Lake Tahoe and Reno Area - 411

Hi everyone,

I was thinking of stopping by Lake Tahoe and the Reno area at some point. I've always been a Las Vegas kinda guy, but I've been there so many times I that I'm thinking of change in scenery. Would you recommend Tahoe or Reno? What's there to do? Any interesting attractions? What hotels do you like to stay at? Where's a good gambling place for a craps and low limit poker player? Does Reno comp better than Vegas or an Indian casino? Where would you go for food in the area? Like a nice steakhouse or something. What about no-frills meal.

Is it worth it to make a separate trip out to that area or would you prefer to stay near Vegas and explore that area instead. Would you do Vegas and drive over to Reno to finish off your trip? Or would you do Reno first and then finish off in Vegas.

Any 411 would be helpful. Thanks.

If you have never been to Lake Tahoe, it is one of the top natural attractions in the United States. On the other hand, it's a lake. It doesn't light up at night, play music, or dance. It just is. If you are a skier, the areas around Lake Tahoe are world class.

If you are a gambler, you may find the lack of options a turn off. The lack of competition also allows the gambling joints to keep their prices and minimums high.

One thing I enjoyed in the area was a visit to Carson City. The old mint has been converted to a museum, and they have an extensive collection of Winchester rifles, mining relics, and gold rush era artifacts. I recommend it to anyone who is interested in gold rush history.

In all my visits to the area, I have never stayed in Reno. It doesn't really interest me, but there are other members of the board who are regulars, and can provide you with first hand recommendations.

I went to South Lake Tahoe about 2 months ago. Both Harrah's and Harvey's are nice casinos. But that is about it. They both have tons of slots, craps, bj, paigow poker, 3cp, miss stud, sports betting. Basically like a strip casino. I did not check out the poker rooms.

I can't wait to go back. The lake is beautiful. You can take a boat tour on the lake or even drive around the lake and take in the scenery. There is also the "heavenly gondola" that is like a ski left. Takes you from the casino area to the top of the mountain. You get a great view of the lake and city. It costs about $37 a person. Depending on the time of year there is a beautiful golf course (Edgewood I think) or you can hike or mountain bike. I'd say to try Tahoe if you're looking for a nice vacation and gambling. If you're really mostly there to gamble and party...just go to Vegas

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Would you recommend Tahoe or Reno?

If you appreciate nature, go to Tahoe. Lake Tahoe is gorgeous, but your gambling options are limited. Tahoe's gambling is centered on the South Shore, but there are only 5 casinos.

For gambling, I prefer Reno. The worst part about Reno is that it's a bit dumpy. The best part about Reno is that it's less pretentious than Vegas: it has lower table limits than Vegas, cheaper buffets, fewer crowds, and smaller casinos than Vegas.

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What's there to do? Any interesting attractions?

If you like history, check out Virginia City. Or Vikingsholm on Emerald Bay. If you like nature, check out the Taylor Creek underwater viewing platform in South Tahoe. For a nice boat cruise, I'd suggest the Tahoe Queen. The gondola at Heavenly offers spectacular views, though the tickets are a bit of a rip-ff at $37 per person.

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What hotels do you like to stay at?

The nicest hotel in Tahoe is the Hyatt Regency. But the Hyatt is isolated (it's in North Tahoe), and their casino is too small. In South Tahoe, the nicest hotel is Harrah's.

In Reno, I'd suggest you stay at Silver Legacy downtown. I prefer staying downtown because there are 7 casinos within walking distance (Sands, Circus Circus, Silver Legacy, Eldorado, Harrahs, Cal-Neva, Siena). My two favorite downtown hotels are Silver Legacy and Harrah's. The best hotel rooms in all of Reno are at Peppermill (particularly their Tuscany Tower) but the Peppermill is isolated.

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Where's a good gambling place for a craps and low limit poker player? Does Reno comp better than Vegas or an Indian casino?

In downtown Reno, the lowest table limits are at Cal-Neva. It's kind of a dump though. I can't really comment on comparing Reno comps to Vegas comps. Peppermill has sent me some very generous comps, but I have no idea if they really are the best at comping.

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Where would you go for food in the area? Like a nice steakhouse or something. What about no-frills meal.

The best meal I've ever had in Reno was at Bimini in Peppermill. Harrah's Steakhouse is also very good. The best buffet is at Eldorado. (Peppermill's buffet is awful.)

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Is it worth it to make a separate trip out to that area or would you prefer to stay near Vegas and explore that area instead. Would you do Vegas and drive over to Reno to finish off your trip? Or would you do Reno first and then finish off in Vegas.

Start in Reno. Then hit Tahoe. Finish in Vegas.

Good luck.