Reno

I'm going there on a freebie from Harrah's, inlcuding airfare. The sked is ridiculous, which is probably why they're giving it away. Leave Philly at 6:30 a.m., change planes in Chicago (in Februrary!). Arrive home at 11:45 p.m. But I'm retired now, so can afford the delay risks and weird timetable.

What do you know about Reno? Is Harrah's OK there. Are there other places I should check out? Should I rent a car for a day or two? (Trip is four days.)

Thanks.

As this website focuses primarily on Las Vegas, I strongly recommend that you visit this Reno-centric web forum.

BTW, what's ridiculous about leaving on a westbound cross-country flight from Philly at 6:30A or returning home on an eastbound cross-country flight at 11:45P? Those hours sound pretty common.

It the opportunity exists and weather permitting, I'd visit Lake Tahoe and visit some of the properties not located in downtown Reno, the Atlantis, Peppermill and JA Nuggett. Harrahs is located in downtown Reno and walking distance to a couple other casinos, riverwalk and art museum.

Basically, those are the first and last flights at PHL. I might book the late-returning flight in a pinch, minus the winter-in-Chicago change, but no way am I getting up, if I have a choice, at 3 a.m. to begin my travels.
And thanks for the link.

Harrahs in Reno is a dump!

Try the Nugget, Peppermill or Atlantis, or drive another hour to Tahoe which is beautiful!

It's far from being a dump. I'm a strip-snob, and I don't mind staying there.
Its a Harr. prop. and its Free.

Do I prefer to stay at JA Nugget or Peppermill? Yes.

But Harr. Reno is FINE location downtown & easy walk to other nice hotels...ElDorada, Silver Legacy,etc.

Since hes on a Harr. junket, he will probably get a remodeled room in West Tower w/Virginia St. View.

Yes deadeye, you could certainly rent a car. Easy to do from the Reno airport.
You can return the car when your junket returns instead of taking the shuttle back to the airport.

Tahoe sight-seeing......... weather-permitting of course.

Well, I have not been to Reno/Tahoe for years.

Probably will make a trip there this summer.

I always enjoyed my past trips there.

It has changed quite a bit over the years.

I would certainly rent a car and visit Tahoe and Carson City too.

If I had to describe downtown Reno using one word it would be, "quaint."

I think you will find the personnel there on the friendly side.

Hope you have a fun visit!!!

If you're talking about travel in the next several weeks, weather is an issue. Though Tahoe has seen very little snow so far this year, at any moment, you can be in the middle of a heavy winter snow storm. A rain shadow keeps Reno drier and with less snow.

Plenty to see (especially nature-wise) if you've never been, but not the best time of the year for that (late spring through fall is perfect unless you love snow and ice).

I'm curious, what's the agreement with a rental car and tire chains?

I am not a strip snob either but there is no getting around that the harrahs reno is a dump.

Stayed in both towers and the rooms are very old. Beds/pillows are rock hard. The ac was barely functional. TV's at least 10 years old. The carpeting may be the original carpeting.

The casino has very old slots and vp. Some of the vp machines are so old the screens are faint and flicker. You get the impression that harrahs sends all their old machines there to die. The buffet was at best fair with a very limited selection.

Sometimes free isn't worth the price

Hoops- you got your opinion. I disagree.

TB-"Plenty to see (especially nature-wise) if you've never been, but not the best time of the year for that (late spring through fall is perfect unless you love snow and ice).
I'm curious, what's the agreement with a rental car and tire chains?

Good question TB. You and I know Weather can definately be an issue this time of year.
I would NOT book a Car, but reserve a 4wd/SUV Rental, for Tahoe trips, this time of year.

deadeye- you can also take the Tahoe Shuttle, instead of renting a car. It runs frequently during the day,
(from the airport I believe, so check there) and can save you the snow chain hassle or worry.