Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort - A Caesars Rewards Destination
4.3(33K)google
2.7(638)yelp
PerformanceYouth-FriendlyNight-FriendlyIndoorLuxuryLocal Favorite
Overview
Nestled beautifully against the majestic backdrop of the Great Smoky Mountains in Cherokee, Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort is a premier luxury entertainment and gaming destination. This sprawling world-class resort features a massive 150,000-square-foot gaming floor packed with thousands of slot machines and traditional table games, seamlessly integrated with upscale hotel towers. Beyond the energetic casino floor, guests can enjoy premium concerts at the state-of-the-art event center, pamper themselves at the luxurious Mandara Spa, and dine at acclaimed specialty restaurants, making it a spectacular mountain getaway.
Practical Info
Suggested Duration1-2 days
Best TimeAn all-weather indoor mountain resort suitable for year-round visits. Friday or Saturday nights between 7:00 PM and 11:00 PM offer the most energetic atmosphere, blending high-stakes casino gaming and gourmet dining with premium concert entertainment at the on-site Event Center.
Getting TherePerched at 777 Casino Dr in Cherokee. No robust transit networks serve this tribal mountain land; driving is required. Take US-74 W from Asheville to Exit 74, merge onto US-441 N, and follow the resort skyscrapers into the sprawling, free multi-level self-parking garages.
Travel Tips
- Located within sovereign tribal territory; casino floors enforce a strict 21+ age limit, requiring valid, unexpired government photo IDs or passports at security checkpoints. Digital IDs are strictly rejected.
- The massive footprint spans multiple towers; weekend self-parking for non-hotel guests is highly congested and subject to surge pricing. Utilize valet services at the main entrance to bypass the labyrinthine outer decks.
- While gaming floors permit smoking, tribal law and corporate codes strictly mandate 100% smoke-free operations across all non-gaming spaces, theaters, and dining areas; violators face tribal police fines and expulsion.
Reviews
Positive
- Nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains, the resort offers picturesque views and blends traditional Cherokee elements into its decor.
- The hotel rooms are very spacious and clean. The high-end towers are modern, and the mountain views from the upper floors are beautiful.
- Featuring signature restaurants from Gordon Ramsay and Guy Fieri, the dining options are incredibly diverse and of high quality.
- It provides a large non-smoking gaming area, which is very friendly to non-smokers and families, with much better air ventilation.
Heads up
- Unlike in Las Vegas, the casino does not offer complimentary alcoholic beverages; you have to pay for your drinks even while gambling.
- The front desk room upgrade policy is rigid, usually reserved strictly for high-tier rewards members, leaving regular guests disappointed.
- Secondary spending inside is very expensive with high dining markups, and advertised amenities like the pool bar are frequently closed.
- The crowd density is extremely high on weekends, leading to frustratingly long check-in lines and occasionally cold staff service.