Living the Suite Life

Reno has always played second fiddle to Las Vegas, and the spread of casino gaming, especially in Northern California, may have taken a bit of a bite out of the “Biggest Little City in the World,” but as with all great resort towns, Reno is growing fast, and fortunately, the dollar stretches farther here, than on the Las Vegas Strip.

The city, which now bills itself as “America’s Adventure Place,” is luring visitors to the area by touting its outdoor activities. The Truckee River Kayak Course, with its 11 drop-pools, rough water and 1½-mile-long course in downtown Reno, is the anchor of its new advertising campaign. But it’s certainly not the only outdoor adventure for visitors. There’s fishing, rock climbing, hiking, sky diving, and in winter, there’s world-class skiing. After all that exercise, clients will want a place to just kick off their shoes and relax. And the resorts in Reno really do have some “suite” deals, starting at the Peppermill, a regular on a lot of best-of-Reno lists.

The Peppermill has the most suites in Reno, and they are by far the most elegant in Northern Nevada. With 185 in eight different designs, there is something for everyone’s taste and, more importantly, wallet. The 1,090-square-foot Royal Suites have a Jacuzzi tub, dining area, bar, separate bedroom, two bathrooms and three televisions. If clients need a little more space to stretch out, the Penthouse Suites at 1,205 square feet, might be the answer. Still more? Then how about the 5,000-square-foot Safari- and Roman-themed Super Suites?

The living room of the Safari Suite features a full-size Jacuzzi topped by a dome that features three sky scenes: daytime, nighttime and starry night. The tub is surrounded by authentic African sculptures.

If it’s more Roman opulence a client is after, then check into the resort’s other Super Suite which has stunning architectural details, such as cut-stone arches, marble columns and gold-leafed Corinthian capitals. Imported Italian Bottocino marble floors and walls with gold-tile features and mosaic murals add to the lavish surroundings.

The Peppermill also has plans to expand and add a new all-suite 17-story, 600-room curved glass tower to increase room capacity to 1,625. The Tuscan-themed suites will feature large-screen plasma televisions, oversized marble bathrooms and spa tubs.

In addition, a 14,000-square-foot casino expansion is expected to be completed next August. It will add 300 new slot machines, increasing the total to 1,900, and 12 new table games. A 10,000-square-foot, two-story nightclub overlooking the pool area, a 50,000-square-foot convention center, an arcade, spa, salon and fitness center and a number of new restaurants are also in the works. But clients will have to wait. Construction isn’t expected to be completed until September 2007.

Over at the Atlantis Casino and Resort, the Royal Dolphin Tower rooms with dolphin-themed furnishings have a Caribbean feel, with rich, mahogany furniture and marble floors. The two-room suites come with full-service wet bars, flat-screen televisions and an entertainment area.

Atlantis’ Grand Penthouse suites are located on the 26th and 27th floors of the Concierge Tower. They range from 2,000 to 4,000 square feet, and come with sweeping views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains or the lights of Reno and an impressive list of amenities.

The Eldorado Reno’s spa suites feature large whirlpool tubs, steam showers, pop-up TVs, European-style marble bathrooms, elegant armoires and a desk area, while the resort’s Jacuzzi Suites have similar features with city or mountain views.

Our last stop on the Reno suite tour is the Silver Legacy. Here clients will find the Victorian-themed Player Spa Suites, with turn-of-the-century elegance and city, valley and mountain views. The Legacy’s penthouse suites allow for more leg stretching and include a dining area, living room, two bedrooms and two bathrooms.

These are just some of Reno’s finer suites. Most casino resorts offer upgrades for a very reasonable price. Clients interested in a little extra should ask at check-in what special deals are available. They’ll often be surprised that you don’t have to be a high-roller to live the “suite life.”