Wyndham Vacation Ownership Begins Construction of the Great Smokies Lodge

Resort to Become Company’s Newest Smoky Mountains Retreat
ORLANDO, Fla.-Wyndham Vacation Ownership has commenced construction of its latest mountain resort, Wyndham Vacation Resorts Great Smokies Lodge. Located just outside of Smoky Mountains National Park next to the Little Pigeon River in Sevierville, Tenn., the 189-unit vacation ownership resort is anticipated to open in 2009. When complete, the resort will anchor a new residential and entertainment complex with an expansive indoor and outdoor water park project currently under development by Wilderness Resort, LLC, developers of America’s largest water park resort.

“In partnering with Wilderness Resort, the premier water park developer, we will bring a truly unique resort to the Smoky Mountains – a longtime favorite destination for our owners,” said Alan Litwack, executive vice president, Acquisitions & Pre-Development Services for Wyndham Vacation Ownership. “At Wyndham, our goal is not only to develop outstanding resorts in popular destinations, but to create resorts that are destinations in and of themselves. With a similar destination resort in Wisconsin Dells and a resort under development in the National Harbor (Md.) entertainment complex, we are continuing to deliver new and exciting vacation experiences for our owners.”

Featuring modern mountain architecture, the resort will include a mix of well-appointed one-, two- and three-bedroom units as well as two-, three-and four-bedroom upscale Presidential units, several of which will overlook the beautiful Eagles Landing Golf Course. Each unit in the Wyndham property will feature such amenities as a full kitchen, dining room, in-unit washer and dryer, and entertainment center. Presidential units will include a ledgestone fireplace in each great room.

Scheduled to operate within the company’s FairShare Plus by Wyndham exchange portfolio, Wyndham Vacation Resorts Great Smokies Lodge will be Wyndham Vacation Ownership’s fourth property in Tennessee, joining the Wyndham Resort at Fairfield Glade in Fairfield Glade, Wyndham Smoky Mountains in Sevierville and Wyndham Nashville in Nashville.

Beyond the outstanding accommodations, owners will be able to enjoy a number of amenities throughout the complex including Wilderness Resort’s sizable indoor and outdoor water parks. Visitors can spend the day zooming down the parks’ tube and body slides, taking a dip in the indoor wave pool and having fun in a water playground. For a more relaxing pace, guests can float in the adventure river or sit poolside, soaking up the sun. In fact, Wilderness Resort’s large indoor wave pool will be enclosed in a Foil Tech roof that let’s visitors enjoy sun tanning year-round.

After a day of fun at the water parks or exploring the area’s shops, restaurants and the natural beauty of the nearby mountains, owners can relax by the cozy lobby fireplaces or on the resort’s patio overlooking the golf course. In addition, the resort will feature an exercise room and computer library for connecting with family and friends. A number of restaurants, snack bars, retail shops, arcades and bars will provide plenty of food and entertainment options within walking distance for everyone.