Who says you need to leave town to enjoy a great getaway when Reno, Nevada hotels and resorts offer extraordinary local experiences? Long-time residents and newcomers to the Biggest Little City alike can explore local hospitality gems to transform a weekend into a stress-free adventure, rediscovering familiar places in a fresh way. Keep reading to learn how to create a getaway close to home.
Where To Stay: Reno Nevada Hotels and Luxury Casino Resorts to Lake Tahoe Area Retreats
From Reno, Nevada, casino hotels that combine world-class amenities with the excitement of gaming to boutique retreats, the setting for a perfect staycation destination right is close by in Northern Nevada.
The Jesse Hotel & Bar offers a comfortable, stylish stay and is among the best hotels in downtown Reno, NV. Each of its six rooms is thoughtfully designed, with exposed brick walls, hardwood floors, custom furnishings, and original local artwork that creates aesthetic, comfortable interiors. The hotel's bar and spacious outdoor patio make it easy to find a spot to relax, while Estella, the on-site restaurant, serves street-style tacos and mezcal cocktails that have earned a loyal following. For locals seeking a refreshing break without leaving town, the Jesse offers a stay that feels like an escape and an invitation to experience downtown Reno anew.
Alternatively, the Best Bet Motor Lodge offers a fresh take on a classic motor lodge, reimagined as a stylish 21-room boutique hotel. Located in the heart of Midtown Reno, this spot provides easy access to local dining and entertainment. Each room combines thoughtful design with comfort, featuring Frette linens and modern bathrooms with Grown Alchemist toiletries. The Best Bet also includes access to the Reno Sauna Club, an on-site amenity with indoor and outdoor cedar saunas—perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring.
The Atlantis Casino Resort Spa stands out as a local favorite, featuring the region's only Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star spa. Also located on South Virginia Street, the Peppermill Resort Spa Casino offers a luxury experience with its award-winning Spa Toscana and geothermally heated facilities.
For those seeking a downtown experience, the Renaissance Reno Downtown Hotel provides a non-gaming option with stunning Truckee River views and easy access to the Riverwalk District. These properties usually offer special rates and packages for locals, making luxury stays more accessible to those calling Reno home.
When Reno residents need a change of scenery, Lake Tahoe hotels provide the perfect mountain retreat just a short drive away. On Tahoe's North Shore, Incline Village hotels offer year-round elegance with properties like the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort that combine alpine charm with upscale amenities. These hotels in the North Lake Tahoe area present unique opportunities for both summer and winter activities. During warmer months, enjoy private beaches and water sports; in winter, enjoy proximity to world-class ski resorts like Northstar California Resort. Many properties offer day-use facilities for locals seeking a taste of vacation life without an overnight stay.
Reno Nevada Hotel Deals: Smart Staycation Booking Strategies For Locals
Finding the best hotel deals in Reno, Nevada, often comes down to timing and insider knowledge. Residents can take advantage of:
- Mid-week special rates
- Nevada resident discounts
- Last-minute weekend packages
- Off-season promotions
- Casino player's club benefits
Many properties offer "stay and play" packages that include resort credits, dining vouchers, or spa services, maximizing the value of your staycation investment.
What To Do: Enjoy Reno's Outdoor Beauty
Northern Nevada's landscape makes it easy to enjoy the outdoors without traveling far from home. If your idea of a good time looks like relaxing in a quiet park or hiking scenic trails, Reno has a range of outdoor spaces to make a staycation memorable.
Idlewild Park, located alongside the Truckee River, is a 49-acre park that provides a peaceful setting for walks, bike rides, picnics, and photoshoots. The rose garden and playground, which offer lovely river views, are also available to families. With its central location and natural beauty, Idlewild is a great spot for connecting with nature in the heart of the city. Rancho San Rafael Regional Park, one of Reno's largest parks boasting 580 acres, offers trails, picnic areas, and the Wilbur D. May Arboretum, where you'll find plants and flowers native to Northern Nevada's high desert climate. Dog owners will appreciate the park's popular off-leash area, one of the largest spaces in the city for pets to run and play freely.Just a short drive away, Lake Tahoe provides unmatched views, clear waters, and numerous water activities or hiking options. Sand Harbor is a great place for a beach day, with kayak and paddleboard rentals available. In winter, the lake area transforms, attracting visitors for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
Truckee, an inviting nearby mountain town, is perfect for a day trip. Walking through Truckee's historic downtown feels like stepping back in time while nearby trails wind through forests and lead to quiet lakes. Genoa, Nevada's oldest town, is located on the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Known for its historic architecture, it is a great place to spend a quiet day exploring or relaxing in a setting that reflects Nevada's past.In and around Reno, locals can celebrate the area's natural beauty without venturing far from home. Local parks, lakes, and mountain towns offer plenty of opportunities for relaxation and connection with nature.
Dine and Drink at Local Breweries and Eateries
If you're a local food and drink fan, Reno's dining scene offers endless options to enhance your staycation. The Par by Parlay 6 Brewing, a new addition to midtown, serves world-class beers alongside comfort food, like their house-made hot pockets and bagel bites.
For something unique, Arario Korean Fusion serves up Korean-inspired dishes in midtown, combining traditional flavors with modern presentation. If you're looking for an intimate dining experience, Cosmo's Snack Bar provides a stylish setting for a cozy meal paired with natural wine, perfect for date nights or a relaxed evening out. Liberty Food & Wine Exchange is also a local favorite, offering a mix of casual and sophisticated fare, ideal for sampling inventive dishes and Reno-made wines.
Unwind at Reno's Wellness Retreats and Spas
A staycation wouldn't be complete without some time for relaxation. Reno's casinos offer some of the best spa experiences in the region, and locals can enjoy day passes or discounted rates. Booking a treatment at Spa Toscana at the Peppermill grants access to its luxurious amenities all day. The Spa Atlantis offers many amenities for a co-ed spa day, including salt rooms, eucalyptus steam rooms, and hydrotherapy pools.
Do you prefer nature's version of a spa day? Head to David Wally's Resort in Genoa or Sierra Hot Springs, a non-profit hot springs resort and retreat center, which are both an easy drive from Reno. These natural hot springs feature mineral-rich waters surrounded by Northern Nevada's beautiful landscape.
Discover Reno's Art and Culture Scene
Reno's art scene is thriving, with venues and events hosted throughout the year for art lovers to visit and enjoy. The Nevada Museum of Art offers rotating exhibits featuring contemporary artists and pieces highlighting the region's cultural history. Midtown Reno's street art and one-of-a-kind boutiques make every corner worth exploring. Murals by local and international artists add color and creativity to the area, while shops feature everything from vintage finds to modern artisan goods.
For those visiting with family, the Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum offers interactive exhibits and activities designed to engage kids and adults alike. It's a great way to spend the day discovering something new in Reno's culture and science scene.
Rediscover Reno with a Staycation
A Reno staycation offers an invitation to unwind and explore, making it easy to escape without leaving the city. Take the time to enjoy Reno's boutique hotels, local dining spots, scenic parks, and art-filled streets with fresh intentions. With so many experiences nearby, a staycation in Reno offers a fresh perspective on a familiar locale, letting you see your city in a new way.
