Smokies cabin rental company closes abruptly; customers upset

By MONA NAIR
6 News Reporter

GATLINBURG (WATE) - People who had reservations with Hickory Mist Luxury Cabins and Lodges are unhappy because they got an email saying it was being closed permanently.

The company manages rental cabins around the Smokies in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Cobbly Nob and Wears Valley.

The company website markets a "vacation of a lifetime" and "true customer service." The Better Business Bureau says that's the reputation it's had until this week.

"The company is 10 years old, has had an exceptional record and has been prompt in handling complaints. This came as a shock. We found out about it today," said Better Business Bureau President Jerry Tipton.

The bureau has heard from several customers who were told by email saying the place closed permanently as of Wednesday, May 18.

Linda Mabe, of Hamblen County, said by phone Thursday she put down $1,400 and spent two years planning a large family gathering at the cabins.

"We don't go on a lot of vacations together, and we certainly are not a family that has a lot of money to do that. We were very disappointed and angry at the situation," Mabe said.

The company claims in the email it was "forced to take this action due to the alleged misuse of company escrow account funds by the previous management personnel and owner members."

6 News visited the main Hickory Mist office in Gatlinburg on Thursday. A man named Bill made it very clear he could not address the issue because he does not work for the company.

Bill says he was only hired to answer calls from upset customers.

Later we found his profile, Billy Becker, on Facebook. It listed his as the sales and marketing coordinator at Hickory Mist Luxury Cabins.

Hickory Mist Cabin Rentals has filed a lawsuit against the owner members believed to have stolen the money.

As legal matters in this case play out, the Better Business Bureau asks customers to contact the Consumer Affairs Division at 1-800-342-3855.