Reno sits in the Truckee River valley on the eastern side of the Sierra Nevada, close to the California border and roughly 23 miles from Lake Tahoe. It is a casino and resort city, home to the University of Nevada at Reno, and the downtowns of Reno and neighbouring Sparks share the valley known as the Truckee Meadows.
For a visitor, the practical question is whether to base yourself downtown, near the university, out along the southern highway strip, or close to the airport. This guide covers the areas the source material identifies, what each suits, and how the choice changes with your budget.
Best areas to stay in Reno
1. Downtown Reno
Downtown is the core of the visitor experience, built around Virginia Street and the Reno Arch, which has stood as the downtown gateway since 1926. It is where the hotel and casino resorts are concentrated, and it puts you within walking distance of the city's main street life.
This area suits first-time visitors and anyone who wants to be in the middle of things. It is also the practical choice if you want to be downtown without staying in a casino, since non-casino accommodation exists here as well. Expect some noise and activity given the casino and street traffic.
2. The area around the University of Nevada, Reno
The university campus anchors the northern edge of the city's central districts. Basing yourself here puts you near the campus and its surroundings rather than the casino core.
It suits visitors with business or events at the university, and travellers who prefer a quieter base than downtown while staying reasonably close to it.
3. South Virginia Street
South Virginia Street runs south from the centre and is a mid-range corridor with its own cluster of accommodation. It is a car-oriented area rather than a walking district.
It suits travellers with a vehicle who want easy road access and a quieter setting than downtown, and it works for longer stays that need practical, spread-out amenities.
4. Airport area
The area around Reno–Tahoe International Airport, along Terminal Way and East Plumb Lane, is a practical base for short stays and early departures. Accommodation here is mid-range and oriented to travellers passing through.
It suits anyone with a short stopover, an early flight, or a one-night stay before heading on to Lake Tahoe or the Sierra. The trade-off is that you are away from the downtown sights and will generally need a car or a taxi to reach them.
5. North Wells Avenue area
North Wells Avenue, near the Livestock Events Center, is a straightforward budget option on the northern side of the centre.
It suits budget travellers and anyone attending events at the Livestock Events Center. It is not a sightseeing base, so plan on driving or taking transport into downtown.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: simple motel-style accommodation, including properties on the northern edge of the centre such as the North Wells Avenue area.
- Mid-range: chain hotels and suites, concentrated around the airport and along South Virginia Street, plus non-casino hotels downtown.
- Splurge: the hotel and casino resorts, most of them downtown, which are where the majority of visitors to Reno stay.
Best area for a first visit
Downtown Reno is the best base for a first visit. It puts you next to the Reno Arch and on Virginia Street, within the main concentration of casino resorts and other accommodation. If you would rather not stay in a casino, downtown still works, because non-casino hotels are available there too.
Frequently asked questions
Do most visitors to Reno stay in a casino resort?
Yes. Most visitors stay at one of the hotel and casino resorts, though there are many options for those who do not want to stay at a casino.
Can I stay downtown without staying in a casino?
Yes. Downtown has at least one non-smoking hotel that is not a casino, right next to the Reno Arch.
Which area is best if I have an early flight?
The airport area, around Terminal Way and East Plumb Lane, is the practical choice, with mid-range accommodation a short distance from the terminal.
Where should I stay if I am on a budget?
Look at the northern edge of the centre, around North Wells Avenue near the Livestock Events Center, where budget motel-style accommodation is available.
Compare live prices for these areas with the booking tools on this page before you decide.