Trying to choose the right hotel in Reno starts with deciding what kind of stay you want. South Reno is home to large resorts with extensive amenities, while Downtown and the Riverfront put you closer to the city center. Midtown offers a smaller-scale alternative for travelers who prefer local character over a traditional casino-resort experience.
Reno hotels can also differ dramatically in atmosphere. You can choose a full resort with spa, dining and entertainment, an upscale riverfront hotel, a smoke-free non-gaming property or a straightforward city base. Deciding how important the hotel itself will be to your trip makes the comparison much easier.
How to Choose the Right Hotel in Reno
The easiest way to choose the right hotel in Reno is to decide whether you want a resort experience or simply a comfortable base for exploring the city. Large properties can offer dining, spa facilities and entertainment under one roof, while Downtown hotels make it easier to experience Reno beyond the resort.
It is also worth deciding whether a casino environment is part of the experience you want. Reno has both casino resorts and non-gaming alternatives, so travelers who prefer a quieter or smoke-free urban stay do not have to choose a traditional casino property.
Start With the Right Reno Location
South Reno works particularly well for travelers who want a larger resort experience with multiple amenities available on the property. It can be a good fit when the hotel itself will be an important part of the vacation rather than simply somewhere to sleep.
Downtown Reno offers a mix of traditional casino properties and non-gaming alternatives. The Riverfront and Riverwalk areas can appeal to travelers who want a more urban setting, while Midtown provides an alternative for visitors interested in a smaller-scale stay with more local character.
If you would rather begin with individual properties, our Top 10 Hotels in Reno compares standout choices for complete resort experiences, spa stays, Downtown convenience, family entertainment, non-gaming hotels and boutique character.
Think About Transportation and Downtown Access
Your transportation needs depend heavily on where you stay and what you plan to do. A Downtown or Riverfront hotel can be convenient when much of your itinerary is centered around the city, while a larger resort outside the immediate Downtown core may make more sense if you expect to spend substantial time at the property.
If you will have a car, check current parking arrangements before booking and consider how often you expect to drive between the hotel and other parts of Reno. For a short city trip, a central location may be more valuable than resort amenities you have little time to use.
Match the Hotel to the Type of Trip
Couples planning a relaxing getaway may prioritize spa facilities, dining and an upscale resort atmosphere. Families can place greater value on properties with a broad range of activities and entertainment, especially when they expect to spend significant time at the hotel.
Business travelers and visitors on shorter city trips may prefer a convenient Downtown or Riverfront base. Travelers who do not want a casino-focused experience can specifically look for non-gaming options, while those seeking something more individual can consider smaller properties in Midtown.
Decide Whether You Want a Casino Resort
This is one of the most useful ways to narrow down Reno hotels. A large casino resort can provide restaurants, entertainment, spa facilities and other amenities without requiring you to leave the property frequently. That convenience can be a major advantage for a resort-focused trip.
However, a casino atmosphere is not essential to experiencing Reno. If you prefer a smoke-free environment, a quieter urban hotel or simply a property where gaming is not the main focus, Reno also has alternatives. Consider the atmosphere you want before comparing room rates alone.
7 Things to Check Before Booking a Hotel in Reno
- Location: Decide whether South Reno, Downtown, the Riverfront, Riverwalk or Midtown best fits your plans.
- Casino or non-gaming: Choose whether a casino-resort atmosphere is something you actively want during your stay.
- Resort amenities: Compare spa facilities, dining, pools and entertainment based on what you will genuinely use.
- Trip type: Consider whether you are planning a resort getaway, family trip, business visit or short city break.
- Atmosphere: Decide between a large resort, upscale riverfront property, Downtown hotel or smaller boutique stay.
- Parking and transportation: Check current parking arrangements and how easily the location fits your itinerary.
- Booking conditions: Review current fees, cancellation terms, room details and included amenities before reserving.
A Few Reno Hotels for Different Priorities
Once you know your priorities, narrowing the options becomes easier. In our Reno ranking, Peppermill Resort Spa Casino, WorldHotels Elite is our Best Overall choice for a complete resort experience. Atlantis Casino Resort Spa is another South Reno option with an emphasis on upscale resort amenities, spa and dining, while Renaissance Reno Downtown Hotel & Spa offers an upscale alternative with a Downtown riverfront location.
Families and travelers looking for plenty of activities can consider Grand Sierra Resort and Casino. For a non-gaming Downtown alternative, Whitney Peak Hotel Reno, Tapestry Collection by Hilton stands out for its smoke-free urban experience, while Best Bet Motor Lodge provides a smaller-scale option with Midtown character.
Ready to Choose Your Reno Hotel?
The best way to choose the right hotel in Reno is to decide first whether you want a full resort experience, a central city base or a non-gaming alternative. From large South Reno resorts to Downtown, Riverfront and Midtown properties, the right choice depends on how you want to spend your time.
When you are ready to compare individual properties, explore our complete guide to the top 10 hotels in Reno, including our choices for overall resort experience, spa stays, families, Downtown convenience and non-gaming alternatives.
