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Where to Stay in Reno

Where to Stay in Reno

Reno Southwest, USA Travel Guide

Accommodation Types

Reno has a full range of lodging options to fit every budget and preference.

Full Spectrum of Lodging Options

  • Hostels

    Limited options exist in Reno, typically small independent hostels. These have budget-friendly dormitory or private rooms, often with communal spaces.

  • Budget Motels

    Numerous options, notably along Virginia Street and near I-80. These have basic amenities, clean rooms, and usually free parking.

  • Casino Hotels

    This is the dominant accommodation type in Reno. They range from mid-range to luxury, often with competitive room rates, extensive dining, entertainment, and pool facilities directly on-site. Atlantis, Peppermill, Grand Sierra Resort, Silver Legacy, Eldorado, and Circus Circus.

  • Boutique Hotels

    A growing number of design-focused hotels appear, especially in the downtown and MidTown areas. These give a more personalized stay, often with unique decor. Whitney Peak Hotel is an example.

Unique Local & Other Options

  • Luxury Hotels/Resorts

    High-end casino resorts or independent luxury properties have premium services, spas, gourmet dining, and lavish rooms. They make for a refined and comfortable stay.

  • Vacation Rentals

    Widely available through platforms like Booking.com, Agoda, Vrbo, and Airbnb. These range from single rooms to entire houses or apartments. TrustedHousesitters for alternative stays.

  • Homestay Opportunities

    Less common as organized tourism products in Reno. Individual homestays are found via vacation rental platforms if you prefer a local, immersive experience.

  • Camping and RV Parks

    Several RV parks are located in and around Reno. Abundant camping exists in the nearby Sierra Nevada mountains and around Lake Tahoe (e.g., Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park). Hostelworld for budget accommodation.

Neighborhood Guide

Reno's different neighborhoods offer varied experiences.

Downtown/Riverwalk District

Positive Aspects
  • Central location
  • Highly walkable
  • Direct access to entertainment
  • Diverse dining and cultural sites
Considerations
  • Can be noisy due to casino activity and nightlife.
  • Increased vigilance at night.
  • Some areas feel less safe late if straying from well-lit streets.
  • Ambiance: Bustling, urban, entertainment-focused.

MidTown District

Positive Aspects
  • Trendy, local vibe
  • Unique shopping and dining
  • Good for exploring on foot
  • Less overtly touristy than downtown
Considerations
  • Less direct access to major casinos.
  • Fewer large hotels compared to downtown.
  • Needs a short drive or bus ride to casinos.
  • Ambiance: Eclectic, artsy, community-focused.

South Reno & GSR Area

Positive Aspects
  • Quieter environment
  • Often good value for chain hotels
  • Good for travelers with cars
  • Close to larger retail outlets
Considerations
  • Less local charm
  • Needs driving to most attractions
  • Less integrated with downtown walkability
  • Ambiance: Commercial, family-friendly, convenient, resort-focused.

Proximity and Safety Summary

Downtown/Riverwalk

Excellent for accessing casinos, Riverwalk attractions, and public transport hubs (RTC 4th Street Station). Generally safe during the day.

South Reno & GSR Area

South Reno is a good base for day trips to Lake Tahoe and Carson City, but further from downtown attractions. The Grand Sierra Resort area is useful for airport access but needs transportation to downtown.

Booking Strategies

Smart booking helps you find the best rates and secure your preferred accommodation.

Advance Booking

  • High Season/Event Weekends: Book 3-6 months in advance for popular events (Hot August Nights, Reno Rodeo, Street Vibrations). These periods have high demand and increased prices.
  • Shoulder Season: 1-3 months in advance is usually enough for good selection and competitive prices.
  • Low Season: 2-4 weeks in advance, or even walk-in rates are found for budget travelers. Booking ahead is still suggested for the best selection.
  • Negotiation Customs: Negotiating walk-in rates is less common in major hotels. Online booking often leads to better rates.

Booking Platforms

  • Online Travel Agencies (OTAs): Use Booking.com, Agoda, Expedia, Hotels.com, Kayak, or Trivago for wide options and competitive pricing.
  • Direct Hotel Websites: Often have "best rate guarantees" and loyalty benefits. Check official websites after finding a good OTA rate.
  • Vacation Rentals: Use Airbnb and Vrbo for full homes or apartments. Also consider TrustedHousesitters for alternative stays.
  • Deposit and Cancellation: Policies vary. Most hotels have 24-72 hour cancellation for full refund. Vacation rentals have stricter policies and may ask for upfront deposits. Always check terms.

Seasonal Price Fluctuations

Highs
  • Accommodation prices are highest in summer and during major events.
  • They are lowest in winter (excluding major ski weekends and holidays) and during weekdays in the shoulder seasons.
  • IHG Hotels for loyalty programs.
Savings
  • If flexibility in your travel dates is possible, choosing an off-peak time brings significant savings.
  • Consider weekdays over weekends for better rates.
  • Booking early for popular events secures your spot and may prevent higher last-minute prices.
  • Look for package deals that combine accommodation with other services for overall value.

Helpful Tip

Loyalty Programs

If you frequently stay with a particular hotel chain, joining their loyalty program brings benefits and discounts.

Read Reviews

Always read recent guest reviews on various platforms to get a realistic picture of the property.

Location Matters

This minimizes travel time.

Accommodation Recommendations

Here are some recommendations based on different budget levels and traveler types.

Budget Under $100/night

Top Picks

Econo Lodge Reno Downtown

  • Basic, central, often good value.
  • Clean rooms.
  • Good for travelers seeking value.
  • Easy access to downtown attractions.
Family-Friendly / Long-Stay

Circus Circus Reno

  • Often has budget deals.
  • Features a large indoor carnival midway appealing to children.
  • Extended Stay America (various locations, offers kitchenettes useful for self-catering).

Mid-Range $100 - $250/night

Top Picks

Silver Legacy Resort Casino

  • Central, good amenities, connected to Eldorado and Circus Circus.
  • Atlantis Casino Resort Spa (South Reno, with an excellent spa).
  • Spacious rooms.
Solo Traveler / Cultural

Whitney Peak Hotel

  • Non-gaming, boutique, features a climbing wall, located downtown.
  • Good for active solo travelers.
  • Focuses on wellness and art.
  • A cultural scene.

Family-Friendly / Solo Traveler

  • Grand Sierra Resort and Casino

    Extensive family amenities like pools, bowling, go-karts, cinema, and an arcade.

  • Peppermill Resort Spa Casino

    Spacious rooms, large pool area, good dining options for all ages.

  • Motel 6 Reno - Sparks - Airport

    Basic, clean, affordable for solo stays.

  • Whitney Peak Hotel

    Non-gaming, boutique, features a climbing wall, located downtown, good for active solo travelers.

Long-Stay / Cultural/Historical

  • Vacation Rentals (Airbnb/Vrbo)

    Full homes/apartments with kitchens, often better value and more space for longer stays.

  • Luxury vacation rentals

    Larger homes or condos, often with amenities like private pools or gyms, for extended high-end stays.

  • Whitney Peak Hotel
  • N/A for Historical Luxury

    Reno's luxury mainly emphasizes modern entertainment complexes rather than historical buildings.

Luxury $250+/night

Peppermill Resort Spa Casino

Luxurious, award-winning spa, diverse dining, large pool complex.

  • A top choice for a premium stay.
  • Known for its elaborate decor.
  • Excellent service.
Grand Sierra Resort and Casino

Extensive resort amenities, near airport.

  • A self-contained entertainment hub.
  • Good for families and groups.
  • Many on-site activities.

The ROW Properties Eldorado, Silver Legacy, Circus Circus

Eldorado Resort Casino

Central, , with diverse dining and entertainment. Connected to Silver Legacy and Circus Circus.

Silver Legacy Resort Casino

Central, good amenities, connected to Eldorado and Circus Circus. Features a large dome.

Circus Circus Reno

Budget-friendly, family-oriented with an indoor carnival midway. Connected to the other ROW properties.