Helendorf River Inn, Suites & Conference Center — Hotel in Helen

Comfy Beds, River Views & Tubers Galore — Even the Bandit Would Approve

Stayed at the famous Helendorf River Inn, and I see now why it’s a legend. Clean rooms, comfy beds, and a parking lot you can actually navigate without needing a backup camera and divine intervention.

We splurged on the river balcony room, which gave us VIP seats to the Chattahoochee River Tuber Parade — thousands of folks floating by, half of them armed with coolers, Bluetooth speakers, and life vests that may or may not have been properly buckled. It was chaotic, hilarious, and oddly soothing.

Now let’s talk about the beds: so comfortable we overslept and missed the free breakfast. Worth it. Like sleeping on a cloud that paid for late checkout.

Yes, you’re smack in the middle of town, so the surrounding restaurants blast their PA systems like they’re trying to summon customers from another dimension — but don’t worry, things quiet down early enough for a good night’s sleep.

And here's the best part for movie buffs: way back in 1977, Buford T Justice stayed right here at the Helendorf while filming scenes from Smokey and the Bandit. That means this place has literal Bandit vibes. I half-expected to see a black Trans Am peel out of the parking lot with Jerry Reed riding shotgun and a load of Coors in the trunk.

Locally owned by a third-generation family, this place oozes charm, character, and a little bit of Southern film history. My family and I are already planning our next stay — and next time, we’re bringing our own cowboy hat and CB radio.

This place is Eastbound and Down, in all the best...

My wife and I came to Helen for the day with our 12 year old son for a day of rafting the river. While our original intention was to stay just for the day and tube on the river, we ended up getting a hotel room so we could stay for the night and have another day.

We called several hotels around the area and no one had any rooms available that we needed for our situation but luckily we were guided to the Helendorf and we were able to get a suite which fit our needs perfectly.

We got the suite which has a separate bedroom and bathroom and shower and while it does not have a bed in the living area it does have a full size couch which allows someone to sleep on.

The suite has a very nice bedroom, and extremely nice bathroom with a beautiful two-headed shower, and in the bedroom itself is a sunken tub with jets. The suite has a full kitchen with all appliances including a dishwasher and dishes.

A greatest aspect is that the suite has a large balcony overlooking the river, and it is right downtown.

While the price was kind of steep including a military discount (we paid $267 after our military discount for one night) I feel it was well worth the money based on the immediate need we had.

We did not use room service while we were there but the staff we did deal with was very kind and courteous, and they do have continental breakfast in the morning.

The weekly rates may be very very good though I am not sure but the hotel is in a great location and is very well maintained. Definitely would recommend to my...

Well, I give them a four rating because I got to use my triple AAA membership. It was a quick exclusive spot to getaway for the holidays. Everything was in reach of what was needed. I did have some reserves about service which you will read in pros and cons below.

No bad experiences with customer representatives. Only the stray cats that kept starting up with my husband and I. I think they got ownership in the property.

Pros:

Honor most traveling membership discounts

Hold rooms when paid in full

Room was clean

Reasonable prices

Great service

Great viewing for downtown area, nature’s beautiful mountains and creeks

Wifi access

Fireplace access and has built in timer to shut off based on preference

5 min. walking distance from downtown area. Close range of many attractions and sightseeing

Less driving saves gas. We all need that vacay exercise. Especially, when you eating out a lot.

Jacuzzi, fridge, microwave, oven/stove, carpet, and bed linen was clean.

Private balcony

Cons:

Pet friendly. I love animals but for a place such as this, animals will wear and tear down booking location.

Mediocre outside and inside furniture

Continental breakfast is fruit cups, instant oatmeal 🥣, microwave burritos 🌯 etc. Do I need to say more?

Vending machine costs were so overly priced.

So many stray cats 🐱 🐈‍⬛ 🐈

No matter what always bring Lysol spray and wipes to any room you stay at and disinfect. Ex: still disinfect carpet, bed, furniture, hot tub, counters, my mom always said no one’s gonna...