Harrah's Cherokee Valley River

Welcome to Harrah's Cherokee Valley River Casino & Hotel, a prominent entertainment and lodging destination located at 777 Casino Pkwy, Murphy, NC 28906, USA. For local users and travelers searching for "Hotels Near Of Me" with a focus on gaming, dining, and a vibrant atmosphere, Harrah's Cherokee Valley River stands as a significant choice. You can reach the hotel directly at (828) 422-7777 or +1 828-422-7777. This hotel offers a comprehensive resort experience, combining luxurious accommodations with extensive casino offerings and a variety of culinary options.

Harrah's Cherokee Valley River Casino & Hotel is situated in the scenic mountains of North Carolina, offering a dynamic contrast between the natural beauty of the surroundings and the high-energy environment of a casino resort. The hotel's address on Casino Parkway signifies its primary focus: providing direct and immediate access to a vast gaming floor. While not a secluded mountain retreat, the location offers convenient access to the region's attractions, including the charming town of Murphy and various outdoor activities in the broader Cherokee County area.

The property is designed to be self-contained, offering a wide array of amenities within its complex. Guests will find the atmosphere inside the casino and hotel to be lively and engaging, with the sounds and sights of gaming, dining, and entertainment. It's important for potential guests to note that while the casino offers a high-energy experience, some reviews indicate challenges with parking, which can be an important consideration, especially during peak times. Guests might find themselves "stuck parking in the boondocks and having to haul your luggage a long way," particularly if not arriving early or utilizing valet services.

Harrah's Cherokee Valley River is a full-service hotel designed to cater to guests seeking a comprehensive leisure experience, primarily centered around its casino. The hotel typically features 300 streamlined and comfortable guestrooms, often recently renovated, ensuring a pleasant stay. Each room is equipped with modern conveniences to enhance comfort and connectivity.

Key services and amenities include:

• Extensive Gaming Floor: The core attraction is its expansive casino, featuring approximately 50,000 to 55,000 square feet of gaming space. This includes over 1,000 slot machines (with popular titles like Wheel of Fortune, Monopoly, Quick Hits, and Blazing Sevens) and more than 70 traditional table games, along with a poker room. This offers a wide variety of options for gaming enthusiasts.

• Multiple Dining Options: Harrah's Cherokee Valley River offers a diverse culinary experience with 5 on-site restaurants and a coffee shop/cafe. Options typically include a food court with various choices like Earl of Sandwich, Nathan's Famous, and Panda Express, offering quick and casual bites at reasonable prices. There is also a bar/lounge for drinks and socializing. Room service is available during limited hours.

• Comfortable Guestrooms: Rooms are well-appointed with amenities such as refrigerators, flat-screen TVs with premium satellite channels and pay movies, coffee/tea makers, iron/ironing boards, safes, and desks with laptop workspaces. Private bathrooms include bathtubs or showers, free toiletries, and hair dryers. Blackout drapes/curtains are provided for optimal rest. Free cribs/infant beds and rollaway/extra beds are often available upon request.

• Free WiFi: Complimentary wireless internet access is available in guest rooms and public areas, keeping guests connected.

• 24-Hour Front Desk and Concierge Services: A 24/7 front desk ensures assistance is always available for check-ins, check-outs, and any guest inquiries. Concierge services and luggage storage are also provided for convenience.

• Free Self-Parking: While parking can be a challenge at times due to demand, the hotel does offer free onsite self-parking, including off-street options and wheelchair-accessible parking. Future expansions, including a new 1,300-space parking deck, are planned for late 2024 to address parking needs.

• Resort Fee: Guests should be aware that a resort fee (approximately USD 37.61 per accommodation, per night, though other sources indicate varying amounts like USD 8.60; it's advisable to confirm current rates upon booking) is typically charged. This fee usually includes access to amenities such as the fitness center, in-room coffee, phone calls (may be limited), and valet parking.

• Early Check-in/Late Check-out: Standard check-in time is 4:00 PM, and check-out is 11:00 AM. Early check-in and late check-out may be available for an additional fee and are subject to availability. This policy, while standard for many hotels, has been a point of frustration for some guests, who found the process "difficult" and "annoying," particularly regarding fees for early access to cleaned rooms.

• Accessibility: The property offers various accessibility features, including elevators, wheelchair-accessible paths of travel, parking, lounge areas, and registration desks.

• Fitness Center: Access to a fitness center is generally included with the resort fee, providing an option for guests to maintain their workout routines. An indoor pool and fitness center are also part of ongoing expansion plans slated for completion in Winter 2024.

• Non-Smoking Areas: The casino and hotel maintain designated smoking areas, with much of the venue becoming non-smoking to enhance comfort for all guests.

The defining feature of Harrah's Cherokee Valley River is its role as a premier gaming and entertainment hub in the region. The sheer scale and variety of its casino offerings—from a multitude of slot machines to numerous table games and poker tournaments—set it apart. It’s designed to be a complete destination for adults seeking a lively and engaging experience.

Another key feature is the "competitive price of the Room," as mentioned by guests, which can make it an attractive option for those looking for a full casino experience at a good value, despite the resort fee. The property aims to provide a "good value" with its range of amenities, including varied dining options, even if alcoholic beverages are not complimentary on the gaming floor and prices are considered "pretty steep" by some. It's noted that alcoholic beverage sales on the gaming floor became legal in December 2009, and brunch bill allowing alcohol sales from 10 a.m. on Sunday was passed in 2020.

While the review notes some frustrations regarding check-in and parking, the hotel maintains high ratings for cleanliness and the helpfulness of its staff, indicating a generally well-maintained property with a committed service team. The ongoing renovations and expansions, including new hotel towers, casino floor additions, and a new parking deck, signify a strong commitment to enhancing the guest experience and maintaining a modern, competitive facility. The casino features games with an element of skill, as required by the compact with North Carolina, often allowing players to lock reels on slot machines for a second spin.

Harrah's Cherokee Valley River Casino & Hotel is ideally positioned for local users and visitors searching for "Hotels Near Of Me" who are primarily interested in a casino and resort experience. It appeals to:

• Gaming Enthusiasts: Individuals and groups looking for extensive slot machines, table games (including blackjack, craps, roulette, and various poker games), and poker tournaments (including World Series of Poker circuit events).

• Entertainment Seekers: Those who enjoy a vibrant atmosphere, diverse dining options, and a bar/lounge on-site, potentially including live entertainment options.

• Adult Getaways: While families are welcome, the primary appeal is to an adult audience for leisure and entertainment, with a minimum check-in age of 18 (though guests under 18 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian).

• Travelers Seeking Value: Guests who appreciate a competitive room price for a resort with significant amenities, even with the presence of a resort fee.

Promotional angles for Harrah's Cherokee Valley River would focus on:

• Experience the Thrill: "Dive into the excitement of Harrah's Cherokee Valley River Casino & Hotel! With over 1,000 slots and 70+ table games, including poker, your next big win awaits in a non-stop action environment."

• Dine and Unwind: "Savor diverse flavors at our 5 on-site restaurants, from quick bites at the food court to more relaxed dining. Then unwind with your favorite drink at our lively bar/lounge."

• Your Complete Entertainment Escape: "No need to leave the property – Harrah's offers comfortable accommodations in 300 well-appointed rooms, delicious dining, and non-stop gaming action, all under one roof in the beautiful North Carolina mountains."

• Discover Murphy's Premier Destination: "As the leading casino resort in the area, Harrah's Cherokee Valley River is your gateway to entertainment, offering an experience that's hard to beat for value, with new expansions continuously enhancing your stay."

• Convenience and Comfort: "Enjoy the ease of free parking (with upcoming expansion), free in-room WiFi, and comfortable guest rooms designed for your relaxation after a day of play. Our 24/7 staff is dedicated to making your stay exceptional."

While acknowledging some past guest feedback regarding check-in processes and parking, Harrah's Cherokee Valley River remains a powerful draw for those seeking a dynamic casino and resort experience in Murphy, NC, offering a comprehensive package of gaming, dining, and comfortable lodging, with ongoing improvements to further enhance its appeal.