Nick is headed to Reno... Pointers?

Nick is headed to Reno in 3 weeks. I've never been. I've gambled in Biloxi, Tunica, Traverse City, Detroit, Windsor, AC, Charlestown, Baltimore, Philly, Tampa, New Orleans, Aruba, Bahamas, DR, Cruise Ships galore... hell, even Budapest, Sharm el Sheikh and Marrakech, so I need to finally add Reno to the degeneracy list.

I received a 3 night Room comp at Harrahs, $375 free play and $100 food credit. The hotel appears to be a real dive, but for 3 nights, I can survive. What I'm really interested in is meal advice.... Breakfast buffets, coffee houses and Steakhouses. I'm picky about my martinis and ribeyes, not so much about the morning hangover meal, but I'm still looking for quality from folks in the know. Also any gaming or other promotions that are worthwhile would be helpful.

Thank you in advance!

Nick

 

I'd grab a car and drive over to Tahoe for a day,45 min. or so. Stayed in Reno only one night at The Peppermill ,Reno didnt excite us,spent 4 nights in Stateline(Tahoe area) What I do remember was Harrahs had a nice steakhouse overlooking the lake. 13 years ago .

 

There is a Hash House a go go in Harrah's, so that would be a solid hangover meal. There is also the Awful Awful Burger in back of the Nugget, across the street from Harrah's. You'll get a good burger and a mountain of fries.. and possibly some heartburn. I like to gamble at Silver Legacy. I would check out El Dorado and Silver Legacy if you are staying downtown and not heading to Peppermill or Atlantis. If you have to choose a buffet, I would suggest the one at El Dorado.

 

Unless you're specifically going for CET gambling (in which case I'd recommend Tahoe), you should take a trip to Atlantis or Peppermill. You haven't mentioned what your game is, but Harrahs Reno slots are pretty "old" and unappealing.

Atlantis and Peppermill have all of the latest slots.

I'm going to Reno this weekend specifically to knock out 7* qualifications . . . The Diamnod lounge at Reno is horribly small. The Diamond Lounges at Harrahs Tahoe and Harveys are comfortably big.

When I'm in Reno, I don't eat breakfast at Harrah's. Hash House a-go-go is a nice restaurant, but the portions are just too large for my liking. I drive to Atlantis (secondary property in Reno) or Peppermill for breakfast.

I haven't set foot in "the Downtown 3" (Eldorado, Silver Legacy, Circus Circus) in 20 years, since my focus in Reno is CET TC. I may go over there this weekend after I complete 7*.

 

For starters...don't go, LOL.
But if you must, Reno Harrah's has TINY (shitty) rooms.
BUT, for $375 free play, I'd do it. (I'd do it for $200, lol)
For the $100 food credit, I'd either use it at Ichiban or the SteakHouse (you should be able to feed yourself; and one other if you were frugal; for $100)

But after that, I'd GET OUT OF HARRAHS!
If you have a car (Or the ability to rent) I'd recommend driving down to Lake Tahoe.
If you are just going to stay in Reno; I'd ride the bus (#4 I believe) from downtown to Grand Sierra Resort. It's a very classy place.
For gambling, definitely either Silver Legacy (which always has $5 PaiGow and craps) or Grand Sierra Resort.
For degeneracy (worse than El Cortez) hit up Club Cal-Neva.
You can walk the entire "strip" there (similar size to Fremont Street). From North end @ CircusCircus (which is physically connected via indoor walkway to Silver Legacy and Eldorado) then kiddie-corner walk into Harrahs, then across the street (south) from Harrahs is Club Cal-Neva.


If going to Lake Tahoe; definitely plan a FULL DAY to do it.
Drive the entire circuit around the lake.
The only casinos to visit are at the south-east corner (Harrahs, Harveys, HardRock, Montbleu).
Also, check out Taylor Creek Stream Profile Chamber (google it).
If you're a Diamond card holder; take a ride on the Tahoe Star (Bill Harrah's personal yacht).
Don't miss a burger at Lucky Beaver Tavern (between Harrahs and Montbleu)

 

Tahoe Star rides end after Labor Day, according to 7* insider.

@Timspeed - You don't like Atlantis or Peppermill?

 

See if you can talk them into a spa suite at check in. Very nice rooms for Harrahs Reno. Their mini suites are basically a bigger standard room, but still an upgrade. They also come with free soft drinks in the fridge. Definitely stay in the west tower.

I like the Buffett their but have only ever eaten the brunch. They have a crepe station which is kind of cool. I also enjoy the steakhouse. Has an old school classy feel with all the waiters in tuxedos.

 

I DO, but if you're already downtown, you're just as good.
Peppermill and Atlantis are great; but still "isolated".
I'd rather be downtown, where I can move around three different casinos.

 

The Harrah's buffet is passable. Last time we ate there (a few months ago) they had a custom desert crepe station where the woman made delicious crepes and decorating them beautifully. For gambling, you can't beat the Silver Legacy. Great beer selection, top-shelf stuff at the bars, excellent video poker pay tables, and low-limit craps, blackjack, and Pai Gow Poker. The Brews Brothers happy hour between the Eldorado and Silver Legacy is also a great deal. Microbrews, two-for-one pizzas, and other food specials. If you're a video poker player, check out the progressive 9/6 JOB machines at the bar in the Eldorado coffee shop/cafe. Last time they were up to over $1500. Cost me a bunch of money!

If there were better flights and fares between Seattle and Reno I think we'd be going there now more often than Vegas. It's more relaxed, the help usually acts like they appreciate having their jobs, and it feels like a large town rather than a big city.

 

Thank you all for the responses. I think the Steakhouse at Harrahs is a must do. The reviews are positive and the menu offers all of the legacy steakhouse must haves.

TIMSPEED, Thank you! Club Cal-Neva will be a must do when I'm blackout drunk. For some odd reason, I seek out the dives during marathon drinking sessions. Few things top buying in at a low limit table when you can barely see the chips, or can't remember later how much you cashed out, or even better, where the chips went! Pictures help recreate some of the evening, but putting it all back together over breakfast the next day is half the fun.

Any feedback on Toucan Charlies Buffet @ Atlantis versus Island Buffet @ Peppermill?

Other than Harrahs/ CET, do any other Reno properties have clubs linked to Vegas players clubs?

Lastly, in Vegas, I'm a big VP bar fan... any that you can recommend?

Thanks, Nick

 

I don't believe any other properties are linked to Vegas players clubs.

I sat down at a vp bar at the eldorado Monday afternoon and put my money in and ordered a drink. The bartender told me it would be 20 mins before she could give me another. This isn't the case at Harrahs. The eldorado has multiple vp bars so you could easily just get up and go to another when you're finished with your beverage. At harrahs I like the Bartops in the west casino next to Ichiban. Bartenders are usually pretty quick. I think the biggest vp bar is in the east casino. Silver Legacy also has a couple nice vp bars.

 

"If you're a Diamond card holder; take a ride on the Tahoe Star (Bill Harrah's personal yacht)."

I am.... tell me more.

Thanks, Nick