Newfound Lodge on the river

2.0 star property
Riverfront hotel in Cherokee with free parking

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Newfound Lodge on the river

Exterior
Double Room, Balcony, River View | Free WiFi
Double Room, Balcony, River View | Free WiFi
Front of property
Reception

Reviews

7.6 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Pet friendly
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Housekeeping

Explore the area

View in a map
1192 Tsali Blvd, Cherokee, NC, 28719
  • Place, Smokey Mountain Gold & Ruby Mine
    ‪8 min walk‬
  • Place, Oconaluftee Islands Park
    ‪15 min walk‬
  • Place, Museum of the Cherokee Indian
    ‪17 min walk‬

Room options

Double Room, Balcony, River View

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(29 reviews)
  • 250 sq ft
  • River view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Single Room

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

About the neighborhood

Cherokee

Located in Downtown Cherokee within 2 miles (3 km) of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Newfound Lodge on the river is within a few miles (5 km) of other popular sights such as Harrahs Cherokee Casino. This 64-room hotel welcomes guests with conveniences like free in-room WiFi and free self parking.

What's nearby

  • Smokey Mountain Gold & Ruby Mine - 8 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Cherokee Mountainside Theatre - 15 min walk - 0.8 miles
  • Oconaluftee Islands Park - 15 min walk - 0.8 miles
  • Museum of the Cherokee Indian - 17 min walk - 0.9 miles
  • Cherokee Welcome Center - 17 min walk - 0.9 miles

Getting around

  • McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) - 111 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Wicked Weed Pub at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Guy Fieri's Cherokee Kitchen + Bar - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Noodle Bar - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Qualla Java Cafe - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Wendy's - ‬5 min drive

About this property

Newfound Lodge on the river

Riverfront hotel in Cherokee with free parking
Guests of Newfound Lodge on the river enjoy features like free WiFi in public areas. There's free parking if you drive. Helpful staff is there to provide front-desk service during limited hours, as well as offer insight about the area.
Guests can expect to find free WiFi.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • In-room WiFi speed: 25+ Mbps
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Free self parking on site
  • Limited onsite self parking

Conveniences

  • Limited-hour front desk

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (daily)

Outdoors

  • In the mountains
  • On a river

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; Check-in end time: midnight
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open daily from 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Renovations and closures

The following facilities are closed seasonally each year. They will be closed from January 6 to April 1:
  • Parking area

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • This property welcomes pets for USD 25.00 per pet, per stay, plus a one-time cleaning fee of USD 15.00
  • Dogs only
  • 1 total (50 lbs is the maximum weight per pet)
  • Service animals exempt from fees

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

These fees and deposits will be charged at check-in, check-out, or the time of service.

  • Pet fee: USD 25.00 per pet, per stay plus USD 15.00 one-time cleaning fee
  • Service animals are exempt from fees

This list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards and debit cards; cash is not accepted
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
  • Check-in: 4:00 PM
  • Check-out: 11:00 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 21
The front desk is available during limited hours. Driving? This property offers free parking.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards and debit cards. Cash is not accepted. 

Property is also known as

Newfound On The River Cherokee
Newfound Lodge on the river Hotel
Newfound Lodge on the river Cherokee
Newfound Lodge on the river Hotel Cherokee

Frequently asked questions

What's there to see near Newfound Lodge on the river?

This hotel is situated in Downtown Cherokee within a short 5-minute walk of Smokey Mountain Gold & Ruby Mine and also 13 minutes on foot from Museum of the Cherokee Indian. You'll also find Harrahs Cherokee Casino and Great Smoky Mountains National Park within a short drive.

How much does it cost to stay at Newfound Lodge on the river?

As of Jan 2, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Newfound Lodge on the river on Jan 7, 2026 start from $68.49, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Will I be able to park at Newfound Lodge on the river?

Yes, self parking is offered for free at the hotel.

Does Newfound Lodge on the river include a casino?

No, Newfound Lodge on the river doesn't have a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at Newfound Lodge on the river?

No, there is no indoor pool at this hotel.

Are there hot tubs at Newfound Lodge on the river?

No, there isn't a spa tub at this hotel.

Does Newfound Lodge on the river have a restaurant that serves breakfast?

No, Newfound Lodge on the river doesn't have a restaurant that serves breakfast.

Does Newfound Lodge on the river allow pets to stay for free?

Although they can't stay for free, dogs are welcome at Newfound Lodge on the river for a fee of USD 25.00 per pet, per stay.

Are there connecting rooms at Newfound Lodge on the river?

No, there aren't connecting guestrooms at this hotel.

Are there rooms with balconies at Newfound Lodge on the river?

Yes, some guestrooms at Newfound Lodge on the river offer a balcony and may feature river views.

Newfound Lodge on the river Reviews

Reviews

7.6

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 62 out of 155 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 43 out of 155 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 19 out of 155 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 17 out of 155 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 14 out of 155 reviews

7.6/10

Cleanliness

8.2/10

Staff & service

6.8/10

Amenities

6.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

7.0/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Monica

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

6/10 Okay

Tanya

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Needs to be serviced
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

2/10 Terrible

ashley

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Stay down the road

Poor service and not clean. I arrived at 9pm to no one in the office to check me in. Room was gross and pillow cases were stained. Also had no towels. I'm usually a go with the flow, just need a place to sleep kinda girl but this was not even bare minimum... One positive note was pretty view of the creek from the balcony.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Matthew

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Wayne

Traveled with group
Liked: Amenities
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Place is in shabby shape.stayed here years ago so sad now.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Janice

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Really nice place to stay
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kerrie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Clean room and great view
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tonya

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Wayne

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Was a relaxing night on the river.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Glenda

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
clean room, wonderful staff
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Janette, Gastonia

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Love that all the balconies face the river. So beautiful and peaceful. Wonderful price great location. It’s perfect for the Cherokee experience and for the family.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

steve

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

It's not for everyone but thats the point

First off, this hotel is dated and it shows, so if you are looking for modern creature comforts this is place is not for you. Wallpaper is coming off, water stains on the ceiling, and outdate furniture. If you ask me this gives it charm. The place was clean and lady at check was polite. The biggest draw of this place is how close you are to one of the best National parks and the view from the balcony. You could keep the balcony door open and fall asleep to the sound of the river running. The only negative i had during my stay and it wasn't the hotels fault was the strong smell of cannabis coming from outside balcony area at night. It wasnt there in the morning so we were able to enjoy a nice relaxing morning.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

2/10 Terrible

Susan, Myrtle Beach

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Carol

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Very clean. People was nice. Little dated but the balcony made up for it.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

6/10 Okay

Stormy

Traveled with group
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Stephen

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Its a bit dated, and needs an upgrade, but... the point of vacation isn't to stay in the room! Great balcony, wonderful location, comfortable bed, and great water pressure!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

4/10 Poor

sidney

Traveled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Carpet or sticky to walk on bathroom was dirty no hot water, told the girl at the front desk about no hot water. She said she would turn it on. We never did receive any hot water. The view out the balcony was nice, but that was the only part of the stay worth anything
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Brandon

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

William

Traveled with pets, Traveled with family
Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
PET FRIENDLY - THAT IS WHY WE CHOSE NEDWFOUND OUTSIDE LIGHT ON BALCONY DID NOT WORK. LIGHT OUTSIDED OF ROOM DOOR DID NOT WORK.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

David

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I have stayed at newfound Lodge many times over the years. It was a little surprised that I did not have a phone microwave, coffee pot or refrigerator in my room was told not all rooms have them also a little surprised the last day of my stay the lady to clean my room went into my room 45 minutes before I was to check out I had not gotten everything out of my room also had a do not disturb sign on the door. She apologized, but still did not read her paperwork and the door handle note even though this happened, I will stay again. I’ve always called Cherokee, North Carolina my second home, cause I’ve been going all my life starting out with my parents taking me when I was a child.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

2/10 Terrible

Debbie

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Bed bugs.....enough said.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

4/10 Poor

Teresa

Traveled with pets, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness
The large balcony on the river with rocking chairs was great. We had a large room with a king bed and loveseat which was nice. Some road noise but not bad. We saw several elk very near the hotel. Canadian geese, hawks and other birds were on the river. Be warned on your room location: We had one of the worse rooms there. It was on the ground floor next to the laundry/boiler room where an industrial dryer's very large vent was mounted on the back wall next to our balcony. We stayed 3 nights. One day and a half was ruined from the very loud dryer vent almost continuously in use. We could not hear anything else. This totally defeated the reason we chose to stay on the river. I'm sure the room above ours and the room over the laundry was also impacted by the noise. The small closet area was repurposed for the small fridge and microwave sitting on a table. Great idea but it left us with a tiny area to hang our clothing with 3 hangers on each side. And having clothing up against these appliances does not seem safe.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service

It was okay.

Lovely view of the river, but it is an older hotel and the age shows in the fixtures and bathroom.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Luzminda

Traveled with family
Liked: Amenities
In the back of the bedroom is a river. Also accepting service dog. Front desk is friendly
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

John

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We had room 106, the room was very clean, the outside porch was very nice, wonder view of the river, location was ideal for good resturants, the staff was really nice and helpful answering questions. we will deinitely be back to this wonderful lodge.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025