What to pack for a stay at Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort

Room basics and what the hotel provides

All guest rooms include items you can rely on so you won’t need to pack duplicates. Typical in-room amenities include 300-thread-count linens, Kohler overhead rain showers, 50-inch HD flat-screen TVs, a Cuisinart coffee maker with Wolfgang Puck/WP pods, a mini-refrigerator, an in-room safe, and a hair dryer. Photo 1 fits this section.

• Pack travel-size toiletries if you prefer your own brands; shampoo, conditioner, soap, and towels are provided.
• Bring any specialty electronics or adapters you need — rooms have standard outlets but check for your plug types.
• If you need accessible or a specific room type, request it at booking; room names include Premium Room, Luxury Room, Mountain Deluxe Room 2 Queens, Creek Tower options, and others listed by the resort.

ID, payment, and check-in essentials

Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort requires a government-issued photo ID and a credit card at check-in; the minimum age to register is 21 with no exceptions. The front desk is staffed 24 hours and standard check-in begins at 4:00 PM; early check-in may be available for a fee and late check-out can also be requested for a fee, subject to availability.

A damage/incidental deposit is taken at check-in and refunded after a post-stay inspection (amounts reported by booking sources vary). The property accepts major credit cards; some sources indicate the property operates primarily cashless for property transactions. Keep your ID handy if you plan to enter the casino floor, which is restricted to guests 21 and older.

• Bring the government-issued photo ID used for the reservation.
• Use a credit card for incidentals/deposit; ask the front desk about the deposit amount when you arrive.
• If you’re under 21, you may stay in the hotel only as a registered guest with an adult; you cannot enter the casino area.

Pool, spa and fitness packing

Harrah's Cherokee has a heated indoor pool open year-round, a seasonal outdoor pool (open May–September) and the Cherokee Terrace Pool; pool access is restricted to hotel guests. If you plan spa treatments at Mandara Spa, reservations are required in advance — the spa offers treatments and facilities such as a sauna and hydrotherapy pool and has set operating hours.

Bring swimwear, a cover-up or robe, flip-flops or pool shoes, and a quick-dry towel if you prefer your own. For spa appointments, pack any personal items you want post-treatment (comfortable clothes, flip-flops) and arrive a little early to use relaxation areas when available.

• Swimsuit and pool shoes
• Light robe or cover-up
• Flip-flops or sandals
• Sunscreen for the outdoor pool (open seasonally)
• Comfortable workout clothes and sneakers for the 24-hour fitness center

Dining and evening dress — what to bring

Meals are not included in standard room rates; the resort has multiple restaurants and bars ranging from casual all-ages options (Amici Italia, Selu Garden Café, Gordon Ramsay Food Market) to venues restricted to guests 21 and older (Ruth's Chris Steak House, Noodle Bar on the casino floor). For upscale restaurants like Ruth's Chris, pack business-casual attire and check the restaurant’s dress expectations before you go.

If you plan late-night visits to on-site bars or the casino (21+), bring a valid photo ID. Casual clothes work for most daytime dining and family venues; reserve dressier clothes if you want an upscale dinner.

• Casual daytime outfits for food court and family restaurants
• Business-casual or nicer outfit for Ruth's Chris Steak House or evening shows
• Photo ID for 21+ venues and the casino
• Comfortable shoes for walking between dining areas and the tower you’re staying in

Outdoor activities and mountain weather — pack for layers

The resort sits at the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park and mountain weather changes quickly. Days in late spring through early fall are usually warm; winters can be very cold. If you plan hiking, biking, or sightseeing (Oconaluftee River Trail, Mingo Falls, etc.), bring layers you can add or remove, a light waterproof jacket, and good walking shoes or hiking boots.

Also pack a small daypack, refillable water bottle, insect repellent for summer hikes, and a headlamp or flashlight if you’ll do early-morning or late-afternoon trail activities. If you’ll drive to nearby trailheads or take day trips, keep a printed or offline map as cell reception can be spotty in mountain areas.

• Pack a waterproof jacket and mid layers (fleece or sweatshirt)
• Sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots
• Daypack, water bottle, sunscreen, insect repellent
• Optional: trekking poles, binoculars for elk or bird viewing

Families, kids and pet considerations

Harrah's Cherokee welcomes children as hotel guests and offers family amenities such as an arcade, pools, and family-friendly dining outside the casino floor. Note the hotel minimum check-in age is 21 — the adult registering the room must present photo ID.

The property allows up to two dogs per reservation (maximum 50 lbs per pet) in designated pet-friendly rooms for a nightly fee; cats are not accepted. Pets may not be left unsupervised. If traveling with kids, pack swimsuits, casual clothing, and any child-specific items (diapers, travel stroller, favorite snacks).

• Children: bring IDs for adults and usual child gear (stroller, car seat if needed)
• Pets: up to 2 dogs per reservation, max 50 lbs each — confirm pet-friendly room/tower when booking
• Bring any prescription medications and a small first-aid kit for kids