Name: Drama Inn
Address: 462 Tsali Blvd, Downtown Cherokee, Cherokee, North Carolina, United States of America, Cherokee, Swain County, US
Price range: US$102–US$144 per night
Rating: 6.97

What guests think

Drama Inn earns praise for its peaceful riverfront setting and convenience to town, but reviews repeatedly note the property is old and in need of repairs, with many comments about worn furnishings, maintenance issues, and inconsistent housekeeping.

Guests frequently enjoy balconies overlooking the river and a quiet atmosphere. Beds and pillows are often described as uncomfortable, and some report odors, leaks, bugs, or broken fixtures. Service feedback ranges from friendly and helpful to slow or rude, and Wi-Fi can be unreliable. Expect great views with very basic, dated accommodations.

Facilities

Cleanliness

Rooms

Service

Location

Dining

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Facilities

Some guests appreciated the pet-friendly policy, but facilities feel basic; reports mention a closed pool, limited parking, and no elevator to upper floors.

Related guest reviews

8

robert

5 Dec 2022

·

Stayed 19,330 nights

Get an upstairs room and you can set in a rocking chair and look down on the river. It is an older motel. Close to everything in Cherokee

10

Lillian

18 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Sitting on the upstairs deck and listening to the kids play during the day or quiet evening time in the rocking chairs

6

Robert

19 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Ahh, it was ok. The lady running the check in was awesome! She done an excellent job. Sadly, after that, things went south. I had the job of getting an 80yr old woman to the second floor without the assistance of an elevator. No big deal if I had been forwarded.

2

Tony

7 Sept 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Pool was closed it was dirty and the bed broke in the middle of night and I Landon the floor

10

Taylor

20 Apr 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Everyone was so nice. We brought our dog for her first trip to the mountains to hike with the family and this was the perfect stay right by the river and very relaxing.

10

Beth

26 Oct 2023

·

Stayed 3 nights

Love the quaintness of this hotel and that they are pet friendly. Really large room. Older hotel but quiet comfortable!

4

Melissa

15 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Was recommended by someone. I knew it was going to be somewhat outdated from the reviews so I was ok with that but the beds were horrible you could feel the springs. You had a fitted sheet on the bed and a thin scratchy blanket to cover with. We had to let the water run for 10 min to get hot water to shower. I would never stay here again luckily we spent most our time out the first day. The second day the inn and surrounding area lost power for most of the day. We left a day early because we just couldn’t do another night there.

6

JAMES

22 Oct 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Terrible beds,no wifi,poor parking.

8

Wayne

25 Jun 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Hotel is old but maintained. Friendly staff excellent location. Love that is dog friendly

6

William

7 Sept 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

We liked the location. The wifi was horrible no signal. We entered our room noticed the smoke alarm was laying on the table not connected. Air conditioning only one setting. Many signs of ceiling leaking. Bathroom fan didn't work. Beds not comfortable at all need replaced. Gutters stopped up allowed rain water to come on the deck. Not enough towels, two sets for three adults . We were told half of staff called out. Didn't receive extra towels untill the last night we stayed. Management were very nice and tried there best they should get a 10 star due to the overwhelming conditions they were put in . Would we stay at Drama Inn again when we come back to visit; probably not will look elsewhere.

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Cleanliness

Cleanliness is inconsistent: multiple reviews cite dirty rooms, odors, pests, stained linens, and poorly maintained bathrooms and balconies, though a few guests found rooms clean.

Related guest reviews

2

John

10 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Dead bolt was busted on the door, room was not clean, bed was not made and had dirty sheets. Floor was not vacuumed. Bathroom was not cleaned. Toilet was nasty. Tub had rust in it.

6

Gail

8 Jun 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Needs serious updating. Rusted towel bars Paint falling off walls. Stained bed linens. Ugh

2

Donna

26 Apr 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Location convenient but had a moldy smell and had to leave because of bed bugs on both beds headboards pillows and sheets

6

Joy

24 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Lovely view. Balcony was nasty...spider webs, trees that had been trimmed was not picked up, left dying on the bank and in the river. Sorry I will not stay again

2

Lyndsey

29 Nov 2022

·

Stayed 1 night

It was honestly the most disgusting place I've ever been to the beds were held up with black tape there was mold visible on the walls inside the closet along the wall into the bathroom there was pee inside the bathtub there was Pee left all in the toilet the beds look like a 500 lb whale had jumped on it and broke it in half the smell oh my goodness it smelt horrendous and when I tried to tell them I wanted my money back within the first 5 minutes of course they said no so needless to say they got my $122 and we went somewhere else this place honestly just needs to be condemned

2

Norma

27 Oct 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

It was smelly Roach bugs ants everywhere no towels in room wouldn't recommend to anybody !!!

2

Crystal

5 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The View was amazing! Everything else was nasty! The roof was caving in. There were stink bugs all in the room. There were cockroaches in the room. The shower head was coming out of the wall.

6

Staci

10 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 5 nights

Out side was wonderful! Room was dated & smelled of mildew, toilet was like sitting on a rocking chair & the shower was patched very poorly.

6

Glenda

15 Nov 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

What to say? This is an older property with a great location on the river. I very much enjoyed sitting on the balcony watching and listening to the river. The room was clean with no odor. I slept really well in the room. When I booked the room, I was looking for inexpensive accommodation for just one night. The property is very dated and in bad condition inside the rooms and the property overall. It is a nice location but it needs a total makeover. If you book this property, don’t expect much.

2

Batuhan

26 Nov 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Horrible hotel, very dirty rooms. No reception or working WIFI. Doors don't even have a lock, all you can lock is the door knob and even a 12 year old could pop it open. They won't give you a refund if you are unhappy or feel safe in the room. DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY HERE!

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Rooms

Rooms are dated with worn furnishings; beds and pillows are often uncomfortable, Wi-Fi can be weak, and some fixtures or climate controls are limited. Many enjoy river views from balconies.

Related guest reviews

8

Mitchell

10 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Everything was great except for the bed. It was a little too firm for my preference. And the air conditioning only has one setting.

6

Donna

25 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

View off balcony over creek was beautiful. Beds need replaced, lumpy.

10

Giles

28 Apr 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Great setting

6

Barry

19 Aug 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

The only complaint is this: the beds are hard, and none of us rested good because of it. Other than that, it was a pretty good. Nice view of the river from the shared balcony.

4

Sandra

15 May 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Great view of the river

6

Ronald

17 Oct 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Very Very close to main road,all night as the cars would turn the curve head lights and tail light would shine into the room. Need black out curtains and another blanket and it would be wonderful.

6

JAMES

22 Oct 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Terrible beds,no wifi,poor parking.

10

Hengli

7 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Nice river view

6

Glenda

15 Nov 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

What to say? This is an older property with a great location on the river. I very much enjoyed sitting on the balcony watching and listening to the river. The room was clean with no odor. I slept really well in the room. When I booked the room, I was looking for inexpensive accommodation for just one night. The property is very dated and in bad condition inside the rooms and the property overall. It is a nice location but it needs a total makeover. If you book this property, don’t expect much.

4

Michael

17 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Well this is the truth. Upon arrival the woman behind the counter acked as thou I wasn't even there. After about 30 seconds l let her know that I was standing there and she then finally acknowledged that I was standing there. I found this very disrespectful. Finally got my room and went upstairs and opened the door. The room smelt like dirty carpet and was very outdated. The beds were very uncomfortable as were the pillows. The only positive thing that I could say was the view of the river from the balcony. This hotel is very outdated and obviously not well maintained. Both myself and my wife would not stay at this hotel again. Would not recommend.Woke up with a terrible backache and maybe got four hours of sleep.

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Service

Service is mixed: many describe friendly, helpful staff, while others report rude interactions, check-in issues, limited office hours, and occasional reservation or billing problems.

Related guest reviews

6

Kimberly

31 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

I booked a room on Hotels.com. When I got to the hotel there were no rooms available. The desk clerk said she didn’t know how I was able to book a room. They had none available.

10

Norman

14 Aug 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Staff was excellent

10

Janet

29 Oct 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

The staff was kind and efficient. The front desk personnel even did a quality check on our room and turned the heater on for us beforehand. I definitely will be back!

6

Javad

12 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

The heater fun was broken. Office was closed most of the time

10

Gwyneth

29 May 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

John at the desk was extremely helpful upon check in. The hotel is old but in great condition for its age, lovely views of the river and quiet except for trucks first thing in the morning. Middle of everywhere you would wish to go. Very reasonably priced

2

Jason

18 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

I was double charged at check in, I paid for my stay and have a receipt from Expedia from the day I reserved my room, but was charged again at check in. If you pay at the time of reservation print a hard copy of your receipt before you go on vacation. I liked the hotel but didn’t get the room I reserved and paid double. I contacted Expedia and they tried to say I was supposed to pay at check in but was charged when I booked with them and also when I left the hotel. So do not use Expedia if you don’t want to be charged double.

10

Nicole

10 Apr 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

The check in woman was beyond friendly!! The bed was comfortable. You're right on the river and it's so peaceful at night to listen to it.

4

Michael

17 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Well this is the truth. Upon arrival the woman behind the counter acked as thou I wasn't even there. After about 30 seconds l let her know that I was standing there and she then finally acknowledged that I was standing there. I found this very disrespectful. Finally got my room and went upstairs and opened the door. The room smelt like dirty carpet and was very outdated. The beds were very uncomfortable as were the pillows. The only positive thing that I could say was the view of the river from the balcony. This hotel is very outdated and obviously not well maintained. Both myself and my wife would not stay at this hotel again. Would not recommend.Woke up with a terrible backache and maybe got four hours of sleep.

4

Timothy

2 Dec 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Drama Inn provided un-welcomed drama at check-in. The staff person said she didn't have the room type I reserved. She offered me a smoking room. I could not accept because of health concerns. I was offered a room upstairs with smaller beds. I asked if I would get a discount. She rudely said "we don't do discounts". I expressed my dissatisfaction with the lack of good customer service. The staff person glared at me with an evil stare. Nonetheless, I didn't give up on my request for being treated right and eventually a room was found to accommodate me. Overall, the place has a great price but good customer service shouldn't cost extra. Neither should a decent pillow. Between the old spring bed and the cheap pillows, I got little to no sleep. I did love the huge, deep bathtub for a good hot soak. Too bad the shower head leaked in my face while I was bathing though.

10

Bobbie

13 Apr 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Great place right on the river, friendly staff. I'll be back!

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Location

Scenic location on the river and close to shops, dining, and local attractions; several mention a peaceful setting. Some roadside light or noise affects a few rooms.

Related guest reviews

8

robert

5 Dec 2022

·

Stayed 19,330 nights

Get an upstairs room and you can set in a rocking chair and look down on the river. It is an older motel. Close to everything in Cherokee

6

Carolyn

19 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

I like the property, very convenient to shopping and dining, clean, quiet, balcony overlooking the river. I didn't like the stairs, they need to upgrade their beds and pillows, overall loved my stay!

10

Rachel

6 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

It has a wonderful river view and close to everything Very kind staff

6

Randi

2 Feb 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Beautiful area and views

10

Heather

5 Jun 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Loved that it was right on the river. Enjoyed watching the geese and ducks swimming. Nice quiet environment, very peaceful

10

Gwyneth

29 May 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

John at the desk was extremely helpful upon check in. The hotel is old but in great condition for its age, lovely views of the river and quiet except for trucks first thing in the morning. Middle of everywhere you would wish to go. Very reasonably priced

10

Elianna

17 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Property is placed very well by the river, quite and very comfortable, it brings you back in time. Very good for relaxing and disconnecting for a couple of days. Walking distance to shops and museums in the area. the host was very cordial and polite. We enjoyed our girls weekend very much and this hotel did not disappoint.

8

Katina

16 Feb 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The room was nice but you could tell it had a little damage from Helene. Had a slight musky smell at first but it went away. The stay it self was very pleasant. Had a view if the rive behind us and it was right there at the River Park.

8

RICKIE

8 Jul 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Older building and it may not be for everyone but overall clean and comfortable. The front desk lady was friendly. The location was outstanding. I would stay there again.

10

Cynthiaann Lee

19 Jul 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Overlooks the river and park. There was a festival and concert there during our stay also!

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Dining

Not enough information in reviews.

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Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
		1	2	3	4	5
6	7	8	9	10	11	12
13	14	15	16	17 $102	18 $144	19 $143
20 $102	21 $102	22 $102	23 $102	24 $102	25 $144	26 $144
27 $102	28 $102	29 $102	30 $102

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
				1 $102	2 $144	3 $144
4 $102	5 $102	6 $102	7 $102	8 $102	9 $144	10 $144
11 $102	12 $102	13 $102	14 $102	15 $102	16 $144	17 $144
18 $102	19 $102	20 $102	21 $102	22 $102	23 $144	24 $144
25 $102	26 $102	27 $102	28 $102	29 $102	30 $144	31 $144

Select dates to see prices and availability

About this property

Location

Room options

Signature Room

Signature Double Room

Standard Double Room, 2 Queen Beds, Park View

Comfort Single Room, 1 King Bed, Jetted Tub

Deluxe Double Room, 2 Double Beds, River View

Guest reviews

Pleasant

Who stays here?

What guests think

Property policies

Check-in instructions

Good to know

Optional extras

FAQs about Drama Inn

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Prices for upcoming dates