Dolly Parton on opening a hotel inspired by the nature of the Great Smoky Mountains

So we’re going to build more hotels. I’m not sure what all the themes will be, but this one will always be really special. Because it’s more of a country life, although it’s bigger. It has a huge convention center, people are going to be able to come to have conventions and even family reunions.

You’ve been everywhere—how have your own travels inspired the hotel? Was there any amenity or design element you had to include?

I’ve been all over the country, I’ve been all over the world, but there are those great places – like when you go to a lot of the ski resorts, places up in the mountains where they have a lot of lodges. When I would go to those places, I always felt so at home, because it reminded me of my own home in the Great Smoky Mountains, whether it be in Aspen, or any of those great places.

I’ve seen similar places to our HeartSong lodge, with big hearths, where you really feel like you’re really in a big country home. I’m influenced by everything, I’m like a sponge. I just soak up everything, every memory made. I can usually apply that to something else, when the occasion arises.

What are your favorite hotel amenities?

I think it’s really important that you have a really good, comfortable bed, because I sleep so well, when I come up here, even to the DreamMore resort. And it’s real important to have a great bathroom where you have your shampoos and conditioners, and all those comforts of home. I think feeling that you have the comforts of home in a great hotel—we work real hard for that.

We cater to our families as well, our bunk beds, and things for the children. Families love that. And the kids certainly do. And we incorporated that into the HeartSong lodge as well, because it was such a big hit at our DreamMore resort. So I just think, having a place that feels like home.

And also, the lighting on the bathroom mirrors is so good here.

Yeah, well, it is important to have good lighting and good mirrors. That’s a big deal, especially to women.

Do you have a go-to room service order?

I am so simple. Although they have the best foods ever at all of our restaurants—we are so proud of our chefs—but I’m still one of those burger and fries kind of people. You know, when all else fails, get a cheeseburger, some french fries and a cola, and you can’t go wrong.

What’s one memorable experience you hope guests will have during their stay at your hotel? What do you want guests to take away from a stay?

I hope they feel good, hope they feel happy, I hope they feel safe. And I’m pretty sure they’re going to feel petted, and spoiled just a little bit, stuff they might not get when they’re home. Especially a mama who’s always having to do everything at home, this way, she can get to be pampered just a little bit too. So I think that it’s important that they go away thinking, that was such a great vacation, and I felt special.