Exploring Reno as Nevada Vacation Alternative

I get letters...

Steve and Sherry S. of Tinley Park, Ill., write:

"We read your column every week and enjoy it. From time to time, we take your hints or advice as we like to go to the riverboats fairly frequently. We are going to Reno in early fall, and would like to see in your column perhaps some advice on best comps, best places to play, etc. We like to make the most of our short time there and would like some tips. Thanks."

My wife, Georgette, and I have never visited Reno but from what I've heard from people who have been there, it sounds like a great gaming and vacation alternative in Nevada, especially if you've been to Las Vegas frequently.

Reno, the birthplace of gambling in the state of Nevada when it became legalized in 1931, is coupled with the town of Sparks and Lake Tahoe as a vacation destination. It is located 445 miles northwest of Las Vegas very close to the California border. In addition to the gaming, Mother Nature is at her finest in the area. In fact, the location was rated as the number one destination in America for outdoor recreation.

There's a selection of more than 40 hotels and casinos in the Reno area, with a large concentration of them in the downtown area. As is the case in Las Vegas, there's a wide range of accommodations from which to choose. It all depends on what you're looking for in the way of amenities and creature comforts.

The biggest ones include Circus-Circus, Nugget, Peppermill, Reno Hilton, and Silver Legacy. Mid-range hotels-casinos include Atlantis, Eldorado, Fitzgerald's, Flamingo Hilton, Harrah's, and Sands Regency. There are lots of smaller establishments, too, including Airport Plaza, Colonial Inn, Holiday Inn,, McCarran House, Ramada Plaza, Riverboat, and Silver Club.

Many of the bigger establishments offer deluxe accommodations. You can find standard to economy accommodations at the mid to smaller ones. I tend to stay and play at the smaller places and the ones geared more toward the locals than the tourists. It seems like only the "high rollers" get noticed at bigger places. Gamblers on a budget get more appreciation for their play elsewhere. The stakes are generally lower, too, which fits my bankroll much nicer.

You can call 1-800-FOR-RENO or punch in www.playreno.com on your computer for more information. In the meantime, have a great time and let me know how you fared!