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Have anyone considered Reno instead of Vegas?

Discussion in 'Non-Vegas Casino Hotels' started by salemorevegaslover, Jul 16, 2015.

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  1. salemorevegaslover

    salemorevegaslover Low-Roller

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    Just wondered if people from the NW ( Ore, Wa, Canada) have seriously considered booking Reno instead of Vegas? With the cost of airfares, resort fees, etc......does it make more dollar sense to travel to Reno? I know Vegas is special but come on. If you live in N Cal or Pacific NW, driving would save you more money for gambling than the cost of just getting to Vegas. Opinions?
     
  2. FXT

    FXT VIP Whale

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    Have I considered it? Sure but in the end Reno can't compare to Vegas. Gambling might be similar but the Vegas atmosphere and vibe is one of a kind.
     
  3. tringlomane

    tringlomane STP Addicted Beer Snob

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    Never been to Reno, but I get enough "gambling vibe" trips by driving to Tunica. Vegas should crush Reno in every other department I'd assume.
     
  4. Turtleman

    Turtleman VIP Whale

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    We've never been to Reno and thought about going (during the warmer months) several times over the years. But after considering the longer flights, change of planes, higher airfares, and lack of free rooms, we always go back to Vegas. If we have to go to all that trouble, we might as well go to the Caribbean - which is a distinct possibility.
     
  5. Seany D

    Seany D Tourist

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    Considered, and went back in December. Enjoyable trip but it can't compare to Vegas. It's like comparing the Santa Cruz beach boardwalk to six flags. Similar, but not the same.
     
  6. Piggylane

    Piggylane Well-Known Member

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    As a non smoker I have the choice of fresher air in a modern casino such as Aria or choking smoke filled atmosphere present in all of the Reno and Lake Tahoe casinos. While there is quite a bit to do other than gamble in the Reno area and I do enjoy the area when I want to gamble I choose Vegas for a richer choice of entertainment and the possibility of better indoor air quality. Plus cheaper flights from the East Coast.
     
  7. wpete

    wpete High-Roller

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    I live about 5 hours drive time from both Vegas and Reno/Tahoe. My wife and I will usually go to Vegas twice a year, and Reno twice a year. If you just want to do is gamble, then Reno is fine. If you want to Gamble and be amused by all the surrounding, then Vegas.

    I suggest booking a trip to Reno. That way you'll know for sure. But be advised, Virginia street in Reno is nothing like the strip. It's more like Fremont without the canopy, and the naked fat guys in G-strings are replaced by bums.
     
  8. vegasvic

    vegasvic VIP Whale

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    Reno is kind of like Laughlin. An alternative I guess and if all you do is gamble it's fine. But there's really nothing else.
     
  9. DaiLun

    DaiLun R.C., L.C., and A.A.N.G.

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    Reno is, IMHO a ghost town. I had been going to Reno for most of the last 30+ years.

    It once was "the biggest little city in the World", but once the California casinos were built . . . .

    Downtown, there are only 7 "real" casinos there.

    I only go there because I've recently switched from mLife to CET and Harrahs Reno is the closest place to earn TCs.

    Apparently, Peppermill and Atlantis, which are about 2-3 miles from downtown are the places to go.

    Other than being a gambling destination in Nevada, there is no comparison between Reno and Las Vegas.

    That being said, I am driving up to Reno next week to get a couple of days closer to Seven Stars.

    Waiting for TIMSPEED to chime in on this thread.
     
  10. melbedewy

    melbedewy MIA

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    Reno has its pro's and con's but to call it a "ghost town" is absurd. The place is packed to the gills on weekends and holidays.
    For slot machine payoffs and comps Reno has the best in the country. Just check out Reno slot payouts compared to the sickening numbers on the Strip. Atlantis and Peppermill are 2 of the best casino properties in the world in every way.
    Now if you like paying $400 for $40 bottles of vodka, going to major shows, paying $200 a couple at restaurants or seeing "sights" Reno is not for you. If you've had your fill of dolphins, pirates and volcanoes and you can get a direct flight Reno may well be a spot for you.
     
  11. ken2v

    ken2v This Space For Rent

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    I always say, if there is an itch, best to scratch it.

    Reno doesn't compare to Vegas on so many levels -- quality and breadth of food, entertainment, "vibe," quality. Then again, for someone who likes nothing more than hours and hours in a casino with a constant stream of drinks ... consider that base tagged.

    It's not Vegas, but life won't be diminished by missing Vegas once and you just might learn you like it. And there are some cultural attributes to town; it's not a wasteland. I'll freely admit, we're outliers here to some extent, gambling is fun but we want to spend far more time out and about. And how many times can you see how many Cirque shows?

    We get to the region about once per year. And despite a falling Lake Mead and Mt. Charleston, there's nothing around Vegas remotely like Tahoe/the northern Sierra. For us, a "Reno" trip includes a lot of time up the hill.
     
  12. dmr

    dmr Registered Abuser

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    Reno is fun to visit, and it's less hot in the summer. It's not nearly as crowded as LV. Last time we went it was still slow from the Great Recession and 1-2 of the places were closed or scaled back.

    There were a couple of newer casinos south of downtown which were very nice. Ditto with the Harrah's/Harveys on the Lake.
     
  13. mjames1229

    mjames1229 # of visits includes only trips w/ hotel stays

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    Yep. That's the thing with Reno. Gambling is gambling (better conditions but many casinos could use a refresh). Great food can be had but its an effort to find, whereas you can't help but to find out about World Class dining in Vegas. There are no real shows to speak of in Reno.

    But its the scenery of the Lake Tahoe region that gets my motor running. The 70-some mile drive around the lake offers breathtaking views, as well as kitschy souvenir shops and tucked away shops.

    You can also combine the Tahoe trip (or take separately) with a trip to Virginia City. The touristy parts are a bit touristy, but again, the scenery of the city built on the side of a mountain and the Old West look is a fun way to spend a day.

    Overall, Vegas is Vegas, but you wouldn't go wrong if you took a 3 or 4 day trip to Reno.
     
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  14. JSR1968

    JSR1968 Low-Roller

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    I lived in the SF Bay area for 7 years and would go to Reno or Tahoe at least once a month. If you go to Reno expecting Vegas then you will probably be disappointed. If you go to Reno, you will be less than a hour from Lake Tahoe and you will definitely enjoy it!
     
  15. wellmel

    wellmel Low-Roller

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    I go to Reno often because of the prices and because it's about a 4/5 hour drive - versus Vegas which is an 8/9 hour drive from where I am in the bay area, CA. However, I still prefer Vegas. Reno doesn't have huge clubs with great DJs or wild pool parties. Also the specialty bars, shows, and activities can't be beat. And the strip... seriously that is quite beautiful.
     
  16. DaiLun

    DaiLun R.C., L.C., and A.A.N.G.

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    OK, Ghost town may have been a little harsh, but compared to 30 years ago, the crowds on weekdays then were more than the crowds on a current "event weekend".

    But, that's just me being a geezer . . . .
     
  17. Sonya

    Sonya Queen of VMB

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    Apples and Oranges, IMO. Reno is great for what Reno is. And Vegas is great for Vegas. You can't really compare them as a vacation destination as they are so different. It just happens that both of them have casinos. :)

    I spent a lot of time in the SF Bay area and went to Reno and Tahoe frequently. I didn't vacation in Vegas until 1995 and I was instantly sold. We've been back to Reno/Tahoe since, but it's a much different trip. I'm less likely to casino hop. I am less likely to find that roaming nightlife that I like in Vegas. But I do love the way the Atlantis treats my low-rolling VP play.

    I also agree with Ken. Mt Charleston is a nice change of scenery, but can't compare to the Lake Tahoe or Donner Pass area.

    That said, if you're a low-rolling, degenerate gambler, Reno might be just the place for you as the limits tend to be lower, the pay tables better and the comps easier to compete for.

    My only words of warning about Reno are:
    - Watch for big event weekends. It's a bit too much for me when it's Hot August Nights or a big bowling convention. ;)
    - Watch where you walk. Some of the areas surrounding downtown can be a little rough. Just be aware of your surroundings like you would in Downtown Vegas.
     
  18. NYNJMINC

    NYNJMINC Tourist

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    I actually went to Reno this year instead of Las Vegas from Charlotte. There were no shows I wanted to see in Vegas & I was tired of losing every trip. I had stayed at Atlantis 2 years ago & they still comped me 4 nights & $300 free play. I came back with most of my bankroll & felt I had gotten a lot of play for my money. Reward points added up quickly & I never had to pay a dime for food except for tips. I also felt there were a lot more mid priced food options in Reno. All the Celebrity restaurants in Las Vegas are getting to be a bit too much.
     
  19. Terry Benedict

    Terry Benedict VIP Whale

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    Check flights. With reduced flights into Reno, there may be a layover in Vegas. So why not just stay in Vegas?
    The first few times I went to Reno I would stand out on Virginia St and think "This must have been so cool when my parents were my age." Tribal casinos have reduced Reno from a destination to --- not a destination. The Peppermill is nice, but the Virginia St area is kind of sad. It is like a dirty Fremont St without the canopy. I look over my shoulder for safety when walking down the street.

    Your post referred to driving time vs. cost. Go to Tahoe instead. Look into Harveys with your Total Rewards. See if it is comparable in cost. Tahoe is beautiful.

    Reno has its place but there are more options now.
     
  20. SandsFan

    SandsFan VIP Whale

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    We go to Vegas 4 to 5 five day trips a year and try to get to Reno at least once. It is a different feel and usually don't lose as much as Vegas. El dorado downtown was quite nice and we always get an Awful Awful burger at little nugget downtown. Once a year is about right for us.
     
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