Based on the advice of many people that have been to the area I made reservations at the Best Western River Escape Inn in Dillsboro. It about 1 hour from the dragon which is about average unless you get one of the few cabins close by.

There were still a few rooms left when I made my reservations so here is the link http://book.bestwestern.com/bestwestern/selectHotel.do

Shawn

 

thanks for the info