For those seeking a premier and comprehensive destination when searching for "Hotels Near Of Me" in Cherokee, North Carolina, the entity referred to as "Harris Cherokee" is unequivocally the renowned Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort. Located at 777 Casino Drive, Cherokee, NC 28719, USA, this resort is far more than just a hotel; it is a full-fledged entertainment and hospitality complex offering a vast array of services and features. This introduction provides a detailed and objective overview of the resort, drawing from extensive online information and a multitude of customer reviews.
Environment and Location:
Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort is majestically situated amidst the "beautiful mountain setting of western North Carolina," specifically nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains. This location offers guests breathtaking views of the surrounding natural landscape, with many rooms explicitly offering "mountain view" options. While it's a large-scale resort, it benefits from the serene backdrop of the mountains, providing a sense of grandeur within nature. The resort is strategically located to offer direct access to the vibrant culture of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and the natural wonders of the region.
Its address on Casino Drive places it at the heart of entertainment in Cherokee. It is typically a very short walk to the main casino floor, making it exceptionally convenient for guests focused on gaming and resort-based entertainment. The resort also offers "limited transport service to the casino" for added convenience. Beyond the resort's boundaries, guests have easy access to local attractions such as the Museum of the Cherokee Indian, Oconaluftee Indian Village, and the Oconaluftee Islands Park, all within a short drive. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway are also easily accessible, offering abundant opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking and scenic drives.
Services and Amenities:
Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort offers an extensive list of services and amenities designed to cater to a wide range of guests, from those seeking gaming excitement to those looking for relaxation and luxury. Key offerings include:
- Casino: A central feature, the resort boasts a lively casino with over 150,000 square feet of gaming space. This includes over 100 table games, poker, and thousands of slot machines. Two VIP rooms are also available.
- Luxurious Accommodations: The resort features a staggering number of rooms, with various sources citing over 1,833 spacious rooms and suites across multiple towers (including a 21-story hotel). Rooms offer premium bedding, modern amenities like flat-screen TVs, refrigerators, and coffee/tea makers (some rooms have microwaves). Connecting/adjoining rooms are available, and guests can choose between smoking and non-smoking rooms. Many rooms provide stunning mountain views.
- Dining Options: The resort is a culinary hub, featuring "10 restaurants and bar/lounge" options. These range from fine dining experiences, such as Ruth's Chris Steak House and Brio Italian Grille, to more casual fare, including Guy Fieri's Kitchen & Bar, a food court with multiple choices (including Dave Ramsey-themed places), and various cafes and lounges. Room service is also available.
- Mandara Spa: A significant luxury amenity, the Mandara Spa offers a full range of pampering and relaxation services, including massages (Balinese massage is popular), body treatments, and hydrotherapy. However, some sources indicate that access to facilities like saunas may require booking a spa treatment, which can be an additional cost (e.g., minimum $180 per person).
- Pools: The resort features both an indoor pool and a seasonal outdoor pool. These are significant amenities for relaxation and recreation. A poolside bar is also available.
- Entertainment and Nightlife: Beyond the casino, the resort includes an expansive entertainment center that hosts a slew of events and concerts. There is also a nightclub and various lounges. The Ultrastar Multi-Tainment Center features 24 lanes of bowling, a sports bar, and a game center, offering diverse recreational options.
- Fitness Center: A well-equipped fitness facility is available for guests who wish to maintain their workout routines.
- Meeting and Event Space: With a large convention center (e.g., 16,815-square-foot Event Center), the resort is a popular venue for meetings, conferences, and banquets, with catering services available.
- Shopping: On-site shopping options, including a gift shop, are available for guests.
- Free Parking: Self-parking is typically free, and valet parking service is also available.
- 24-Hour Front Desk and Guest Services: The resort offers a 24/7 front desk, concierge services, and bell service. Staff are frequently praised for being "outstanding," "helpful," and "friendly," although some reviews mention isolated incidents of unhelpful or rude staff, which is to be expected in a property of this scale.
- Wi-Fi: Complimentary wireless internet access is available throughout the resort, though some sources mention a fee for wireless internet in certain areas, particularly in meeting spaces.
Customer reviews present a mixed but generally positive picture. While some guests highlight comfortable beds, cleanliness ("cleaner than any rooms I've ever stayed at"), and overall excellent experiences, others note the massive size can make it feel "very impersonal" and that walk times within the resort can be long (e.g., "20 minutes to walk from one side to the other!"). Concerns about noise (e.g., being next to an ice machine or staff elevator) and unexpected costs for spa access have also been mentioned, as well as a lack of detailed customer reviews provided in the prompt.
Features and Unique Selling Points:
Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort's distinct features and selling points in the "Hotels Near Of Me" landscape are manifold:
- Comprehensive Resort Experience: It offers an all-encompassing experience, combining gaming, luxury accommodation, diverse dining, entertainment, and spa services under one roof, catering to a wide range of preferences.
- Extensive Gaming Options: As a premier casino resort, its vast casino floor with numerous slots, table games, and poker options is a primary draw for many visitors.
- Scale and Luxury: With its numerous rooms and large-scale amenities, it provides a luxurious and opulent experience that stands out as the largest hotel in North Carolina.
- Strategic Location: While being a self-contained destination, its proximity to the natural beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains and the cultural attractions of Cherokee offers guests the best of both worlds.
- Multiple Dining Choices: The sheer number and variety of restaurants, from casual to upscale, provide unparalleled dining flexibility for guests.
- Entertainment Hub: The event center, nightclub, and multi-tainment center establish it as a significant entertainment venue beyond just gaming.
- No-Pet Policy: Importantly, Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort is generally not pet-friendly for general guests, though service animals are accommodated. This is a crucial detail for travelers who may have allergies or prefer a pet-free environment, as some older or less precise sources might contradict this. Direct confirmation is crucial for guests traveling with pets.
Promotional Information and Booking:
Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort is heavily promoted through its official Caesars Entertainment websites, major online travel agencies (OTAs) such as Booking.com, Expedia, Hotels.com, and Kayak, as well as various tourism boards and direct marketing channels. Key promotional aspects include:
- "Gaming & Entertainment Capital": Emphasizing its status as the premier gaming and entertainment destination in the region.
- Luxury Accommodations & Amenities: Highlighting the spacious, well-appointed rooms, the spa, and the indoor/outdoor pools as key features, often showcasing "upgraded" room options.
- Diverse Dining: Promoting the wide array of dining options, from celebrity chef concepts like Guy Fieri's Kitchen & Bar to casual eateries, satisfying every palate.
- Special Packages and Promotions: The resort frequently offers packages that combine room stays with gaming credits, spa treatments, dining credits, or entertainment tickets to attract guests. They also offer seasonal sales (e.g., Vacation Sale, Memorial Day Sale) and exclusive member pricing for Caesars Rewards members.
- Concerts and Events: Advertising its calendar of live shows, concerts, and special events, featuring top talent, to draw in a diverse audience.
- Direct Booking: Guests can book directly via the official website (harrahscherokee.com) or by calling the main phone numbers: (828) 497-7777 or the toll-free number (877) 811-0777. Direct booking often provides access to exclusive deals, flexible cancellation policies (e.g., free 24-hour cancellation), and personalized assistance.
When considering a stay at Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort, it is strongly recommended to contact the resort directly via their official phone numbers for the most precise and current information regarding room types, specific amenities (e.g., which rooms have microwaves or coffee makers), spa access policies, dining reservations, and any ongoing promotions. Given its scale and dynamic offerings, direct communication ensures guests receive the most accurate details for a truly tailored and unforgettable "Hotels Near Of Me" experience in Cherokee.