Vacation time is when you don’t have to make the beds, vacuum the carpet, sweep the floor, or cook (well, if you stay at an AirBnB you might have to cook once or twice). For a couple of days or a week or two, it’s pure bliss to have others do for you. Find the perfect place that fits your needs and you can relax. Carolina Outfitters found 5 best places to stay in Cherokee, North Carolina. Now, all you have to do is book a white water rafting trip on the Nantahala River with us and your adventure begins in the Great Smoky Mountains and on the Cherokee Indian Reservation.
Cherokee Lodge
The Cherokee Lodge sits on the banks of the Oconaluftee River in Cherokee, North Carolina where you can trout fish if that’s something you love to do. They have clean comfortable rooms and suites for your stay and are within walking distance of shopping, dining, and tubing. Harrah’s Casino is only a transit ride away, and you can board the bus right from the parking lot. They even provide covered parking for motorcycles!
Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort
If the high rolling lifestyle is what you’re craving, a stay at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort is just the food to feed your hunger. They deliver luxury rooms with fine dining and all the video and table casino games you can play. Everything is upscale from their 50” TVs to their 300 thread-count linens. With majestic views of the Great Smoky Mountains, you can’t go wrong with spending your vacation at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort.
Rolling Hills Lodge
The Rolling Hills Lodge is one of the newest hotels in Cherokee and has received awards for Exceptional Customer Service and Trip Advisor’s Best in Excellence and Travelers Choice Awards several years in a row. They are in the heart of the Cherokee Indian Reservation and within walking distance of many activities, including the Museum of the Cherokee Indian, the Qualla Arts and Crafts Mutual, and Unto These Hills Outdoor Theatrical Drama. Elk often visit the lodge, so be mindful of them when they appear as they are wild animals and unpredictable.
Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Cherokee
Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Cherokee is a traditional hotel a half a mile from Harrah’s Casino and near the Appalachian Trail. They offer affordable comfort and value and easy access to activities and restaurants. Enjoy free WiFi and breakfast with your stay, take a dip in their outdoor saltwater pool, and enjoy a picnic lunch in their picnic area. It’s a good place to unwind away from the noise of the busier sections of Cherokee; perfect for those who like a quieter place to stay.
Stonebrook Lodge
Stonebrook Lodge is one of the newest hotels in Cherokee, North Carolina located near area attractions including Harrah’s Casino. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and the Blue Ridge Parkway are just a short drive away for nature lovers. The staff is knowledgeable about area attractions and are happy to help you find the best dining, white water rafting, shopping, and other activities to round out your vacation. Some rooms have refrigerators, coffee makers, and microwaves for your convenience. Enjoy free WiFi and a continental breakfast as part of the package. It’s a great alternative to the hustle and bustle of the casino resort.
Image Source: Swain County Chamber of Commerce
Cherokee, North Carolina is almost in the center of things with the Nantahala River to the west for white water rafting and the Tuckasegee River to the east for an easy, relaxing float adventure if you have children too young for the Nantahala River. If rivers are your happy place, you can also fish on the Oconaluftee River which runs through the heart of Cherokee. And, of course, Carolina Outfitters has given you a start at finding the best places to stay in the area.
Don’t forget to book a white water rafting trip with Carolina Outfitters for a splashing good time on the Nantahala River!
