Reno the popular Nevada gem also offers a wide variety of entertainment other than the casinos, and the grand, upscale accommodation it offers is also another reason to stay. From arty boutiques to modern and high-tech, here is my pick for the best cool and unusual hotels in Reno, Nevada…



- +1 800-687-8733
- 407 N Virginia St, Reno
Whitney Peak Hotel


While staying at the Whitney Peak Hotel in the heart of Reno, I was delighted to find it the perfect base for exploring the city. It offered all the expected features like air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, fast and unlimited WIFI, and a stylish designer design.
What truly set the Whitney Peak Hotel apart was its unique and creative decor. The climbing wall, a massive draw for guests, added an exciting dimension to the property. Moreover, every room was adorned with captivating artwork, making it a firm favorite among guests like myself. This hotel provided a memorable and distinctive experience during my visit to Reno.
Pros
Attractive art gallery
High quality fitness center
Rock Climbing Wall for adventurers
Beautiful mountain views
Cons
No couple packages
Bar timings differ
No spa
Atlantis Casino Resort Spa
At the Atlantis Casino Resort Spa, I was captivated by the vibrant decor, setting it apart. This hotel boasts excellent restaurants and a top-notch casino catering to all gamblers.
I was also impressed by the exceptional onsite spa, offering unique treatments and amenities. It had earned the SpaFinder’s Readers’ Choice Award for Best Hotel Casino Spa. My experience at the Atlantis Casino Resort Spa was exceptional, making it an outstanding choice for travelers.
Pros
Unique spa treatments
Premium casino
Indoor and Outdoor pool
Top-ranked restaurants
Cons
Little noise
No fitness club
The environment is suited for adults only
Silver Legacy Reno Resort Casino At The Row
I stayed at the Silver Legacy Resort Casino, just a short drive from Lake Tahoe, and it was the ideal place for a getaway, whether for a short break or an extended vacation.
The hotel’s stylish decor and nightly entertainment, including a comedy club and fantastic restaurants, made it hard to leave. The Silver Legacy Resort Casino was one of the best in the area, offering over 1,000 slots and nearly 50 card tables, catering to everyone’s interests.
Pros
Top-class gym and spa
24-hour casino
6 Bars/ Lounges
Free parking with charging stations
Cons
Fitness club timings can differ
Noisy at times
The bar opens only at night
Grand Sierra Resort And Casino
I had the pleasure of staying at this 1990-room hotel formerly known as the MGM Grand Reno and Hilton Reno. It boasts some of the finest facilities in Reno, making it a top choice for visitors.
The hotel offers two cinemas, 12 restaurants, nightclubs, an RV park, a golf driving range, and even a newly opened ice rink. The onsite casino is the largest gaming floor in Reno, offering a wide range of table games and slots. It’s the perfect place to stay for entertainment and fun in Nevada City.
Pros
Indoor and outdoor pools
Two large cinemas
Fun Activities like Bowling Ice rink
Award-winning Casino and nightlife
Cons
Indoor pool timings can differ
Small bar
Problematic elevators
Nugget Casino Resort
The Nugget Casino Resort is one of my favorite places to stay in Sparks, Nevada. I love this place, and while visiting, I experienced its incredible hospitality. With award-winning restaurants right on site, I tried some of the most delicious dishes.
The massive casino, accommodating thousands of gamblers, provided an exciting atmosphere, and I had a blast trying my luck. The gym and atrium swimming pool added to the enjoyment of my stay, making it a popular choice for a Reno getaway.
Pros
Large sized atrium pool
Arcade games
5 award-winning restaurants
24-hour classical casino
Cons
Thin walls make it noisy
Arcade game timings can differ
Small bar
Eldorado Resort Casino At The Row
The fun and funky Eldorado Resort Casino is my go-to place in downtown Reno. With nightly shows, I had fantastic entertainment, and the 81,000-foot casino kept me busy trying my luck.
The multiple bars and onsite restaurants ensured I stayed hungry and thirsty. The seasonal hot tub and pool were big draws, and I enjoyed relaxing in them. It’s easily one of the best hotels in the area, and I can’t wait to return next year.
Cons
The theater is a little noisy
Pool closes early
Restaurant timings may differ
Circus Circus Reno Hotel Casino At The Row
Circus Circus is a classically fun hotel I enjoyed staying at during my trip to Reno. As the name suggests, the free circus daily performances were among my favorite features. I love this place for its entertaining shows.
But that’s only part of what this fantastic Reno hotel offers. I was thrilled to find a large casino with over 900 slots. I tried my luck and had a great time.
The various restaurants, including a steakhouse, Japanese delights, and a Mexican-orientated restaurant, catered to all my culinary preferences. The dining experiences were some of the highlights of my stay.
Additionally, with free airport transfers and a great location, Circus Circus made my trip even more convenient and enjoyable. It’s truly a gem in Reno.
Pros
Free circus performances daily
Large casino
Free airport transfers
Fully equipped fitness center
Cons
Arcade game timings can differ
Pets not allowed
No spa
Boutique Motel in the Heart of Midtown
For something more unusual compared to the large hotel complexes, Boutique Motel was my choice during my visit. It’s a great alternative and quickly became one of my favorite places to stay.
Staying at Boutique Motel felt like a home away from home. The one-bedroom apartment I had was equipped with a kitchen and washing machine, which made it an ideal place for extended stays. I love this concept of a cozy, self-sufficient space.
The location was fantastic, just a 5-minute drive from The Point Nightclub. I explored the neighborhood and discovered a charming wine bar just down the street.
What’s even better is that Boutique Motel is very reasonably priced and popular with guests. It’s a hidden gem that could be just what you are looking for.
Pros
Pets are welcomed
Neon open-air bar
Fully equipped kitchen
Cons
No fitness center
No Spa
House, King Beds, EV Charger, BBQ, Espresso Machine
House, King Beds, EV Charger, BBQ, and Espresso Machine were excellent options for my stay with family and friends. These holiday homes provided a comfortable and memorable experience.
The four-bedroom holiday homes were a perfect fit for our group. Each bedroom had a large kitchen, flat-screen TVs, and free WIFI, making our stay incredibly convenient. Linen and towels were also provided free of charge, ensuring that we had everything we needed for a comfortable stay.
The cooking facilities in the home, including a microwave, dishwasher, oven, fridge, and washing machine, were a big plus. We prepared delicious meals and enjoyed them together.
The location was great, with attractions like the National Automobile Museum, Rancho San Rafael Park, Wingfield Park Amphitheater, and the Nevada Historical Society just a short drive away. Plus, there was free parking onsite, which made our visit hassle-free
Pros
Well-equipped Kitchen
Close to popular attractions
Free parking on-site
Cons
No couple packages
No spa
Sleek Reno-Lake Tahoe Retreat, 4 Mi to Ski Mt Rose
I enjoyed staying at the Sleek Reno-Lake Tahoe Retreat, 4 Mi to Ski Mt Rose, approximately 25 miles from downtown Reno. This place had so much to offer, and I loved my time here.
The holiday homes were fantastic, with six bedrooms comfortably accommodating our group. The highlight was the bathroom with a hot tub – a perfect way to unwind after a day of adventure.
The well-equipped kitchen had everything we needed, making our stay incredibly convenient. We appreciated that free bedding and towels were provided and free parking was available for guests. Some of the homes even had a balcony with picturesque views, adding to the charm of the retreat.
This place is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. There are multiple spots in the area for skiing and snowboarding, and forests surround the resort and offer spectacular views of the mountains. It is a retreat that offers the best of both worlds, and I can’t wait to visit again.
Pros
Hot tubs
Skiing/Snowboarding activities nearby
Free bedding and towels
Cons
No fitness club
Not pet-friendly
All Hotels in Reno Ranked
In the table below, we have compared Reno’s top 10 cool and unusual hotels. You can sort the table based on different factors like location, distance from attractions, price per night, and restaurants nearby:
Hotel Name Location Price range (per night) Fitness facilities Distance to Attractions (km) Nearby Restaurants
Whitney Peak Hotel 255 N Virginia St $207 - $307 Yes 0.2 4
Atlantis Casino Resort Spa 3800 S Virginia St $89 - $229 Yes 0.6 5
Silver Legacy Reno Resort Casino at THE ROW 407 N Virginia St $121 - $229 Yes 0.1 2
Grand Sierra Resort And Casino 2500 E 2nd St $89 - $163 Yes 0.6 7
Nugget Casino Resort 1100 Nugget Ave $95 - $126 Yes 0.3 3
Eldorado Resort Casino at THE ROW 345 N Virginia St $119 - $262 No 0.2 4
Circus Circus Reno Hotel Casino at THE ROW 500 N Sierra St $113 - $185 No 0.1 8
Kramer's Midtown South Virginia St 1607 $75-$125 No 1.4 3
House, King Beds, EV Charger, BBQ, Espresso Machine - Home 89523 N/A No 0.6 3
Sleek Reno-Lake Tahoe Retreat, 4 Mi to Ski Mt Rose 22222 NV-431 $4114 Yes 7 3
Was this helpful?
Good job! Please give your positive feedback ⚡
How could we improve this post? Please Help us.✍

Michael Cowley – writer and photographer
Ever since he was knee-high to a grasshopper Michael has always had an affinity for adventure. Growing up he was lucky enough to live in a handful of exotic far flung locations including Hong Kong, Pakistan, Kenya and Tanzania and since then he’s continued seeking out new places and cultures. In his spare time he explores everywhere from the sizzling street markets in Bangkok to random back alleys in Sri Lanka and everything in between! He also has a special fondness for Cohibas, trying all kinds of street food, playing carrom with random strangers, and fine wine – he knows his clarets from his chiantis. He counts Cuba, Amsterdam, Indonesia, Goa, Cambodia and Italy as his favourite destinations. Find Michael on Instagram or Twitter.
Related Posts