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The Swag

Great Smoky Mountains (NC) • Cataloochee • OVER THE TOP

avg. $855 / night

Includes $45 / night in cash back

Cash back is redeemable via Virtual Visa, Venmo, or bank transfer starting 24-48 hours after check-out

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Cash back

5% cash back on all completed stays (redeemable via Virtual Visa, Venmo, or bank transfer starting 24-48 hours after check-out)

Credit card points

Credit and debit card charges are processed directly by the hotel (i.e. not PressBeyond), meaning that any travel-specific credit card points or incentives that you normally get as a cardholder for direct hotel bookings are preserved

Hotel loyalty points

Points accrual and status eligibility with major hotel loyalty programs: Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, World of Hyatt, and others

Free breakfast

Breakfast-included rate options available

Room upgrades

Complimentary room upgrades (subject to property availability)

Extend your stay

Early check-in and late check-out (subject to property availability)

Part of Relais & Châteaux

Location

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PB hotel design editorial

Logs salvaged from an 1785 Tennessee church form the structural core of The Swag, a mountaintop lodge perched at roughly 5,000 feet on the Cataloochee Divide, where 250 private acres abut the boundary of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Dan and Deener Matthews built the compound as a private residence using reclaimed timber structures before opening it to guests in 1982; the building's materiality has always been its moral center. The aerial view confirms the logic of the place: a cluster of stone-and-log structures half-swallowed by hardwood forest, connected by paths across a small clearing, with Blue Ridge ridgelines extending to the horizon in every direction. Atlanta-based architect Keith Summerour and Charleston-based interior designer Kathleen Rivers came on board after 2018 to extend and refine the property without unsettling what four decades had established. The interiors they inherited and developed show a consistent material intelligence: exposed Douglas fir ceiling boards, hand-hewn timber frames left raw, wide-plank oak floors worn pale by use, and woven rattan chairs with thick striped cushions placed to face the mountain-view windows. The bar area brings in mustard-upholstered tub chairs, a live-edge counter, and pendant lights with ruffled glass shades — each piece chosen for warmth over statement. Headboards of interlaced branches, plaid bench upholstery, and botanical-print drapes complete rooms that feel accumulated over time. The covered dining terrace, framed by log posts under a timber pergola, looks west across the autumn canopy at dusk with a directness that no amount of interior work could match.

Travel notes

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About

The Swag is a romantic mountaintop hideaway bordering Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Waynesville, North Carolina. Sitting on 250 acres at an elevation of 5,000 feet, this rustic retreat is just 40 minutes west of Asheville, North Carolina. The Swag is an all-inclusive property that provides incomparable views, world class expert-led hiking, fine dining at every meal, and the ultimate in relaxation. Andrew Harper named The Swag the "Most Romantic Hideaway" in his 2018 Grand Awards. In 2018, The Swag joined Relais & Chateaux. Ever since they have been ranking on Top Resort Lists and Getaways across multiple publications.

Amenities

Suites

Free Internet

Free Parking

Restaurant

Wifi

Free Wifi

Wheelchair Access

Public Wifi

Breakfast Included

Hot Tub

The Swag Reviews

557 reviews

"The accommodations, food and lifestyle are amazing. If only this was home for the rest of my time. Beautiful scenery, friendly staff and great environment. thanks for a nice break from reality"

A Tripadvisor traveler review

May 22, 2026

"The most beautiful views, lovely accommodations, thoughtful service at every turn. Highly recommend for a couples getaway!!"

A Tripadvisor traveler review

May 20, 2026

"The Swag is so much fun! This was our second visit and we have already booked for 2027. Located directly adjacent to the Great Smokies National Park property it is one of the most beautiful, unique properties we have ever stayed at. Wonderful hiking trails crisscross the property, some are a little challenging but they culminate in some of the most beautiful vistas I have ever seen. A great hike on well maintained trails that ends with an unbelievable view of the Smokey Mountains is amazingly satisfying. The Swag also has "experts in residence" who are very knowledgeable in the surrounding flora, fauna and history. They lead a daily hike that is delightfully interesting and educational. There is also a great little gym, a wonderful pool/hot tub, fishing pond, pickleball courts, badminton courts and pretty little nooks and fire pits that are perfect for just relaxing, reading a book or just enjoying the natural surroundings. The Swag includes all your meals in the rate. These are wonderful, Relais & Châteaux world class dinners and a wide selection of breakfasts. They pack your gourmet lunch in a bag or a knapsack so you can get out and enjoy the surroundings. At 5:30 they set out hors d oeuvres and the whole resort turns out for a cocktail and conversation. Wonderfully interesting people having grown up fun in the mountains. I highly recommend The Swag for adults who enjoy being out in nature, spectacular views and great food."

A Tripadvisor traveler review

May 17, 2026

"The word that comes to mind when I think about our stay at The Swag is special. From the minute you pull onto The Swag Rd it feels special. You are tended to from the moment you walk into the Welcome Cabin til the moment they put you back in your car complete with water bottles and energy bars for your drive home. It is a place where luxury meets nature and they truly make you feel as if you are the most special visitor to their home. The food is incredible, and is so plentiful. If you go hungry while at The Swag, it's on you! The views and the property are spectacular. The hot tub is a must as it is so peaceful and serene. The amenities and all the special touches throughout your stay are so intentional and thoughtful. We will be back!"

A Tripadvisor traveler review

May 15, 2026

"This was our seventh trip to the Swag. Yes, it's pricey. Yes, it's worth it! The staff, the amenities, the food, the environment- all beautiful. There are so many different experiences to enjoy."

A Tripadvisor traveler review

May 11, 2026

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The Swag | Best Design-Driven Stays in Great Smoky Mountains (NC)