I'd second the vote for a chalet/cabin that will not be right on the main drag of Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg, yet will be easily accessible. However, as previous poster mentioned, depends on the size of your group and your budget. Also, we had a rather different experience once on a drive through the area, spending the night at the Wonderland Lodge, which is much more rustic/rural, but still convenient to all the Pigeon Forge action. The web site also mentions that Cades Cove is convenient, too. My favorite part was that it was easy to walk out of the lodge for a stroll/hike through the mountains in such a beautiful part of the country. http://wonderlandlodge.net/index.html
However, if you are looking for a chain motel/hotel style experience, probably not for you. Have a nice trip!