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Motel

Cherokee Inn

Stay at Cherokee Inn in Tahlequah, OK. Enjoy air-conditioned rooms near top attractions like Cherokee Heritage Center. Rated 3.1 with 149 reviews. Book now.

501 E Downing St, Tahlequah, OK 74464, United States View on map
6.2/10
Average Based on 149 recent guest reviews
Air-conditioned
What recent guests emphasize

Comfortable and affordable stays with attentive service

Recent guests highlight friendly staff and clean, cozy rooms, though some note the motel’s modest condition and limited amenities. The location suits visitors interested in local cultural sites and easy access to nearby attractions.

Guests often praise

  • Friendly, caring, and attentive staff who respond quickly to needs
  • Clean rooms with comfortable beds and warm heating at night
  • Affordable pricing compared to other local lodging options
  • Quiet and peaceful atmosphere with a strong sense of security
  • Helpful directions and local tips provided by management

Worth knowing

  • Property is basic and could benefit from updates like fresh paint
  • Parking is somewhat tight but generally manageable
  • Limited amenities beyond air-conditioning; no pool or room service
  • Management works long hours on site to maintain operations
  • Some mixed expectations from guests seeking full-service hotel features

Best for

  • Budget-conscious travelers looking for a clean, no-frills stay
  • Guests visiting local cultural attractions and museums nearby
  • Visitors needing a short- or extended-stay with attentive management
  • Travelers valuing a peaceful environment over luxury amenities
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About this property

Welcome to Cherokee Inn

Cherokee Inn is a modest motel located at 501 E Downing St in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. Catering primarily to budget-conscious travelers, it provides basic air-conditioned accommodations suitable for short or extended stays. While the property offers essential comfort, reviews highlight that some areas could benefit from updates and a fresh coat of paint.

The inn receives mixed feedback, with some guests appreciating its cleanliness, affordability, and attentive management presence on-site. Others note that facilities are simple and parking can be tight, reflecting the motel’s practical and functional style rather than luxury. Customer service is frequently described as friendly and responsive, making it a reasonable option for those prioritizing value over amenities.

Its location is convenient for exploring local attractions such as the Cherokee National History Museum and the Cherokee Heritage Center, both highly rated cultural sites nearby. The motel is accessible by car within roughly an hour and a half from regional airports like Tulsa International and Northwest Arkansas National Airport, making it a practical base for visitors interested in sightseeing and recreation in the area.

Nearby alternative accommodations include recognized hotel chains and charming bed and breakfasts, offering a range of options for different preferences and budgets. Cherokee Inn’s straightforward approach and affordability make it a fitting choice for travelers seeking a no-frills stay while exploring Tahlequah and its cultural heritage sites.

Summary compiled by GoHotelly editors from verified guest reviews, partner descriptions and editorial notes.
Facilities & essentials

What's on-site and what you should know before you arrive

The short version: what's available day-to-day, and the key practical details most travelers search for.

Most popular facilities

Air-conditioned
Verified guest reviews

What recent guests are actually saying

Reviews from travelers who stayed here in the last 12 months, grouped to help you spot the pattern quickly.

JT
Janel TerrellNail Apr 07, 2026
10

It was Alot....more...Cozy... Children's Laugh's... Playing....Clean and Very Good Customer service Just The Lil' Rest that I Needed...

LS
Linda Shaske Apr 06, 2026
10

There are a lot of complaints in these reviews. Let me help. If you want a hotel room that has everything you desire then rent a room at Wyndham by the falls. It's $550 a night. Pool, exercise room, room service and toilet paper to play with. Cherokee inn is the least expensive in Tahlequah. We don't have bed bugs or roaches and the room was clean. Carol works in that little space 24/7 365 days a week. Zero time off. She barely has time to go across the street to buy what she needs. She is woken all hours of night or day. Many said, it was the only place to stay. Be happy you weren't sleeping in the streets. If you are not wealthy then we settle for less..that's the way life works.

BJ
brenda jenkins Mar 28, 2026
10

I was an extended stay, didn't experience any bed bugs, the owner is nice, friendly and caring lady. Stickler for the rules, which is nice for a change. Checked to see if I needed anything daily. I will stay here again, anytime!

JR
Julia Ray Feb 18, 2026
10

Visited a friend here, comfortable rooms. Could use a fresh coat of paint but pricing was fair.

JV
Julia Vann Jan 25, 2026
10

Friends like this place for more than one night stays. Management is on duty to keep things running smoothly. Parking is tight but most are manageable.

BC
Brad Christie Jan 11, 2026
10

Friendly, affordable, check out st 11. Warm heat during night, comfortable bed.

CLG
Cynthia Lynn Gastelum-Muñoz Dec 30, 2025
10

My Daughter called in and made a reservation and we arrived about 20 minutes later. Staff in office was very nice and checking in was a breeze. Gave us directions to some local restaurants and we chose Smok Shak BBQ. Thanks, food was delicious!!! Room was clean, smelled clean and beds were comfortable. Can’t wait to explore the Salt Plains in the morning. If ever in town would definitely return.

CT
coty t Dec 27, 2025
10

Gotta respect this location. They have cameras and will get on you immediately if they don't recognize you. I made that mistake once, only then did I realize how serious this business was. In my opinion, this is the best location for a short or long term stay. No bed bugs, no drama. It's peaceful.

Location & neighborhood

Where you'll find Cherokee Inn

Tahlequah, Oklahoma, USA

Based on sightseeing, recreation, and getting around

  • Northwest Arkansas National Airport 1 hr 22 Car
  • Tulsa International Airport 1 hr 13 Car
  • Fort Smith Regional Airport 1 hr 30 Car
Things to do nearby

Worth the walk or a quick ride

Curated spots travelers usually pair with a stay in Oklahoma. Distances are rough real-world times, not straight-line.

Cherokee National History Museum 369 reviews

Cherokee National History Museum

101 S Muskogee Ave, Tahlequah, OK 74464, United States

4.8 · History Museum
Cherokee Heritage Center 546 reviews

Cherokee Heritage Center

21192 S Keeler Dr, Park Hill, OK 74451, United States

4.7 · Museum
Cherokee National Prison Museum 150 reviews

Cherokee National Prison Museum

124 E Choctaw St, Tahlequah, OK 74464, United States

4.7 · Museum
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