Harrah’s Cherokee Completes $330 Million Expansion Project

The Cherokee Exterior

CHEROKEE, NC – Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort recently held a ceremonial ribbon cutting to celebrate the opening of the resort’s fourth hotel tower, The Cherokee, and 83,000 sq. ft. Cherokee Convention Center. The opening of these new amenities commemorates the completion of Harrah’s Cherokee’s $330 million expansion project.

“We have positioned ourselves as the leader in the entertainment industry in the Carolinas with our diversified experiences and amenities, and the completion of this four-year expansion project further solidifies our standing,” said Brooks Robinson, Regional Senior Vice President & General Manager of Harrah’s Cherokee Casinos. “Introduced in this project is additional lodging and dining options, plus a convention center that nearly triples our previous rentable meeting space.” 

Harrah's Cherokee Ribbon Cutting
Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort and invited dignitaries held a ceremonial ribbon cutting to celebrate the opening of the resort’s fourth hotel tower, The Cherokee, and 83,000 sq. ft. Cherokee Convention Center.

“Today marks a monumental milestone for the resort and the EBCI community,” said Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) Principal Chief, Richard Sneed. “In addition to offering unique experiences for visitors, this expansion project will attract conventions and will provide more space for businesses and associations to network in a way that has not always been accommodable in the past. This new business opportunity will provide an expanded revenue stream that will directly impact the EBCI community in a positive way for years to come.” 

Cherokee Lobby
Hotel lobby

The Cherokee at Harrah’s Cherokee Resort

The all-new Cherokee tower, conveniently located adjacent to the convention space, features 19 stories, 725 rooms and 70 suites with a design concept rooted in earth tones with accents of burnt sienna, golden hues, and charcoal gray along with a mix of eucalyptus and walnut woods. 

Upon arrival, guests are welcomed by a two-story, open-air lobby that features the dramatic aesthetic inspired by the Smoky Mountains that surround the resort. The centerpiece of the space is a 30 ft. registration desk made of onyx stone that sits in front of a custom walnut slatted wood design, lit to create an abstract representation of the Smoky Mountains. A 50-seat lobby bar and lounge are highlighted by a sky-blue marble wall lined with cascading bottles of wine. Also situated within the lobby is a Starbucks, ideal for vacationers as well as convention-goers.

Harrah's Cherokee Premium Queen
Premium Queen hotel room

Located on the second floor is the tower’s terrace pool, which features sweeping views of the mountain scenery as well as the fitness center. Offering a private entrance to the pool are two exclusive 800 sq. ft. hospitality suites complete with full kitchens. 

Cherokee Exhibit Hall Prefunction
Exhibit hall pre-function space

The Cherokee Convention Center

More than tripling the current rentable convention space at the resort, the brand-new 83,000 sq. ft. convention space at Harrah’s Cherokee features three levels of various meeting spaces for both large and small groups. Highlighted by one-of-a-kind views of the Smoky Mountains, the venue is complete with a 32,000 sq. ft. ballroom, 33,000 sq. ft. exhibition hall, pre-function space and more.