Reno: Sands vs. Eldorado

I'll be going to the American Cribbage Congress nationals in Reno, Feb 6-8, and started doing some research on my hotel/gaming options.

The tournament is held at the Sands, which is offering a special room rate of $40 per night. I can't really find any videos/specifics of their gaming options, but vpfree2 makes it look like it's an old has-been gambling destination. In addition, the rooms seem old and grimy.

I was thinking of alternatively staying at Eldorado, which is just down the street (5 minute walk), and seems to have nicer rooms, better VP (including a reported 99.92% JW2 bar VP Game), better restaurants, and a better poker room etc.

Has anyone been to both of these properties/ can anyone comment on the Sands? I believe most of the people from my cribbage club will be staying there, but I'd be willing to pay a little extra to get what seems to be a clearly superior property. Thanks in advance-

 

"Clearly superior"... your words... and 100% accurate! The Eldorado is connected to the Silver Legacy and both are the best downtown Reno has to offer. One positive aspect of The Sands is if you're looking to score some meth or a hooker, both are relatively easy to find on property or in the surrounding neighborhood.

 

Sad but true! Years ago ,loved Sands for great gambling and best outdoor pool. Now, I am scared to walk in to the casino .. :last time staying there ;was out more than in ,from someone pulling the fire alarm. Would steer clear!

 

15 years ago you didn't want to walk to/from the Sands after dark. I can't imagine what it's like now.

 

There's not even a comparison!
Think Motel6 vs, Hyatt Regency
Also, even though Sands is "only" a block away from "the strip", its a baaaad block (not HORRIBLE, but if you're above 60, and you aren't a badass senior citizen, then forget it)
FWIW, I'm sorry your event is being held there...before people would choose JANugget for their convention services since they were the cheapest in town, but now that GGH owns it, they raised the prices, and caused people to have to go elsewhere to house their convention...

 

Thanks for the replies. Didn't realize the eldorado was connected to the silver legacy. Anyone know what VP Sands has at the bartops?

 

Oh man........no one offered me any meth and I don't think I remember any women there at all last last October, maybe I look law enforce-menty

Never stayed at the Eldo, but honestly the Sands is a kind of tired, to be kind. I wouldn't stay there with the wife,no way, there is a "sticky factor" in the rooms to be sure.

But......being a low roller putting a twenty in a bar top and tipping a fiver to start yields an amazing amount of bartender attention. The caveat being Smirnoff is considered top shelf vodka, and unless you drink Sierra Nevada Pale Ale draft I think the beer selection is limited to Bud and Bud Light. (I love SN Pale Ale so it was all good)

I don't remember the VP pay tables, sorry.

I walked all over and didn't feel unsafe, but that was earlier in the evening, nineish....past midnight might be different.

Have fun.....fifteen two,fifteen four, fifteen six..............

 

And a pair is 8

 

99.92% 2 pair joker poker at the bar sounds nice anywhere. But cribbage is a lot easier than that game.

 

I have been their a number of times for Hot August Nights and stayed at both. The ElDo is superior and be sure to sign up for the different cards at the casinos also check the Reno message board Visit Reno. Good luck

 

Lol that board has like 5 active members, hahah...

 

I know, and I only get to Reno once every two years or so.

BUT, the trip report section has a lot of good information. Not just as much as this board's has.

 

It was terrible last time I was there in 2001. It was a dump then and I'm sure it's worse now. Stay at the El Dorado or even Circus Circus which is also connected to the Legacy. CC Reno is nothing like LV. Clean rooms at a good price and you don't trip over a four year old very five feet.

Good Luck!
Ric at Joes

 

Wow, if you haven't been there since 01', there's been some major changes! (Lol, Hell, half of the casinos have closed down!)
But yeah, CC Reno has a LOT less kids than CC Vegas...but still, has a lot of people that aren't necessarily there to gamble.

 

If, you want a truer picture of the Sands and ElDo check Trip Advisor / just put in the casinos reviews.