Smokies FAQ
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
We have assembled these from actual guest questions both before and during stays at our cabins. If you have other questions that aren't answered here, call, text, or drop us a note: support@honeylandhomes.com
Is Wireless Internet Available?
Yes, each cabin is equipped with free high speed WiFi. You'll find the password in the Welcome Message email sent 2-3 days before your arrival.
What is your Cancellation Policy?
Cancellations 60 days or more before check-in date receive a100% refund.
Cancellations 30 to 60 days before check-in date receive a 50% refund.
Cancellations with less than thirty days notice receive 0% refund. (Cleaning fee will be refunded.)
What about Trip Cancellation Insurance?
We recommend Trip Cancellation Insurance if you think there could be an issue requiring you to cancel within 60 days of your check-in date, or if you will be traveling during winter storm season. Insurance through AIG Travel Guard© is offered during the booking process, or you may purchase from any of the many online insurance companies of your choice.
Is there an extra charge for more guests?
No, the rental fee is the same for 2 through 6 guests.
Are there minimum night stay requirements?
Depending on cabin, we have a 2-night or 3-night minimum requirement to book your stay. Some holidays may have a longer booking requirement.
Is there a minimum age to rent your cabins?
You must be at least 25 years of age to rent our cabins. The person who initiates the reservation and signs the rental agreement must have proof of age and must reside in the cabin for the entire length of stay
Where do I go to pick up a key to the cabin?
Our cabins have electronic locks. 2-3 days before your arrival date, we will email the cabin address, driving directions, and your personalized door code for the cabin. When you come into town, you do not have to check in with us, just go straight to the cabin!
May we bring our pet to your cabin?
No, we do not allow animals of any kind. This restriction is strictly enforced. See the rental agreement for more details.
Is there a nearby kennel?
There are a few places in the area including Pigeon Forge, Sevierville, and Gatlinburg pretty close to the cabins:
Just fer Paws Kennels - www.justferpaws.net, 865-430-3383, justferpaws@gmail.com
Smoky Dog Lodge - www.smokydoglodge.com, 865-774-3140, smokydoglodge@gmail.com
Is your online booking safe/secure?
Yes, our website is SSL secured which establishes an encrypted connection between our hosted site and you. The back-end vacation rental management service powering our online calendar and online booking is OwnerRez. As you move through the booking process your session is encrypted on their secure site. Their service integrates with both our credit card processor (Elavon) to ensure your booking transaction is encrypted and secure.
Where are the cabins?
Sky Harbor Resort is located mid-way between Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, nestled in the mountains yet not too far off the highway, and convenient to all the attractions of this Smoky Mountains area. This prime location is on King Branch Road, about 2-3 miles off the Spur (which is the strip of separate roads joining Parkway in Pigeon Forge and Parkway in Gatlinburg. All these roads are Hwy 321).
Tell me more about Sky Harbor
Sky Harbor…Where Luxury Meets the Mountains. Sky Harbor is a subdivision rather than a resort community. It consists of several hundred privately owned cabins. The 35 miles of interior, paved roads are private and well maintained by a property owners association, which also provides trash collection and street lighting, as well as snow removal and infrastructure maintenance. The resort has several ponds, and some creeks running through it, with abundant wildlife. There is a sign and even a Lodge for Sky Harbor but it feels more like an extensive neighborhood than a place for tourists. It's a peaceful, friendly and cozy setting hidden in the hills, and it's easy to feel like a local here after you get used to navigating the area. Many cabins have narrow driveways, and four-wheel drive may be recommended in winter. Cabins vary in size and situation, some hidden in the trees and some with stunning views of the Smoky Mountains, so be sure to check on amenities and features that come with each cabin.
How far are you from ..... ?
- 4 Miles to Pigeon Forge
- 8 Miles to Gatlinburg
- 6 miles to The Island
- 6 miles to Dollywood
- 8 miles to Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- 33 miles to Cades Cove
- 38 miles to Knoxville Airport (McGhee Tyson)
How treacherous are the roads? What should I do if it snows and I can't access my cabin?
The main road into the community is a moderate incline leading up to the cabins – it may appear intimidating at first, but we find that most drivers quickly become comfortable as it is wide enough for cars to pass each other, with no hair-raising turns or drop offs. The Sky Harbor roads are maintained by our HOA and are in great shape! We plow our roads during bouts of snow, as with all mountain driving, four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended during heavy snow. Road surface conditions are not guaranteed at any time - there are no refunds given due to weather and we do not provide transportation or take responsibility for towing service. A couple steep inclines require 4-wheel drive or chains if snow or ice is present.
How "tricky" is parking?
The Sky View cabin has room for 2 vehicles on it's small U-shaped driveway. There is not enough space for an RV or a large truck with trailer.
Do the cabins have a mountain view?
We have a view of Mt. LeConte from the loft of Sky View, but we don't have what could be described as a "rolling mountain view." There are cabins at higher altitudes with better views - the roads to those cabins also tend to be more winding and steep. Those areas sometimes have well water, and limited internet. A rolling mountain view will have a higher nightly rate, so there are trade-offs either way.
Do you have surveillance cameras at the property?
Exterior cameras in use for your safety. Cameras are mounted near the front doors and pointed at the driveway/front doors. There are no cameras inside the cabin or any that intrude on private space.
What do we need to bring on our Gatlinburg vacation?
Very little, as our cabins are well stocked with all the cooking appliances including electric stove, microwave, linens, utensils, entertainment, and laundry facilities you need for a comfortable and enjoyable stay. We also provide starter supplies of toilet paper, paper towels, laundry detergent, dishwashing detergent and dish soap, so depending on consumption you may need to bring or buy extra supply of these items during your stay. You will want to bring your own bath soap and shampoo along with beach towels for the hot tub - other than that staying at one of our cabins is turnkey easy!
Do we need to bring linens, towels, or pillows?
We provide all the basic necessities. All the beds will be made with fresh linens and bath towels and washcloths are provided to match the occupancy of the cabin. We recommend you bring beach towels for hot tub and pool use.
Can we do laundry at the cabins?
You bet! Each cabin has a washer and dryer units!
Is the kitchen fully equipped?
Yes, the kitchens at each cabin vary slightly, but in general we work to ensure you have everything you need to whip up a gourmet meal. From updated appliances, to dishware, glassware, bakeware, utensils, pots/pans, a crock pot, blender, hand-mixer, toaster, and coffee makers (both filter and Keurig pods). Each cabin has new countertops.
Why no certain utensil / small appliance?
Rest assured we had it stocked. However, utensils get broken or misplaced. If no one reports it missing, or our cleaning crew does not realize that it is not there, it is not replaced until we are notified. If you find something missing, please let us know - we've been known to drop off toasters and tea kettles in the middle of guest stays! We stock common utensils and small appliances. Mixer, blender, toaster, can opener, coffee maker, iron, crock pot, are standard. Other small appliances are optional and we may or may not have stocked those.
What common items are not included in the kitchens?
We do not guarantee spices, aluminum foil, plastic wrap, or condiments. However, we stock them when we are at the cabin and previous guests often leave them behind so you may find these in the drawers and cabinets. We do not have a griddle but we do have a waffle maker. None of the kitchens have a garbage disposal.
Coffee Maker .... is it K-Cup or filter type?
Each cabin has both Keurig and traditional 12 cup drip/filter types.
Why sometimes not all dishes / drinkware match?
We started out with matched sets. However, items do get broken, and as much as we try to replenish with exact same ones, sometimes they are no longer being sold.
Do you provide daily housekeeping service?
No. We schedule housekeeping service in between guests, however, each cabin is equipped with a washer/dryer and dishwasher as well as a starter supply of dish soap, and dishwasher detergent. We can accommodate cleaning of the cabin during your stay at your request for an extra fee. If your stay is longer than 4 nights, we can schedule a mid-stay trash pickup (upon request and at no charge to you).
Is there a grocery store nearby?
Absolutely! There is a Food City grocery store located on Highway 321 (East Parkway). It offers a pharmacy, bakery, deli and video rentals. This is where we do all our grocery shopping when we are at the cabin. There are also Walmart and Kroger in the area if you'd prefer those.
Is grocery delivery available?
Yes, you may use Instacart but you must be at the cabin at time of delivery! If any food is left on the deck/porch while you aren’t there, animals will get in the food and make a mess.
A local alternative to Instacart is Smoky Mountain Grocery Delivery and they will actually deliver inside your cabin if you aren’t there. You will need to provide them with your door code.
Are hair dryers included?
Hair dryers are included and located in each bathroom, if you can’t find one, please let us know as they have been known to disappear.
Where can we go swimming?
There are many indoor and outdoor water parks located in both Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. There is the Gatlinburg Community Center located just down the road which offers a reasonably priced year-round indoor pool as well as other recreation options. If you dare, you can also go swimming in the cool streams of the national park, which are just right down the road.
Where can we go fishing?
Great Smoky Mountains National Park has about 2,900 miles of streams within its boundaries, and protects one of the last wild trout habitats in the eastern United States. The park offers a wide variety of angling experiences from remote, headwater trout streams to large, coolwater smallmouth bass streams. Fishing is permitted in all streams year-round in the park, from 30 minutes before official sunrise to 30 minutes after official sunset.
Follow these links to find out more about the fishing and license requirements: www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/fishing.htm
www.visitmysmokies.com/blog/smoky-mountains/smoky-mountains-and-gatlinburg-fishing
Is the hot tub cleaned between guests?
Of course, this is also a regulatory requirement for vacation rentals in Gatlinburg. After each guest departs, our cleaning crew drains the hot tub water, cleans the hot tub, installs a chemically sanitized filter, refills the hot tub, and chemically sanitizes the new water with bromine shock. A bromine floater helps the water stay clear and sanitized during your stay.
Where can I rent a crib, high chair, scooter or wheelchair?
We may be able to provide a limited number of baby items (pack-n-play, high chair and baby gate) upon request. These items are on a first come first served basis. Any of those items can be rented from the following:
--Baby Quip - https://www.babyquip.com/gatlinburg
What if we find a problem at the cabin upon check-in?
Please walk through the cabin upon check-in. Should you notice any problem at the cabin just call or email us. We will make every attempt to rectify the issue in a timely manner. We want to ensure that your vacation is to your liking – from beginning to end.
What should I do if there is an issue with the cabin during my stay?
Issues can occur during your stay that can tend to be a nuisance. In the event there is something with your cabin that is less than satisfactory please call us right away. We will be more than happy to fix the issue for you in a timely manner so you can go back to enjoying your vacation.
Are there certain times of the year that I cannot use the fireplace?
During the warmer months (April-October), most gas fireplaces are disabled as operation of gas fireplaces during these times could cause an A/C failure.
Do you decorate for the holidays?
Yes, we typically decorate in early December with some winter décor and a Christmas tree.
Why are some of the pictures screwed to the wall?
If they are not, it often happens that guests accidentally knock a picture down. It falls down, nicks the floor, gets damaged or the frame gets broken, etc. In past experiences, guests would not report it and would just dispose of the damaged picture. It is a safety measure too – we do not want anyone to get hurt by a falling object. We have a few wall items at the cabin that are original, or one of a kind and we want them to remain in good condition.
Dust / cobwebs
We are not sure why, but dust is very prevalent in log homes. The cabin may have been cleaned mere hours ago, and yet there is dust again. Cobwebs are common and they appear very fast – after all, the cabin is in the middle of woods and there are a lot of insects trying to make their home inside the cabin. You'll find our cabin is cleaned to meticulous standards, it's cleanliness is often mentioned in our reviews.
Bugs / ladybugs
Our cabins are proactively treated monthly by a professional pest control service. Insects just find their way inside no matter what we do. Even after the cabin is cleaned, it takes only a few hours for bugs/ladybugs to appear. Of course they get trapped and die inside. This is especially prevalent in spring as they emerge and then again in fall when it gets colder outside. An expectation of completely insect-free environment is probably reasonable in a high-rise beachfront condo, but not in a cabin in the middle of the woods. Ladybugs (actually, Asian Lady Beetle) are harmless if not touched.
Wasps / carpenter bees
Wasps try to make their nests, usually under the roof overhangs and eaves, and some may get inside and die. We try to keep up as much as we can but they are often much faster than us. Carpenter bees (big loud black bees) are harmless to humans – they make a lot of noise and may hover around humans, but they do not have stingers. They do however damage wood by boring holes in it. They rarely get inside the cabin. In addition to regular professional pest control, we also spray the cabins in early spring to deter the carpenter bees.
Is there a fire pit at the cabin or in the resort?
No, we do not have a fire pit at the cabin or within the Sky View community.
Should we bring charcoal for the grill?
Yes, ours are park-style grills that use charcoal.
What type of cell phone reception should I expect?
It depends on the provider. We use T-mobile and have fairly good coverage when we are at the cabins. Many providers and devices now offer voice over WiFi. The internet/WiFi speeds at each cabin support this without issue.
May we smoke/vape inside at the cabin?
No. Our cabins are smoke-free and vape-free. This restriction is strictly enforced. You may, however, smoke and vape outside of the cabins. We ask that you dispose of the waste prior to your departure.
What is there to do in the Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge area?
Well, there is just way too much to list here - You may find the 2022/2023 Gatlinburg Visitor Guide to be helpful. All have lots of links for different activities and interests.
What are the check-in/check-out times and may I check-in early/check-out late?
The check-in and check-out times vary by cabin. They are listed in the rental agreement and provided to you with your welcome email.
Are the pictures of the cabin on your website accurate?
What you see is what you get - there should be no surprises when you walk in the door of your cabin! Our website has a combination of both professional and amateur photos. We also have a collection of pictures taken during cabin updates/upgrades posted in photo albums on our facebook site: https://www.facebook.com/honeylandhomes/photos There is a photo album for each cabin.
Do we need to clean the cabin before we leave?
Checkout is pretty easy and there are a few simple requests outlined in the Guest Information Booklet located at your cabin. The few things that we ask that you do prior to your departure help keep the cabin pest free and prevent damage such as ensuring wet towels are left in the tub so they don't leave water stains on the wood floors, your trash is all placed in the proper location and load the dishwasher and start the cycle - so bears don't smell food and try breaking into the cabin (which does happen).
What if we leave something behind at the cabin?
Contact us immediately. We will work with our cleaning team to see if they can locate the item. If found, we will happily mail the item back to you! We've sent back wallets, tablets, even teddy bears!
Do the TV's have cable / Can I watch a DVD we brought with us?
All TV’s in the cabins are Smart TV's that allow you to login into your own streaming subscription accounts. Our TV's have a "guest mode" so you'll be automatically logged out of your streaming accounts at the end of your stay. We do not have any Blu-Ray or DVD players at our cabins.
Do you provide streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Amazon, etc?
Our TV's are Roku Smart TVs. You can easily login to your own streaming subscription accounts directly from the TV.