Visitreno

[tar1539]

This is going to be my first trip to Reno (April 6) and i have a few questions please.

We are booked at the Sands, is the neighborhood as bad as i have heard on various message boards?

Can you request what tower you want or do they just put you where they want? And which is best?

Do they have a Parking garage?

Any recommendations for best slot and video play? Have heard the Peppermill is good.

Any really friendly casinos with good drink service? Have heard Fitzgeralds is kinda lousy now.

Thanks in advance for any help...

[Mammothgambler]

Hello tar1539 and welcome to the board. You have definitely come to the right place, there are several knowledgable users here.

I've only stayed at the Sands a few times and it's never been bad for the money. Since it has gone under new ownership (it's now owned by Terrible's) I've heard it's gotten a little better, and the rooms may possibly have been redecorated. It is a couple of blocks off the main strip and there's been various responses to the "safeness" of the neighborhood between, but I've never had any trouble as I've always taken cabs around the area after dark. One thing I have noticed on all my trips there is that the machines don't seem quite as loose as other casinos downtown and on S. Virginia St.

Try to get a room in the Empress Tower. It is the tallest tower that is located over the front desk/side casino while the other towers are clear on the other side so access seemed much easier. Some of the corner rooms here have balconies and overall you'll notice the room size is very large.

I'm not sure if they have a parking garage but I do know there's plenty of outside parking. I've only taken shuttles and taxis to and from there in the past.

I'd definitely recommend the Peppermill, I've been a big fan for the past couple years and have had several big wins there. Definitely a difference in the machines there vs. downtown. Didn't have any luck when I went last week and got stuck with a rather bad room, but I guess you can't win 'em all...the Atlantis right down the road is also very good. If you go to the Peppermill, sign up for a Passport card, they have a promo going on where you play up to $100 in the first hour and get re-imbursed for your losses by adding free slot play on your card (but you do have to spend the money out of pocket first). They are also passing out very valuable buy 1 get free coupons right now for their restaurants so now is definitely a good time to sign up there. If you have any questions about the Peppermill, ask Alison on this board, she is the expert.

Fitzgeralds didn't seem bad at all, although we were only in there for a few minutes and I hadn't been downtown at all in a few years. It did seem rather empty but it was also about 3 in the morning when we were in there. I noticed that they still have lots of traditional machines that still dispense coins vs. tickets.

Regarding the drink service, I can't really comment...the service seems to be about the same everywhere (could always be a bit quicker I guess).

Hope this helps. You might want to check their website, www.sandsregency.com if you haven't already, they have the lowdown on the rooms, restaurants, etc.

Mammothgambler

[remano]

Yes they have a parking garage. They also have a large surface parking lot.

The surrounding neighborhood appears run down but it's not really all that bad. I've been there many times and never had a problem. The trouble I read about in the newspaper is usually in other parts of town. As in all places, use common sense especially if you're alone or it's late at night.

The Sands is "out of the way" by Reno standards but it's only about 3 blocks to the main casino area. In Las Vegas, that distance wouldn't get you from the parking garage to the check in desk of many hotels.

[hawk]

I prefer to walk from Sands to casinos on FOURTH st, not 3d st by the railroad tracks. Lighter, brighter, seems safer. Don't have to walk by the boarded up Kings Inn.
Gaming is lousy there. You can't get a machine at the 6-5 JOB VP machine. That should tell you a lot about the intelligence level of the clientele.

[tar1539]

Thanks All...The info helps alot!!

[stan_allen]

But DO follow BC Dave's advice, and use the on-line gaming at the Sands website - they'll give you $25 in free play just for signing up for their club!