Toll-Free Number: (800) 427-7247
Rooms 1,108 Price Range: $99-$359
Suites: 107 Price Range: Casino Use Only
Restaurants: 5 Liquor: No
Valet Parking: $8
Buffets: B-$9.50 (Sat/Sun)
L-$12.50/$18.00 (Sat/Sun)
D-$18.00/$22.00 (Fri)/ $26.00 (Sun)
Games Offered: Slot Machines, Video Poker, Blackjack, Craps, Roulette, Mini-Baccarat, Poker
Overnight RV Parking: No
Special Features: 1,500-seat entertainment pavilion.
Harrah's Cherokee Casino
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View all user reviewsAverage user rating from: 51 user(s)
Had a Great Time!
We stayed at the hotel 7. 8 and 9 May and had a great time. First day wife hit penny machine for a grand. Second day I hit .25 cent poker machine for a grand. Got a lot of play on machines. Hotel accomodations were excellent, housekeeping staff does a marvelous job. The
Chef's buffet is one of the best we have encountered. Would not recommend Paula Deen's. The food court is the worst place of all to eat. We will be back.
Worried
We have been to the casino a few times, never win and always have a problem getting a room. Going to try again and bring a few couples with us. It's the closest casino to us and we work so all we have it the weekends. Let's see what the slots have this weekend!
I won't go back
Visisted last week for the 2nd and last time. Spent the night and found things are not quite right here. People sleeping in 3 chairs at the slot machines (workers working around them), people sleeping all over the fireplace loung area (all night), dirty carpets, scary parking, machines were dirty, very little service, charge too exorbitant fees to cash a check, one person for the non-diamond members, 3 for them, poor customer service don't know how you redeem comps (3 different people). Ive been to many different casino's and several Harrahs - first time I ever saw people sleeping at the slot machines in the lounge, and on the stairs. They have a security guard at the hotel entrance but they never ever asked for an ID or to see the hotel room key - anybody and everybody can walk up. The food is definitely nothing to right home about. We will never be going back and in this may have just changed my mind about gambling. When you allow people to use your facility like a drunken sleepover you will lose customers quickly. In fact the security guard at the hotel entrance was the only one I ever saw.
What Does Granger Know?
Obviously works for Harrah's.
Nope
Plain and simple, this place is not to my liking.
Play for fun not for payouts
If you like to gamble and don't mind no wins or payouts and want to unload some cash then just visit the Cherokee Harrahs Casino. From Chattanooga it's a 2 1/2 hr drive to the Cherokee Casino and we have been several times since October because of the comps. Everyone talking about "TIGHT SLOTS" are telling the truth with this casino. I was lucky enough to win $1000 at Wheel of Fortune before they changed them to all new machines sometime towards the end of last year. On the new Wheel of Fortune $1 slots I counted 37 spins back to back at $3 max bet (which has to be bet in order to get a spin bonus) and I did not get 1 credit back in those 37 spins. This was not the only slot machine that takes numerous spins to get even 1 credit back.
A few years ago when visiting this casino they would often announce big winners (say $5000 more or less) over the intercom but...we have noticed in our last several visits that we have not "ONCE" heard any big winners announced at the casino and we play from 7 at night until often noon the next day.
The hotel rooms are nice if you get the Creek Tower Junior Suite but it's very hard to ever get a room with any date you try to select yet the casino is not crowded unless there is a big event for the weekend. If you are expecting alcoholic beverages then make sure to bring extra money to pay for them. You can get water, soda or coffee for free but you will have to go get it yourself from the bar unless you wait 2 hours or more for a waitress. We did get room service breakfast during one stay and I can say that was absolutely wonderful! The casino staff are friendly and offer help when needed.
If you have free play coupons or comps and looking for entertainment then make a visit and decide for yourself. I would suggest playing between 6pm thru 1am for better luck because we have played til morning on every visit and after 1 to 2am it's as if the machines get locked down or something.
Oh, one last thing especially for new players. Be careful of your max bets on even penny, nickle and quarter slots. For example: we often play the $1 slots (triple 7's, one line payout, 3 credit max bet) for total of $3 max bet and we decided to switch to the .25cent slots for a few hours. We played .25cent (same triple 7's, but 5 credits, 5 line payout ) for bet of $1.25....so here you would thing that we were saving some money on spins moving to a .25cent slot...WRONG...the max bet turned out to be $18.75. So for those new to slots be careful on your max bets even on small penny, nickle, quarter slots because many of the games here require the max bet to get bonus features.
It's got it all now
I'd really like to know where the people go and always win at slots at a casino. I come here at least 3 times a year and it has grown into a beautiful casino. The buffet is great, the scenery is beautiful, but they have removed some slots for the tables. I go for the enjoyment of the slots, I win some and lose some, as long as you stay in your limit gambling is the norm, I don't expect to get rich and I don't LOL. All in all Cherokee could be looser, but that can be spoken of the casinos in Las Vegas too. I'll keep coming back until they open one closer to me and as long as they keep comping me rooms!!
Great Unless You Like to Win
We are long time customers since the days the first casino opened in Cherokee. You could actually win back then! Seems the more they spend on expanding into their "Resort", the less you will win in the "casino". We used to win jackpots with some regularity. Then the more construction that went on, the less jackpots we won. That includes my husband, me, our friends, and pretty much anyone I talk to at Harrah's Cherokee. They used to announce jackpots won but now they don't bother since there are so few of them. The only free drinks are soft drinks or water. They have begun to get stingy with them as well. I was on casino floor for 4 hours before being offered a drink. A recent stay in a comped hotel room (we are 7 stars) found a room with no room service menu. We called front desk they told us menu was on the TV. No it isn't and we knew as much from being a frequent guest. About an hour later they finally brought a menu to our room. We do enjoy the room service and find the food pretty tasty. They always ask us on check-in if we would like to have some soft drinks/water brought up. We tell them what we want it, but at least 75% of the time, they never show up. So why ask??? The hotel and newly remodeled casino are beautiful. We enjoy our rooms. However, we go to gamble and to win. Each year gets worse and worse. Don't take my word. Look at these other reviews. Believe them! Cherokee is the only casino for hundreds of miles. No competition. Built in customers because of location in the Smokies. Most people just wonder into casino having never gambled before and I think this is who they want. They care little about their loyal customers and the feeling is becoming mutual. We are going to play elsewhere even though we have to drive/fly farther. In the end, it will be worth it. Sorry Harrah's Cherokee. You have lost long loyal customers.
Will be back
We stayed this month for 3 days and were very lucky with the slots. Several big wins on the penny slots. Ate at Ruth Chris and Brio both excellent...we will be back.
IT'S A SHAME....////
Having moved to Charlotte from NJ about 8 years ago, the only close casino was Cherokee, so I've seen it grow from a few buildings to a huge gaming complex. It's a 3 hour one way trip and it's surprising that no one has offered a regular scheduled bus trips more than one or two a month....
But putting travel aside, I go (my wife occasionally) to Cherokee to get away and (let's be honest), try to win some money....
After having played in Atlantic City and 'felt' the payouts there, Cherokee is VERY disapointing and I honestly didn't know/realize how little a percentage the casino pays out on the slots til a few months ago. I never thought to check as I just assumed they paid a fair and decent payout.... How WRONG I was... I went all of last year without winning or even getting close to a decent payout... I attain Diamond status so it's not like I am not spending substantial mooney. In the back of my head, I always thought it was strange and the slots could be so 'tight' for me... but have since found it's not only me... but EVERYONE.
The new casino is just about finished and is beautiful but the problem with that area, is lack of ample people to work. Last few trips it was evident in hardly any slot personnel around, restaurants understaffed, housecleaning slow, etc. this eventually will hurt.
The food and restaurants NEED upgrading, even the NEW ones. Paula Deans has sub standard food, The downstairs buffet is just OK...nothing special and the fast food area just plain stinks. Ever get a Johnny Rockers at Harrah's in Atlantic City? Cherokee's is like dog food. And none of the other fast food places serve really fresh food.... the Uno's pizza is warm and has been sitting for a whle and the quality of the deli meat is mediocre at best. I have not tried Ruths Chris or Brio yet but Both are Expensive eateries.... I don't get ANY food comps like I do in AC, so, it just depends on my mood ( and winnings) if I will frequent them.
From what I was told (and I'm not sure if this is true), Harrah's, although in charge of most of the operations, only owns approx. 12 percent of this Casino, so the problem lies with the Indian Gaming Commission to makes all of the decisions. And in my opinion, they could care less about who attends their casino or how to treat the guests. They just appear to want to make as much money as possible.
As a patron, I would like to feel at least a little special, don't you?
well, at lest I have vented for the one or two people who will read this. I certainly don't want to come across negative but until there is a positive attitude and changes at Cherokee, I am seriously considering weekend trips to AC offered by the likes of Pair-a-dice travel, etc.
Anyone know of any other sites ... I truly believe word has to get out about how little their slot payout percentage is....
At least I know I'll have a better chance of coming home with some money in my pocket and I can enjoy a real Atlantic city funnel cake on the boardwalk.
someone has to pay for it
We go to Cherokee aprox. every 2 months. Only because there is nothing closer. Pre new construction, the slots seemed to have better payouts and you were at least given a cleaned room every day, a decent coffee pot with real coffee cups etc etc. Now under the "GREEN" word, they don't make your bed, clean your room, (unless you stay longer than 3 days) I can understand not changing the sheets, to save on water, but how does NOT making a bed or cleaning your room fall under "GREEN" dah!!!!! Even some of the house keepers say Harrah's cut back on staff. Reading financial reports Cherokee revenues were down 6% well, no wonder. DON'T NICKEL DIME.
BTW, those of you that live in the NC area, there is a REAL casino in West Virgina called MARDI GRAS.
LE'S GET THIS NEW BUILDING PAID FOR SO HARRAH'S MANAGEMENT MIGHT GO BACK TO "KEEP YOUR CLIENTS HAPPY ATTITUDE"
Rooms
Don't Go! My husband and I live 20 minutes away. He likes playing poker. I like the slots. Several times I've comped a room I need the hot tub for my body aches. About a year ago I filled the tub..got in..turned on the jets..and black mold spewed out all over me. We changed rooms and the manager said it would be taken care of. We got a a $25 dinner ticket..we had so many comps ... that was a slap in the face. Then, just this last weekend..it happened again! . the housekeepers and their supervisor came to the room and promised the the tub would be cleaned and taken care ot. The housekeepers told my husband that this happens all the time..that we weren't the first. We left while they 'cleaned'. At 3 am I came back needing the jets..and the black mold came out again!...covering my body! After calling and having to beg for another room..and the manager coming to my room and telling me not to drain the tub..another room was assigned. I took pictures..both times. Meanwhile, I filed a complaint and all I asked was to be able to comp a premium suite..which I felt was less likely to be neglected than the regular rooms...when I stayed. The reply was my "host'...whom I've not spoken with in over 2..at the least...years...was the only person who could help me. Folks...as much as I like playing at the casino...I think I'm ready to talk to a lawyer.
Harrah's Cherokee Recent Trip
Visit date- 3/17/2012
Just got done a middle of the night trip at Harrah's Cherokee. Here is a update- The hotel construction is finished and beautiful. It is very hard to get a comp room at this property unless you play here specifically often, so we didn't stay. The restaurant choices are limited and priced at standard casino rates.
Gaming- There are live Black Jack tables with a computer screen card setup. Video craps, and no roulette. Slots are everywhere of course and that is what 99 percent of people play there. If you are smart and watch people for a while you will easily see what machines are paying and what are not. Play smart and you will have a payout comparable to AC. This is a pay for your alcohol casino, and non alcoholic drinks are free. We played for about 6 straight hours and came out even if that helps for payback purposes.
Video poker, which is my game, is plentiful and not crowded. Mostly 8/5 JOB and 8/6 DDB throughout. Good bartops with bar service if you choose.
Overall, unless this property is close to you, you might want to go elsewhere. Only because of no free alcohol and limited table experiences. I will only go back if they send me free room deals. Beautiful location, but not much else to do.
50 TIMES THE MONEY
I went to this casino last year, and had a great time. I started out playing dollar slots, and was losing.
after losing about $50 I moved to the penny slots, spent about the same amount and won about $500
My guess is to play the slots for a quarter or less, you can play longer and if you lose it probably won't be so much.
for $100 you can play a long time. If you go for the fun of it, and don't play for too much money.
It is a great place. I live in Georgia, and play the lottery, I bought five $10 tickets and didn't win anything.
I lost my money in less than 10 minutes. I could have played the penny slots for at least 2 hours.
I love it up there!!!! It is all about FUN!!!!
bj at Cherokee
My wife and I just returned from Harrah's Cherokee. We also visited in early December. I didn't play the slots and the only table game I played was the multi-player blackjack, not the one with the live dealer. I mostly played blackjack on the Pot O' Gold machines and did well. We left with more $$ than we arrived with. That, along with comped rooms made for a good trip.
Our room was in the Creek tower and was excellent. The only thing lacking was reasonable good food.
The gaming floor was still in the midst of renovation, as well on our previous trip in December.
We'll probably be making the trip again soon as Cherokee is only 3 1/2 hrs from our home in Marietta, Ga. Next time we'll try to figure out how to find better restaurants, at Harrah's or maybe in Cherokee.
Overall
I live in the Atlanta area and visit Cherokee about every month or so if I can get a room. One of my main complaints is that they send you offers for cash (these have drastically gone down in amount since construction). Where I used to get $100 on guaranteed rewards, I now only get $50. I used to get anywhere from 90 to 200 coupons cash. Those are now 20 to 45 cash. The amount I spend is still the same or more. The payout is almost non existent. They send you room offers, but you can never get a room on the date that your cash coupons are for. I'm sure it is planned that way. Also, for FREE room they now make you pay $50 deposit per day for room. I don't think that's right. They can look at your history and tell if you have ever ordered movies, room service or not. I guess they have to pay for all the construction? My next complaint is the distance you have to walk to get to the casino. Probably 80% of the visitors are elderly retired people. The majority of these people have back, leg or breathing problems. I can't believe they didn't put in a moving sidewalk. This would have been great. Late last year they did put a golf cart in motion to take people back and forth, but it is usually charging or full and they cut off service at 12:00 a.m. They need to remedy this problem. I myself have multi level degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, nerve damage in legs and asthma. By the time I walk the distance to and from room to casino, I am exhausted. They need to remember most players are seniors!!!! The food used to be terrible, Market Buffet, Paula Deans did not impress me at all. I got a sandwich at Johnny Rockets. There were 5 people ahead of me to check out. IT TOOK 25 MINUTES to get thru. My food was cold by the time I got thru the check out line. I get one free meal a day at Seven Sisters, but I would rather go to McDonalds down the street, because the food is SO BAD!!! The Selu Cafe was....the only place that had halfway decent food and they shut it down. I went the week after Christmas this year and ate at Chef's Stage. The food was absolutely wonderful. Yea!!! they finally have decent food!! Our server was great also. The pay line could use some attention, to get it to move faster, but I'm okay because the food is so good. I've never been disappointed with the rooms. They are very nice rooms, always clean and service staff are very friendly and helpful.
Jackpot winner
I live a little over two hours from cherokee. visit at least 4 times a year. went new years day- won $1400 jackpot on eightball video poker. stayed overnight and played the next day- won a jackpot on toucheasy keno for $5483.00. in the past (15 years) visits i have only won two other jackpots in the range of $1000-1200. Overall it's a great getaway with my husband. Food is good. Staff is very friendly. Don't let negative nancy posts keep you from visiting and seeing the beautiful mountains on the trip there. enjoy!!!
A different "casino"- not what one would expect
Cherokee is the closest casino to my itchy hands. I have been to other native run properties on the west coast and hit the both Atlantic City and Las Vegas. While I am an occasional slot person, craps and blackjack are my games of choice. This place is a different animal - the dealer is paid to push a button and not touch real cards at the table. It is a whacky hybrid of a laptop game and a true table. While you are paid in chips, your hand movements are on a glass top and not the green felt of comfort.
Additonally, it is without a one of the most smoke filled places I have been in my entire life. Bring an extra set of clothes!
Update
I failed to give the update I had promised and I'm kind of glad I did. I visited on October 26th and again today. First and foremost, I found lots of players hitting small payouts and heard several others comment of how the machines seemed to be paying better. From my own experience, I'd agree. I played for hours both days and went away ahead both days. And so did everyone with me. I even hit a 5 of a kind on the 50 cent Shamrock 7!
There has been a big, big change in the buffet. The old buffet has been closed. I ate there on the 26th & there was a sign advising it would close and be replaced by the new buffet upstairs. I ate at the new buffet today. There's several things you need to know. First, it is only open for dinner on Monday through Thursday, 4:30 PM to 10 PM. It is open all day on Friday, Saturday & Sunday. It is a bit pricey when compared with the old rate, $23.50 I think. It has only been open a week and they are still experiencing some newness pains. For instance, they opened two pay lines but one line had two cashiers and the other had only one so it took twice as long if you chose the wrong line.(I did). I will say in all the years and all the casino buffets I have visited, I have never seen such good service by the staff. It was better than most 5 star restaurants. They also have a full bar in the buffet for those who need it. There is an excellent choice of meals, so much that it will take several visits just to sample everything. I ran out of room far before I had tried everything I wanted. The grilled salmon is a must and the pastas were great. But stay away from the sushi. It needs some work. And the desserts are a little plain but who had room left. I had a small piece of really good pecan pie.
I'm going to go back again right after Thanksgiving and I'll give an update.
One of the most bizarre casinos I've ever visited
This is one bizarre place. Let's start with card games with no cards. Some bizarre North Carolina law so the cards are electronic while you play with actual chips and a "dealer". Some of the worst video poker paytables I've ever encountered (I've never seen a JOB machine that only paid 15 for a 4 of a kind). There is nothing to do in Cherokee other than the casino and some kitsch shops. The choice of restaurants was very limited. Not impressed with Paula Deen's at all. Gamble elsewhere.
Harrahs Cherokee
I last visited Cherokee in late July but plan to visit again tomorrow. I thought I would post my last visit and then post again about tomorrow's visit. I parked my motorhome down by the river in the old parking lot. Now that the new parking garage is open, there is no bus service so the only way to get to the casino is to walk. I had suggested last year they put in a call for pickup box, but no action was taken. I entered the casino through the new valet parking area and walked through bank after bank of empty $1 machines. I finally found where all the players were, at the penny machines. It always amazes me when I see empty areas of $1 machines and all the penny machines are full. However, my major is not in casino marketing so I guess they know better. I ate at the Fresh Market buffet and the food was absolutely great. This used to be an only fair buffet but it certainly has turned around 100%. My complements to the chef and management. I played some slots but found most everything to be tight. I guess someone has to pay for the new addition and new hotel! More to come after tomorrow's visit.
BadNewsBears
KEEP DRIVING TO ANY CASINO IN MISSISSIPPI. This was my second time visiting the only casino in North Carolina. The beautiful surroundings and elegant design of the casino has much to offer except one thing: a fair gamble. This Caesar's property which kept its Harrah's name has very, very tight slots and should be avoided. I personally sent several thousand dollars through the dollar slots and only got single cherries and double bars. The lock and second spin machines are mostly all gone. They have what is called "Cherokee Lottery Wheels" which enter you in a drawing for a prize determined by denomination. This has the negative effect of having to report any win over $600.00 to the IRS. But don't count on those. The speaker announces small wins of $400 and $500 while you play but you will lose money. They also have several monitors showing how much the casino has paid out in wins over a 24 hour period and this is a real joke. It includes every cherry and double bar that has been gambled back into the machine. Only the ignorant or naive individual can't figure this out. Save your money for a rafting trip on the Nanatahela and keeping going on to Mississippi. This casino is a sucker's cage that should be avoided at all costs. It truly is the white buffalo for the Cherokees.
Good for poker
About me: The only reason I go to Cherokee is to play poker. My wife does not like to gamble. When I go its just me or a few friends there to play cards. A few times I have ventured in to the Smokey National Park to take pictures. Photography is my other hobby.
The good: With the renovations the casino is turning in to a very nice place. The décor is the match of any casino in Las Vegas. The rooms are also top notch. The hotel staff is very helpful. So is the casino staff (for the most part).
The bad: Other then the casino there is very little to do in Cherokee. The Smoky National Park is there if you enjoy hiking or photography. The food in the casino among the worst I have ever had. It was also very expensive. The best food I have had in Cherokee was at the Wendy’s about ½ mile from the casino. The buffet usually has a very long line, and is sub-par at best. The long line is due to slow cashiers, not demand. The last trip I packed a lunch and ate in the room. The new rooms are far from the casino. It is almost a mile walk from the new rooms to the gaming floor. (There is construction on a walkway which will shorten the distance.) There are no comped alcohol drinks.
The iffy: The tables are all electronic. There are no cards, even for poker and blackjack. I mostly play poker and have gotten used to the tables. In some ways the electronic poker tables are better than real cards. (but that is a different discussion) For blackjack I still like the real cards. Having craps or roullette would be very nice and help round out the casino. They still allow smoking in the casino. The air filters are getting better that is not as annoying as it was a few years ago.
The comps are also iffy. I can get better room comps at Las Vegas than at Cherokee. But since Cherokee is only 3 hours away, that still wins out for weekend trips.
The only staff issue I have had was with one of the Poker Room managers. He stopped all play to tell the players that it was not his job to pick up trash after someone left a soda can. Not the most professional behavior. Other than him (I've seen him with a few remarks like that) the rest of the poker room staff is great.
Summary. Nice casino complex and rooms are very nice. Staff very helpful. Food sucks. Not much to do other then gamble. Getting a weekend room is near impossible and expensive if you can get one without a comp.
Go for the mountains – don’t expect to win.
I live about 3 hours away and go over to Cherokee about once every two months. Since the construction started, the payouts have been decreasing. I previously saw many people around me winning -- now nothing or it’s a small amount. And the more you bet, the less frequently the machines seem to pay.
My favorite casino game is blackjack and I’ve always done well. They say the electronic blackjack tables are the same as cards, but I don’t even win on those anymore – so I think the payouts are controlled on them also. They seem to only have 1 $15 table and all the others are $25 and up. They previously had at least 1 $10 table. Also they do not have a no-smoking section with the table games.
Every time I go, the casino has changed due to construction. There is now a much larger no-smoking section, but it does not have the particular games that I like. The ventilation seems to be much improved – unless the person next to you has the cigarette in your face. I still feel like I smell like an ashtray when I leave – but in fairness, it no longer has the blue haze over the slots.
The new rooms are very nice and they are renovating the older section. Most people do get their rooms through the player’s club benefits. It doesn’t take much play to get an area hotel during the week. I frequently stay several nights and spend time in the Smoky Mountain National Park instead of the casino. All rooms have large screen TV’s and refrigerators and are large with comfortable beds. I have always found them to be clean.
Food is not very good, they close the best restaurants to open Paul Dean’s which I have found to be a disappointment, but I’m usually using my player’s card rewards to pay. They are opening a food court soon from what I’ve heard. The restaurants in Cherokee are not very good either. Go to Dillsboro, Maggie Valley, Silva, Waynesville or Bryson City instead. Drinks (beer, wine and mixed drinks) are now available in the restaurants and on the floor – but they are not complimentary. Soft drinks, water, coffee etc are complimentary if you can find a server.
The casino/hotel complex is not people friendly. It is a long-long walk anywhere. Not recommended for anyone with trouble walking. You can walk as much a 2 long blocks to reach your room, then you have a very long walk to the casino. I use valet parking at the hotel and drive to/from the new casino parking deck. And I try to get room in the newest section.
I have always found the staff to be friendly, courteous and helpful – and that includes everyone.
I will continue to go to Cherokee, but I’m limiting myself to only playing the minimum and save my money for trips to non-reservation casinos even if I have to fly to get there.
Casino and the movie Deliverance have a lot in com
I drove from Charleston SC to visit this Casino.First let me say I have traveled all over the world and been in hundreds of different Casinos.This Casino is by far the most poorly run and folks all these negative reviews left for this Casino are there for a reason.Not all the reviews left are by those who lost money at this Casino.I did not lose one red cent.Folks the mountains in Cherokee are beautiful but that is the only thing there worth looking at.The rooms are filthy and smell of tobacco.Maggie Valley is a ghost town and most of the road side vendors are gone.I spoke with many business owners in the town of Cherokee and all of them said the Casino coming there only hurt their business.So the truth is only Harrahs Casino actually makes a profit.Is it really worth 7,000.00 dollars a year to each indian to have a Casino on your land that puts all the true business owners around it out of business.I see the Indians losing money not making it.Read all the reviews left for this Casino folks.The advice is for free.
Once great place to visit
My sister and I have been coming to Harrah's Cherokee, ever since they first built it, and there was no Hotel at the time. Only local ones. At first, we had a fabulous time. We won great payouts and the food was great. Each year, it has gotten not so great. After a couple of years, we were giving our money to them (although I came with a certain amount to spend, my sister came with a LOT to give them). It has gotten to be---NOT SO MUCH FUN, any more. We both are in our 70's and have always gone to casinos together.
We used to have a COMP HOST. She was wonderful and very helpful. Now, NO comp host, unless you are going there five six times a year, or at least once a month!! It is ridiculious, as my sister lives in VIRGINIA!!! Still works a job and cannot travel to NC once a month. Now, when you try to get a room, (Although you get a booklet with FREE room ) they say that they are FULL UP. Really? Out of hundreds of rooms, they are FULL UP?? NO WAY. Also, your Rewards Points are taken away, IF you do not play within six months. THAT is NOT fair!!! We van only go there twice a year, since my sister lives in VIRGINIA!
Now, our very FAVORITE restaurant in the hotel Selu , (Which by the way, had the very best food) is gone, and guess who is there?? PAULA DEAN'S. Will it be as good? We will find out soon. If not, we will travel about two miles down the road towards Maggie Valley, and eat at Granny's Kitchen, which is what we do at least once or twice while we are there. EXCELLENT food buffet, and doesn't cost much.
As for playing the slots....Well. I will play for awhile, not very long (because There are VERY FEW Lock and Roll machines left, and all those silly annoying games making all kinds of annoying noises!) unless I can find a Lock and Roll machine. Now, the machines are the ones that you have to play 9 lines and 10 coins. Might as well go over and play (give your money) a dollar machine. We always liked the bars, stars and 7's machine's, which you have to look for a day, to find one. All those silly burping, belching, barking, noisy machines!!
All I can really say, is that the staff at the casino and at the hotel are excellent and courteous. The view from the rooms are very nice, to look out early in the morning, to see the sun rise over the most beautiful mountains on the East Coast.
Although the casino isn't what it used to be, I have fun.
Come and stay and play, and leave your money, here.
Didn't Like It
Went to this casino Feb. 2011, stayed at their new hotel The hotel itself is top star--but the journey to the casino is so far that you need a passport to make the trip. The lady that was with me is a senior citizen--we almost had to call 911 for her
When we started to play the machines we found that they were tighter than they were the last time we were there. I guess they have to pay for all the new construction--but why all at once? I finally found the live poker area--hidden to one side --so dark that we walked by it several times--asked a security officer and we were right beside it.The opinion of our group was never again; we will drive to the Gulf Coast and play at good casinos.
Terrible payout, digital table games are a joke!
Been 3 times, got creamed every time. Save yourself some money, buy a ticket to Vegas and play there, you enjoy it so much more. Reception desk confused about where our room was. Horrible experience, never again!
BE FOR REAL
Well we have been going to this casino regularly for almost 3 years. As we are both diamond members we brought money home only a couple of times. WOW ok so we get to eat 1 meal per day free of not the best food in the world and they will give us a room if we beg but not on the weekend we get 3 five dollar coupons to use each month and we are just now smart enough to get online and find out that this casino has no laws on payout percentages and can do whatever they want so that explains why one minute the machines might be playing good and then they just stop all together. Not even a small return. Shame on us lol. If you go here don't expect to win a dime. Take what you plan to lose and be done when your playing money runs out. Don't go get more because you will just lose it, also they really could treat players better than that but they just don't care.
Beautiful New Event Center - Skip the Casino!
My Wife and I have had the opportunity to travel from Florida to play at Harrah's Cherokee Casino. I can tell you that the hotel overlooks beautiful mountains and a stream that runs through the property. The Hotel is decorated with a great collection of Cherokee Indian Artwork and the Customer Service was Good.
Their new event center was well though out and the casino is starting to book well known acts to play at the event center. We saw Hank Williams Jr and Lady Antebellum at the casino during our last trip.
Don't expect to play any money that you are hoping to travel home with. The Slots are very tight, the chances of winning are low and any winners over $1,000 are announced over their intercom system and you will hear "Harrah's Cherokee Casino players are winning big" every now and then.
We play while we are in town, however, I would never take a trip to Cherokee just to play at their casino. I would rather hand my money over to the security guard at the door and help a local.
We have better luck playing at Seminole Casinos in Florida with great comps for little play, free food and free play. The last time I spent $400 and received two $5 Free Play Coupons for a month. Not Impressed!
If Harrah's Cherokee Casino were not in a tourist area, they would be out of business by now. Every Casino is designed to make money, however, they need to pay out a percentage in order to have repeat customers who support their business to come back.
Harrah's, You have put your name on this casino .. Please give this some consideration and take the opportunity to improve Food and Beverage, Comps and Payout Percentage for this property.





