Harrah's Cherokee Valley River

cmani · Oct 15, 2015

In case anyone is in the Atlanta/Chattanooga area, or have been to Harrah's Cherokee before, here is my Harrah's Cherokee Valley River summary from TripAdvisor, It's only been open for less than three weeks:

The casino is on the small side, but there's still enough variety for most table and slot players. They do carry some of the newer machines such as Britney and Sons of Anarchy, as well as many old favorites. Table games are very similar to Cherokee: BJ, Three Card, Mississippi Stud, Roulette, Craps, and Baccarat. Unfortunately, the table limits are like Cherokee as well ($10 and up on most of their games, $15 and up on Blackjack). If you're a VP player, I think you'll agree the VP selection is more than adequate with plenty of the All-Star Poker machines. Speaking of poker, there's not a poker room yet, but I can't imagine them not setting one up eventually. For those hoping for a Diamond Lounge similar to Cherokee, you'll be slightly disappointed. There are far less seats and instead of preparing actual dishes, they offer cold cuts, cheeses, and fruit. (Though we did overhear that they may serve hot food in the future.) Drinks are still cheaper in the Diamond Lounge, but not substantially. As a non-smoker, I was discouraged by the "non-smoking" section that Harrah's freely advertises. Three rows of mediocre slots with non-smoking signs on them hardly qualifies as a non-smoking section. Throw in all the smoking slots adjacent to this area, and the non-smoking section is basically a joke.

We didn't try the food court, which is limited, but looked fine. They have Earl of Sandwich, Panda Express, Papa John's, Starbucks, and a 24 hour Nathan's. The Nathan's also carries an Arthur Treacher's Fish & Chips menu. Until they get a sit-down type place, I expect we'll be tasting more of what Murphy has to offer. (So far, The Parson's Pub - good, The Finish Line - bad, Chevelle's - pretty good).

The rooms are very similar to the ones in the Creek Tower at Cherokee. They still have that "brand new room" smell and are impeccably clean. We were only on the 3rd floor and still got a nice view of the nearby foliage. The parking, on the other hand, is horribly inadequate. We stayed on a Wednesday night and were still unable to use the hotel parking lot. There are two entrances to the casino, with parking lots on both sides. Unfortunately, there is zero close parking for the main entrance, and nothing for Diamond/Seven Stars. (You do get free valet with D/SS, but we prefer to just park ourselves.) If you're not staying at the hotel, I recommend parking by the side entrance.

Service has been outstanding each trip we've made to Valley River. Security at the front has been welcoming, front desk was courteous, and we've been greeted by our hosts, Hannah and Leilani, each time. Comps have started rolling in, and I appreciate Valley River's system where you swipe at the kiosk and receive your vouchers rather than getting them in the mail.

So overall, I have to say that I like what they're doing with Harrah's Valley River and I can't wait to see how the resort grows. Once they get a poker room, parking garage, a real non-smoking section, and a couple higher-end restaurants, this will be an excellent destination for just about everyone.
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miniwhale · Oct 15, 2015

Thanks for the review. We go to Cherokee 1-2 times a year and Valley River would be a bit closer for us, may have to give it a try. Do you happen to remember if they have Let It Ride? Or are the table games specifically what you listed?

PTC Larry · Oct 15, 2015

Thanks for the review. We have been waiting to hear about the new casino. Will give it a try for a day trip first time we go there.

cmani · Oct 15, 2015

miniwhale said: ↑

Do you happen to remember if they have Let It Ride? Or are the table games specifically what you listed?
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I don't recall seeing Let It Ride, which wouldn't make sense considering they have multiple LIR tables in Cherokee. It's entirely possible that I missed them.

Mirageluvr · Oct 17, 2015

Went to the CVR yesterday. The signing on the highway is sorely lacking, and we ended up driving past the casino. Multiple employees said this was a major concern, and they were working on a fix. With that said, the casino, albeit a bit small, was vey nice and had the latest slot machines. The employees were nice and attentive and we enjoyed our visit. My wife and I both left even, and my wife's brother and mother both dropped a few bucks. We will definitely return next year.

tringlomane · Oct 17, 2015

cmani said: ↑

I don't recall seeing Let It Ride, which wouldn't make sense considering they have multiple LIR tables in Cherokee. It's entirely possible that I missed them.
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LIR is sort of a dying game nationwide. In a smaller casino, I wouldn't necessarily expect it to be there. But if it's popular at Cherokee, then yeah, Murphy should offer it.

cmani · Oct 18, 2015

I went back last night, and they do not have Let It RIde yet, but I asked a pit boss if it was coming, and she said eventually. I also heard that it's not a matter of if they will get a poker room, only a matter of when. And the hostess at the Diamond Lounge said they recently hired a chef, so expect more substantial offerings in the lounge.

I also agree about the signage. If you're not from the area, it can be easy to miss.

Jaci2014 · Oct 18, 2015

Thank you for the review. We go to Cherokee 5-6 times a year and are looking forward to CVR. Thank you for your tips and insight.

miniwhale · Oct 20, 2015

tringlomane said: ↑

LIR is sort of a dying game nationwide. In a smaller casino, I wouldn't necessarily expect it to be there. But if it's popular at Cherokee, then yeah, Murphy should offer it.
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It does seem to be a dying game! Time to try something different!

cmani · Jan 23, 2016

Diamond Lounge update: They're serving hot food now, but mostly fried finger foods (popcorn chicken, fried veggie, spring rolls, etc). Saturday nights are now Chef's Night where the Chef prepares a real dish and even serves you. Last week was Beef Wellington, tonight is New York Strip.

tringlomane · Jan 25, 2016

Wow, how much of a mess is that lounge on sat. night?

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Harrah's Cherokee Valley River

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Harrah's Cherokee Valley River

cmani Low-Roller

miniwhale High-Roller

PTC Larry Off We Go

cmani Low-Roller

Mirageluvr Let's Ride!

tringlomane STP Addicted Beer Snob

cmani Low-Roller

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miniwhale High-Roller

cmani Low-Roller

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