Cherokee has a poker room on its second floor. Harrah’s Cherokee wins the amenities comparison. Brio also didn’t compare to ones in other locations. The steak they didn’t take off the check was only marginally better. It was so tough it couldn’t be cut with a steak knife. Ruth’s Chris comped one of our steaks because it was of extremely low quality. My wife and I dined at Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse and Brio. I recommend eating at Rib Country a few miles west of the casino in Murphy. There are no restaurants at Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River that offer sit-down service. This offers Nathan’s Famous, Arthur Treacher’s Fish and Chips, Papa John’s Pizza, Panda Express and Earl of Sandwich. The only dining at Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River is in a small food court. Guests will find Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, Brio, two cafes and a food court that consists of Johnny Rockets, Dunkin Donuts, Earl of Sandwich and pizza by the slice. Harrah’s Cherokee easily wins the dining category. However, the view from the hotel is better from most rooms. The scenery around Murphy, NC doesn’t compete with Cherokee. Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River has no development of any kind within view except for parking lots associated with the hotel and casino. Some premium rooms have spectacular views. However, the two pedestrian bridges cross a beautiful mountain creek. With that said, the scenery around Harrah’s Cherokee is still better than most casinos offer. Most rooms do not have picturesque views. The Cherokee resort has development around it. The scenery viewable from the hotel towers is also much different between the two properties. However, the Creek tower at the original Cherokee property is still modern compared to the Soco and Mountain towers. The rooms at Cherokee Valley River are all newer. All are taller and larger than the single seven-story hotel building at Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River. Harrah’s Cherokee offers three hotel towers. One clear difference between Harrah’s Cherokee and Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River is the hotel. While the two casinos are sister properties, there are numerous differences between them. This is through the scenic Nantahala National Forest. The casinos are about one hour apart by car. Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River is just east of Murphy, NC. It is near the southern end of the Blue Ridge Parkway. I spent the weekend at Harrah’s Cherokee and Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River.

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