Elena Mallia 
Welcome to Reno, Nevada, also known as the ‘Biggest Little City in the World’, offering the same big city tourist attractions as its neighbor Las Vegas such as casinos, live entertainment, and delicious cuisine, but in a slightly smaller area.
I made this guide with the best areas and hotels so you can find the best place to stay in Reno for your travel needs and budget. I have even included a bonus with the best casino hotels!
The best place to stay in Reno is Downtown because it has a central location among the best attractions. But if you are looking for a slightly different vibe, Riverwalk is the most outdoorsy neighborhood, Sparks is perfect for families and if you have just a quick stay, you can stay right near the Reno Tahoe International Airport!
With this post, you don’t have to put in any effort apart from remembering to book your favorite accommodation option as soon as you can. In such a tiny but popular destination, hotels can really get booked out fast!
Let’s start!
Contents
- Quick Picks for Your Stay
- 1. Downtown Reno – where to stay in Reno for the first time
- 2. Riverwalk District – where to stay in Reno for the outdoors
- 3. Sparks – the best area to stay in Reno for families
- 4. Reno Tahoe International Airport – for short stays
- BONUS: The best casino hotels in Reno
- Frequently asked questions about hotels in Reno
- Conclusion
Quick Picks for Your Stay
Do you need to book right now? Then check out this list of the best hotels in Reno Downtown, the best area:
Here’s a map to help you to visualize where the best hotels and areas in Reno are located:
- Downtown Reno : for first-timers
- Riverwalk District : for outdoors
- Sparks : for families
- Reno Airport: for short stays
1. Downtown Reno – where to stay in Reno for the first time
If it’s your first time in Reno and you want to have a real feel of the city, the buzzing Downtown is for you, offering all the most typical attractions of the city!
Here you’ll find live entertainment literally 24/7: big-name casino resorts, countless shopping options, gaming floors, incredible restaurants serving everything from exclusive sushi to traditional food in a casual setting, trendy cocktails bars, and more!
If you decide to stay here, you need to see the iconic Reno Arch (with the famous “Biggest Little City in the World”), which lights up at night: the perfect spot to take a picture as a souvenir from your holiday in Reno!
But that’s not all, in Downtown Reno, you can attend some cool live music, and comedy shows at the Reno Events Center, or visit the National Automobile Museum if you’re a vintage cars enthusiast… There’s something for literally anyone here!
Do you already see yourself staying there? Then check out the best hotels in Reno Downtown below, and make sure you book them at least some months in advance!
Renaissance Reno Downtown Hotel & Spa is one of the best Reno hotels if you’re looking for luxury, offering everything you need and more! In fact, here you’ll get spacious rooms with Truckee River and Sierra Nevada Mountains views, a beautiful seasonal outdoor pool where you can fully relax and a fitness center to keep yourself in shape! Another bonus? The hotel is within walking distance of the National Automobile Museum.
Other accommodation options in Downtown Reno
You will love this midrange option with a bar and lounge, an on-site restaurant, and spacious rooms with free wifi
One of the best reno hotels if you are traveling on a budget, offering cool amenities like a pool and a sundeck
Feel at home in this cozy suite: guests love the location, close to everything but still away from the noise
Things to do in Downtown Reno
- Attend the exhibitions of the Nevada Museum of Art
- Watch competitive bowling at the National Bowling Stadium
- Take a pic with the iconic Reno Arch at night
- Learn about the history of Reno during this self-guided audio tour
- See some cool live music and comedy at the Reno Events Center
- Visit the National Automobile Museum if you’re a vintage cars enthusiast
2. Riverwalk District – where to stay in Reno for the outdoors
Just 10 minutes walking from downtown you will find the Riverwalk District, which actually forms part of western Downtown Reno.
The area is named after the hike that follows the Truckee River and is perfect if you’re an outdoors lover!
In fact, being located on the banks of the River, this eclectic neighborhood is home to many picturesque walks with bridges, and cute little restaurants along the way facing the river waters, perfect for a tranquil evening with the family!
From the waterfront walkway, you can sit under the shade of the trees and gaze at the panoramic views of the beautiful Sierra Nevada mountain range, spot all the wildlife along the river, or even do some exercise in the fresh air.
And if you love sports nestled in nature, throughout the whole year you can hire a kayak or rowboat and paddle in the river’s waters, seeing the city from another perspective. While you’re here if you love this area, I really recommend you take a trip and stay in one of the great hotels in Lake Tahoe too!
But if you were planning to go out at night, no worries, this area won’t let you down offering casinos, late-night bars, and delicious restaurants… What else could you ask for?
Check out this newly renovated hotel in the Riverwalk District. One of the top hotels in the whole city if you want to enjoy some luxury! The property offers a big swimming pool to dive into after an intense day of visiting, an on-site restaurant to end your day enjoying a delicious dinner, and very clean and quiet rooms to enjoy the best sleep. Guests particularly love the staff service which is super friendly and helpful.
Other accommodation options in Riverwalk District
This Reno hotel offers great value for the price, good location, and friendly staff… read the guests’ reviews!
Whitney Peak Hotel is definitely one of the best Reno hotels if you want to save money… check it out!
This clean and cozy home is perfect for a quiet stay and is within walking distance to many parks and restaurants
Things to do in Riverwalk District
- Gaze at the beautiful Sierra Nevada mountain range from the river walkway
- See the Nevada landscape on a horseback ride
- Have a stroll at the green Wingfield Park
- Try creative cocktails and gourmet food at Liberty Food and Wine Exchange
- Attend the popular Wine Walk every third Saturday
Subscribe here to get up to 35% off your accommodation for your next trip!
3. Sparks – the best area to stay in Reno for families
If you are traveling with the family, Sparks, a small town located east of Reno (exactly 10 minutes driving from it), is exactly what you’re looking for!
In fact, Sparks will give you easy access to all the best Reno attractions from a more tranquil setting, and at the same time offers a wide array of events and things to do for any member of the family.
The options here are countless: you can check out the typical 39 North Marketplace farmers market, go gambling in the many casinos, participate in the annual West Rib Cook-Off competition, or go shopping in the big outlets like the famous Legends.
Sparks also hosts a big public park, the Sparks Marina, where you can bring the family to do some outdoor activities together like volleyball, bike riding, stand-up paddle boarding, and kayaking (with rentals available at the marina), or just have a relaxing picnic!
Hampton Inn & Suites Reno/Sparks
This is one of the best hotels in Reno if you want to just relax and enjoy all the comforts during your holiday. This hotel offers a delicious American breakfast every morning so you can start your day with the right energy, an on-site restaurant, modern family rooms, and an indoor pool to just enjoy some deserved relaxation. And that’s not all, Hampton Inn & Suites even provides dry cleaning services and a luggage storage space.
Other accommodation options in Sparks
This amazing hotel is pet friendly and offers a pool and on-site restaurant, but guests particularly love the service!
This reno hotel is perfect if you’re traveling on a budget, offering free parking, free wifi, and comfy rooms
This lovely home is within walking distance of live music, comedy, a theater, and the famous Nugget Casino
Things to do in Sparks
- Enjoy the views of the Sparks Marina from Lighthouse Coffee
- Do some outdoor activities with the family at the Sparks Marina park
- Check out the 39 North Marketplace farmer’s market
- Go gambling at the famous Baldini Casino!
- Participate in the annual West Rib Cook-Off competition
- Spend a day shopping in the famous Legends outlet
4. Reno Tahoe International Airport – for short stays
If you are the type of person who always stresses out about missing a flight, or you are in Reno for a short business trip, well, staying close to the airport is definitely the best option!
The Reno Tahoe International Airport is located only 10 minutes driving south of downtown, so you can access all the attractions of the city in the blink of an eye.
But apart from many good accommodation options, the actual area around the airport offer some cool attractions like Rock Park, a huge and tranquil green space where you can take a break from the city, have a family picnic, or stroll around with your four-legged friend!
And for golf enthusiasts, there is the Washoe County Golf Course only 10 minutes driving from the airport, featuring 18-holes & practice facilities, a pro shop, and a delicious restaurant… you can spend the whole day there!
Last but not least, the area hosts some of the best casinos in Reno, like the Peppermill Resort Spa Casino or the Atlantis Casino Resort Spa (I’ll talk about these in the bonus), what else do you need?
Holiday Inn Express Reno Airport
If you want to be just moments from the Reno-Tahoe International Airport and have easy access to the best local attractions in Reno, this hotel is for you! In fact, the property is only a short distance from popular casinos, restaurants, and entertainment options, and even provides a free airport shuttle service. Other pluses of the place are the free hot breakfast buffet served every morning, an indoor pool to take a refreshing swim, and a fully-equipped fitness center!
Other options near Reno Tahoe Airport
Check out this amazing hotel in Reno, featuring a bar on site, a big swimming pool, free parking, and free wifi
The staff of this hotel is wonderful and the property has a great location, close to hiking and skiing activities
You will feel immediately at home in this cozy house: it is very clean, conveniently located, and quiet!
Things to do in Reno Tahoe International Airport
- Stroll around Rock Park!
- Play some golf at the huge Washoe County Golf Course
- Have some crazy fun at the Peppermill Resort Spa Casino
- Try a delicious Hawaiian breakfast at Lili’s Restaurant & Bar
- Enjoy comfort food and amazing desserts at Black Bear Diner
| 👑 Luxury price: | $200 |
| 💵 Mid Range: | $150 |
| 🛏️ Budget: | $100 |
| 🏠 Airbnb: | $150 |
| 💰 Accommodation prices: | Medium |
| 📍 Best area: | Downtown Reno |
| 👪 Best area for families: | Sparks |
| 🛎️ Best luxury hotel: | Renaissance Reno Downtown |
| 💵 Best mid-range hotel: | The Jesse |
| 👛 Best budget hotel: | Whitney Peak Hotel |
BONUS: The best casino hotels in Reno
In a city famous for its 24/h live entertainment and crazy casinos, the best way to experience Reno’s vibe is by staying at a casino hotel!
Casino hotels are a great option to stay in Reno, offering many amenities for a comfy stay and all the fun you would look for outside: slot machines, poker rooms, cool events, and much more… there is the risk that you’ll never leave the property!
I gathered here below a short list of the top 3 casino hotels in Reno, ordered from the most to the least expensive ones (they are all between $230 to $45 a night)… check them out:
- Atlantis Casino Resort Spa
This Four Diamond Award-winning, the luxury hotel has literally everything you need and more, starting from the Spa Atlantis, a full-service spa offering the best relaxing treatments. The property is perfect for a vacation with the family: adults can also play poker and other games in the casino while children can play in the Fun Center, which features entertaining video games. For the rest of the day, guests can enjoy a meal at one of the hotel’s 8 restaurants, offering casual gourmet cuisines, or take a swim in the pool!
- Peppermill Resort Spa Casino
This resort and casino in Reno will just blow your mind, offering the perfect balance between comfort and entertainment. Here you will find incredible amenities like a full-service spa, 3 swimming pools, a fitness center, a business center, and even a casino shop selling all the best brands. And for your fun, the resort offers an incredible game lab with the best video games, the hottest casino slot machines, blackjack tables, and the best casino tournaments and events in the city!
- Silver Legacy Resort
Located in the heart of downtown Reno, Silver Legacy Resort Casino offers great amenities at very affordable prices. Here you’ll find 5 unique, award-winning restaurants where to have delicious dinners and a 24-hour casino with a poker room and a sports book for your fun! Attached to the Silver Legacy property you’ll find the Eldorado Resort Casino and Circus Circus Reno, hosting entertainment and cool events: you can access all 3 properties without having to set foot outside… How cool is that?
Frequently asked questions about hotels in Reno
🏠 Which is the best place to stay in Reno?
Reno, also known as the “Biggest Little City in the World”, hosts some great hotels to stay in, like the luxury Courtyard by Marriott Reno, or the Whitney Peak Hotel if you are traveling on a budget.
📍 Where is the nicest part of Reno?
The nicest part of staying in Reno is Downtown Reno, hosting great attractions and the best Reno hotels like the luxury Renaissance Reno Downtown Hotel & Spa, or Silver Legacy Resort if you want to save some money.
👀 Which are the best things to do in Reno?
Take a picture with the famous Reno Arch sign (saying “Biggest Little City in the World”), have a stroll on the river walkway while you take in panoramic views of the Sierra Nevada mountains, or have a tour of the city center.
🟡 Is it safe to stay in Reno?
If you use common sense and look after your things, yes, Reno is a secure city to stay in. Just keep your valuables in the hotel and park the car in a guarded parking lot.
👪 Which is the best place to stay in Reno for families?
The best places to stay in Reno for families are Hampton Inn & Suites Reno/Sparks, great if you want to enjoy some luxury comforts, or Western Village Inn Casino if you are on a lower budget, both located in Sparks.
Conclusion
Congrats! You made it to the end of this very extensive guide about the best place to stay in Reno, the “Biggest Little City in the World” including areas and accommodation options for any budget and taste.
We saw the best reno hotels, from luxury to budget, some great vacation rentals, and even cool casino hotels for those who want to have fun at their fingertips… you have everything to decide which is the best hotel for your holiday!
But if you still don’t know which one to choose, no worries, I’ll give you some extra help with my 2 absolute favorite hotels in Reno, offering great location and value for the price:
- Renaissance Reno Downtown Hotel & Spa – one of the best reno hotels if you’re looking for luxury, offering spacious rooms with views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains
- The Jesse – this midrange option has everything you need: a bar and lounge, an on-site restaurant, and big rooms with free wifi
See something you like? Then make your reservation right now or at least some months in advance, so you don’t risk losing the spot, and maybe you will also find some great deals!
I hope you enjoyed reading my guide and that it will help you find the perfect place to stay in Reno for your travel needs. If you have any questions, please drop them in the comments below I will answer you as soon as I can!
In the meantime,
Have the best holiday in Reno!
Elena
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