WHY IT RATES: The expansion project includes a new hotel tower and a convention center. -Codie Liermann, Senior Editor
Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort and invited dignitaries held a ceremonial ribbon cutting Friday to celebrate the opening of the resort's fourth hotel tower, The Cherokee, and 83,000 square-foot Cherokee Convention Center. The opening of these new amenities commemorates the completion of the $330 million expansion project.
Brooks Robinson, Regional Senior Vice President & General Manager of Harrah's Cherokee Casinos, opened the ceremony with remarks on the significance of this 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 Robinson. "Introduced in this project is additional lodging and dining options, plus a convention center that nearly triples our previous rentable meeting space."
Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) Principal Chief, Richard Sneed, also shared remarks on the project, stating it will signify a new revenue stream.
"Today marks a monumental milestone for the resort and the EBCI community," said 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."
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 seventy 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 immediately 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-foot 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.
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-square-foot hospitality suites complete with full kitchens.
The Cherokee Convention Center
More than tripling the current rentable convention space at the resort, the brand-new 83,000-square-foot 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 square-foot ballroom, 33,000 square-foot exhibition hall, pre-function space and more.
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