Harrah’s Cherokee offers three hotel towers. One clear difference between Harrah’s Cherokee and Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River is the hotel. While the two casinos are sister properties, there are numerous differences between them. This is through the scenic Nantahala National Forest. The casinos are about one hour apart by car. Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River is just east of Murphy, NC. It is near the southern end of the Blue Ridge Parkway. I spent the weekend at Harrah’s Cherokee and Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River.