I’m not sure if they smoke in there or not, because I smelled none, so they’re doing a great job pumping out the smoke, if so. In fact, I only set foot in the casino to grab some photos to post here. That will take you straight into the 3rd level convention center and connect you to the lobby, and no one is parked on that level, usually. Park on the 5th level and find the doorway just away from the elevators. Outside the room, there’s a canteen on every floor, a nice little workout facility, pool, and a six level parking deck that looks barely parked in. The bed was super comfortable (although short-sheeted) and the shower has an overhead bonnet and a wall shower head with spectacularly hot water. With a microwave, refrigerator, and tons of ambient lighting, I had everything I love and need in a hotel room. Inside The Cherokee you’ll discover Guy Fieri’s Cherokee Kitchen & Bar, 18-20 floors of hotel rooms, a huge lobby bar, gift shop, stunning light fixtures and art, and a three-level convention center with an expo space and generous meeting rooms. You walk out of the parking garage and immediately you can check in or get a new key at this ATM-like stand, 24/7. One of the best parts of the entire resort is there are check-in kiosks everywhere. It’s not a separate hotel, but has it’s own check-in area, parking, staff, and everything, but it’s all the same. I stayed in the newest tower, The Cherokee. Harrah’s is comprised of three main connected areas which have their own distinct purpose and feel. When I drove in, I was shocked to find a grown up quaint town with a cute arts district and this amazing, world-class resort property. When I saw that I was staying in a casino hotel, I envisioned a six story tower with a few convention meeting rooms, and a gymnasium-sized, smoke-filled room full of slot machines. The last time I was here was 43 years ago with my parents, and honestly I dreaded it.

When I received my travel schedule, I realized I was going to Cherokee, NC. If you park or arrive at the wrong tower, it’s a mile walk to your tower and there is no shuttle. The most important thing you need to know before you arrive is CHECK WHAT TOWER YOU ARE IN.

Cherokee nc casino resort