The hype
Families love the endless activities and pool, but everyone hates the elevator lines and hidden fees.
Grand Sierra Resort & Casino
$80-250/ night
Book this if You want a Vegas-style mega-resort experience with bowling, cinema, and endless dining without leaving the building.
Why People Love It
- All-in-one entertainment: bowling, cinema, driving range, and escape room on-site
- Year-round adults-only infinity pool (heated)
- The 'Vista' tower rooms are recently renovated and strictly non-smoking
Quick Take: A massive, self-contained city near the airport that's great for families and groups but suffers from thin walls and long elevator waits.
Reviewed by @sincerelysusye: I honestly didn't expect to have this much fun in Reno! The heated pool was steaming hot despite the cold, and having a bowling alley and ice rink right downstairs saved us from ever getting bored. Plus, bringing my dog along made the whole trip feel complete.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'resort fee' covers things you might expect to be free, and the 'Sierra' tower rooms can smell like stale smoke even if you book non-smoking.
- You want to park your car once and never leave the property
- You are traveling with kids who need constant entertainment (arcade, bowling, pool)
- You are a group of friends looking for a casino weekend with easy access to clubs and bars
Cleanliness & Maintenance
7.5
- Housekeeping: Hit or miss. Some guests report missed days or rushed cleaning. Request early service.
- Bathroom hygiene: Generally good in Vista/Summit towers. Sierra tower bathrooms show age (grout issues, older fixtures).
- Maintenance: Vista tower is fresh. Sierra tower has reports of peeling wallpaper, slow drains, and stuck handles.
- Linens & towels: Standard hotel quality. Clean but not luxurious. Check sheets in Sierra tower for cigarette burns.
- Odors & scents: Vista tower is fresh. Sierra tower and casino floor have a noticeable lingering smoke smell.
Sleepability™
6.5MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Airport flight path (planes taking off/landing)
- Hallway noise from late-night revelers
- Connecting room doors (sound leaks)
Before you book
Good to know
- The main pool is seasonal (May-Oct), but the Infinity Pool is year-round (adults only).
- Mobile check-in is highly recommended to skip the massive front desk line.
- Parking is free (both self and valet), which is a rarity.
What to pack
- Earplugs or white noise machine (essential for Sierra tower or lower floors)
- Swimsuit year-round (for the heated infinity pool or hot tubs)
- Lotion and lip balm (Reno is high desert and extremely dry)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Vista Tower (Floors 17-27) - Newly renovated, all non-smoking, better views.
- Summit Rooms (Floors 17-21) - Often larger layouts, updated decor.
Rooms to avoid
- Sierra Tower (Floors 1-16) - Older decor, risk of smoke smell from neighboring rooms.
- Rooms near the elevator banks - High foot traffic and noise.
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I would like to request a room in the VISTA TOWER (Floors 17-27) to ensure a non-smoking, renovated room. Please assign a room as far from the elevators as possible to minimize hallway noise.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the pool open in winter?
Yes and no. The main 'Beach' pool is closed, but the adults-only Infinity Pool and hot tubs are open year-round and heated.
Does the hotel allow pets?
No. Grand Sierra Resort has a strict no-pet policy. Only ADA service animals are permitted.
How much is the resort fee?
Expect to pay approximately $48.53 per night plus a $2 tourism surcharge.
Is there a shuttle to the airport?
Yes, there is a free airport shuttle running from 4:30 AM to midnight.
Can I smoke in my room?
Only if you book a designated smoking room in the Sierra Tower. The Vista Tower is 100% non-smoking.
Is it walkable to downtown Reno?
No. It is located about 2 miles east of downtown in a standalone complex. You will need a car or Uber.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Locals and guests can buy a day pass for the pool (~$20) even without a room key, but hotel guests get priority.
- ✨
The 'resort fee' includes 2 bottles of water daily—make sure you grab them from the front desk if they aren't in your room.
- ✨
Ask for a 'Summit' room if available; they are often priced similarly to Vista but can have slightly better layouts.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'resort fee' covers a driving range bucket of balls—use it!
💡The RV park on-site is actually quite nice and has access to resort amenities.
💡There is a hidden 'speakeasy' vibe at the Taco Shop nearby (behind Death & Taxes bar).
💡The elevators have a 'smart' system that can be confusing and slow; press your floor *before* getting in.
💡The walls are paper-thin; you will hear your neighbor's TV if it's above volume 10.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Grand Sierra Resort & Casino is located and what's nearby.