Reno, Nevada
 

Hello,

I have been to Las Vegas 5 times in the past two years, and I am looking to do something different. I am thinking about a gambling trip to Reno in May, and I am thinking about staying at the Peppermill hotel and casino. Any recommendations, suggestions, comments, etc. about hotels, buffets, restaurants, entertainment, sight to see, other activities would be most welcome. I do not ski.
Thank you.

its been along time since I've been to the Peppermill..its not close to downtown Reno and the last time we were there we stayed next to the fancy Silver Legacy hotel, Eldorado casino which was nice and it is owned by a big winery.
I would stay at the two nicest casinos.
Good french restaurant at Eldorado.
Downtown Reno to be honest was a real bummer of a town.
We went to Tahoe most of the time and couldn't win on anything.
I hope it has gotten better!

Silver Legacy is definitely the nicest choice downtown... that said, I'd much rather stay at one of the lakeside casinos in South Tahoe. From there, you could spend some time in Reno (about an hour drive) plus drive around to the 'old school' casinos (CalNeva!) on the north side of the lake.

totally agree with you astein12..love South Tahoe and you can stay at Harrah's and ski at Heavenly and who doesn't love the drive around the old school casinos!
Love Tahoe!!

<<<From there, you could spend some time in Reno (about an hour drive) plus drive around to the 'old school' casinos (CalNeva!) on the north side of the lake.>>>

You could, but why would you want to? If you're going on a gambling trip, just go to South Lake and stay there. Neither Reno nor the "old school casinos" are worth driving 5 minutes out of your way for.

We spent a delightful hour at the downtown postoffice in Reno. It was built during the depression and has a lot of WPA-era decoration. It's right next to the river, and has a nice coffee shop right across the street.

If it is mainly a gambling trip but also some sightseeing, I'd personally prefer spending the time at southshore Tahoe.

But if you really want to stay in Reno - the Peppermill is fine. It is sort of schizophrenic -- the old tower rooms and the casino floor have a very Matt Helms/Dean Martin/60's/Austin Powers vibe w/ mirrored ceiling, fake greenery, glitz and neon everywhere. But the posher "Tuscany" wings are more quiet/Venetian plaster/pools/balconies/ersatz Cinque Terre.

There are too many restaurants and bars to count so for a gambling-only trip you'd never have to leave the building.

(the decor of some of the restaurants will leave you dizzy)

The worst danger of this trip is that it sounds like you want something to "replace" or "compare" to Las Vegas. Reno is NOT that.

If you enjoy cars the National Automobile Museum is excellent,

http://automuseum.org/

We also enjoyed a walk along the River Walk. We were there only one night, on our way to Lake Tahoe, so we didn't get to see much more than the aforementioned but we did enjoy what little we saw of Reno.

Where are you coming from? I fly from the East Coast and usually use Reno as just an overnight before heading to South Lake Tahoe. You might want to consider that. I don't know how long your vacation will be but I wouldn't want to spend an extended time in Reno. I love South Lake Tahoe. It really is a very pretty area.

Thank you all for your responses.

First, I am not looking for something to replace or compare to Las Vegas. I have been to Vegas many times in the past two years, and I want something different. When in Vegas, I stay at the Orleans. Rooms are large, clean, comfortable, and a great value. The Orleans has low stakes blackjack and several above average to excellent restaurants. Cheapovegas.com steered me to the Orleans. From what I read on cheaporeno.com, the Peppermill has all these amenities and more.

Second, I am coming from the Southeast. My flight,including a lay over in either Denver or Salt Lake, will be about 6 hours.

Third, I am coming mainly to gamble--I play low stakes blackjack-- to relax at a pool, either indoors or out, and to watch horse racing and sports in a good sports book. According to cheaporeno.com the Peppermill has the best sports book of any casino in the world! And that's really saying something.

Fourth, I plan to spend 5 to 7 days in the area. I plan to rent a car for 1-2 days and drive to Lake Tahoo, the Carson City--Douglas County area, and elsewhere just to see what it is like.

Any additional comments would be most appreciated.

sounds like the Peppermill for you is an excellent choice and win lots of money and have a great time!

My DH stayed at Peppermill with some buddies last spring. He was very impressed. Not sure if they would cover the pool area in winter.

John Ascuaga's Nugget in Sparks is resorty with indoor pool etc. Not sure on the sports book etc.

Sounds like a nice trip planned for the area.

Please report back.

MY