% refund of eligible booking charges.
- 14 days or less before arrival: non-refundable.
- No-shows are charged 100% of the booking amount.
A payment-processing fee of up to 3% may be retained from an otherwise eligible refund where permitted. Optional add-ons may have separate refund rules.
Reservations booked through Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, Expedia, Hotels.com, or another third-party platform follow that platform's cancellation policy and procedures where required.
Cancellation or modification requests should be submitted through the original booking channel or directly to Management, as applicable. Date changes, accommodation changes, and other modifications are subject to availability and approval.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I arrive before 4:00 PM?
Can I store luggage before check-in or after checkout?
What if my access code does not work?
Can I have visitors?
Can we hold a gathering, retreat, wedding, or event?
Do you provide daily housekeeping?
Is the property accessible without stairs?
Is breakfast still available after 10:00 AM checkout?
Why do I have to complete a digital check-in?
Is the damage waiver the same as a security deposit?
Will my accommodation have a mountain view?
Is there a shuttle or transportation service?
🌲 Explore Townsend & the Smokies
Laurel Valley Mountain Retreat is located on the Peaceful Side of the Smokies, with access to mountain scenery, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cades Cove, river recreation, local dining, golf, biking, and other Townsend activities.
🏞️ Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Hiking, scenic drives, wildlife viewing, historic areas, waterfalls, and some of the most memorable mountain scenery in the region.
Official National Park Service Site →🚙 Cades Cove
A scenic mountain valley with a one-way loop road, historic structures, hiking opportunities, and wildlife viewing.
Official Cades Cove Information →⛳ Wild Laurel Golf Club
Golf and dining options within the Laurel Valley community area. Check current hours and availability directly before visiting.
Visit Wild Laurel →🌊 Little River & Townsend Activities
Seasonal tubing, biking, hiking, scenic drives, horseback riding, and other outdoor experiences are available nearby.
Explore Our Activities Guide →🚗 Approximate Drive Times
| Destination | Distance | Drive Time | Directions |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🏙️ Downtown Townsend | 3 miles | ~5 minutes | Map |
| 🌌 Tuckaleechee Caverns | 5 miles | ~8 minutes | Map |
| 🏞️ Great Smoky Mountains National Park | 6 miles | ~10 minutes | Map |
| 🚗 Cades Cove Scenic Loop | 16 miles | ~25 minutes | Map |
| 🛣️ Pigeon Forge Parkway | 20 miles | ~30 minutes | Map |
| ✈️ Knoxville McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) | 22 miles | ~35 minutes | Map |
| 🎢 Dollywood | 23 miles | ~35 minutes | Map |
Distances and drive times are approximate and can vary with traffic, weather, seasonal congestion, and road or park closures.
💡 Local Favorites
- 🌅 Best sunrise: the Observation Deck at The Lodge.
- 🧺 Favorite picnic spot: along the Little River at the Townsend Wye.
- 🥾 Spruce Flats Falls Trail — a scenic nearby hike.
- 📸 Best photo: sunset from Rich Mountain Overlook.
📞 Need Assistance?
Standard non-urgent guest support is generally available 8:00 AM–8:00 PM Eastern. Urgent access, safety, or major guest-impacting issues are escalated after hours.
Call or Text:
865-448-4891
Email:
vacation@mountainretreattn.com
For immediate danger, fire, serious injury, active gas/smoke danger, or another life-safety emergency, call 911 first.