Virginia Street runs the length of Reno, Nevada, from north to south. The part from Interstate 80 to the Truckee River is considered the strip. It’s quieter than the Las Vegas strip and a lot less crowded, but you’ll still find plenty of neon and gambling opportunities everywhere you look. Some of Reno’s most elaborate hotels are in this central locale.
Circus Circus is one of the older casinos in Reno but it is family-friendly. The property has all the card tables and casino games you’d expect, as well as adult-oriented shows at its Cabaret Stage. It also has a Midway filled with carnival games like Chicken in a Pot and Dog Pounder. The three arcades feature teenage-friendly games like House of the Dead, while the younger set can test their skills on the Virtual Roller Coaster. Family-friendly shows are presented on the Midway Stage. JR Johns and his rescue dogs have been entertaining at the Midway since 2008. The acts complement the carnival atmosphere of Circus Circus.
The Silver Legacy is hard to miss. That giant 180-foot-tall dome next to the hotel tower is quite the contrast to anything else on the Reno strip. The dome is in the middle of the casino area and houses a 120-foot-tall mining machine. The 75,000-square-foot dome is also the backdrop for a laser light show, presented every hour 24/7. Step into the hotel rooms and the décor is pure Victorian. Period furnishings and fabrics -- heavy on the red and gold brocades -- add to the illusion. All the modern creature comforts are available, including wireless Internet and 32” HD TVs. Book a room or a Spa Suite on the higher floors for a panoramic view of downtown Reno and the surrounding mountains.
The El Dorado Hotel is the last of the major properties between 4th Strett and Interstate 80, the busiest part of the Reno strip. The El Dorado, Silver Legacy and Circus Circus are all connected by inner walkways so it’s easy to stay at one and enjoy all three properties. The El Dorado has a western feel in both its casino and guest room spaces. Standard and some deluxe rooms are in the Virginia and Sierra Towers, while the luxury rooms and suites are in the Skyline Tower. Visit Brew Brothers and have a beer and a meal while watching the brewing process through a wall of glass. A sampler tray offers an assortment of brews in shot-sized glasses so you can sample several varieties without overdoing it. The Brew Brothers won a bronze metal at the 2014 World Beer Cup.
Harrah’s is one of Reno’s oldies but goodies. The property opened in 1966 and featured legendary performers like Eddie Fisher, Wayne Newton and Jerry Lewis. Sammy’s Showroom at Harrah’s is named for Sammy Davis Jr., another on-stage regular. The venue still hosts concerts and magic shows. Club Cal Neva is across the street from Harrah’s. It is awash in neon; in fact the facade hasn’t changed much in the last 50 years. Rooms are basic but comfortable and the on-site restaurant is wallet-friendly. The emphasis at this property is on the gaming. In addition to the traditional casino games you can bet on sports events and take part in poker tournaments.
