
Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort
Best for guests who want on-site gaming, wide restaurant choices and large conference or event facilities.
Prices in other currencies are estimates. You’re charged in USD.
Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort is a large casino-forward mountain resort in Cherokee, NC, for travelers who want gaming, big meeting spaces and resort-scale amenities. Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg is a polished, family-friendly downtown Gatlinburg resort carrying a national leisure brand—good for visitors wanting walkable access to attractions like Ripley's Aquarium.
Updated

Best for guests who want on-site gaming, wide restaurant choices and large conference or event facilities.

Best for families and leisure travelers who want a centrally located Gatlinburg stay steps from top attractions.
When Harrah's Cherokee wins: choose Harrah's if you need a full-scale casino, a large spa (Mandara Spa), many on-site restaurants including celebrity-chef options, or if you're booking large meetings or group blocks—the property is effectively a regional resort-convention center with 1,833 rooms.
When Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg wins: pick Margaritaville for a polished downtown Gatlinburg location within easy walking distance of Ripley's Aquarium, Anakeesta and other attractions, plus family-oriented pool features and a branded island-leaning vibe without casino crowds.
Bottom line: Both are four-star Smokies properties with solid spas, pools and family access, but Harrah's suits groups and casino-focused trips while Margaritaville is the better downtown, attraction-oriented family resort.
| Category | Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort | Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Large casino-conference resort with multiple towers and round-the-clock operations. | Polished, branded leisure resort in the heart of downtown Gatlinburg. |
| Location | Entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park; Cherokee, NC (mountain gateway). | Downtown Gatlinburg, steps from Ripley's Aquarium and Anakeesta. |
| Size (rooms) | 1,833 rooms across four towers. | 163 rooms. |
| Audience / age policy | All ages welcome at the hotel; casino floor restricted to 21+. | All ages welcome; family-oriented public areas and pools. |
| Pools / water features | Heated indoor pool (year-round), seasonal outdoor pool and Cherokee Terrace Pool (hotel-guest access only). | Two outdoor pools (seasonal), one indoor pool, waterslide, children's pool, and firepit. |
| Restaurants & bars | About a dozen venues including Ruth's Chris, Guy Fieri, Gordon Ramsay concepts and multiple casual options. | Two restaurants, a coffee shop/cafe, and a bar/lounge; room service and on-site dining. |
| Spa & fitness | Mandara Spa (18,000 sq ft) with specialized treatments; 24-hour fitness center. | Full-service spa with massages and body treatments; 24-hour fitness facilities. |
| Known for | Large casino floor, extensive meeting space and conference/event hosting. | Downtown walkability to Gatlinburg attractions and a branded, family-friendly resort feel. |
| Parking & access | Free self-parking and complimentary valet for hotel guests; separate casino parking areas. | Self parking available (surcharge) and valet available (surcharge); limited parking noted. |
| Pet policy | Dogs accepted in designated rooms only (fee and restrictions apply); cats not allowed. | Not published |
Harrah's Cherokee sits at the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park and functions as a regional resort base.
Pick Harrah's for mountain access and cultural attractions outside a downtown setting.
Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg sits on the Parkway in downtown Gatlinburg within walking distance of key attractions.
Choose Margaritaville for walkable access to Gatlinburg's main attractions and downtown energy.
Harrah's offers many room types across four towers to suit groups, families and business travelers.
Harrah's has the variety and scale to cover large groups and varied traveler needs.
Margaritaville has 163 air-conditioned rooms with family suites and accessible options.
Margaritaville's room mix targets families and leisure travelers looking for comfortable, branded rooms.
Harrah's has a large, diverse on-site dining roster, from upscale steak to casual market concepts.
Harrah's is the pick for variety, celebrity-chef venues and late-night dining tied to the casino.
Margaritaville offers on-site casual dining and a bar with room-service and café options.
Margaritaville is convenient for family meals and quick on-site dining before exploring downtown.
Harrah's provides multiple pools including an indoor heated pool, a seasonal outdoor pool and a Terrace Pool for guests.
Harrah's pool options support both family downtime and adult relaxation within a resort setting.
Margaritaville emphasizes family-friendly pool features including multiple outdoor pools and a waterslide.
Margaritaville is tuned to family fun and easy pool access after a day at nearby attractions.
Harrah's pairs a large Mandara Spa with casino nightlife and on-site entertainment venues.
Harrah's is the stronger choice for a combined spa-and-nightlife stay, especially for adult groups.
Margaritaville offers spa services and nightlife via its bar/lounge and Gatlinburg's downtown evening scene.
Margaritaville works well if you want spa time plus easy access to Gatlinburg's evening attractions.

Harrah's — large 150,000-square-foot casino floor with 24/7 gaming (21+).

Margaritaville — steps from Ripley's Aquarium, Anakeesta and Gatlinburg Parkway attractions.

Harrah's — extensive meeting space and ballrooms with thousands of guests capacity.

Margaritaville — two outdoor pools, an indoor pool, waterslide and children's pool.
Margaritaville is more focused on family-friendly downtown access and pool features; Harrah's welcomes families too but the casino floor is restricted to 21+ and much evening activity centers on adult gaming.
No. The casino building and its restaurants/gift shops on the casino floor are restricted to guests 21 and over.
Yes. Harrah's has Mandara Spa (18,000 sq ft) and a 24-hour fitness center; Margaritaville also offers on-site spa services and 24-hour fitness facilities.
Margaritaville — it's located on Gatlinburg's Parkway within walking distance of major attractions like Ripley's Aquarium and Anakeesta.
Explore how Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort stacks up against other hotels nearby:
vs. sites like Expedia, Hotels.com and other OTAs ·