A local's picks for

Where to Stay in Helen, GA

Places I'd happily send my own friends and family, from right-on-the-river downtown spots to a castle on a golf course. 🏰

Places to stay

Hotel

Helendorf River Inn

  • 📍 Downtown
  • 🌊 On the river
  • 🥨 Bavarian-style decor

My take

Right in downtown, with Bavarian-style decor, and it’s on the river! Excellent customer service and a friendly staff.

Updated November 10, 2026

Hotel & Cabins

The Riverbend Hotel and Cabins

  • 🌊 In the bend of the river
  • 🪑 Great riverside hangout
  • 🏡 Cabins too

My take

I can’t say enough about this hotel! I absolutely love its location in the bend of the river, with an excellent place to hang out by the water. The staff were incredibly friendly and knowledgeable about the area! 💙

Updated November 10, 2026

Resort Hotel

Valhalla Resort Hotel

  • 🏰 Looks like a castle
  • ⛳ On a golf course
  • 🔒 Gated community
  • 🦌 Beautiful views

Best for: Golfers

My take

It looks like a castle in a gated community! 🏰 It’s on a golf course (not maintained the best, but they’re actively working on it).

I had a blast going with a friend who plays golf. The views are beautiful, I saw a deer on the course (magical moment! 🦌), and I enjoyed looking for golf balls. It was like I was on a 4-hour Easter egg hunt! 🥚⛳

Updated November 10, 2026

Hotel

Holiday Inn Express

  • 🛟 Walk to Cool River Tubing
  • 🌳 Across from the park
  • 🔥 Neat fireplace area

Best for: Tubing trips

My take

This location is fantastic if you’re tubing the Hooch with Cool River Tubing: you can exit the river and walk across the road to your hotel to change! The inside is fresh and has a really neat fireplace area.

While it’s not directly on the river, it’s right across the road from both the park and Cool River Tubing. It’s also right around the corner from two excellent restaurants, Bigg Daddy’s and Campfire!

Updated November 10, 2026