3rd Night Free at Sidney James Mountain Lodge in Gatlinburg TN

If you're looking for a peaceful mountain getaway, and you want to spend the weekend sitting back enjoying the early morning freshness, sipping a hot cup of coffee, watching a meandering stream bubbling past you and the undulating hills and valleys of the Great Smoky Mountains flourishing in the backdrop with the first signs of an early spring, well... look no further.

You get all this and more at the Sidney James Mountain Lodge in Gatlinburg TN. Even better, it's no less than a luxury resort, but the rates are comparable to the ordinary budget motels in Gatlinburg. In fact, it's a bit exotic. There's three swimming pools - an outdoor one for the summer, and a small pool for the children which looks like a giant toilet seat.

But the interesting one is the heated indoor swimming pool, which looks more like an atrium, with plenty of green , a waterfall and rocks and all. It's the kind of thing you see in the movies or in an eccentric billionare's mansion in Los Angeles, or in zoos and aquariums, but seldom at a motel in real life. Especially not in a place like Gatlinburg.

In addition to the three pools, the Sidney James also offers free wi-fi internet, guest laundry, jacuzzis, fireplaces, sauna room, free parking, and a poolside cafe. The trolley stop right in front of the building, so you hop abroad and check out all the downtown attractions in Gatlinburg.

It's located adjacent to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, so the Sidney James Mountain Lodge offers visitors easy access to a variety of Parkway shops, award winning restaurants, and all the outdoor recreation that is possible in the Mountains.

The rates are seasonal, but for stays in between now and March 13, you can find accomodations here in between $49 to $139, based on your choice of room/suite/cabin/condo and whether it's a weekend or not. The jacuzzi suites offer panoramic views of the Smokies and Gatlinburg, mirrored ceilings, private balconies, and seasonal fireplaces.

Whatever you choose, you'll have in-room coffee and refrigirators. Great spot for romantic getaways. Oh, and they're offering the third night free if you book two or more nights. Offer valid until March 13 2009, and only if you book directly with them.

Info: 610 Historic Nature Trail Gatlinburg TN 37738; (800) 876-6888; www.sidneyjames.com/