Fairfield Inn & Suites Cherokee

The hotel's most notable feature is its prime location, situated directly across from the casino, making it an ideal choice for casino-goers and those attending events. It also serves as a convenient base for sightseers exploring the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Guests consistently highlight the complimentary breakfast and the generally friendly staff as significant positives. While many appreciate the overall cleanliness, some note that the rooms, though comfortable, can be a bit outdated and prone to noise. To enhance your stay, consider requesting a room away from the main road to minimize noise, and be sure to confirm the availability of specific amenities like the pool, as this has been a recurring point of concern for guests.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel provides essential amenities for a comfortable stay, including reliable complimentary wireless internet and ample electrical outlets and USB ports in rooms for charging devices. Guests appreciate the convenience of free parking on site. However, a significant and recurring point of concern is the swimming pool, which guests frequently report as being closed, out of service, or even permanently removed to expand the fitness center. This is a notable disappointment for many, especially those traveling with children. Some guests have also noted a lack of readily available vending machines or ice makers on certain floors, though water is sometimes provided in the lobby. The lobby itself is described as clean and spacious, offering a welcoming first impression.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The hotel generally receives positive feedback for its cleanliness, with many guests describing rooms as fresh, neat, and well-maintained. However, some reviews indicate inconsistencies, mentioning issues such as dirty bathroom floors, stained carpets, or hairs found in showers and on towels, suggesting a need for more thorough deep cleaning in certain areas. Room comfort is a mixed bag; while many find the beds comfortable and appreciate the ample counter space in bathrooms, a notable number of guests report hard or lumpy mattresses and thin pillows, impacting sleep quality. Noise is a significant concern, with guests frequently reporting street noise, sounds from adjoining rooms, and loud doors slamming, which can disrupt a peaceful stay. Some rooms have also experienced issues with air conditioning functionality or leaks.

Dining & Food Quality
The complimentary breakfast is a major highlight for most guests, consistently praised for its variety and quality. The spread typically includes both hot and cold items, such as eggs, sausage, and fresh fruit, with many appreciating the availability of waffle irons. The breakfast area is generally kept clean, and the food is often described as delicious and a good start to the day. However, some guests have noted occasional issues with food running out or being slow to be replenished, particularly later in the morning. There are also a few comments about the coffee needing improvement or not being consistently hot. Despite these minor points, the breakfast offering is largely seen as a strong positive, providing good value.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is consistently highlighted as a primary advantage, particularly for its direct proximity to the casino, which is often just a short walk across the street. This makes it an ideal choice for casino-goers and those attending events there. Beyond the casino, the hotel serves as a convenient base for exploring the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, with easy access to the park entrance and visitor centers. Guests also appreciate being within walking distance of various restaurants and local shops. The availability of complimentary parking further enhances the convenience for travelers. While some guests mention the surrounding town can appear run down, the immediate area around the hotel and casino is generally considered safe and well-lit.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel generally receives high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and professionalism. Guests frequently commend the front desk staff for their welcoming demeanor, efficient check-in and check-out processes, and willingness to assist with requests, such as providing directions or addressing room issues. Many appreciate the attentive service from the breakfast staff, who work to keep food replenished, though some instances of slow replenishment have been noted. There are several accounts of staff going above and beyond, such as returning lost items or providing assistance during medical emergencies. However, a few guests have reported less satisfactory interactions, including perceived unresponsiveness to maintenance issues or a lack of empathy regarding booking discrepancies.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware that despite some online listings or older signage, the hotel's swimming pool is frequently reported as being out of service or permanently removed, which can be a disappointment for those expecting this amenity. While the hotel aims for a high standard of service, some guests have experienced challenges with housekeeping, noting that rooms may not be serviced daily unless specifically requested, and even then, towel replenishment or trash removal might require direct communication with the front desk. For those with specific room preferences, requesting a room away from the main road or not an adjoining room may help mitigate noise concerns. The hotel also offers complimentary parking, which is a valued convenience for guests.