Name: Econo Lodge Cherokee Near Island Park
Address: 20 River Road Highway US 19, Downtown Cherokee, Cherokee, North Carolina, United States of America, Cherokee, Swain County, US
Price range: $70–$155 per night
Rating: 8.53

What guests think

Across many reviews, Econo Lodge Cherokee Near Island Park is praised for friendly, accommodating staff, clean no-frills rooms, and a central, convenient location close to the casino and Island Park, offering good value and a generally quiet stay.

Common drawbacks include spotty or nonfunctional Wi-Fi, occasional musty or smoke odors, and some noise from thin walls or loud A/C units. A few guests noted no in-room microwaves and limited parking, and breakfast is a simple continental spread. A practical choice for travelers prioritizing value and convenience.

Facilities

Cleanliness

Rooms

Service

Location

Dining

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Facilities

Facilities are basic and well kept, with outdoor seating and a well maintained property. Parking feels safe but can be tight.

Related guest reviews

10

Harold

Jul 12, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Quiet, relaxing and peaceful. Enjoyed the lawn chairs in front of the room.

10

mario

Dec 4, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

For the price, this is a great hotel - older but centrally located and well maintained

8

gerald

Oct 12, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Cramped parking lot. Clean place

10

Guy

Jun 26, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The property is well maintained as it always clean & ready for occupancy, after a long ldistance of driving. Whenever I visit the Cherokee location, I always stay at this Econolodge, because I like the way everything is kept. Including the plants that are on the property.

10

Reiko

May 12, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Centrally located. Clean room easy parking. Breakfast is limit so just a few things to hold you over. There are chairs outside of room to enjoy fresh air. Good value.

10

Reginald

Feb 2, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Property was in a safe and well lit location

8

Christopher

Dec 28, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Nice place, very clean. Safe parking and close to harrah's. Breakfast was good enough to get you started. Minus one star. Had slight motel smell. You know the one.

8

Scott

Oct 29, 2023

·

Rooms were about as expected. TV, refrigerator, desk/ Chair. Clean and comfortable. No microwave in room. Staff allowed us to heat leftovers in hotel dinette microwave. Bed was comfortable. Internet and cell service was available in the bedroom but not in the bathroom. Wanted to stay another night because so much to do in the area and the rate went up another $80 because it was the "weekend rate". Too tired to argue about it or do more looking. Would probably stay there again. Staff was very pleasant.

8

Jo

Nov 11, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

This is a no frills hotel but extremely clean. The desk clerks were very nice and the hotel is in a great location.

10

Matthew

Dec 20, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Quiet, clean and comfortable. Easy access to everything I love in Cherokee. Very affordable. The staff were wonderful and accommodating. I actually prefer staying here over Harrah's - I don't need all the frills and fancy extra accomodations (pool, spa, expensive restaurants) that I won't use anyway.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Cleanliness

Reviews often highlight very clean rooms and tidy grounds. Recurring issues include occasional musty or smoke odors and isolated lapses like dust, bugs, or worn linens.

Related guest reviews

2

Derek

Jul 31, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

The whole place outside and in the rooms smelled of cigarettes.

10

Luis

Dec 21, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Everything was clean and tidy. Staff was awesome and friendly. We walked to the park and all the way to get some ice cream and it felt very safe. Would stay again!

6

Emily

Aug 21, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The room was clean but smelled musty. The a/c unit was too high to reach without standing on a chair that felt unsafe. Very clean and close to eating/shopping.

2

Richard

Nov 25, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Bugs in the room , sheets had tears & holes mattress was dirty & not enough towels or face cloths , filter dirty to a.c.

6

Leah or Bryan

May 21, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

We prepaid through hotels.com for our room. The facility called us to make sure we were going to show up for our prepaid room starting at 5:00 at night. We couldn't answer the phone because there was no cell service. When asked about the phone call the facility said they were just checking on our ETA even though the offices open 24 hours???? When you arrive you have to sign a paper agreeing to a $250 fine if you smoke in the room. However when you go in the room it smells like a casino floor after midnight... Stale, musty, humid and like old smoke. Couldn't open the window because there was no screen and it was springtime so lots of bugs outside. Really really not good. I was embarrassed to have brought my mother there to stay. When I spoke to the gentleman at the front desk about the odor he said they can't control that people stand outside the rooms and smoke at all hours... The air conditioning had trouble cooling the room and did nothing for the humidity. Very poor water pressure in shower. Great handicapped safety bars in bathroom. The bed was uncomfortable enough that my mother had back pain for most of the next day. The construction of hotel is old so heavy bricks which means that the room was quiet even when the 20+ motorcycle group started up their Harleys early in the morning to leave. So that part was nice. Overall, I wouldn't stay again.

10

Sapopa

Nov 12, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Best hotel in Cherokee. The staff were super nice, the rooms were very clean, and the location was perfect. It is the only hotel I stay at when I go to Cherokee once or twice a year.

4

Brooks

Oct 12, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

You get what you pay for - musty/stale smell in the room, lots of dust on surfaces, toilet flushed wonky. It was fine for a night but I wouldn't book again.

10

Valerie

Nov 12, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Rooms are clean. The staff is great. Housekeeping are also great. Hotel is quite.

10

Heather

Jul 28, 2024

·

Stayed 4 nights

Very clean. Rooms updated very nicely. Staff very nice.

10

Pamela

Feb 2, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

This was our second stay at the econo lodge and it's been very clean both stays. Front desk staff very friendly.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Rooms

Rooms are basic with generally comfortable beds. Downsides noted are unreliable Wi-Fi, some noise from thin walls or loud A/C, and the absence of in-room microwaves in some units.

Related guest reviews

8

Pearl

Jan 15, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Everything was great except the noisey air conditioner.

6

Carol

Jul 9, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Was very noisy. Wi-Fi never worked! Wasn’t worth what I paid.

8

Julia

Oct 19, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The beds were comfy and it was great having three beds in the room. The only drawback was the WiFi was nonexistent. We stayed two nights and it wasn’t too big a problem but If you are someone who needs WiFi this may not be the place for you.

8

Stacie

Nov 2, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Pros: Friendly staff. Easy check in. Clean. Comfortable bed. Cons: walls are thin, no microwave in room

8

Alex

Jul 10, 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

The staff was excellent. Property was clean and well kept. Only real gripe was that Wifi was worse than spotty. Tried it on three separate devices (2 phones and a newer laptop). Was not able to access a consistent signal on any of our devices for more than a few minutes at a time when it did connect (yes, we rebooted the devices- multiple times). The continental breakfast was exactly that, but was fresh and tasty. Again, the staff was excellent. Looking for a clean, safe place, with a convenient location at a great value? This would be the place.

8

Ruth

Jul 20, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Staff very friendly A/C was very loud

10

Theresa

May 26, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Pros: Beds are comfortable, room clean, easy check in check out, staff welcoming Cons: would have liked sausage, eggs, or omelets for breakfast. Overall great place to stay, I would recommend.

8

michael

Nov 22, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Room was good, bed was comfortable. They are doing some work in some of the rooms but overall I would stay again. The staff was very friendly. The continental breakfast was okay. The things like sausage sandwich and french toast were premade and had to microwave them. Coffee was very good, it was great for a quick breakfast. Within walking distance of a lot of shops and a five minute drive to the casino.

8

Scott

Oct 29, 2023

·

Rooms were about as expected. TV, refrigerator, desk/ Chair. Clean and comfortable. No microwave in room. Staff allowed us to heat leftovers in hotel dinette microwave. Bed was comfortable. Internet and cell service was available in the bedroom but not in the bathroom. Wanted to stay another night because so much to do in the area and the rate went up another $80 because it was the "weekend rate". Too tired to argue about it or do more looking. Would probably stay there again. Staff was very pleasant.

8

Rebecca

Jun 1, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The property was okay. The WiFi was slow.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Service

Service is widely praised as friendly, accommodating, and helpful, with smooth check-in and staff who go out of their way. A few guests mentioned lapses in managing noise or communication.

Related guest reviews

10

Stacey

May 21, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

There's a reason I keep coming back to the Econo Lodge! Yes, it's always super clean, with comfortable beds, beautiful scenery, and an excellent location, but it's the friendly staff that's my #1. This time, a shout-out to Erin! Thank you.

10

Zach A.

Jun 28, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Easy access and the hotel staff were great! No complaints at all.

10

Steven

Mar 2, 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

FRONT desk Anthony made me feel like family it was late he made a fresh pot of coffee on a Cold night when coffee was over Great Place Steven

10

James

Dec 18, 2022

·

Stayed 19,343 nights

Very friendly staff.

10

Ramona

Jul 13, 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

Friendly staff, room clean and good continental breakfast. No complaints.

8

Donald

Nov 11, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Very clean rooms location is close to casino staff could use some management and people skills other than that it’s a good place to stay the night

10

Sapopa

Nov 12, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Best hotel in Cherokee. The staff were super nice, the rooms were very clean, and the location was perfect. It is the only hotel I stay at when I go to Cherokee once or twice a year.

10

Valerie

Nov 12, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Rooms are clean. The staff is great. Housekeeping are also great. Hotel is quite.

10

Paul

Jun 20, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Stay overall was fine.. room had obviously need of repairs because of the unpainted drywall all over. The staff was amazing. We had to leave out early and they refunded our other night back to us. Everyone was supper friendly… I would still recommend it to anyone coming to town. Great location as well.

10

Carol

May 9, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Staff was very nice and accommodating. Room was clean. Would stay again.

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Location

Central and convenient for Island Park, downtown shops, and Harrah’s casino; many spots are walkable or a short drive. Several guests also felt the area was safe and quiet.

Related guest reviews

10

Marielle

Jul 15, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

This is where we will always stay when we visit Cherokee. We loved the staff. We loved the proximity to the park. It was beautiful, comfortable, clean. And sincerely the staff there- every one of them are top notch people, very kind and personable and accommodating. The hotel is beautiful with gorgeous flower boxes everywhere and an exquisite view of the mountains and sky. This is a very special place. Thank you for our visit!!

10

mario

Dec 4, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

For the price, this is a great hotel - older but centrally located and well maintained

10

Marilyn

Jul 25, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

This location is very centrally located and close to our family that we were visiting. The hotel is very clean, the bed was very comfortable and the front desk lady very friendly. I would highly recommend this hotel to others. We plan to return soon.

10

Kimberly

Jun 5, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Across feom Oconalufte Island Park

10

Kyla

Jun 2, 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

This was an amazing room for an affordable price! The location was right in Cherokee and the staff was great! Will definitely stay here again :)

10

Darrell

Dec 20, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Nice location, near casino, shops and restaurants but off the main street

10

Samuel

Jan 7, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

location

10

Sapopa

Nov 12, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Best hotel in Cherokee. The staff were super nice, the rooms were very clean, and the location was perfect. It is the only hotel I stay at when I go to Cherokee once or twice a year.

8

michael

Nov 22, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Room was good, bed was comfortable. They are doing some work in some of the rooms but overall I would stay again. The staff was very friendly. The continental breakfast was okay. The things like sausage sandwich and french toast were premade and had to microwave them. Coffee was very good, it was great for a quick breakfast. Within walking distance of a lot of shops and a five minute drive to the casino.

8

Jo

Nov 11, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

This is a no frills hotel but extremely clean. The desk clerks were very nice and the hotel is in a great location.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Dining

Breakfast is a simple continental setup with coffee, cereal, fruit, bread, and microwavable items, fine for a quick start. Some guests wanted more hot options or found parts of the setup lacking.

Related guest reviews

10

John

Jan 30, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Perfect place for our one night in town. Clean and comfortable with a reasonable free breakfast. Coffee, cereal, fruit, bread and microwavable sausage biscuits. Staff was wonderful. Only knock is that the emergency vehicles driving by were loud. Didn't bother us, but worth noting.

10

Reiko

May 12, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Centrally located. Clean room easy parking. Breakfast is limit so just a few things to hold you over. There are chairs outside of room to enjoy fresh air. Good value.

10

Ramona

Jul 13, 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

Friendly staff, room clean and good continental breakfast. No complaints.

8

Cindy

Jul 7, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Breakfast area was confusing.

8

Christopher

Dec 28, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Nice place, very clean. Safe parking and close to harrah's. Breakfast was good enough to get you started. Minus one star. Had slight motel smell. You know the one.

8

Alex

Jul 10, 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

The staff was excellent. Property was clean and well kept. Only real gripe was that Wifi was worse than spotty. Tried it on three separate devices (2 phones and a newer laptop). Was not able to access a consistent signal on any of our devices for more than a few minutes at a time when it did connect (yes, we rebooted the devices- multiple times). The continental breakfast was exactly that, but was fresh and tasty. Again, the staff was excellent. Looking for a clean, safe place, with a convenient location at a great value? This would be the place.

10

Theresa

May 26, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Pros: Beds are comfortable, room clean, easy check in check out, staff welcoming Cons: would have liked sausage, eggs, or omelets for breakfast. Overall great place to stay, I would recommend.

6

Dave

Aug 16, 2023

·

Stayed 4 nights

The room was clean. The pillows were not fluffy or soft. The breakfast was ok,good variety,Toaster waffles bad. No catsup for sausage biskets

8

michael

Nov 22, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Room was good, bed was comfortable. They are doing some work in some of the rooms but overall I would stay again. The staff was very friendly. The continental breakfast was okay. The things like sausage sandwich and french toast were premade and had to microwave them. Coffee was very good, it was great for a quick breakfast. Within walking distance of a lot of shops and a five minute drive to the casino.

10

Betty

Feb 4, 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

Very clean. Enjoyed the free breakfast. Staff was very friendly and courteous

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Month	Average price
January	$79
February	$82
March	$79
April	$81
May	$87
June	$87
July	$92
August	$85
September	$86
October	$114
November	$89
December	$85

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
		1	2	3	4	5
6	7	8	9	10	11	12
13	14 $80	15 $71	16 $80	17 $80	18 $140	19
20 $80	21 $80	22 $80	23 $80	24 $80	25 $141	26 $141
27 $84	28 $91	29 $90	30 $80

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
				1 $88	2 $152	3
4 $95	5 $88	6 $91	7 $91	8 $91	9	10
11 $91	12 $91	13 $90	14 $93	15 $121	16	17
18 $89	19 $77	20 $84	21 $88	22 $90	23 $155	24
25 $83	26 $74	27 $74	28 $70	29 $70	30 $128	31 $121

Select dates to see prices and availability

Monthly average prices

About this property

Location

Room options

Room, 2 Queen Beds, Accessible

Room, Multiple Beds

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Refrigerator

Room, 2 Double Beds

Guest reviews

Fabulous

Who stays here?

What guests think

Property Policies

Check-in instructions

Security deposit

Good to know

FAQs about Econo Lodge Cherokee Near Island Park

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Prices for upcoming dates